WATERFORD CITY:  c250 Pied Wagtails roosting in trees opposite the Tower Hotel at 17:30 (DMcG).

Nr KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Female Hen Harrier (ADM).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER off Lookout, Jack Snipe flushed above Ballyneety bridge (JAP, BS); 9 Great Northern Divers & 20 Great Crested Grebes off Ballynacourty pier, another 6 GNDs, 9 GCGs, 44 Red-breasted Mergansers & 2+ Goldeneye off Lookout (PMW).

TRAMORE; 31 Gadwall (including pair mating) at boating lake, 3 Shoveler (male & 2 females) at Lisselan (DS).

EAST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

DUNGARVAN: Spoonbill & Black-necked Grebe @ Western Bay. Adult Black Brant & 2 Long-tailed Ducks by the pitch & putt club. (MC, CF)

DUNMORE EAST: 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull (RZ).

TRAMORE TOWN:  15 Waxwings still present at Seafield estate (RZ).

TRAMORE:  Black Redstart at west end of beach (MC, DW).

DUNGARVAN:  Adult dark-bellied Brent Goose at Duckspool (MC).

DUNMORE EAST: 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull and 9 Purple Sandpipers at pier (MC, DW).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT at pitch & putt course, 1st-winter male SURF SCOTER, Long-tailed Duck, SPOONBILL & Otter off Lookout / p&p, BLACK-NECKED GREBE off Ballynacourty pier (JAP, KG, JFD, JAP, AW).

TRAMORE TOWN: 15 Waxwings at Seafield (opposite the entrance to Newtown Hill estate, near the roundabout to take the coast road west) (DS).

Nr KNOCKANORE: early (late) Frogspawn (ADM).

KEEREEN (nr Aglish): 12 Whooper Swans (JAP, BS).

ARDMORE:  3 Mediterranean Gulls (1st-winter, 2nd-winter & adult) (CF).

HELVICK HEAD:  Great Skua, 12 Red-throated Divers & Merlin (").

DUNGARVAN:  Brambling at Strandside, adult BLACK BRANT at pitch & putt course (DC), SURF SCOTER & 3 Long-tailed Ducks off lookout, SPOONBILL in western bay, BLACK-NECKED GREBE off Ballynacourty pier (CF).

KILLOWEN ORCHARD (nr Portlaw): c12 Waxwings (DC).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Kingfisher (PV).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 23 Whooper Swans & 14 Tufted Duck (CF).

TRAMORE:  Ring-billed Gull & 17 Gadwall at boating lake (AJ, RZ), Spotted Redshank at Backstrand (JF).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: 5 Waxwings at IDA park, Cork Road (DS).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still off lookout (JAP, BS).

TRAMORE:  Black Redstart & Chiffchaff at town end of beach (BH).

DUNGARVAN: Long-tailed Duck off the Lookout. (MC)

DUNGARVAN:  SURF SCOTER still present @ 09:25 (CF).

HELVICK HEAD:  Updated totals (seawatch 09:45-11:45):  2 adult Pomarine Skuas, 1 Manx Shearwater, 8 Red-throated Divers, c2000 Fulmars, c500 Gannets, c250 Kittiwakes & c1000 large auks (95% Guillemots) (").

HELVICK HEAD: 1 Manx Shearwater, 1 Pomarine Skua, 2 Red-throated Divers, c1000 Fulmar, many Gannets and auk passage just starting to become significant (seawatch 09:45-10:30, CF).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  Total 218 Whooper Swans - 142 between Lismore and Ballyduff, 762est of Ballyduff (TM).

DUNGARVAN:  BLACK BRANT on pitch & putt course, 3 Long-tailed Ducks in inner harbour & 2 Shoveler (m&f) in western bay (CF).

LISMORE CANAL:  Kingfisher, also a (feral?) Barnacle Goose with farm geese (PV).

CLONEA STRAND:  3 Otters 100 m out to sea, 5 Great Northern Divers & 2 Whimbrel (").

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (JAP, BS).

BALLINACOURTY: Black-necked Grebe. (MC)

TRAMORE: Black Redstart, 3 Chiffchaffs & 12 Gadwall. (")

TIBBERAGHNY (Co. Kilkenny): Approximately 360 Greylag geese. (")

MOUNTBOLTON: Jay. (")

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Drake Shoveler. (")

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Ring-billed Gull (DW).

Nr ARDMORE: Kestrel feeding on dead Fox (roadkill?) (ADM).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still off lookout (JAP, DC).

TRAMORE: 16 Waxwings again at Ard na Groi estate, 14:15 (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult dark-bellied Brent Goose at Duckspool, Long-tailed Duck off Quann's (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Yellow legged Gull at Ballyneety, then flew out towards harbour (MC); SURF SCOTER still off lookout (MC, JAP, BS).

TRAMORE: Waxwings still present at Ard na Groi estate (MD).


DUNGARVAN: 2 Great Northern Divers at Davitt's Quay (E&EB).

TRAMORE: 14 Waxwings still present Ard na Groi estate (JF).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK-NECKED GREBE from Ballinacourty towards land end (JAP, PV).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Pintail (female & 2 males) beyond pitch & putt club (PV).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER showing extremely well off lookout. also 3 Long-tailed Ducks (JAP).

CLONEA STRAND:  2 Whimbrel at Ballinclamper, Great Northern Divers at Ballinclamper & Ballyvoyle (PV).

DUNGARVAN:  Great Northern Diver at Gold Coast ("), 12 Great Northern Divers, 3 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Goldeneye & 51 Shelduck in harbour (DC).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK-NECKED GREBE & male Long-tailed Duck off Ballynacourty. 2 Tufted Ducks off pitch and putt (MC).

HELVICK: Black Guillemot (").

TRAMORE: 16 Waxwings at Ard na Groi estate, near racecourse; 15 Gadwall & 300 Black-tailed Godwits at boating lake (JDP, JF).

BALLYVOONEY COVE:  Female-type Common Scoter (DW).

BALLYMACMAGUE SOUTH:  Merlin (JJC).

SEAFIELD:  Green Sandpiper (DW).

DUNGARVAN:  BLACK-NECKED GREBE off Ballynacourty pier (MC, MC snr).

TRAMORE:  Female-type Black Redstart opposite O'Shea's Hotel, drake Shoveler & 8 Gadwall on boating lake (MC).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (JJC).

TRAMORE:  Waxwing in back garden at Pickardstown (NMcC).

DUNGARVAN:  Brambling & 6 Siskins at Strandside (DC).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

CLONEA STRAND:  Black Redstart under Clonea hotel (MC snr).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  Total 183 Whooper Swans & 13 Mute Swans between Lismore and just west of Ballyduff (Tom Murphy).

Nr DUNGARVAN:  Barn Owl at 11 pm (DC).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still between pitch & putt course & the Cunnigar (JAP).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (MC).

TRAMORE TOWN:  Male Blackcap (TB).

DUNGARVAN:  African-type Chaffinch at Strandside (DC) - see photographs of same bird taken 5 Dec.

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  40+ Fieldfares at Williamstown sports complex this morning (BB).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 Long-tailed Ducks (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Long-tailed Ducks, SURF SCOTER & 5 Goldeneye off lookout (JAP, PV).

FIDDOWN/TIBBERAGHNY: 315 Greylag Geese & 56 Whooper Swans in fields at Tibberaghny (Co Kilkenny side), 375 Teal along River Suir (PMW).

COOLFIN / DERRIGAL: 61 Greylag Geese (40 at Coolfin, 21 at Derrigal) & 15 Whooper Swans (at Portnascully, Co Kilkenny) (").

DUNGARVAN:  SURF SCOTER & Long-tailed Duck off lookout, another Long-tailed Duck off Ballynacourty pier, & 8+ Crossbills in golf-course behind Ballynacourty pier (JAP, BS, RAW).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Bramblings in garden at Shandon (BS, JAP, MS).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  50+ Fieldfares at Williamstown sports complex (Bob Barrett).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still present between lookout and Cunnigar (JAP). 

TRAMORE:  Flock of Waxwings at Crobally Upper (Dee Weekes), male Blackcap Tramore town (TB).

WATERFORD CITY:  Female Blackcap in garden on Francis Street, first there this winter (DS).

DUNGARVAN:  Brambling in garden at Abbeyside (JH).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Waxwings in town (junction of Wolfe Tone Road & Mitchell Street) (JAP), SURF SCOTER inside Cunnigar tip, 3 Crossbills in pines at pitch & putt club, 2 Great Northern Divers off Ballynacourty pier & a Chiffchaff at Knockanpower Lower, Ring (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND:  Barnacle Goose with Brent (near Ballyvoyle, later at Ballinclamper) & Great Northern Diver at Ballinclamper (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 7 Crossbills on large sycamore (the drinking tree)  just up behind Gold Coast. (MC snr).

TRAMORE TOWN:  3 Waxwings (TB).

DUNGARVAN: BLACK BRANT at Quann's, SURF SCOTER and 2 Long-tailed Ducks off lookout, 3 Shoveler off pitch & putt point, SPOONBILL roosting on the Cunnigar, Merlin Abbeyside. 9 Barnacle Geese at Ballyneety (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult dark-bellied Brent Goose at Ballinclamper (").

DUNGARAVAN: 3 Waxwings, Cruachan estate, Abbeyside (MC).

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD:  5 Fin  Whales (PK).

DUNGARVAN:  9 Barnacle Geese (FO'C).

Nr BALLYLANEEN:  Jack Snipe & Chiffchaff (DW),

BUNMAHON:  Green Sandpiper (").

DUNGARVAN:  Great Northern Diver & 11 Red-breasted Mergansers off the lookout, Black Redstart opposite pitch & putt course (JF).

DUNGARVAN: Female Eider at Ballynagaul (JAP, BS), 7 Crossbills behind Gold Coast (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER & 3 Long-tailed Ducks off lookout (JAP, BS).

CLONEA STRAND: Juvenile Eider at Ballinclamper (").

TALLOW to LISMORE: Barn Owl tonight (ADM).

DUNABRATTIN HEAD: 4 Fin Whales 5km south east off head (PK).

DUNGARVAN:  Brambling (DC).

CAPPOQUIN:  3 Otters on River Blackwater (").

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  22 Ravens along Vee road (").

WEST WATERFROD:  Buzzard (").

DUNGARVAN:  SURF SCOTER still at lookout, towards Cunnigar (JAP).

CAPPOQUIN:  3 Otters (DC).

TRAMORE TOWN:  Waxwing (TB).

DUNGARVAN:  Brambling at Strandside, Abbeyside (DC).

Nr DUNGARVAN:  Long-eared Owl this morning (MC).

TOORANEENA: Waxwing today (R. Flynn).

BALLYVOYLE:  Adult male Eider still present, also 2 Dippers (RZ).

RAM HEAD:  3 Fin Whales & 200+ Common Dolphins (ADM).

Nr GOAT ISLAND:  Merlin & 200+ Skylarks (").

DUNGARVAN:  SURF SCOTER still present (PA).

South if WATERFORD CITY:  Ringtail Hen Harrier this morning (").

KILBARRY BOG:  12 Siskin & 5 Redpolls (including a pale bird) at Tramore Road river walkway near Superquinn (AJ).

DUNGARVAN:  Chiffchaff, male Blackcap & 20 Siskins at Springmount (DC).

WATERFORD CITY:  3 Waxwings (Mat Shanahan per irishbirding.com).

TRAMORE ROAD:  Freshly dead Stoat near Halfway House (AJ).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DC).

DERRIGAL/COOLFIN:  c2010 Greylag Geese & 10 Whooper Swans nr Derrigal cross-roads (PA).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER at the lookout, 9 Barnacle Geese & 3 Long-tailed Ducks (FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD: Fin Whale, 80 Common Dolphins & 3 Great Skuas (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  21 Waxwing near Campus garage (").

DUNGARVAN:  30+ Waxwings on cherry trees 100 m south of Campus garage, N25 (EB).

DUNGARVAN: Waxwing flock still on bypass near Campus garage (JAP).

BUNMAHON:  Short-eared Owl & Merlin (DW).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE:  13 Gadwall & adult summer-plumage Mediterranean Gull (AJ).

CLONEA STRAND:  Whimbrel & flyover Crossbill at Ballinclamper earlier today (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  Brambling briefly at Strandside (DC).

DUNGARVAN:  Now 35 Waxwing next to Campus garage, N25, near bypass roundabout (MC), also 2 Waxwing at Ardscoil na nDeise today (RZ).

DUNGARVAN:  28-29 Waxwings at bypass, SPOONBILL, 2 Long-tailed Ducks & 9 Barnacle Geese off pitch & putt course, Green Sandpiper at Brickey canal (JAP, BS, DO'S).

BALLYVOYLE:  Male Eider & 2 Dippers (").

DUNGARVAN: 17  Waxwing at bypass, SURF SCOTER at lookout (JAP, DO'S, BS).

DUNABRATTIN HEAD:  4 Fin Whales (PK).

RAM HEAD:  2 Great Skuas, 1 small skua sp., 50+ Common Scoter past & c30 Common Dolphins (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  25+ Waxwings just west of John Foley's garage, Kilrush (JAP, BS); 9 Barnacle geese at Ballyneety & 2 Long-tailed Ducks off lookout (JAP, BS, RAW).

NW WATERFORD:  Buzzard (MC, MC snr, CF, DW).

BALLYVOYLE: Adult male Eider (JAP, BS, RAW).

BUNMAHON: Green Sandpiper (").

ANNESTOWN:  Kingfisher and Water Rail (seen) (")

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 450+ Gannets offshore, mainly sitting on sea, 14:30 (PMW).


DUNGARVAN TOWN:  1 Waxwing this morning (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still off lookout

(JAP, RAW, BS).

BALLYNACOURTY: 2 Waxwings & a female Blackcap at thatched house (").

TRAMORE: 17 Gadwall on the boating lake late this evening. (MC)

CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore):  11 Crossbills feeding on pine cones (ADM).

TRAMORE:  Female or immature Black Redstart at west end of beach, 8 Gadwall at boating lake (JF).

DUNGARVAN:  1st-winter male SURF SCOTER off the Lookout, midday (CF, JAP).

DUNGARVAN: 10 Barnacle Geese at Ballyneety, 10:25 (MC snr).

EAST WATERFORD: Buzzard (DC).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  Large flock of Lapwing at Carrickphierish roundabout, Old Kilmeaden road, in field next to Cleaboy Business Park (KB).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still off the Lookout, showing well (JAP).

BALLYNACOURTY:  c30 Waxwings feeding on berries at treatment plant today & Tuesday (per CF).

RAM HEAD:  2 Fin Whales, 50+ Common Dolphins, 1 Red-throated Diver W & 1 Great Skua (14:45-15:45, ADM).

ARDMORE:  Female Merlin at Curragh (ADM).

TRAMORE ROAD: 5 Siskins (AJ).

DUNGARVAN/CLONEA:  Waxwings now at thatched house with orchard on road down to Ballinclamper, 14:00, also a female Blackcap; Green Sandpiper at Brickey canal (DC).

WATERFORD CITY:  4 Waxwings at Matties Hill (PA).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER still at the Lookout, giving excellent close views, 09:40 (JAP).

BALLYNACOURTY/BALLINCLAMPER:  9 Waxwings still present @ grid ref X302927 at 10:00, also 8 (same or different flock?) flew into Gold Coast golf-course later (CF).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DC).

DUNGARVAN/CLONEA:  11 Waxwings at Ballincourty at 08:45 (JAP).

BALLYNACOURTY:  c30 Waxwings feeding on berries at treatment plant today & Wednesday (per CF).

DUNGARVAN: 6 Waxwings in Ballynacourty area (RZ), SPOONBILL on the Cunnigar, Long-tailed Duck & 5 Great Northern Divers off the Lookout (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  Moulting 1st-winter male SURF SCOTER male still present, off the bandstand (PA per www.irishbirding.com).

DUNGARVAN:  Jack Snipe on Cunnigar (ADM), SPOONBILL near Cunnigar tip (DS, AJ).

CLONEA STRAND:  Black Redstart at Ballinclamper, 2+ Fin Whales offshore from there (DS).

WEST WATERFORD:  2 Buzzards (DS, AJ).

DUNGARVAN:  BLACK BRANT at pitch & putt course (DS).

BALLYHANE (nr Cappoquin):  15 Waxwings (Oonagh O'Hanlon).

DUNGARVAN: SURF SCOTER giving excellent views at lookout (JAP).

DUNGARVAN:  SURF SCOTER off the Lookout (opposite Cunnigar tip), 11:55 (JAP, BS) - video (MC) - also 2 Great Northern Divers there (EB), SPOONBILL landed on the Cunnigar, 12:35 (MC), Black Guillemot & 3 Great Northern Divers at Gold Coast, 10 Snipe at Barnawee & 8 at Ballyneety (DC).

DUNMORE EAST:  Purple Sandpiper (MC, CF, DW).

CLONEA STRAND:  Whimbrel & 2 Great Northern Divers at Ballinclamper ((MC, CF, DW, PV).

DUNGARVAN:  Merlin & 3 Great Northern Divers at Gold Coast, 3 Whooper Swans off western bay nr Killongford (PV).

TRAMORE:  Shoveler & Merlin at Lisselan, 5 Long-tailed Ducks at backstrand & 19 Gadwall at boating lake (MC, CF, DW).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Shoveler (").

EAST / MID WATERFORD:  5 Buzzards (4 separate locations) (").

DUNABRATTIN HEAD to HELVICK HEAD:  3 Fin Whales approx 3 km offshore, between 11 am and 3.30 pm (Paul Kedney).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  12 Snipe at Lisselan (AJ).

DUNGARVAN:  Green Sandpiper at Killongford pool, single female Long-tailed Duck off the lookput (JAP).

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2012

MID-WATERFORD:  Buzzard at two locations (DC).

NORTH WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DC).

ARDMORE:  Great Northern Diver at Curragh (AM).

DUNGARVAN:  5 Crossbills flew over Abbeyside (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: Female Merlin at  Kilmurray, single female Long-tailed Duck just off pitch and putt club (JAP).

DUNGARVAN:  3 Long-tailed Ducks in western bay (EB, MC snr), Merlin at the Lookout (EB).

ARDMORE:  Adult Mediterranean Gull & 40 (Common?) Dolphins at Ardmore Bay, Stock Dove at Goat Island road (JAP, BS).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzards at two locations (").

DUNGARVAN:  Green Sandpiper & Kingfisher on Brickey canal (").

Nr CLASHMORE:  Red Squirrel ("). 

TRAMORE:  Kingfisher & female Scaup at Lisselan, 9 Gadwall at Splashworld side of boating lake (JF).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Long-tailed Ducks inside the tip of the Cunnigar. Female Black Redstart @ the Promenade, Abbeyside.  (MC, DW)

EAST/MID WATERFORD:  Single Buzzards at 2 locations (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  Kingfisher at Springfield (DC).

WATERFORD CITY:  Swallow this morning (FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  4 Shoveler (3 female & 1 male), female Scaup, female Goldeneye, female Gadwall & a Water Rail at Lisselan this morning (DS).

WATERFORD CITY: Lots of migrating Redwings over city tonight, calling almost constantly for 3 hours until just after 1 am Thursday (DS).

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS:  17 Ravens & male Hen Harrier (DC).

WATERFORD CITY: Barn Owl. (MC)

ARDMORE:  Great Northern Diver at Curragh (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  16 Crossbills behind the Gold Coast (MC snr).


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2012

DUNGARVAN:  15 Little Grebes at Ballyneety (MC snr).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE:  5 newly hatched Mallard chicks (AJ).

TANKARDSTOWN:  4 Fin Whales & 200+ Common Dolphins, also quite a few Red-throated Divers & Red-bresated Mergansers flying by (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Chiffchaff with mixed flock of Siskins, Redpolls & Long-tailed Tits at Springmount (DC).

BUNMAHON:  Kingfisher (").

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: Fieldfare & almost 400 Black-tailed Godwits (JDP).

SEAFIELD:  2 Crossbills flyover (DW, CF).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR:  16 Whooper Swan (6 juvs of which 3 colour-ringed) (").

DERRIGAL:  54 Greylag Geese (").

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Gadwall.

TRAMORE:  3 adult dark-bellied Brent Geese at Pickardstown, female Scaup, female Merlin & ringtail Hen Harrier at Lisselan, 16 Gadwall at boating lake (").

CLONEA STRAND:  Male Merlin at Ballinclamper (").

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 153 Whooper Swans. (MC)

CAMPHIRE: 145 Whooper Swans & 1 Greylag Goose. (")

DUNGARVAN: Spoonbill roosting on the Cunnigar. (")

DUNGARVAN: 10+ Crossbills on Gold Coast golf course behind Ballinacourty Pier (JAP, BS).

BALLYVOYLE: 2 Dippers (").

ARDMORE:  Very large flock of Starlings & large flock of finches (Linnets, Chaffinches, Goldfinches & Tree Sparrows) (").

WEST WATERFORD:  2 Buzzards (").


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2012

DUNGARVAN:  10 Crossbills at golf-course behind Ballynacourty pier (FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD:  Merlin &, to east, 3+ Fin Whales (4 large whales in total) (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  SPOONBILL at the Cunnigar (ADM).


WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2012

MID WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DC).

BALLYHANE (nr Cappoquin): Brambling (Oonagh O'Hanlon).

DUNGARVAN:  Merlin & 6 Crossbills at Gold Coast golf-course (MC snr).

ARDMORE:  Green Sandpiper at stream at Curragh, also Red Admiral & Swallow at Curragh (ADM).

RAM HEAD:  2 Fin Whales & 200-250 Common Dolphins (").

DUNGARVAN: Spotted Redshank @ Killongford (MC).

BALLYVOYLE:  28 Choughs (DC).

BALLYNACOURTY POINT:  3 Otters at lighthouse (")>

BUNMAHON:  Green Sandpiper on small shingle-bank midriver (PV).

BALLYVOYLE:  2 Dippers (").

DUNGARVAN:  2, probably 3 Green Sandpipers at Brickey canal; female Eider & Great Northern Diver off Ballynagaul towards Ballynacourty (JAP, BS, RAW).

NEWPORT EAST: Jay (BS, RAW).

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

TRAMORE: 8 Gadwall & 20 Little Grebes at Lisselan, 8 Gadwall at boating lake (PMW).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Fieldfare this morning (ADM).

PORTLAW: 30 Greylag Geese @ Derrigal Cross. (MC, DW)

BALLYSCANLON LAKE: 9 Crossbills (")

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:

Seawatch 08:40-11:40 (wind 4 SW, vis good, PMW)

Great Skua: 1 E

Common Scoter: 7 W, 2 E

Brent Goose: 11 W

duck sp: 2 W

Great Northern Diver: 4 W

Red-throated Diver: 1 W

Fulmar: 1E, 1 W

Gannet: 119 W, 3 E

Kittiwake: 174 W, 19 E

Large auk sp: 77 E, 48 W

Razorbill: 16 W, 1 E

Guillemot: 5 W

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 2 Red Grouse calling, 1 Woodcock & 1 Fieldfare (JAP, BS, RAW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Merlin, 2 Goldeneye (male & female), 12 Red-breasted Mergansers, 65 Grey Plover & 80+ Sanderling, 09:00-12:00 (AJ).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS (Co Tipperary):  49 Ravens at the Vee (ADM).

BALLYVOYLE COVE:  37+ Choughs (MC snr).

ARDMORE/BALLYQUIN:  Wheatear (almost 'beakless' individual) at Ballyquin, 5-6 Mediterranean Gulls along hundreds of gulls on Curragh beach (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Grey Squirrel found freshly dead (still warm) on road at Ringcrehy, nr Whelan's Signs @ 17:00 (JJC).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DMcG).

ARDMORE:  20+ Skylarks & 15+ Tree Sparrows, Goat Island road (JAP, BS).

WHITING BAY:  2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull (").

BUNMAHON:  Kingfisher (DC).

BRICKEY CANAL:  15 Redwing (").

DUNGARVAN: Female Eider @ Ballinacourty. (MC, CF, DW, JAP, BS)

CLONEA: 2 Black Redstarts @ Ballinclamper. (")

CLONEA STRAND: 4 Great Northern Divers on sea, Whimbrel, 35 Sanderling, 2 Fin Whales blowing on horizon (PMW)

RAM HEAD: 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull & 500+ Gannets feeding, 2 Fin Whales blowing, 15:10-15:30 (MAD, PMW).

ARDMORE BAY: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2nd-winter & 2 adults) & a Great Crested Grebe (MAD, PMW).

WHITING BAY: Adult Mediterranean

Gull (").

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Fin Whales & 2 Merlins (ADM).

RING: Male Hen Harrier (").

DUNGARVAN: 2 Spotted Redshanks & 2 Shoveler @ Killongford. (MC)

DUNMORE EAST:  1st-winter Mediterranean Gull off seawall, late pm (PMW).

DUNGARVAN:  RED KITE flew east at Cunnigar c11:30 mobbed by corvids, also 2 Wheatears there (ADM, AT); female-type Eider off Gold Coast (MC); 3 Green Sandpipers at Brickey canal, female/immature Black Redstart at Ballynacourty (JAP, BS).

HELVICK HEAD: Fin Whale, Minke Whale & 30-40 Common Dolphins within 1k of head (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  9 Crossbills at Gold Coast golf course, Ballynacourty (MC snr).

ARDMORE: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (Adult, 1st W & 2nd W) @ Whiting Bay. (MC, SMH). 5 White-fronted Geese flew east @ Whiting Bay. (MC, SMH, CF, DW). 30 Tree Sparrows @ Goat Island ("). Merlin @ Ballyquin. (MC, CF, DW)

EAST WATERFORD: 3  Buzzards. (MC, DW)

BALLYSHUNNOCK: 7 Whooper Swans & 1 Green Sandpiper. (")

LISSELAN: Whooper Swan, adult White-fronted Goose, 4 Shoveler & 11 Gadwall. (")

RAM HEAD: Porpoise, 2 Red-throated Divers E & medium-sized falcon species over sea heading towards Mine Head (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 adult White-fronted Geese at Lisselan : 16:35, later flew east after disturbed by helicopter; also Merlin, 5 Shoveler & 9 Gadwall (MC).

SEAFIELD:  Crossbill (DW).

AT SEA:  22 Bonxies, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 50 Starlings, 1 Fin Whale & max 160 Common Dolphins offshore between Helvick Head & Ballycotton from the R.V. Celtic Explorer (NTK).

BUNMAHON:  1 White-fronted Goose & 32 Greylag Geese flew E (6,7, & 9 with White-front) (DW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER in main willow garden @ 11:50, feeding in willows, also 4 Blackcaps on head (3 male, 1 female), Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrests, 10 Long-tailed Tits, 1+ Redpoll & 2+ Siskins (PMW, PA, JF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl at Lisselan (AJ).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: 11 Redwing at IDA park near Whitfield clinic (DS).

AT SEA:  12 Great Skuas, Black Redstart, male Blackcap, 2 Redwings, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Robin, 48 Starling, 2 Minke Whales & 18+ Common Dolphins from R.V. Celtic Voyager between 2 &7 miles offshore south of Hook Head - Brfownstown Head - Helvick Head) area  (Niall Keogh).

LISMORE:  4+ Barnacle Geese (feral/introduced?) & a Jay (SMH).

DUNGARVAN:  180+ Brent Geese at Barnawee (").

HELVICK HEAD:  6 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Great Skuas & 2 Arctic Skuas (SMcE per www.irishbirding.com).

SEAFIELD:  Ring Ouzel flew overhead & across river (DW).

CLONEA STRAND:  15+ Choughs, 4+ Sandwich terns & 1 Great Northern Diver at Ballinclamper (SMH).

HELVICK HEAD:  15 Great Skuas, 3 Pomarine Skuas, 4 Arctic Skuas, 3 Common Scoter, 1 Black Guillemot, 1 large whale species (blow 15-20 ft high) & brief view of an Ocean Sunfish @ c16:15 (seawatch 15:00-17:00, CF).

CLONEA STRAND: 2 Great Skuas harassing gulls offshore, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Sandwich Terns , 27 Choughs, 18:00-17:45, & an Ocean Sunfish c17:45 (PMW, SMH).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:

Seawatch 08:50-11:50 (wind 3-4 S-SE, vis excellent, dry, JB, PMW)

Mediterranean Gull: 2nd-winter feeding.

Eider: 1st-winter male on sea briefly.

Common Scoter: 15 E, 1 W.

Great Northern Diver 1 E, 4 W.

Red-throated Diver: 1 W, 3 on sea.

Brent Goose: 10 W.

Sandwich Tern: 3 W.

Large auks: 167 E, 79 W.

Gannet, Kittiwake: not counted.

Skylark: 7 E.
On land, a male Blackcap.

DUNGARVAN: 2 Green Sandpipers at Brickey canal (JAP, RAW, BS).

ARDMORE: Green Sandpiper on the small stream at Curragh beach (").

BALLINACOURTY POINT: 5 Redpoll near Ballinacourty lighthouse (").

CLONEA: Great Northern Diver & Whimbrel (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 580+ Brent Geese (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, a late Willow Warbler and mating pair of Migrant Hawker dragonflies (PMW).

HELVICK: 2 Chiffchaffs & 20 Swallows. (MC)

LISMORE CALLOWS: 2 drake Shoveler. (")

DUNGARVAN: 2 female Common Scoter & 1 Black Guillemot @ Ballinacourty. 1 Great Northern Diver @ Ballinclamper. (")

ARDMORE: 2 ad & 4 1st-winter Mediterranean Gulls at Curragh Beach. Also 1st-winter Ringed Plover with green ring below ankle joint on left leg and blue above joint on right (CF).

CAPPOQUIN: 3 Jays (DC).

WEST WATERFORD: 2 Buzzards (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Merlin, 4 Shoveler (1 male), 3 Gadwall, 36 Little Grebes & 280 Black-tailed Godwit at Lisselan, 10:55 (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND:  Merlin, 50+ Choughs, 8+ White Wagtails &  12+ Brent Geese at Ballinclamper (SMH).

DUNGARVAN:  Great Northern Diver at Ballynacourty (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Grey Phalarope at Lisselan, on pond behind seawall (AJ), also 2 Kingfishers, 4 Shovelers and 7 Whooper Swans at Lisselan (DS).

AT SEA (Western Approaches off Co Waterford):  Snow Bunting, Merlin, Meadow Pipit, 40 Great Skuas, 3 Sooty Shearwaters & 6 Puffins (Stephen McAvoy per www.irishbirding.com).

CLONEA STRAND:  20+ Choughs, 10+ Brent Geese & 3+ White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (SMH).

BUNMAHON:  Juvenile SABINE'S GULL & 1st-winter Little Gull (seawatch 17:00-18:00, DW).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE:  8 Gadwall (JF).

HELVICK HEAD: BLYTH'S REED WARBLER still present & calling up to 13:00 but only brief views (PA, CF) - grid reference approx X309886.

HELVICK HEAD: BLYTH'S REED WARBLER still present, same location as yesterday, heard but not yet seen, up to 09:40, also a Jay (MC snr, SMH).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Merlin at the Vee (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  7 Whooper Swans, 2 Shover, Wheatear & 2 Kingfishers at Lisselan (DS).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  1 Whooper Swan at the iDA park, Cork Road (flyover with 3 Mute Swans) (").

HELVICK HEAD:  BLYTH'S REED WARBLER (1st county record) at ivy-covered farm building along eastern road up to high car-park, 11:00-16:20 at least, but very skulking, heard calling; also 2 Ring Ouzels (male & female) nearby but flew SW and lost to view (CF et al).

RAM HEAD: 4 Fin Whales, 50 Common Dolphins & 2 Risso's Dolphins, 11:30-13:50 (ADM).

ARDMORE:  YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER at the Round Tower this afternoon (Ian Stevenson).

WATERFORD CITY:  2 Jays flew W over Collins Avenue (PA).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Tree Sparrow, 8+ Redpolls & 2+ Siskins (AA, MAD, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Mediterranean Gull at Riverstown, 2 Stock Doves & White Wagtail at  Pickardstown (JF).

ARDMORE: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd-winter) at Curragh (JAP, BS).

WHITING BAY: 7 Redpoll (").

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Reed Warbler along west ditch of main lane, Chiffchaff, 2 Siskins & 2+ Redpolls (MAD, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Large influx of Coal, Great & Blue Tits plus Siskins and Redpolls 08.00 - 09.00 (JAP).

DUNGARVAN:  Green Sandpiper at Brickey canal (JAP, RAW).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Jays near Camphire, Red Squirrel at Newport East (").

WHITING BAY:  2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull (").

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (MAD, PMW).

ARDMORE:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Curragh (ADM).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  OSPREY seen twice today (Keith @ Camphire).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Male Blackcap & Chiffchaff (PA).

ARDMORE: YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER & Redstart along Goat Island road (JAP).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Tree Sparrow, female Blackcap, 6+ Redpolls, Chiffchaff, 3 Goldcrests, also a Moorhen (new to site - several reported present at a small pond for last 6-7 weeks) (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Updated totals 5 Blackcaps (3 male, 2 female), Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaffs, 12 Goldcrests, 60+ Swallows, 5+ House Martins, Wheatear, 2 Redpolls, 2 Brent Geese (flew W), Little Egret (landed at puddle on road) & fairly obvious 'fall' of thrushes - 7+ Song Thrushes & 25+ Blackbirds (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 male Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 7 Goldcrests, Wheatear, 2 Redpolls (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Spotted Redshank at Ballyneety (DC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Female Blackcap, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 40+ Redpolls (19 ringed) & 3 Siskins (MAD, JDP, PMW).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  2 Scaup again (DS).

Nr LEMYBRIEN:  Jay (").

DUNGARVAN:  16 Wheatears, 3 Chiffchaffs & male & female Blackcap at the Cunnigar early this morning (").

ARDMORE:  Pied Flycatcher at St Declan's Well (MC, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  3 Blackcaps, 7 Chiffchaffs, 3 Goldcrests, Wheatear, 41 Redpolls (mainly flying W), 850+ Swallows (including peak passage of 800+ E in an hour 10:40-11:40), 120 Linnets & 2 Migrant Hawker dragonflies (MAD, PMW); 2 Great Skuas (harassing Gannets),Great Northern Diver E & W, Common Scoter E & W, 28 Brent Geese W, Porpoise & probable Risso's Dolphin (seawatch 08:20-09:20, wind 1 NE, vis excellent, PMW).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  2 Scaup still present, with 2 Tufted Duck (CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  c1200 Golden Plover at Pickardstown (AJ).

ARDMORE:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Curragh (ADM).

RAM HEAD:  Canada Goose flew past (").

PORTALLY COVE:  White Wagtail (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Also 200+ swallows later & 3 Chiffchaffs (PMW).

RAM HEAD: 2 Red-throated Divers E, 2 Bonxies & 2 Arctic Skuas W, 20 Common Dolphins & 4 Fin Whales (seawatch 09.50 to 12.50, ADM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 10 Crossbills W overhead, also 15+ Redpolls, 2 House Martins, 6+ Swallows & 65 Meadow Pipits around head (MAD, PMW).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DC).

KILMEADEN:  Jay (").

BALLYMACARBRY:  Long-eared Owl at 6 am (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Flock of 17 Crossbills flew W @ 11:45, female Blackcap, 2 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 6 Coal Tits, 75 Meadow Pipits, 2 Siskins & 6+ Redpolls (MAD, PMW).

BONMAHON:  2 Green Sandpipers (DW).

ARDMORE:  White Wagtail & Wheatear at Curragh (ADM).

CLONEA STRAND:  Whimbrel & 4 White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  3 Wheatears, Chiffchaff & 6+ Redpolls (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Arctic Skua W, White Wagtail, Wheatear, 2 Wheatears & 26 Choughs (MAD,PMW).



MONDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2012

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  2 juvenile Scaup (MD).

RATHMOYLAN COVE:  White Wagtail & Wheatear (MAD,PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  265 Brent Geese & 22 Sandwich Terns off Saleen (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  3 Redpolls W, 1 Chiffchaff (").

CLONEA: Adult & 2nd Winter Mediterranean Gulls @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Spotted Redshank @ Ballyneety. (MC)



SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2012

BALLYSCANLON:  59+ Mistle Thrushes (MC snr).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  Treecreeper & Emperor dragonfly at IDA park, Cork road (DS).

ARDMORE:  Glaucous Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull & Migrant Hawker at Curragh (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Juvenile Ruff again at Lisselan (DS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Arctic Skua (dark adult) W & Great Northern Diver E (seawatch 09:30-11:30, DS).

DUNGARVAN:  Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 50+ House Martins N, 5 White Wagtails & 18+ Wheatears at the Cunnigar, 230+ Brent Geese & 54+ Little Egrets around bay (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND:  3 Spotted Flycatchers, 6+ White Wagtails & 20+ Rock Pipits at Ballinclamper (DC, PMW).

EAST WATERFORD: 3-4 Buzzards (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Spotted Redshank @ Ballyneety. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull @ the Barnawee, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper & adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose @ the Cunnigar & 1 Spotted Redshank @ Killongford. (MC, CF, DW)

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Juvenile Ruff, 3 White Wagtails, 2 Chiffchaffs, 2 Wheatears & 2 Emperor dragonflies at Lisselan, & constant stream of hirundines all morning (DS).

NW WATERFORD:  Buzzard (DC).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (FJ), also Thursday Sept 20.

RAM HEAD:  2 summer-plumaged Red-throated Divers W, 3 Common Scoter E, 2 Great Skuas, 3 Arctic Skuas, lots of Swallows, Minke Whale & 100+ Common Dolphins (seawatch 10:45-12:30, ADM).

ARDMORE:  Common Sandpiper & Wheatear at Curragh this morning (").


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012

DUNGARVAN:  Juvenile Spotted Redshank at Ballyneety (DW).

CLONEA STRAND:  5 Brent Geese at Ballinclamper (SMH).

RAM HEAD:  Summer-plumaged Red-throated Diver this evening (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Spotted Redshank showing well at Ballyneety this morning (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN:  Spotted Redshank at Ballyneety (MC).

DUNMORE EAST:  Glaucous Gull this morning (JDP).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper, 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls & 1 Spotted Redshank @ Ballyneety. 1 Green Sandpiper @ Killongford. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND:  Arctic Skua & 18 Chough at Ballinclamper (DC).

DUNGARVAN:  2 adult dark-bellied Brent Geese near pitch & putt course (MC); Wood Sandpiper & 4 Green Sandpipers at Killongford pool (CF, SMH, DW); 2 Green Sandpipers at Brickey canal, 2 Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpiper & c 50 Knot at Ballyneety (DC).

HELVICK HEAD:  12 Arctic Skuas, 4 Pomarine Skuas, Balearic Shearwater & 4 Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 13:30-15:30, CF,  SMH, DW); 3 Arctic Skuas (1 W, 1 E, 1 loitering) & 1 Manx Shearwater W (seawatch 17:55-18:25, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Juvenile SABINE'S GULL, Arctic Skua, 3 Great Skuas, Great Northern Diver & 6 Puffins W, 3 Common Scoter E (1 W), just 2 Manx Shearwaters E & 2 W (seawatch 07:50-10:50, PMW); also White Wagtail & 11 Siskins W, Wheatear, 2 Blackcaps & 9+ Chiffchaffs (AA, PMW).

RAM HEAD:  3 adult Mediterranean Gulls & 2 Wheatears at the Curragh (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Wood Sandpiper again at Killongford pool this morning along with 4 Green Sandpipers (CF).

CLONEA: Adult & juvenile Mediterranean Gulls @ Ballinclamper this evening. (MC)

CLONEA: Adult & juvenile Mediterranean Gulls @ Ballinclamper this evening. (MC)

DUNGARVAN:  2 Spotted Redshanks (1st-winter & adult in advanced moult) at Ballyneety (CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Adult light-phase Arctic Skua, 1 Manx Shearwater, 80 Sandwich Terns & 60 Guillemots W (seawatch 07:45-09:00); on land, 3 White Wagtails, 5 Wheatears & 5 Chiffchaffs (DS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  4 Common Sandpipers at Clohernagh (").


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

CLONEA STRAND:  LITTLE RINGED PLOVER again at Ballinclamper, at 18:20, then flew & appeared to land at Ballinard; calling continuously (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  Spotted Redshank at Ballyneety, in front of Fraher field @ 20:25 (DC, MC); Wood Sandpiper & 5 Green Sandpiper again at Killongford pool, Common Sandpiper & juvenile Ruff on main estuary, large passage of hirundines all day today (CF).


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Wood Sandpiper showing well at Killongford, late afternoon (MC, MC snr, ShH, DW, SM).

HELVICK HEAD:  8 Sooty Shearwaters, 8 Great Skuas, Arctic Skua & 2 Puffins W (seawatch 12:00-13:00, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Sooty Shearwater & 2 Great Skuas W (seawatch 09:35-10:35), ringtail Hen Harrier & White Wagtail (MAD, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD:  Over 100 Common Dolphins (ADM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Adult light-phase Pomarine Skua W @ 19:55 (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ the Barnawee. (MC, DW.) Stock Dove @ Ballyneety. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND:  5+ White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (PM).

DUNGARVAN:  Spotted Redshank at Killongford (MC), Wood Sandpiper & 5+ Green Sandpipers at Killongford pool, juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at the Cunnigar (about halfway along west side) (CF, DW).

CARRIGAVRANTRY:  8 Crossbills calling overhead (PV).

DUNGARVAN: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls @ the Barnawee. (MC)

CLONEA: Great Skua offshore. (")

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (DMcG).

RAM HEAD:  OSPREY flew over c12:00, towards Blackwater (ADM).

NIRE VALLEY:  48 Ravens & a Spotted Flycatcher (DMcG).

EAST WATERFORD: Buzzard. (MC)

CLONEA: Arctic Skua & 4 Roseate Terns (juvenile & 3 adults) @ Ballinclamper. Ruff & many White Wagtails @ Ballinard. (MC, MC Sr., SM, ShH, PV)

CLONEA STRAND:  Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER still present c12:20, on tideline just out from carpark at Ballinclamper, still very flighty, also 3-4 Roseate Terns (2+ juveniles & 1+ adult) (PA).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (EB).

CLONEA STRAND:  Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER again at Ballinclamper (at 19:00), then flew to Ballinard where relocated a few hundred m south of Ballinclamper; also a Ruff & 10-20 White Wagtails at Ballinard (MC, MC snr, CF, DW).

EAST & MID WATERFORD:  5 Buzzards at 2 further locations (3, MC & 2, DW).

BUNMAHON:  Common Sandpiper & 2 Green Sandpipers at Bunmahon (DW).

EAST WATERFORD:  EAGLE species (probably immature Golden Eagle) (AJ), 3 Buzzards (NMcC).

CLONEA STRAND:  Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (2nd county record) at Ballinclamper this evening, then disturbed & flew inland, also juvenile Ruff, adult Mediterranean Gull & 50-60 White Wagtails there (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  5 Green Sandpipers again at at Killongford pool (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers @ Ballyneety. (MC)

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard. (MC)

CLONEA: 4 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 Adults, 1st winter & 2nd winter ). (MC, MC Sr., MD, FD). 2 Arctic Skuas offshore. (MC, MC Sr.)

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Black Tern again at Lisselan (JF); 2 knot at pickardstown (AJ); 3 Shoveler, 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull & 79 Brent Geese off Lisselan seawall, 100+ Sandwich Terns of Saleen, rising tide 16:30-17:20 (PMW).

RAM HEAD:  Dark-phase Arctic Skua W & a Swift (ADM).

CURRAGH STRAND:  Common Sandpiper & 100 Sandwich Terns at Curragh (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:
Seawatch 07:35-10:35 (2-3 SW, vis excellent, JB, PMW)
Great Skua: 2 E
Arctic Skua: 1 W
Common Scoter: 6 E
Manx Shearwater: 6 E, 45 W
Fulmar: 3 E, 26 W
Gannet: little passage but 70+ feeding
Golden Plover: 6 W & in from sea
Great Skua: 2 E(& harassing Gannet)
Arctic Skua: 1 W (dark-phase)
Black-tailed Godwit: 1 W & in (with Golden Plover flock)
Kittiwake: 1 E, 11 W
Sandwich Tern: 2 E, 24 W
Common/Arctic Tern: 8 W
Razorbill: 13 W, 8+ on sea (incl calling juvenile & adult)
Guillemot: 2 W, 7+ on sea (incl calling juvs & adults)
Large auk sp: 1 E, 11 W
White Wagtail: 1+ W (also 5 other 'alba' wags)

CLONEA STRAND: 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls including green darvic R27R & 40 White Wagtails also at Ballinclamper (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 White Wagtails & Whimbrel at Killongford pool, 7 Brent Geese & 14 Great Crested Grebes outside the Cunnigar (PMW).

CLONEA STRAND: Juv & adult Roseate Tern, Ballinclamper (MC, MD).

HELVICK HEAD: Spotted Flycatcher (PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Juvenile Black Tern & 60+ Brent Geese at Lisselan (DS, JF).

DUNGARVAN:  Swift (FO'C).

CLONEA: 5 White Wagtails @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Swift (FO'C).

WATERFORD CITY:  1 Swift over Doyle Street (JF).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper @ Killongford. (MC)

HELVICK: 1st summer Little Gull, Black Guillemot & 1 Arctic Skua ("). Later, 1 Arctic Skua (MC, MC Sr. & CF)

BUNMAHON: 2 Great Skuas (W & E) (DW).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Adult Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee among a flock of over I000 gulls (almost all Black-headed); 5 Green Sandpipers, pool at Killongford (MC snr).

RAM HEAD:  1000+ Manx Shearwaters W (also quite a few rafts & feeding birds), 3 'large' Shearwaters (including a probable Great Shearwater), 3 Sooty Shearwaters, also single Great Skua, Pomarine Skua & Arctic Skua hassling seabirds (AM).

CROHAUN: Merlin (JAP, BS).

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

BALLYMACART: Spotted Flycatcher (RAW).

DUNGARVAN: Moulting adult Curlew Sandpiper at Killongford again today, juvenile Ruff at Barnawee (CF).


SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

DUNGARVAN: 2 Swifts (FO'C).

WHITING BAY: Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at west end, adult Mediterranean Gull at east end (JAP, BS).

ARDMORE: Adult Mediterranean Gull (").

DUNGARVAN: 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls and Green Sandpiper at Ballyneety. 1 adult Med across from the Park Hotel and another at Barnawee. 4 Meds & moulting adult Curlew Sandpiper at Killongford. Ruff and 2 White Wagtails at the Cunnigar (DW, CF).

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (MC, FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD: Pied Flycatcher (JAP, BS).

DUNGARVAN:  HOBBY flew SW at Ballyneety @ 09:20 (DW, CF).

DUNGARVAN:  Adult & subadult Yellow-legged Gull at Ballyneety (MC).

SEAFIELD:  30 Snipe & a Kingfisher (DW).

DUNGARVAN:  Kingfisher at Ballyneety (MC snr).

CLONEA STRAND:  141 Sandwich Terns at Ballinclamper (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 10 Swifts over town (FO'C), 3 Green Sandpipers at Killongford (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Common Sandpipers & 1 Green Sandpiper @ Ballyneety. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND:  2 Ruffs at Ballinclamper @ 12:05 (MC snr).


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

DUNGARVAN:  2 Swifts over town @ 18:35 (FO'C).

CLONEA STRAND:  2 adult Mediterranean Gullst at Ballinclamper this evening (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Also a Pied Flycatcher in main willow garden plus Garden Warbler eating plums (PMW).

ARDMORE: Stock Dove & 10 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 Adults, 3 2nd Summers & 5 Juveniles ). Common Sandpiper & 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 Adults & 2nd Summer )@ Curragh. (MC)

FERRYPOINT: Adult Mediterranean Gull. (")

DUNGARVAN: 5 Mediterranean Gulls ( 3 Adults, 2nd Summer & Juvenile ), 1 Green Sandpiper, 7 Common Sandpipers & 1 Kingfisher @ Ballyneety. 4 Mediterranean Gulls ( 3 Adults including white darvic ring 3H97 & 2nd Summer ) & 1 Common Sandpiper @ Barnawee. (")

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 Common Scoter W & 1 Great Skua W, only 50 Manx (38E 12W) (seawatch 08:30-09:30), Pied Flycatcher and 4 Whitethroats along main lane (DS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  4 Common Sandpipers at Clohernagh (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Hummingbird Hawk-moth (PMW).

BELLE LAKE: 3 Water Rails calling & 7 Sedge Warblers ringed (AA, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD:  3 Pied Flys this this morning/midday (2 in sycamores above pier, 1 behind Murray's pub), 3 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat and 50+ Phylloscs with a large number of hirundines also (CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Garden Warbler & Pied Flycatcher in main garden @ 12:10 (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:
Seawatch 07:15-10:15 (2-3 SW, vis excellent, PMW):
Arctic Skua: 1 W (ad light)
Great Skua: 1 W
Common Scoter: 2 E
Manx Shearwater: 31 E, 10 W, 50+ feeding
Fulmar: 9 E, 32 W
Gannet: 30 E, 110
Mallard: 1 W
Grey Plover: 1 W
Whimbrel: 1 W
Kittiwake: 2 E, 2 W
Sandwich Tern: 13 E, 43 W
Grey Seal: 1

HELVICK HEAD: Pied Flycatcher in sycamores, 3+ Willow Warblers & Chiffchaff (CF, PMW); Storm Petrel W & Arctic Skua on sea (seawatch 19:20-19:50, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Garden Warbler & 3 Pied Flycatchers (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 5 Common Sandpipers at Killongford, 6 Common Sandpipers & an adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballyneety (MC snr).

ARDMORE: 5 Mediterranean Gulls at harbour, 6 Tree Sparrows along Goat Island road (SH).

SEAFIELD: Common Sandpiper & 3 Green Sandpipers (DW).

HELVICK HEAD: Pied Flycatcher in main sycamores above pier, also Whitethroat, 4+ Williow Warblers & 2 Chiffchaffs (PMW, MC snr).

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Storm Petrels, 290 Manx Shearwaters & 60 Fulmars W (seawatch 10:40-11:40, PMW).

BUNMAHON: Leatherback Turtle (DW).

SEAFIELD: 3 Green Sandpipers (").

DUNGARVAN:  3 Green Sandpipers at Killongord, in marsh c100 m north of bridge (MC snr).

HELVICK HEAD:
Seawatch 18:15-20:45 (CF, MC)
Sooty Shearwater: 2 W
Storm Petrel: 20+ W
Arctic Skua: 1 W
Great Skua: 5 W
Roseate Tern: 1 W (adult)
Black Tern: 1 W (juvenile)

HELVICK HEAD:
Seawatch 12:35-17:35 (DW, JAP, MC snr)
Balearic Shearwater: 1 W
Storm Petrel: 7 W
Pomarine Skua: 2 W
Arctic Skua: 2 W
Great Skua: 9 W
Black Guillemot: 1 E (juvenile)
Swift: 4 S

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS:  Adult male Hen Harrier (JJC).

ARDMORE:  3 Mediterranean Gulls (juvenile & 2 2nd-summer) (ADM).

CLONEA: 3CY Mediterranean Gull (Green Darvic Ring R27R) @ Ballinclamper (MC), also 120+ Sandwich Terns & 4 Common Terns there (MC snr).

EAST WATERFORD: 3 Buzzards. (")

CASTLETOWN FEN POOL: Green Sandpiper. (")

Nr BUNMAHON: Barn Owl @ 22:30 (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull @ the Barnawee. (MC)

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 Common Sandpipers & a Stock Dove at Lisselan (DS).

DUNGARVAN: Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull, Green Sandpiper & 1 Common Sandpiper @ Ballyneety (MC, DC). Common Sandpiper & Green Sandpiper @ Killongford (MC).

BUNMAHON:  Adult Mediterranean Gull & Green Sandpiper (DW).

DUNGARVAN: 5 Common Sandpipers @ Killongford. (MC)

CLONEA STRAND: 85 Sandwich, 2 Common & 2 Arctic Terns at Ballinclamper @ 18:00 (PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Mute Swan on rocks (new for site!); Puffin & Arctic Tern W in a 20 min seawatch, few Manx Shearwaters (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Ruff, 4 Green Sandpipers, 7 Common Sandpipers, adult & 3-cy Mediterranean Gulls at Ballyneety (MC, CF, DW), 1st-summer Mediterranean Gull & 3 Green Sandpipers at the Cunnigar (DW, CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:
Seawatch 07:00-09:00 (4-5 SE, vis moderate/good, PMW)
Sooty Shearwater: 1 E
Manx Shearwater: 1065 E, 16 W, 80 feeding
Storm Petrel: 1 E
Gannet: 1140 E, 24 W
Common Scoter: 9 E, 2 W
Tufted Duck: 1 E (male with 4 Scoter)
Mallard: 2 E
Great Skua: 1 E (& on sea)
Arctic Skua: 1 E
Kittiwake: 23 E, 5 W
Common/Arctic Tern: 18 E
Sandwich Tern: 5 E, 3 W
Puffin: 2 E
Black Guillemot: 1 E (juvenile)
Swift: 1 flew out to sea

HELVICK HEAD: 240 Manx Shearwaters W, 90 E (seawatch 20:00-20:30, MAD, PMW).

WATERFORD CITY: Young Otter in St John's River by Lombard Street bridge (AJ).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: At least 12-15 Keeled Skimmer dragonflies, some mating, at Co Tipperary side of the Vee, cS048132 (ADM) - photo.

DUNGARVAN:  2 Yellow-legged Gulls  (adult & sub-adult), 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls & 3 Green Sandpipers at Ballyneety, 18:40 (MC, MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Green Sandpipers at Ballyneety (MC snr).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 10 Common Sandpipers & Wheatear (DS).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Green Sandpipers, 8 Common Sandpipers & 3 Mediterranean Gulls  (juvenile, adult & 2nd summer ) @ Ballyneety. Adult & 2nd summer Mediterranean Gulls @ Barnawee late this evening. (MC)

CASTLETOWN FEN: Green Sandpiper at new pool, 2 Yellowhammers nearby (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 5 Common Sandpipers at Killongford Bridge (PV), 5 Mediterranean Gulls (3+ adults, 1+ 2nd-summer) at Barnawee (PMW).

WHITING BAY:  67 Ringed Plover at west end (AJ, PV, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Sooty Shearwater E & W, Great Skua E, 2 Arctic Skuas W & 1 off-passage, 10 Common Scoter E & 3 W (seawatch 12:00-15:30, PA, CF, JAP, PV, DW, PMW), 315 Manx Shearwaters E & 50 W (14:00-15:30).

CASTLETOWN FEN:  2 Green Sandpipers at newly constructed pool (PA).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Green Sandpipers @ Ballyneety.  7 Mediterranean Gulls ( 5 adults including green darvic ring R27R & 2 1st summers ) @ Barnawee. (MC)  Brent Goose off Sports Centre (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER now near tip of Cunnigar, roosting (CF).

CLONEA STRAND: Common Sandpiper & Cuckoo at Ballinclamper (MC, DS).

DUNGARVAN: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER still on Cunnigar on seaward side near tip. Flight views only so far but dog walker has flushed the birds and they are now widely dispersed (CF).

CLONEA STRAND: Adult-summer SPOTTED SANDPIPER (4th county record) at Ballinclamper, 8 pm (photos) with 6 Common Sandpipers (then all flew E), also 3 Whimbrel there, Dipper at Ballyvoyle (PV).

DUNGARVAN:  WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER re-found near tip of Cunnigar at seaward side, 20:20 (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher & 4 Green Sandpipers above Ballyneety bridge @ 15:40, 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gull flew in past Cunnigar tip (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Hummingbird Hawk-moth, Willow Warbler & Chiffchaff (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Green Sandpipers & 4 Common Sandpipers @ Ballyneety. 2 Brent Geese & 2 Common Sandpipers @ the Cunnigar. (MC)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 25 Common Scoter W, 370 Manx Shearwaters E (155 W, 200 feeding) (seawatch 19:15-20:15, MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER (3rd county record) found at the Cunnigar (MO'K) but not yet refound. Also at the Cunnigar: 2 Little Tern (ad and juv), 3rd-calendar-yr Iceland Gull, 1 Purple Sandpiper (!!!!), 7 Common Sandpipers, 50+ Sanderling, c200 Dunlin (incl 11 juvs), c100 Turnstone, 4 Mediterranean Gulls (3 ads 1 1st sum), 15 Common Tern, 3 Wheatear (CF DW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Tree Sparrows (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:
Seawatch 06:45-09:45 (3-4 S- SSE, vis excellent, PMW)
Great Shearwater: 1 W @ 07:55 (only 2nd or 3rd site record).
Sooty Shearwater: 2 W
Manx Shearwater : 1170 E, 1190 W, 80+ feeding
Fulmar: 10 E, 86 W
Common Scoter: 2 E, 7 W
Mallard: 1 W
Pomarine Skua: 1 E (light-phase adult or subadult).
Great Skua: 1 W
Sandwich Tern: 2 E, 20 W
Puffin: 1 W
Large auks: 0
Gannet, Kittiwake: not counted
Swift: 1 W over sea

HELVICK HEAD:
Seawatch 19:00-21:15 (MC, MC snr, CF, DW, MAD, PMW):
CORY'S SHEARWATER: 3 W singly (all 20:44-21:15)
Great Shearwater: 1 W (21:00)
Sooty Shearwater: 2 W (1,1)
Manx Shearwater: 40 E, 980 W (19:30-21:15)
Fulmar: 1 E, 105 W (19:30-21:15)
Storm Petrel: 10 W
Common Scoter: 13 W
Great Skua: 2 W (1,1)
Pomarine Skua: 2 E, 3 W
Roseate Tern: 2 adults W
Arctic Tern: 8+ W
Common Tern: 5+ W
Puffin: 35 W
Gannet, Kittiwake, large auks: not counted
Seawatch 12:00-12:30 (CF):
Storm Petrel: 2
Arctic Skua: 1
Puffin: 2

HELVICK HEAD:  final tally 150+ CORY'S SHEARWATERS, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater, 7 Pomarine Skuas, 2 Great Skuas & 2 Black Guillemots (seawatch 18:40-21:05, MC, MC snr, DW, CF).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Little Terns at Cunnigar tip, also 2 Brent Geese at the Cunnigar (DC).

HELVICK HEAD: 62+ CORY'S SHEARWATERS up to 19:55 (CF, MC).

RAM HEAD: final tally 105 (correction from 103) CORY'S SHEARWATERS west, also 4 Great Shearwaters, 1 Great Skua & 1 Arctic Skua W, 208 Fulmars W (3 E) but only 135 Manx Shearwaters W (40 E) (seawatch 16:45-19:45, PMW).

RAM HEAD: 64 CORY'S SHEARWATERS, 4 Great Shearwaters, 1 Great Skua & 1 Arctic Skua W (seawatch 16:45-19:05 & ongoing, PMW).

SEABIRD 'PELAGIC' OFF WEST WATERFORD, 7TH AUGUST:  A couple of places still available on an all-day boat-trip planned from Youghal for Tuesday 7th, heading to waters off Ram Head & Mine Head in search of rare seabirds (& Humpback Whale!). Anyone interested text 0861701599 or email info @ waterfordbirds urgently (preferably today).

BUNMAHON:  11 Pomarine Skuas & 3 Arctic Skuas W, 1 Common Scoter E (seawatch 07:10-08:50, DW).

CLONEA STRAND:  Juvenile Mediterranean Gull, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel & 5 Common Terns at Ballinclamper (MC).

ARDMORE:  Little Gull (subadult?) & 4 1st-summer Mediterranean Gulls at Curragh (ADM).

CHEEKPOINT:  40 Black-tailed Godwits & c10 Crossbills (John Maher).

TANKARDSTOWN (nr Bunmahon):  Dark-phase Arctic Skua W, 78 Manx Shearwaters W & 4 Sandwich terns W (2 E) (seawatch 10:05-10:55, DS).

BUNMAHON:  Balearic Shearwater & 7 Storm Petrels W (seawatch 07:40-08:55, DW).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Little Terns & a Mediterranean Gull at the Cunnigar (DC).

HELVICK HEAD:  Sooty Shearwater, 10 Common Scoter, Great Skua, Arctic Skua & 28 Puffins W (seawatch 19:15-20:30, MC, MC snr, CF).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Little Terns off pitch & putt (DW).

DUNGARVAN:  6 Little Terns off pitch & putt @ 20:40 (DC per MC).

CLONEA STRAND:  2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew south at Ballinclamper this evening (MC).



Saturday, July 28, 2012

KNOCKADERRY: Common Sandpiper. (MC, CF, DW)

CARRIGAVANTRY: 7 Crossbills & 2 Common Sandpipers. (")

DUNGARVAN: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 4 Whimbrel @ Barnawee. Kingfisher, Green Sandpiper, 3 Common Sandpipers & 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2nd summer and 2 adults including 3H97 ) @ Ballyneety. 7 Mediterranean Gulls ( 4 adults & 3 1st summers ) & 2 Common Sandpipers @ Killongford. (")



Friday, July 27, 2012

ARDMORE:  4 Common Sandpipers at Curragh (ADM).

WHITING BAY:  3 Common Sandpipers (").

ARDMORE:  1st-summer & 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gulls at Curragh (ADM).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Family of Grasshopper Warblers (").

DUNGARVAN:  4 Green Sandpipers, 8 Common Sandpipers & 2 Kingfishers at Ballyneety (MC).

RAM HEAD: 22 Puffins, 21 Sandwich Terns & 157 Manx Shearwaters W (63 Manx E) (seawatch 18:50-19:20, near-calm); only 2 large Kittiwake chicks present from 117 occupied nests counted in June (PMW).

DUNGARVAN:  ROSE-COLOURED STARLING still present at Seapark, Abbeyside (AD).

CLONEA STRAND:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper (MC snr).

RIVER SUIR:  Manx Shearwater still present at 18:30, resting on the water above Mt Congreve, obviously disoriented - very misty conditions all day & yesterday (DMcG).

HELVICK: 1 Puffin & 3 Black Guillemots (visibility very poor late this evening). (MC)

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper & 1 Common Sandpiper @ Ballyneety. 5 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 adults, 2 1st summers including red darvic ring HK36 & 1 2nd summer) @ Barnawee late this evening. (")

DUNGARVAN:  5 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adult, 2 1st-summer & a 2nd-summer) at Killongford, 4th-summer Yellow-legged Gull, Green Sandpiper & 3 Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety (CF).

HELVICK HEAD:  Seawatch 08:30- 14:00:  85 Puffins, including 83 W (5-6 from sea) & 2 juveniles on sea just off head (one not flying, one trying to fly a few yards at a time); also 3 adult Pomarine Skuas, 2 Arctic Skuas (dark adult & 2nd-summer), 1 Great Skua  & 4 Common Scoters flew W, Manx Shearwaters c250 W per hour (CF).

RIVER SUIR nr POULDREW:  Manx Shearwater flying down middle of river just before 08:30! (DMcG) - maybe only the 2nd-ever inland record for Co Waterford.

HELVICK HEAD: Storm Petrel, Arctic/Pomarine Skua & 15 Puffins , 71 Manx Shearwaters W (seawatch 17:35-18:35, PMW); 3 Arctic Skuas, 2 Puffins, 1 Common Tern & c270 Manx Shearwaters W (seawatch 19:30-21:00, CF).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpipers & an adult Mediterranean Gull @ Ballyneety. (MC)

HELVICK HEAD:  56 Puffins west, 1 east, 1 Pomarine Skua, 1 Common Term & 10-15 Common Scoter west (seawatch 14.35-16.05, MC).

BUNMAHON: Storm Petrel W (DW).

DUNGARVAN: ROSE-COLOURED STARLING still at Seapark, Abbeyside (JAP, BS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:
Seawatch 06:40-09:4 (wind 5 S, vis good/excellent; JB, PMW)
Manx Shearwater: 41 E, 865 W
Fulmar: 6 E, 39 W
Gannet: 28 E, 37 W
Common Scoter: 41 E (8, 4, 10, 1, 12, 2, 4), 12 W
Arctic Skua: 6 E (1, 6)
Arctic/Pomarine Skua: 2 W
Great Skua: 1 E
Kittiwake: 59 E, 22 W
Sandwich Tern: 2 E, 5 W
Common/Arctic Tern: 4 E, 3 W
Puffin: 5 W
Razorbill: 7 W, 3 sea
Guillemot: 7 W, 5 sea
unidentified large auk: 2 E, 26 W

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:
Seawatch 18:45-19:45 (2 SW, vis excellent, PMW)
Manx Shearwater: 620 E, 11 W
Common Scoter: 9 W, later 7 E
Guillemot 4 E
Sandwich Tern: 2 feeding
Fulmar, Gannet, Kittiwake: not counted

DUNGARVAN: 5 Common Sandpipers & 4 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 adults & 2 1st summers ) @ Killongford this evening. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: ROSE-COLOURED STARLING still present at Seapark, Abbeyside up to 17:30 (JF).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Ballyneety (3rd- & 4th-calendar-yr) (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  ROSE-COLOURED STARLING @ Seapark Estate. 3CY & 4CY Yellow-legged Gulls, 8 Common Sandpipers & 3 Green Sandpipers @ Ballyneety. Adult Mediterranean Gull (White Darvic Ring 3H97) @ Barnawee. 3 adult & 1 2nd summer Mediterranean Gulls @ Killongford. (MC, CF, DW)

DUNGARVAN: Adult ROSE-COLOURED STARLING still at Seapark, Abbeyside (JAP, BS).

RAM HEAD: 4 Sooty Shearwaters & a HUMPBACK WHALE (early morning seawatch, ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  ROSE-COLOURED STARLING giving excellent around Seapark, 19:50. Now down to a few metres feeding on fat balls (JAP, BS, UP, AD).

DUNGARVAN:  ROSE-COLOURED STARLING still present at seapark at 16.30; 4 Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee (DS, AJ)

Nr ANNESTOWN:  Adult Mediterranean Gull feeding in freshly cut field just west of Annestown (").

RAM HEAD:  Sooty Shearwater, Balearic Shearwater, 500+ Manx Shearwaters, 32 Common Scoter (23 W & 9 on water), 2 Minke Whales, 2 Bottlenose Dolphins & 3 Porpoises (ADM).

KNOCKBRACK QUARRY (nr Clashmore):  Emperor dragonfly (").

DUNGARVAN:  ROSE-COLOURED STARLING still present at Seapark, Abbeyside from 07:35 onwards (DW, MC snr, ADM et al).

HELVICK: Puffin flying west. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: ROSE-COLOURED STARLING at Seapark, Abbeyside 8 pm (JAP) - 2nd county record.

TANKARDSTOWN (nr Bunmahon): 117 Manx Shearwaters and 1 Great Skua E (seawatch 15.10-15.40, DS).

IDA (Cork Road, Waterford city):  Emperor dragonfly and Brown Hawker (").

DUNGARVAN: 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull @ Barnawee. (MC)

ARDMORE:  Juvenile Cuckoo & 2nd-summer Mediterranean Gull at Curragh (AM).

RAM HEAD:  House Martin with abnormally long tail feather(s) - photo here (").

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

HELVICK HEAD:  2nd-summer SABINE'S GULL, Balearic Shearwater, Puffin & 350 Manx Shearwaters W (seawatch 18:40-19:40, PMW), then quieter, with Manxies flying both directions & feeding (19:40-20:15, MC, PMW). Also 3 Black Guillemots at yellow buoy.

BUNMAHON: Adult pale-phase Pomarine Skua W & an unseasonal, non-breeding plumage Great Northern Diver on sea (DW).

BUNMAHON:  3 Great Skuas, Pomarine Skua & 5 Storm Petrels W off Bunmahon (seawatch 09:40-10:40, DW).

DUNGARVAN:  20 Mediterranean Gulls - 6 at Ballyneety (2 adults, 2 2nd-summers & 2 1st-summers) & 14 at Barnawee (7 adults, 4 2nd-summers & 3 1st-summers) (DW, CF); later, 5 at Barnawee (3 adults, 1 2nd-summer & 1 1st-summer) (MC snr).

HELVICK HEAD:
Seawatch 10:30-13:00 (CF, DW)
Balearic Shearwater: 1
Sooty Shearwater: 2
'large' shearwater: 2 (distant)
Storm Petrel: 1
Pomarine Skua: 1
Arctic Skua: 5 (2 adult, 3 juvenile)
Puffin: 2
Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Gannet: good movement.

WOODSTOWN BOG:  Reed Warbler singing & 2 Water Rails calling (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 9 Mediterranean Gulls (2 Adults, 3 2nd summers & 4 1st summers) @ Barnawee. (MC)

KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan): Merlin this evening (JAP).

RAM HEAD: 3 Fin Whales east of Ram, 9 Common Scoter flew W, several hundred Manx Shearwaters E (ADM).

CLASHMORE BROADS: 8 Common Sandpipers (JAP, BS).

KINSALEBEG: 3 Green Sandpipers (").

WHITING BAY: 9 Tree Sparrows & female Hen Harrier (").

BALLYVOYLE: 2 Common Sandpipers (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Common Sandpipers at Clohernagh (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Common Sandpiper @ Killongford. 5 Common Sandpipers, 1 Green Sandpiper & 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( 2 adults including 3h97 & a 1st summer bird ) @ Ballyneety. 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( adult, 1st summer & 2nd summer ) late this evening @ Barnawee. (MC)

DUNGARVAN: 7 Mediterranean Gulls (green darvic ringed 2nd-summer R27R, 5 adults & a  1st-summer) at Barnawee (DW, CF).

BALLYSCANLON: 2-3 Crossbills. (MC, PV)

BALLYVOILE: Common Sandpiper. (MC)

Nr KNOCKADERRY: Bank Vole running about on road (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Green Sandpipers, 6+ Common Sandpipers & 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 1st-summer ) @ Ballyneety (MC), also 2 juv Kingfishers there (DC).

DUNGARVAN: 10+ Common Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers & 6 Lapwing @ Ballyneety. (MC)

ARDMORE: Adult Mediterranean Gull (ringed bird) at Curragh (ADM).

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (JJC).

TALLOW FOREST:  Crossbill nr Kilcalfmountain @ X007884, also 2 Stock Doves, 3 Jays, 2 Treecreepers & a Red Squirrel (PMW).

KNOCKBRACK QUARRY (nr Clashmore):  2 Yellowhammers, 100+ each of Ringlet & Meadow Brown, & 4 species of dragonfly - Azure Damselfly 15+, Emerald Damselfly 80+, Four-spotted Chaser 2 & Common Darter 2 (JJC).

DUNGARVAN:  3 Green Sandpipers & Otter at Ballineety above bridge, 2 Common Seals at park hotel (DC).

KILMEADEN POOLS:  Pair of Little Grebes with 4 recently fledged young (MC).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  5 Tufted Duck (").

BALLINLOUGH:  5 Spotted Flycatchers, incl 3 juvs (DW).

DUNGARVAN: 4 Green Sandpipers, Water Rail & Otter at Balyneety (DC).

DUNGARVAN: Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, 4 Green Sandpipers and 3 Mediterranean Gulls ( Adult white darvic ring 3H97 returning for its 6th year & 2 1st summers) @ Ballyneety. Common Sandpiper & 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull @ Killongford. (MC)

DUNGARVAN:  10+ Common Sandpipers (JAP, BS) & 5 adult Mediterranean Gulls (one with white darvic ring, CF).

CLONEA: 2 Adult Mediterranean Gulls & 1 Common Sandpiper @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Stock Dove & 3 Ravens nr Riverstown industrial estate (JF).

SEAFIELD: Green Sandpiper (DW).

CLONEA: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 Adults & 1st Summer) & a Common Sandpiper @ Ballinclamper. (MC, MC Sr.)

CLONEA STRAND: 6 Mediterranean Gulls (4 adults, 1st-summer & 2nd-summer) at Ballinclamper (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: Puffin & Arctic Skua (").

CLONEA STRAND:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper (MC snr).

CLONEA: 4 Common Terns @ Ballinclamper. (MC)

Monday, July 02, 2012

BUNMAHON:  Black Guillemot (DW).

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Puffins & 100+ Manx Shearwaters W (seawatch 1525-1545) (PMW).

DUNGARVAN:  3 Mediterranean Gulls (2nd-summer with green darvic ring & 2 1st-summers), Common Sandpiper & adult Whooper Swan at Ballyneety (MC).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Female GARGANEY (JAP, BS).

DUNGARVAN: Whooper Swan & 3 Common Sandpipers (").

BALLYSCANLAN LAKE:  10+ Common Newts in the plantation, near road (JJC).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  2 Common Sandpipers at Ballynatray, 2 juv Spotted Flycatchers at Newport East (JAP, BS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 6 Crossbills flew SW over main gardens @ 15:55 - possibly only 2nd-ever site record (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 ad Roseate Terns at Killongford. At least 8 Med Gull imms here too (CF).

DUNGARVAN; No sign of Gull-billed Tern at Ballyneety this morning. 4 Med Gulls (1 ad and 3 1st summers) and adult Whooper Swan!! (CF) Med Gulls included 35L8 White darvic-ringed bird, also a Black-head Gull 25D7 White darvic (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  GULL-BILLED TERN found at Ballyneety this evening (MC) - first county record. Present up to 20:05 at least.

DRUM HILLS: Pair of Woodcock nr Moyng Little, tetrad X28C tonight (DMcG).

BALLYSCANLAN:  Long-eared Owl at dusk (TB).

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (DW).

Nr LISMORE:  Spotted Flycatcher near Towers (DMcG).

DRUM HILLS: 3-5 Woodcock roding tonight, Toor Cross Roads / Reamanagh West area (1-2 tetrad  in X18U & 2-3 in X18V) (DMcG).

CARRICKAVRANTRY:  HOBBY very briefly, also Merlin (MC).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

RAM HEAD:  Cuckoo same place as yesterday (ADM).

DRUM HILLS:  Spotted Flycatcher (JAP, BS).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  2 Reed Warblers at Clashmore Broads - 1 carrying food at Dooneen Quay,  X113841 (JAP, BS) & 1 singing south of Clashmore Quay @ X103844, also a Hairy Dragonfly there (PMW); pair of Spotted Flycatchers nr D'Loughtane Cross Roads, 3 Stock Doves over Ballynatray (PMW).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (PMW).

MONEYGORM: 4 Woodcock roding this evening (ADM).

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS:  WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (Joe Proudfoot per www.irishbirding.com).

HELVICK HEAD:  Dark-phase Arctic Skua W, Storm Petrel W, 2 Black Guillemots W (with fish) & 1 E, 14 Puffins W & 4 E (mostly pairs & mostly hanging around) (seawatch 16:55-17:55, MC).

RAM HEAD:  Cuckoo - very dark individual (AM).

BUNMAHON:  2 Storm Petrels W (seawatch 13:50-14:40, DW).

Nr FENOR:  Merlin (JAP).

DUNGARVAN:  Common Sandpiper at Ballyneety, 150+ Bar-tailed Godwith nr Ballynagaul (").

HELVICK HEAD:  2 Pomarine Skuas, 3 Puffins, 2 Black Guillemots & 50+ Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 1330-1400, ").

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (MC).

Nr KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (AT).

CROHAUN:  Long-eared Owl chicks calling (DC).

EAST WATERFORD:  2 Buzzard chicks (").

MOCOLLOP GLEN (nr Ballyduff): Spotted Flycatcher, Treecreeper & 2 Jays (PMW).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

Nr VILLIERSTOWN: 3 Long-eared Owls (adult  & 2 juvs) (DW).

DUNGARVAN: Brown-morph female Cuckoo near Cunnigar car-park, 4 Grey Plover & c20 Dunlin at Cunnigar (JAP, BS).

BUNMAHON:  1 Storm Petrel W (DW).

HELVICK HEAD:  6 Storm Petrels W, 12:30-13:00 (MC).

KILBARRY BOG: Grasshopper Warbler seen along south margin of reedbed (PMW).

WATERFORD CITY:  Hummingbird Hawk-moth in a city garden, attempting to feed from yellow wing-bar of a Goldfinch! (AJ).

Nr VILLIERSTOWN:  Long-eared Owls at two locations (adult & 3 young at one, 2 or 3 birds at other) (DC).

RAM HEAD: 8+ Fin Whales (ADM).

ARDMORE: Red-breasted Merganser at Curragh strand (").

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Pair of Spotted Flycatchers at Glentanagree Bridge (PMW).

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male & female GARGANEY again (DS, AJ).

DRUM HILLS:  2 Grasshopper Warblers singing (1 seen well) nr Barranastook X160911, 6 Stock Doves (JAP, BS).  Also 3 Woodcock (pair + 1) and Long-eared Owl at 3 locations, Barranastook/Knocknaglogh area (DMcG).

BALLYSCANLAN:  HOBBY, 40+ Crossbills, pair of Great Crested Grebes, family of 4 Ravens & 3 families of Chough, 3-5 pm (AJ).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Cuckoo calling just south of the Vee (MC); Spotted Flycatcher & Jay nr Keane's Bridge / Knocknasheega (MAD, PMW).

CURRAGHATESKIN:  2 Painted Lady butterflies (JAP, JJC, BS).

RAM HEAD:  6 Fin Whales (ADM, AT); 117 occupied Kittiwake nests in study plots (most of colony), a slight improvement on 108 nests last year but well down from 174 nests in 2010 (PMW).

Nr VILLIERSTOWN:  Treecreeper & 3 Jays (PMW).

Friday, June 08, 2012

TRAMORE:  2 Arctic Skuas chasing terns at Rinneshark (PW).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male & female GARGANEY (Dc).

BALLINLOUGH:  Reed Warbler (DW).

KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan): Merlin (JAP).

CARRICKAVRANTRY:  Now 2 HOBBIES at Carrickavrantry Lake @17:00 (CF, MC Sr, JF).

BALLYSCANLAN:  HOBBY c15:20 (AJ).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male GARGANEY (MC).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

EAST WATERFORD: Buzzard. (MC, DW)

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 GARGANEY (Male & Female). (")

BALLYSCANLON LAKE: 2 Stock Doves. (")

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Cuckoo & 4 Green Hairstreak butterflies between Melleray & the Vee (JAP, NS, ADM, AT), another Cuckoo SW of the Vee (JAP, BS).

DRUM HILLS:  8 wood white butterfies at Coolroe (JAP, BS).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Reed Warblers at Castleview, Villerstown, Spotted Flycatcher nr Strancally (").

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

Nr MILLSTREET: Spotted Flycatcher at Mountaincastle (PMW).
 

Sunday, June 03, 2012

DRUM HILLS:  Woodcock nr Knocknahoola (tetrad X28E) (DMcG).

DUNGARVAN:  295 late or summering Bar-tailed Godwits (all winter/immature), 52 Black-tailed Godwits & 12 Knot roosting at Kilminnin (PMW).

MID-WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Puffin off car park (MC).

ARDMORE:  Turtle Dove nr round tower (ADM).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male & female GARGANEY still present at 06:15, also 2 Stock Doves, a Water Rail & 2 Cuckoos (DS).

FENOR BOG:  Another Cuckoo (").



Thursday, May 31, 2012

Nr DUNGARVAN:  Barn Owl @ 23:10 (JAP).