CLONEA BAY:  1 Purple Sandpiper at Ballinclamper (MN, JP).

WATERFORD CITY: Kingfisher on St John's River at Waterside (LR).

ANNESTOWN:  Grey Phalarope & adult Little Gull still present (MC).

CLONEA BAY:  Chiffchaff at Ballinard (").

DUNGARVAN:  2 Black Redstarts on sea wall by Abbeyside church then moving towards the pond at Abbeyside (FO'C).



Wednesday, December 30, 2015

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS flying over Lisselan, also Grey Pharope & dark-bellied Brent Goose there (AJ).

ANNESTOWN:  Grey Phalarope, adult Little Gull, Gannet & Great Northern Diver all by the road (MC).

DUNGARVAN:  Grey Phalarope near Ballynacourty pier, 4 SPOONBILLS on the Cunnigar, 20 Great Northern Divers around bay (12 off Ballynacourty pier, 8 inside the Cunnigar) (FO'C).


Tueday, December 29, 2015

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  19(!) GLOSSY IBISES at Lisselan (JR per AJ, confirmed from photos).

DUNMORE EAST:  1st-winter Iceland Gull & a Purple Sandpiper (MC).

DUNMORE EAST:  1st-winter Iceland Gull still at pier (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher at the quay, Dungarvan town (MC snr).

Sunday, December 27, 2015

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 117 Whooper Swans - 95 Lismore to Nallyduff, 22 W of Ballyduff (TM).

BALLYLEMON, CAPPAGH: Brambling again present in garden, since yesterday (BL).

DUNMORE EAST: 1st-winter Iceland Gull at outer harbour (PA).

CARRIGANORE area: Green Sandpiper (DS).

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DATA CENTRE (nr Waterford city): GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER again present, now confirmed as a male (assuming same bird as original) (MC).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: Drake RING-NECKED DUCK & 5 Crossbills (").

DUNGARVAN: Adult male Long-tailed Duck off the Cunnigar, 7 Shoveler (4 females & 3 males), 4 Pintail (1 male & 3 females) & a 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull near pitch & putt course (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 5 SPOONBILLS in th Cunnigar, adult dark-bellied Brent Goose at pitch & putt course, female/1st-winter Black Redstart nr Barnawee (shoreline where old railway meets road) (MC).

CLONEA: Merlin at Ballinclamper (").

HELVICK HEAD: Great Skua & female/1st-winter Black Redstart (").

TRAMORE: Ruff & c.450 Black-tailed Godwits by Splashworld at boating lake (PA).

GLENCAIRN, LISMORE: 3 Stock Doves (TM).

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DATA CENTRE (Carriganore nr Waterford city): GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER still present (AA).

DUNGARVAN: probable SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF with Common Chiffchaff in reedbed & rushes at Springfield, behind Nissan garage, also 40+ Siskins in alders there; another Common Chiffchaff at Youghal Road / Western Bay; 5 SPOONBILLS roosting on the Cunnigar opposite sports centre; 12 Great Northern Divers around bay (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS roosting on the Cunnigar (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: Female/1st-winter Black Redstart (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 3 Great Northern Divers (2 close to Saleen, 1 west of spits) (PMW).

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DATA CENTRE (nr Waterford city): GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER & male Brambling this afternoon (FO'C).

WIT SPORTS CAMPUS (nr Waterford city): Green Sandpiper in small stream in front of campus (").

Thursday, December 17, 2015

ANNESTOWN: GLOSSY IBIS at east side of flooded field, dead LITTLE AUK on beach (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher at Ballyneety (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Barnawee (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: 5 SPOONBILLS at south end of Western Bay, 5 Great Northern Divers off Abbeyside (EB).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Adult Yellow-legged Gull & adult Mediterranean Gull opposite McCarthy Fuels (MC).

BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: Great Northern Diver on main lake (").

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Great Northern Diver here also shortly afterwards - same or different bird? (").

Saturday, December 12, 2015

KILMACTHOMAS: Report (call-only?) of a GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER opposite Flahavan's Mill (per irishbirding.com).

Friday, December 11, 2015

DUNGARVAN: 6 Long-tailed Tits me Campus service-station, N25 (EN).

Thursday, December 10, 2015

NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DATA CENTRE (nr Waterford city): Female GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER again

present (LL, DS, KA, JF, AJ).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 6 White-fronted Geese & 103 Whooper Swans (84 Lismore to Ballyduff, 19 W of Ballyduff) (TM).

Nr WHITING BAY: 6 Tree Sparrows at usual bird-feeder nr W end of bay (SDM).

ARDMORE: Mediterranean Gull & Great Northern Diver at Curragh (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl & Merlin (JF, AJ).

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl, female Long-tailed Duck & Great Northern Diver (JF).

DUNGARVAN:  5 SPOONBILLS( (JDP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 Short-eared Owls, 2 Goldeneye (m & f/imm), Merlin & Great Northern Diver (JF).

Saturday, December 05, 2015

HELVICK HEAD: 5 'blue' Fulmars (3 dark 'D', 2 intermediate 'L/D') in brief seawatch 15:10-15:45, mainly Fulmar & Kittiwake passage, also a 1st-winter Blak Redstart (CF).

Friday, 06 December, 2015

N25: Pine Marten dead near the Stradbally exit (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Great Northern Diver (AJ).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): 5 Crossbills in garden this morning (ADM).

TRAMORE: 33 Gadwall (MC).

DUNMORE EAST: Purple Sandpiper (").

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 6 White-fronted Geese (3 adults, 3 juveniles) still between Lismore & Ballyduff (").

Saturday, November 28, 2015

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 74Whoopet Swans, 6 White-fronted Geese, Stock Dove, Treecreeper, Jay & Dipper (JAP, FO'C).

CAPPOQUIN: Stock Dove (").

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 25+ Yellowhammers & a Jay, Newport East ().

DUNGARVAN: 5 Pintail (1m 4 f)& a male Shoveler, Western Bay; 5 SPOONBILL roosting on the Cunnigar; 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull & Black Redstart at the Lookout; adult Yellow-legged Gull 

Lookout opposite Park Hotel; 5 Goldeneye (4f 1m) at Ballyneety; Water Rail calling behind Nissan garage at Springfield (").

HELVICK HEAD: LITTLE AUK seen in flight & probably landed on sea (").

VARIOUS: 91 species for the day (").

DUNGARVAN: 5 SPOONBILLS roosting off the edge of the pitch & putt course, 0920 (JAP); late House Martin at arhcway near Dungarvan Castle at 16:00 (NJB); female/immature Black Redstart in protestant church graveyard (FO'C).

ARDMORE:  Mediterranean Gull at the boat cove (NJB).

TIBBERAGHNY BOG (Co Kilkenny): >40 swans, probably mainly Whoopers (FJ).

Nr ARDMORE:  Merlin, Glencorran (JJC, LC, SO'C).

BALLYMACART: Red-throated Diver (").

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 5 White-fronted Geese between Lismore & Ballyduff (2nd pond on left past Towers on way to Ballyduff), 70 Whooper Swans (59 Lismore to Ballyduff, 11 W of Ballyduff) & 300+ Black-tailed Godwits (TM).

RAM HEAD: Fin Whale, 50 Common Dolphins & a late Red Admiral this afternoon (ADM).

OLD PARISH (Drum Hills):  2 Woodcock (FO'C, JAP, RAW).

WHITING BAY:  5 Tree Sparrows at usual site near W end, adult Mediterranean Gull (").

ARDMORE:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Curragh strand (").

DUNGARVAN:  5 Pintail (4 f 1 m) & 10 Shoveler (5 m 5 f) in Western Bay; 5 Goldeneye (4 f 1 m) at Ballyneety (FO'C JAP RAW).


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

TRAMORE: GLOSSY IBIS, c2000 Golden Plover & 30 Snipe on Backstrand today (AJ).


Monday, November 23, 2015

DUNGARVAN:  5 SPOONBILLS on I-WeBS count (NT); Brambling in garden by Gold Coast golf-curse (DO'B & LO'B per LO'B).

TRAMORE BAY: Female Long-tailed Duck flew from Backstrand (also seen between the spits there) and landed on sea in the bay, also 2 Common Scoter & a Red-throated Diver in same area (DS).

DUNMORE EAST:  Adult male Black Redstart at cliff carpark, 17 Common Scoter heading W (JF).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 7 Tufted Duck but no sign of Great Northern Diver (MC).

DERRIGAL (nr Portlaw): 35 Greylag Geese & 4 Whooper Swans (").

TRAMORE: 31 Gadwall & a 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull at boating lake (").

BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 41 Whoopers - 37 between Ballyduff & Lismore, 4 on Cappoquin side of Lismore; also c20 Fieldfares over Ballyrafter, Lismore (TM).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS on the Cunnigar; adult Yellow-legged Gull at start of Cunnigar; Green Sandpiper at Brickey canal; Black Redstart at St Augustine's church, Abbeyside;  2 Whimbrel at Ballinagaul; Common Sandpiper at Killongford; 3 Pintail (1 m 2 f) & 3 Shover (2 m 1 f) in Western Bay (JAP FO'C RAW).

CLASHMORE: Stock Dove (").

WHITING BAY:  3 Tree Sparrows at usual site nr W end of bay, 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull (").

ARDMORE: Stock Dove at Goat Island, adult Mediterranean Gull at Ardmore(").

HELVICK HEAD: Black Redstarr, Chiffchaff & 2 Red-throated Divers (").

VARIOUS LOCATIONS: 88 species for the day (").

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): Brambling (DW).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Great Northern Diver (MC) - 1st ever inland record for Co Waterford? - also 6 Tufted Duck (CF).

TRAMORE: Female/1st-winter Black Redstart at W corner of beach (MC).

DERRIGAL (nr Portlaw): 36 Greylag Geese & 4 Whooper Swans (CF).

CLONEA: Chiffchaff, 2 Black Redstart & 47 Choughs at Ballinard (").

DUNGARVAN: adult Long-tailed Duck in channel behind Duckspool bog, Abbeyside (opposite St Augustine's College) (CF).

DUNGARVAN:  3 Whooper Swans flew off back of the Cunnigar & went east at 16:30 (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  2 female Pintail off pitch & putt course (FO'C).



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

DUNGARVAN:  Late Swallow in Dungarvan town centre, then flew W (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER still present (PK per irishbirding.com) - its 16th day!


Saturday, November 14, 2015

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS, Western Bay; Common Sandpiper, Killongford pools; 2 Jays, Brickey canal (unusual location); 3+ Chiffchaffs, 2 Redpoll & Water Rail, start of Cunnigar; adult Mediterranean Gulls, Ballyneety & Duckspool (FO'C, JAP).

HELVICK HEAD: Chiffchaff, male Blackcap & Black Redstart (").

VARIOUS: 83 species for the day (").

Friday, November, 2015

CLONEA BAY: 2 Red-throated Diver (FO'C, JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Whimbrel, Ballynagaul; 10 Shoveler (6 m, 4 f) & 3 female Pintail, Western Bay (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Late-staying RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER still present! (MDe) - its 14th day (1st seen 31st October).

CLONEA: Male Ring Ouzel (very flightly) with 12+ Song Thrushes at Ballinclamper (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  4 SPOONBILLS again on the Cunnigar but no sign of the Scaup or Common Scoter (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS on the Cunnigar, female Scaup & female Common Scoter at Cunnigar side of pitch&putt course, 8 Shoveker (7 m 1 f) in Western Bay, dark-bellied Brent

Goose at Barnawee (FO'C, JAP).

CLONEA: 11 Great Northern Divers (").


Tuesday, November 11, 2015

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  11 Whooper Swans, Lismore to Ballyduff (TM) - first report here this winter.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER still present in main willow garden, calling occasionally (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS again at high tide roost on the Cunnigar (JAP).

HELVICK HEAD: 1 Great Skua, moderate passage of large auks & Kittiwakes, small numbers of Fulmars & Gannets (seawatch 10:15-12:15, JAP).

Saturday, November 07, 2015

DUNGARVAN: 3 Whimbrel at Ballinagaul (JAP, FO'C).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  Barn Owl (PC per MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Short-eared Owls, 16:30-17:30 (JF).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS roosting on the Cunnigar,  and Otter hunting off the Cunnigar; 4 Shoveler ( 3m 1f ) 2 & female Pintail, Western Bay: Harbour Seal at Ballyneety (JAP FO'C).

CLONEA BAY:  2 Red-throated Divers off Ballyvoyle, male and female Blackcap at Ballyvoyle, 3 Swallows at Clonea (").

STRADBALLY: Red Squirrel (").

HELVICK HEAD: Great Skua,  adult Mediterranean Gull & Black Redstart (").

VARIOUSLY: 85 species of bird for the day (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHERS still present in main willow garden, 11:45 (also yesterday at 16:20) (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Fin Whales off high car-park (JJC, LC).

Thursday, November 05, 2015

DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart in town centre, 13:05 (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  S Swallows over Abbeyside church at 15:45 (FO'C).

BALLYVOYLE:  11 Great Northern Divers & 4 Red-throated Divers (FO'C).

Nr DUNGARVAN:  Barn Owl road casualty (JJC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  3 Short-eared Owls (AJ, JF).

DUNGARVAN:  4 SPOONBILLS on the Cunnigar; Black Redstart & Kingfisher at Ballynacourty pier;  Black Redstart at the promenade, Abbeyside beach; pair of Shoveler & 3 Pintail (male & 2 females), Western Bay (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER still present but elusive in garden at 13:40 (AJ).

WATERFORD CITY:  4+ Black Redstarts at the back of Honeywell Aerospace at IDA industrial estate, plus a lot of Pied Wagtails accompanyign them (KB, BB).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Total of 5 Black Redstarts this morning (3 at farmyard behind main gardens, 2 at farm about 1 km inland),also 10-15 Chiffchaffs (PA, DS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Whooper Swan at Lisselan (DS).

DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart on roof of St Mary's church, the Lookout (PV).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER still present in main willow garden (up to 15:30 at least), also a female/1st-w Black Redstart, female Blackcap, Redwing, 6+ Chiffchaffs & 2+ Swallows (MC, AJ, DS, KA).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: 23+ Shoveler, 20+ Gadwall & a Tufted Duck (MC).

BALLYVOYLE: 2 Black Redstarts on roof of house nr railway bridge, 14:45 (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER still present in main willow garden at 17:00, also a FIRECREST there (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS & 3 Pintail (1m 2 f) at the Cunnigar; Black Redstart & 2 Swallows at Ballynagaul; Green Sandpiper & calling Water Rail at Brickey canal (FO'C JAP RAW PV).

HELVICK HEAD: Jack Snipe, 4 Blackcaps & 5 Great Northern Divers (").

Total 82 species for the day (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER in main ringing/willow garden, calling but elusive (PA) - 2nd Brownstown record this year, 3rd ever. 

HELVICK HEAD: Female/1st-winter Black Redstart (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl again (JF).

HELVICK HEAD: Great Skua W, 16:30 (TM).

DUNGARVAN: 3 SPOONBILLS on the Cunnigar (JAP).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Adult male Black Redstart in last garden on left (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl (").

HELVICK HEAD: Juvenile LONG-TAILED SKUA, 2 Arctic Skuas, 1 Pomarine Skua, 4 Great Skuas & 2 Balearic Shearwaters but no other shearwaters or petrels (seawatch 09:30-11:30, CF).

ARDMORE:  Black Redstart at Dysert (NJB).

DUNGARVAN: SIngle SPOONBILL off the Cunnigar (JAP).

HELVICK HEAD: 4 Great Skuas (")

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS on the Cunnigar (MC), female Common Scoter off pitch&putt (JAP, BS, MC), male & female Shoveler in Western

Bay (JAP, BS).

Nr BUNMAHON: Short-eared Owl by chimney stack, flew E towards Kilmurrin (MC).

CLONEA: Whimbrel (JAP, BS).

Nr ARDMORE: Female Hen Harrier (SH).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Blackcaps, 7 Swallows, 60+ Skylarks & 6+ Goldcrests (MC, PMW).

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: 19 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler & an adult Mediterranean Gull (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Great Skuas (17:00-17:30, TM).

HELVICK HEAD: A SPOONBILL flew in off the sea over high car park & landed in Ballynagaul area, Dungarvan bay @14:45 today (JJC, LC, SOC).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile House Martin in town centre, female Common Scoter & a Wheater at pitch and putt (FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD: Short-eared Owl over sea then landed on Helvick, 13:40 (ADM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  YELLOW-BROWED WARLER in sycamores at bottom of 'west boreen', i.e. access road to Rinneshark at base of headland, south of Saleen; also ringtail Hen Harrier, flock of Long-tailed Tits, 2 Merlin, Redwing & male Blackcap (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Adult Yellow-legged Gull & 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Saleen (").

DUNGARVAN:  Shoveler & female Common Scoter off sports centre (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  20+ Redpolls (12 ringed), 2+ Redwings, a Siskin & Chiffchaff (AA, MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS off pitch & putt (KA), Water Rail at Springfield (PMW).

ARDMORE:  3 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Curragh (TM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Blackcap & 2 Tree Sparrows (AA), Fieldfare & (feeding  offshore among 100s of gulls) a juvenile Mediterranean Gull (MAD, PMW).

ANNESTOWN:  1st-calendar-year Mediterranean Gull (MC).

TRAMORE:  12 Gadwall & a 2nd-winter Mediterranean Gull at boating lake (").

DUNGARVAN:  Kingfisher at Barnawee (MC snr).

Off MINE HEAD:  Single HUMPBACK WHALE & Fin Whale (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  GREAT WHITE EGRET & 4 SPOONBILLS near pitch & putt course - the GWE flew from inland over main road by Topaz garage & landed in saltmarsh near pitch & putt course (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  4 SPOONBILLS & 100+ Brent Geese on the Cunnigar (FO'C).

CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore):  Flock of 30+ Redwing overhead (ADM).

WATERFORD CITY:  Kingfisher along river by Bolton Street carpark.



Wednesday, October 14, 2015

TRAMORE:  Pair of Pintail at backstrand, Shoveler & 2 Gadwall at boating lake (MC).

Off RAM HEAD:  At least 2 HUMPBACK WHALES (ADM).

CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore):  Small flock of Redwing overhead (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 207 Brent Geese & 52 Sanderling at Saleen, 1000 Golden Plover & 300 Wigeon at Kilmacleague (AJ).

WATERFORD CITY:  2 Kingfishers on river bank in People's Park (LR).

SE of HELVICK HEAD:  3 more Common Scoters going E 3 miles SE of Helvick, also 6 Meadow Pipits (FO'C).

SW of HELVICK HEAD:  3 Common Scoter SW of Helvick (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS again, at KIllongford (adult & 3 juveniles, MC) & earlier on the Cunnigar (PV).

BALLYMACART: Dipper (PV).

BUNMAHON: 2 Green Sandpipers (MC).

WOODSTOWN: Adult Mediterranean Gull (").

W of MINE HEAD: Pomarine Skua 2 miles W of Mine Head lighthouse (FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 60+ Swallows & 12 House Martins at Saleen, 13:30 (KA).

Off RAM HEAD: 3 Great Skuas 3 miles  south of Ram Head, also 2 Rooks going south out to sea a& an Arctic Skua (FO'C).

Saturday, October 10, 2015

DUNGARVAN: 4 SPOONBILLS roosting on the Cunnigar, 15:00 (JAP, FO'C, BS).

BALLYVOYLE: Redwing & Arctic Skua (").

HELVICK HEAD: Great Skua (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 7 Mediterranean Gulls (6 adults & a 2nd-winter) (MC) - a site record? - GLOSSY IBIS (AJ, PD), 350 Brent Geese (22 juv) & 800 Golden Plover (AJ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Redpoll, 6 Chiffchaffs & 8 Goldcrests (MC, PMW).

Friday, October 09, 2015

DUNGARVAN: SPOONBILL roosting on the Cunnigar, 15:00 (PMW).

DUNGARVAN:  SPOONBILL on the Cunnigar between 12:00 & 14:00 but no sign of the Great White Egret (AJ).

ARDMORE:  5+ Mediterranean Gulls at Curragh strand, including adult with ring no. 'E713' (TM).

DUNGARVAN: GREAT WHITE EGRET on the Cunnigar (CF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Jack Snipe along main lane (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Whinchat at Lisselan (AJ).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore):  20-30 Crossbills (ADM).


Sunday, October 04, 2015

DUNGARVAN:  Jack Snipe & juvenile Curlew Sandpiper on the Cunnigar (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Sub-adult Pomarine Skua & 2 Great Skuas W (seawatch 11:30-12:00); 3 Wheatears, 2 Chiffchaffs  & a Redpoll on land (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  3 Blackcaps, 4 Chiffchaffs, 10 Goldcrests & a Siskin on land, c10 unidentified dolphin offshiore (MAD, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: 8 Porpoises, 50 Common Dolphins & a Minke Whale, & steady passage of several hundred Swallows & House Martins (ADM).

HELVICK HEAD: LESSER WHITETHROAT in sycamores below the greyhound garden, 1225 (CF)

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  2 male Blackcaps, Whitethroat, 8+ Chiffchaff & 6 Goldcrests in dense fog (DS).

Off MINE HEAD: 50-60 Swallows & 8 Meadow Pipits 3 miles south of Mine Head lighthouse (FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Willow Warbler (JF).

ARDMORE:  2 adult Mediterranean Gulls & 2 White Wagtails (TM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER at chalet garden along main lane this morning (CFo, DFo), still present pm (EAMacL, MC), also a Grasshopper Warbler same place (MC).

ARDMORE: 2 White Wagtails at Curragh (TM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 108 Brent Geese, 15 Knot & a Kingfisher (AJ).

CLONEA: 3 Mediterranean Gulls (2 adults & 2nd-winter) & 15+ White Wagtails at Ballinclamper (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: 2 House Martins in town centre (FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Also 5+ White Wagtails & a Migrant Hawker dragonfly (PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS showing very well at Clohernagh (MS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Vey quiet, best a female Blackcap & 2 Redpolls (MAD, JDP, MS, PMW).


Saturday, September 26, 2015

ARDMORE:  2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in bay, 4+ White Wagtails at Curragh (TM).

Off MINE HEAD:  Sooty Shearwater W half mile out (FO'C).


Friday, September 25, 2015

RAM HEAD:  CORY'S SHEARWATER flew from east & landed on sea, also Pomarine Skua & 20 Common Dolphins (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Barnacle Goose (flew in from the east), 9 Brent Geese & a female Pintail (FO'C).
 

RAM HEAD: Sooty Shearwater, Arctic Skua & just 15 Manx Sheatwaters W (seawatch 17:35-18:35, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh, 14:10 (KA).

ARDMORE: At least six Mediterranean Gulls including two first-winter, one second-winter and three adults (TM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  6 Tree Sparrows & a Clouded Yellow butterfly the best (MC).

HELVICK HEAD:  9 Chiffchaffs, & good numbers of Swallows passing through (AA).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE in usual spot (MC), 20+ White Wagtails (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Clouded Yellow at Lisselan (AJ).

RAM HEAD: 2 DOTTEREL flying east over 1 mile offshore, also 2 very close Balearic Shearwaters flying W only 20 feet from boat (FO'C); 2 distant HUMPBACK WHALES south of the head, multiple breaches (ADM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE still present, near bottom end of gulley (EAMacL); also 6 White Wagtails,4 Willow Warblers, 3 Wheatears & a Sand Martin, plus 80+ Sandwich Terns & 6 Common Scoter in Tramore Bay (JF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Whimbrel at Clohernagh (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  From Lisselan seawall, 8 Brent Geese, 50 Knot, 1000+ Dunlin, Blackcaps & 30 Wheatears (AJ).

TRAMORE:  2 Shoveler on boating lake, Great Northern Diver & Wheatear at E end of beach (AJ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE & adult male Yellow Wagtail still present, also 3 Whinchats, 16+ White Wagtails, 3 Whitethroats, Spotted Flycatcher Willow Warbler, several Siskins; 6 Common Scoter E & a Balearic Shearwater W (MC, PMW).

ARDMORE: Adult Mediterranean Gull near Ardmore (TM).

Saturday, September 12, 2015

DUNGARVAN: 3 Green Sandpipers at Civic Amenity Centre (old dump), Ballyneety, 2 Ruff & a Common Sandpiper at Ballyneety bridge, & 3 Dippers upstream from there (PV).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile RED-BACKED SHRIKE, adult male Yellow Wagtail, c20 White Wagtails, 4 Whinchats, c40 Siskins, juvenile Pied Flycatcher, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 3 Blackcaps, 3 Whitethroats, 2+ Willow Warblers & 6+ Chiffchaffs (MC, PA, AA, MDe, PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Pied Flycatcher (CF).

CLONEA/BALLYNACOURTY: Pied Flycatcher at Ballinard (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 180 Sandwich Terns (AA).

RAM HEAD: 2 Arctic Skuas, 7 Porpoises & a Sunfish (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  8 Wheatears & 4 Brent Geese at the Cunnigar (PV).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS  at Clohernagh (DS, LR).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Whinchat, 3 White Wagtails, 7_+Wheatears & a Chiffchaff this morning (DS).

BALLYNACOURTY: Adult Mediterranean Gull & 6 White Wagtails this p.m. (EAMacL).

BROWNSTOWN: 3 Whinchats & 5 Wheatears on head, 2 Arctic Skuas in Tramore Bay (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Whinchats (adult & juvenile) on the Cunnigar (FO'C).

ARDMORE: 7 Mediterranean Gulls - adult & 1st-winter near harbour, 4 adults & a 1st-winter at Curragh (TM).

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Whinchat, Wheatear & Mink (MC).

RAM HEAD:  c200 House Martins in one flock flew out to sea c10:00 (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh, 3 Ruff & flock of 40+ Little Grebes on main lake at Lisselan (EAMacL).

DUNGARVAN: SPOONBILL, Black Tern, 3rd-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull, Ruff, 3 Whimbrel, 12 Knot & 5 early Brent Geese at the Cunnigar, juvenile Spotted Redshank on Killongford pools, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Killongford (CF, BS, FO'C, JAP).

CLONEA: 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls & a Whimbrel (BS, FO'C, JAP).

ANNESTOWN: Kingfisher (MC).

BALLYSCANLON: 2 Migrant Hawkers & 3 Common Darters (EAMacL).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Juvenile Whinchat, 8 Siskins & a flyover Ringed Plover (MC), also a Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whitethroats, 6+ Chiffchaffs & 3+ Willow Warblers (MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN:  Green Sandpiper on pools at the Cunnigar (FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Adult Ruff in front of McCarthy Fuels, Pickardstown; 350 Mallard & 3 Wigeon on the backstrand (MC).

CURRAGHMORE (nr Portlaw):  Dipper on Clodiagh River at Curraghmore Estate.

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore):  4 Crossbills in garden (ADM).

ARDMORE: Total 12 Mediterranean Gulls - 4 adults & 3 juveniles/1st-winters at harbour (ADM, TM), including red-ringed 'PN19', also 4 adults & a juvenile at Curragh (ADM).

RAM HEAD:  7 Fin Whales, 20 Common Dolphns & a Porpoise (ADM).

 CLONEA:  3 Roseate Terns & 4 juvenile Ruff at ballinard / Ballinclamper (FO'C).


Monday, August 31, 2015

CLONEA:  3+ Roseate Terns (juvenile & 2 adults) with tern flock at Ballinard, plus good numbers of 'Commic' Terns (CF).

WATERFORD CITY:  3 Green Sandpipers over Knockboy this evening (PA).

CLONEA: Black Tern, Common Sandpiper & Spotted Flycatcher (DC) & 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls (MC snr) at Ballinclamper (DC); 225 Sandwich Terns, 5 Common Terns, 3 Whimbrel & a Common Sandpiper at Ballinclamper / Ballinard at high tide this morning (PV).

MINE HEAD: Black Tern W 3 miles offshore (FO'C).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Kingfisher at main lake (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Whitethroat, 3 Willow arblers & 3 Chiffchaffs on land, Porpoise at sea (PMW).

Saturday, August 29, 2015

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Black Tern feeding inside the Cunnigar, subadult SPOONBILL & juvenile Ruff on the Cunnigar (MC).

DUNGARVAN:   2 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee, also 34 Little Egrets upriver from Barnawee Bridge, probably a record count for there (MC snr).

CLONEA:  Adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper ("),

HELVICK HEAD:  3 Great Skuas, 2 Arctic Skuas (adult dark-phase & juvenile) & a Porpoise (seawatch 14:00-16:30, PV).



Thursday, August 27, 2015

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  3 Balearic Shearwaters, an Arctic Skua & an Arctic Tern (seawatch 18:10-19:35, MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  3 Arctic Skuas & 4 Arctic terns (evening seawatch, MC).

HELVICK HEAD:  Sooty Shearwater & a few skuas (CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Arctic Skua causing mayhem off Saleen, Kingfisher at Lisselan (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: Whimbrel at the Cunnigar (TM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  4 Balearic Shearwaters, Sooty Shearwater, adult Arctic Tern, & a steady stream of Manx Shearwaters W close in (seawatch 18:00-19:45, MC).
 
CLONEA STRAND: 3 Mediterranean Gulls at Ballinclamper (1 ringed, 1 2nd-summer) (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Fulmar well inside harbour around sports centre this morning (").

ARDMORE: 4+ Mediterranean Gulls near Harbour (TM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  23 Little Egrets & Kingfisher at Lisselan, Ruff at Pickardstown (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: 8 Swifts over town, 20:04 (FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Wood Sandpiper & 21 Snipe at Lisselan (EAMacL), Whimbrel at Clohernagh (JDP).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 'Blue' Fulmar (dark side of 'D' phase) & Sedge Warbler (EAMacL); Migrant Hawker dragonfly (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 3 Swifts over town at 17:00 (FO'C),

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Ruff at Pickardstown, no sign of Little Ringed Plover at Lisselan (AJ).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): c12 Crossbills in garden, mix of moulting adults & juveniles (ADM).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Spotted Redshank & adult Yellow-legged Gull at Killongford (CF).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): A late Swift, also a Spotted Flycatcher (ADM).

Friday, August 21, 2015

DUNGARVAN: 5 Ruffs & 8+ Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety (EAMacL).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: c500 each of Dunlin & Ringed Plover at south spit, also 5 Turnstone, a Sanderling & a Wheatear (AJ).

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS: ringtail Hen Harrier (PD).

HELVICK HEAD: CORY 'S SHEARWATER past at 19:15, also 6 Great Skuas, 6 Puffins & light passage of Manx Shearwaters (CF).

RAM HEAD: GREAT SHEARWATER W at 16:15, also  Sooty Shearwater, adult Pomarine Skua, 5 Great Skuas, 2 Puffins & 540 Manx Shearwaters W (seawatch 16:05-18:35, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER & Wood Sandpiper at Lisselan (AJ).

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

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER still present on small pool at Lisselan, also Ruff still present (PL, AJ, CF), another Ruff at Pickardstown (AJ).

HELVICK HEAD:  GREAT SHEARWATER, 13 Great Skuas, 6 Arctic Skuas & 4 Pomarine Skuas (seawatch 07:20-10:20), also Manx Shearwaters W at 2550/hr (EAMacL).

ARDMORE: 20+ Mediterranean Gulls (8 adults, 10 juveniles & some 1st- & 2nd-summers) & a Common Tern at Curragh rocks this evening; adult Med Gull 'E713' at Ardmore Harbour, last recorded 2014 (ADM).

RAM HEAD: 22 Common Scoter W, 3 Common Dolphins & 3 Porpoises this morning (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER still present at Lisselan, also Ruff & a leucistic Grey Heron but no sign of Wood Sandpipers (EAMacL).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER still at Lisselan, also 4 Snipe (PV).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Ruff 2 Ballyneety, SPOONBILL at Cunnigar tip (PV), 2 late Swifts over town (FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER still present at Lisselan (MC).

CLONEA STRAND:  Adult Mediterranean Gull (ringed on right leg) at Ballinclamper (MC snr).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): 5 Crossbills (ADM).

DUNGARVAN: Juvenile Ruff at Ballyneety Bridge, 14:45 (JAP, BS), Green Sandpiper flushed from pond at old dump (PV).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Juvenile LITTLE RINGED PLOVER at Lisselan (MC).

CLONEA: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 2nd-summer), 5 Common Terns, 1 Arctic Tern & flock of 14 Choughs at Ballinclamper (CF).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Red Grouse (AT).


Wednesday, September 11, 2015

WATERFORD CITY:  HOOPOE, Lower Grange area, Ballytruckle (CO'C).

Off MINE HEAD:  GREAT SHEARWATER 1 mile south of head (FO'C).

Off RAM HEAD:  5 Grey Phalaropes flew E 1.5 miles off head (FO'C).

RAM HEAD: large shearwater species (Great or Cory's) (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  LESSER EMPEROR  dragonfly along W shore of main lake at Lisselan, also lots of Emperor dragonflies (EAMacL).

RAM HEAD: Arctic Skua & juvenile Mediterranean Gull off-passage, only 65 Manx Shearwaters W (seawatch 17:35-18:05, PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Ruff at flooded area W of main ponds at Lisselan (DS).

DUNGARVAN: 3 adult Mediterranean Gulls & 18 Little Egrets at Barnawee (MC snr).

HELVICK HEAD:
Seawatch 08:00-13:00 (CF, JAP):
GREAT SHEARWATER, Balearic Shearwater, 2 Sooty Shearwaters. c7500 Manx Shearwaters, 3 'blue' Fulmars, 4 Storm Petrels, adult LONG-TAILED SKUA, 8 Arctic Skuas, 4 Pomarine Skuas, 15 Bonxies, 229+ Puffins, 2 Arctic Terns, 2 Common Terns, 5 'Commic' Terns & 2 Porpoises.

ARDMORE:  7 Mediterranean Gulls (4 adults & 3 juveniles) at the Curragh (ADM),

FERRY POINT:  2 Common Sandpipers (ADM).


Tuesday, August 04, 2015

DUNGARVAN:  3 adult Mediterranean Gulls at Barnawee (MC snr), 5 Wheatears at the Cunnigar (ADM).

ARDMORE:  22 Mediterranean Gulls (11 adults, 10 juveniles & a 2nd-winter) roosting in bay, 19:55-21:15 (PMW).

WHITING BAY:  Adult Mediterranean Gull feeding on beach, 20:25-20:35 (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 Common Sandpipers at Saleen but no Mediterranean Gulls this evening (AA), likewise no Meds at boating lake, Pickardstown or off Lisselan seawall in afternoon (AJ).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (NR).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:

Seawatch (1 hr, AA):

2 Sooty Shearwaters, c100 Manx Shearwaters, Great Skua & Common Tern.

Also a Common Sandpiper & 5 Sanderling at base of head.

HELVICK HEAD:

Seawatch 06:00-08:30 (CF):

Balearic Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, c3000 Manx Shearwaters, Arctic Skua & 5 Puffins.

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 70 Ringed Plover at south spit (AJ).

HELVICK HEAD:

Seawatch 16:00-17:00 (EAMacL):

Adult Pomarine Skua, 2 Bonxies & 19 Puffins.

Seawatch 10:15-16:00 (JAP, BS, FO'C):

3 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Balearic Shearwaters, 20+ Puffins, 15+ Bonxies, 20+ Pomarine Skuas, 7+ Arctic Skua, 9 Common Scoters, Storm Petrel & Common Tern.

Also a Hummingbird Hawk-moth.

HELVICK HEAD:

Seawatch 17:00-19:30 (CF):

Sooty Shearwater, Arctic Skua, 3 Pomarine Skuas, Bonxie & 164 Puffins.

Seawatch 10:15-11:15 (FO'C, BS, JAP):

2 Sooty Shearwaters. Storm Petrel, 2 Bonxies, 3 Pomarine Skuas, 7 Puffins & 9 Common Scoter; also several Pomarine Skuas hunting within Dungarvan harbour.

RAM HEAD: 2 Sooty Shearwaters, 240 Manx Shearwaters, Pomarine Skua, 3 Bonxies & 12 Puffins W (seawatch 17:15-18:15, MAD, PMW).

DUNGARVAN: Wood Sandpiper at Killongford pools, 18:30 (JAP).

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

WATERFORD HARBOUR: 16+ Mediterranean Gulls (8 adults, 6 juveniles,  1 1st-summer & 1 2nd-summer) & a 1st-summer Little Gull at Woodstown this evening (PA).

HELVICK HEAD:

Seawatch 08:15-10:15 ( FO'C, JAP, PV):

Bonxie 19

Pomarine Skua 14

Arctic Skua 5

LONG-TAILED SKUA 1 

Puffin 100+

Common Scoter 9

Arctic Tern 100+

Common Tern 6

Storm Petrel 1-3

Manx Shearwater 1000+

Porpoise 1

TRAMORE BOATING LAKE: 4 adult Mediterranean Gulls (JDP).

ARDMORE (yesterday 25/7): 6 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls at Ardmore harbour near pier (PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Juvenile LONG-TAILED SKUA past, 08:50 (JAP, FO'C).

RAM HEAD: Sunfish (ADM); Arctic Skua off-passage, 77 large & near-fledgling Kittiwakes from 145 nests counted in mid June (PMW).

DUNGARVAN: At Ballyneety, Green Sandpiper flushed from ponds (Moorhen breeding there), Dipper on

river & 3 Common Sandpipers at Ballyneety bridge (PV).

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD: 2 Arctic Skuas W & a Black Guillemot E (seawatch 15:45-16:15, JF).

WATERFORD CITY: Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding in garden (DS).

RAM HEAD: 20 Fin Whales offshore this afternoon, also dark-phase medium

skua species (ADM).

ARDMORE: Adult and juvenile Mediterranean Gull at harbour 

(").

HELVICK HEAD: Dark-phase Pomarine Skua (FO'C, JAP).

BALLYVOYLE:  50+ Choughs (").

CLONEA: 5 Whimbrel & 2 Common Sandpipers at Ballinclamper (").

DUNGARVAN:  5 Common Sandpipers at Killongford pools (").

HELVICK HEAD:

Seawatch 19:35-21:10 (CF):

Arctic Skua 4 (2 dark adults, 1 pale adult, 1 juvenile)

Bonxie 1

Puffin 1

Manx Shearwater c4500

HELVICK HEAD: 

Seawatch 16.00-17.45 (JAP):

Bonxie 2

Arctic Skua I dark-phase  adult

Pom Skua 1 light-phase adult

Puffin 3 - 5.

Off HELVICK HEAD:  50 Common Scoter W past boat a half mile offshore (FO'C).

Off MINE HEAD: 5 Pomarine Skyas, 2 Great Skuas & a 1st-yr Mediterranean  Gull 1 mile (").

RAM HEAD: 7+ Fin Whales 15 km

south of head (ADM).

DUNGARVAN: 5+ Common Sandpipers at Killongford (JAP).

RAM HEAD: Groups of 15 and 16 Common Scoter; several thousand Manx Shearwaters loosely associated with 3 Fin Whales, also 3 Porpoises, this  morning (ADM).

ARDMORE: 4 Mediterranean Gulls in harbour including adult 'E666' (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Common Tern & Common Sandpiper (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 4 Common Sandpipers & a Mediterranean Gull at Lisselan, 2 Common Sandpipers & an injured Sparrowhawk at Kilmacleague (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Little Terns at Kilmacleague, 4 Common Sandpipers at Lisselan (AJ).

Saturday, July 04, 2015

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Reed Warbler & 6 Choughs at Lisselan (AJ).

Friday, July 03, 2015

SEAFIELD, BUNMAHON: 3 Green Sandpipers (DW).

Friday, July 03, 2015

BALLYSCANLAN / CARRIGAVANTRY: Long-eared Owl chicks calling at two locations (MDe).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS again at Clohernagh (EAMacL).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Arctic Skua W, 91 Manx Shearwaters & 2 Mute Swans E, & a Storm Petrel (seawatch 05:45-07:30, JF); 2 pale adult Arctic Skuas E, Bonxie W, 360 Manx Shearwaters E (seawatch 16:00-16:30), Clouded Yellow butterfly & lots of Meadow Brown & Small Tortoiseshells on land (EAMacL).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Reed Warbler & Common Sandpiper at Lisselan, 06:45 (JF).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Red-legged Partridge at Newport East, Otter at Clashmore Broads (JAP, BS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Mediterranean Gull flew past at Lisselan, up to 200 Curlew on Backstrand (MC).

Thursday, June 25, 2015

ARDMORE:  21 Whimbrel (very late or very early?)  on Curragh strand, Mediterranean Gull '666' in Ardmore Harbour (ADM).

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier (MC).

HELVICK HEAD: 30 Common Scoter flying W past boat very close to shore at 11:40 (FO'C).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Cuckoo calling, male Hen Harrier & 20+ Ravens (JAP, BS).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Adult or near-adult WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (NR) & 3 Hen Harriers (pair & ringtail at separate locations) (MC).

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS: Small Heath butterflies common along with small numbers of Green Hairstreaks (JAP, BS).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Emperor dragonfly, an early(?) Meadow Brown & 3-4 Cryptic Wood Whites (").

Nr DUNHILL: Long-eared Owl fledgling again tonight (JF).

Nr DUNHILL: 2 Long-eared Owls (chick/fledgling still with some down & adult carrying prey) (JF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Male & female Wigeon & a Stock Dove at Lisselan (AJ).

Nr DUNHILL: Long-eared Owl fledgling calling & flying between trees, 22:40 (JF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Reed Warbler & drake Wigeon at Lisselan (MC).

BALLYSCANLON LAKE: Reed Warbler in song at western end of lake (MC).

CASTLETOWN FEN: Cuckoo again (JF).

RAM HEAD: 145 occupied Kittiwake nests in study plots (>95% of whole colony), a 16% increase from June 2014; also 10 Painted Lady butterflies & a Bordered Straw (scarce migrant moth) (PMW).

CASTLETOWN FEN: 2

Cuckoos (1 visible, 1 calling), also a Water Rail calling (JF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Drake Tufted Duck at Lisselan (AJ).

Nr WHITING BAY: Small party of Tree Sparrows including 2 juveniles usual area near west end of Whiting Bay, also 2 Stock Doves in the same area (BS, JAP).

BALLYVOYLE: 2 Spotted Flycatchers actively feeding just above Ballyvoyle bridge (").

FENOR BOG: 6 Cryptic Wood White butterflies (").

VARIOUS: Pristine Painted Lady butterflies at various coastal locations (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh (EAMacL), Reed Warbler at Lisselan (CF, DW).

CASTLETOWN: 2 Cuckoos (1 at fen, 1 between fen & airport) & a Spotted Flycatcher (CF, DW).

CARRIGAVANTRY: 17 Crossbills nr water treatment plant (DW, CF).

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS:  Cuckoo seen above Kilclooney Wood, 08:00 (NR).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Reed Warbler & Cuckoo at Lisselan again (AJ).

BALLYSCANLON LAKE:  Reed Warbler in song (EAMacL).

CARRIGAVANTRY:  Crossbill but no sign of Hobby up to 0830 (PA).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Reed Warbler again present at 07:30 (JF).

CARRIGAVRANTRY:  HOBBY again today, flying W at 06:30 (JF) & also present in afternoon (DS).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  2 Cuckoos at Glenafallia (NR).

CASTLETOWN FEN:  Cuckoo calling (JF, PA).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Female wigeon species on main pond at Lisselan, male Wigeon flew past over seawall, also a Cuckoo (AJ); Reed Warbler in song at Lisselan, at small reed bed at beginnign of sea wall, also a Cuckoo calling (MC).

BUNMAHON:  Cuckoo around the large pines by Bunmahon bridge (DW).

Nr CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore): Cuckoo heard (ADM).

Monday, June 08, 2015

Nr DUNHILL: Long-eared Owl chicks calling at two locations (MDe).

ANNESTOWN: PECTORAL SANDPIPER inside bridge, by river just below pink house (JAP, BS). 

KILMURRIN: Male RED-FOOTED FALCON (FO'C, BS, JAP) - only 2nd Co Waterford record.

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (NR).

Thursday, June 04, 2015

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS at Lisselan (dog-walker per AJ).

CARRIGAVRANTRY: HOBBY at 13:25 (AJ), still present up to 18:15 at least (MC, JF).

BALLYSCANLON: Yellowhammer (AJ).

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

HELVICK HEAD:  Storm Petrel (EAMacL) - first report of year for Co Waterford.


Monday, June 01, 2015

CLONEA BAY:  Yellow Wagtail still present at Ballinard beach (CF).

HELVICK HEAD:   Great Skua seen from layby at SW side of Helvick (EB).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  2 Yellowhammer at Villierstown cross on way to quay (").


Sunday, May 31, 2015

CLONEA BAY:  Yellow Wagtail at Ballinard beach (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Long-eared Owl (AJ).

BUNMAHON: Singing Reed Warbler (DW).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: 23 Ravens by WIT west campus this morning (LR).

Friday, May 22, 2015

Nr DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl at 03:30 (JAP).

WATERFORD CITY:  2 Spotted Flycatchers along river in the People's Park (LR).

FERRY POINT:  Single Brent Goose still present (ADM).


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

BUNMAHON:  Male GARGANEY (DW).

BALLYNACOURTY POINT:  Turtle Dove in a garden (TO'B).


Sunday, May 17, 2015

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Turtle Dove on the boreen leading down towards Rinneshark (T. Cunningham).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Female Ruff at Lisselan, on the 'island' between flooded ponds (AJ).

HELVICK HEAD yesterday (14/5): 1 Bonxie, 2 adult Pomarine Skuas W & 3 adults E (probably just 3 individuals), 16:00-16:45; 2 Spotted Flycatchers on land (EAMacL).

 KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan): Hummingbird Hawk-moth inside garden glasshouse (JAP).

Nr KILMEADEN: Jay (JF).

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Pomarine Skua W (seawatch 16:15-16:45), 6 Whimbrel & 4 Red Admirals on land (JF).

HELVICK HEAD:  Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skuas, 2 Great Northern Divers, Puffin & 3 Black Guillemots (seawatch 13:15-14:15) & a Painted Lady (MC).

CLONEA STRAND: Common Tern, 2 Great Northern Divers, 50 Whimbrel & 2 Wheatears at Ballinclamper (PV, MC snr).

HELVICK HEAD: Seawatch 15:15-17:15: 17+ Pomarine Skuas including 14 in one group now possibly roosting on Cunnigar sandbar, also 6 Great Skuas, 3-4 Arctic Skuas, 8+ Puffins, 2-3 Porpoises, & lots of Swallows & Swifts in off SE (BS, PV, FO'C, JAP).

RAM HEAD:  c300 Manx Shearwaters W (11:45-12:30) (NJB).

HELVCK HEAD: Another 4 Pomarine Skuas, Arctic Skua, 2 Great Skuas & 10 Puffins, all W, & good passage of Manx Shearwaters & large auks, 12:00-13:15, also 4 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Whitethroats &  Sedge Warbler on land (CF).

KILLURE / KILLCARAGH: c20 Sedge Warblers in reedbeds (AJ).

HELVICK HEAD: 3 Pomarine Skuas, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Bonxies, 1 Black Guillemot & heavy passage of auks (seawatch 11:00-12:00), also lots of Swallows passing west by sea (BS, JAP).

RAM HEAD: 200 Manx Shearwaters W, 3 Red-throated Diver, a Bonxie & 100 Common Dolphins (seawatch 08:05-09:45).

 

MONEYGORM (nr Cappoquin):  Cuckoo (ADM).

FERRY POINT:  A late Brent Goose (").

WATERFORD CITY:  2 Swifts at Hennessy's Road; Herring Gulls nest-building on a chimney at Gracedieu (AJ).



Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Nr CARRICK-ON-SUIR:  Swift upstream from Carrick (FJ).

TRAMORE BAY:  Arctic Skua chasing terns off Tramore beach (NMC).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 2 Red Grouse (separate locations)

(BS, FO'C, JAP).

Nr LISMORE: 2 Red-legged Partridge; 4 Swifts between Lismore & Cappoquin (").

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Red-legged Partridge at Newport East; Stoat near Knockanore (").

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Porpoises (").

DUNGARVAN: 3 Harbour Seals opposite Park Hotel ("); 2 Swifts over town centre at 19:00 (FO'C); pipistrelle bat species active by day at Ballynacourty, 18:10-18:15 (EAMacL).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh again today; 213 Whimbrel & a Common Sandpiper at Lisselan (AJ).

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD:  26 Whimbrel W, 40 Manx Shearwaters & a Black Guillemot (").

CLONEA BAY:  Purple Sandpiper at Ballinclamper (CF).

HELVICK HEAD:  Adult Arctic Skua & 3 Puffins (").

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS:  2+ Crossbills at Bohadoon Mountain (").

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Reed Warbler at Raheen Quay, Clashmore (CF).

Nr WATERFORD CITY: 2 Whimbrel at IDA Park Cork Road; 3 Swifts, Cleaboy Road (DS).

CLONEA: 2 Great Skuas, a Swift in off sea, a Purple Sandpiper & 8 breeding- plumage Great Northern Divers (EAMacL).

TRAMORE BAY: Great Northern Diver E (16:00-16:30, AJ).

HELVICK HEAD: 2 Pomarine Skuas offshore, Grasshopper Warbler & Whitethroat on land (CF, JAP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Yellow Wagtail on spit between ponds at Lisselan, also a Swift, Common Sandpiper & 3 Wheatears there (AJ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Single Merlin, Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler before rain cleared (AA).

Friday, May 01, 2015

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 250+ Whimbrel & 6 Gadwall at Lisselan (MC).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: No sign of Ring-necked Duck this evening; Common Sandpiper at big lake, 100s of hirundines (mostly martins) low over lakes (CF).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Cuckoo calling (FO'C, JAP).

DUNGARVAN: 1st-summer Mediterranean Gull at the Cunnigar, 2 Black Guillemot, 1 Red-throated Diver & 1 Great Northern Diver at Gold Coast (").

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS:  Cuckoo just N of Mauma Road opposite Crohaun (MC snr).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Red Grouse (ADM).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Long-eared Owl in garden at 21:45 (ADM).

ARDMORE:  Almost 100 Whimbrel in rocks at Curragh (ADM).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male RING-NECKED DUCK, male Tufted Duck, 3 Sedge Warblers & a Swift (DS).

BALLINLOUGH:  2 Stock Doves & a Sedge Warbler (").

Nr KILL:  Sedge Warbler & 6 Lesser Redpolls at water treatment plant (").

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 2 Cuckoos & 3 Wheatears (ADM).

CARRIGAVRANTRY:  3 Common Sandpipers & a Sedge Warbler.

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (ADM).

WHITING BAY:  Tree Sparrows at 4 locations around the bay, 24 Whimbrel & a Sedge Warbler (NJB).

TRAMORE: Swift over Kennedy Park, Tramore town (JF); Sedge Warbler, 5 Willow Warblers & 100+ Whimbrel at Lisselan(AJ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Whitethroat, Whimbrel & Wheatear (MDe).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Reed Warbler at Raheen quay, Clashmore broads (JAP, BS).

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD: Whitethroat, 4 Black Guillemots, 7 Shelduck, 12 Sandwich Terns & an Otter (AJ).

Saturday, April 25, 2015

WATERFORD CITY:  Whimbrel calling overhead in early hours (PA).

Off MINE HEAD:  Pomarine Skua from boat 1 mile offshore (JK per FO'C).

HELVICK HEAD: Whitethroat & 3 Stock Doves (BS, FO'C, JAP).

OLD PARISH: Whitethroat & 2 Stock Doves (").

BALLYVOYLE: Whitethroat (").

WHITING BAY: Sedge Warbler singing (").

GOAT ISLAND (Ardmore): Basking Shark close inshore, Whitethroat (").

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Otters at

Clashmore village & Clashmore broads (").

HELVICK HEAD: Grasshopper Warbler singing & showing well this morning (CF).

Friday, April 24, 2015

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  Swift over Cleaboy Road (DS)  - 1st of yr.

HELVICK HEAD: Puffin, 2 Great Skuas & 100+ Manx Shearwaters (CF).

Nr LEMYBRIEN: Kingfisher, 2 Dippers & 6 House Martins house martins at Adramone bridge (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 12 Whimbrel & 6 Wheatears at Lisselan (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: Grasshopper Warbler singing at Brickey canal tonight (JAP).

DUNGARVAN: 2 female Long-tailed Ducks off Ballynacourty pier (FO'C).

CLONEA BAY: Basking Shark off Ballinard (").

GREAT NEWTOWN HEAD: Red-throated Diver, 4 Manx Shearwaters & 6 Sandwich Terns E (seawatch 19:15-20:00), Black Guillemot in Tramore Bay (JF).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  3 Common Sandpipers at Dromana (ADM).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Stock Dove in garden (absent for few years) (").
 
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 7 Gadwall, 6 Wheatears,52 Whimbrel & a Common Sandpiper at Lisselan (JF).

WATERFORD CITY:  Whitethroat at Ballinakill (PA) - 1st of yr.

CLONEA BAY: 16 Whimbrel at Ballinclamper (MAD, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 7 Wheatears, 10 Willow Warblers & 2 Chiffchaffs (").

BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper on River Blackwater near Cappoquin, lots of Sedge Warblers singing around Camphire (ADM).

BALLYVOYLE: HOOPOE today in a garden that held 2 Hoopoes all week (DC) - the 9th & 10th Hoopoes reported in Co Waterford this spring.

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 Sedge Warblers (EAMacL).

ANNESTOWN: 3 Large Red Damselflies (").

DUNGARVAN: 3 Black Guillemot and 4 Long-tailed Duck near the pier at Ballinacourty (MC snr).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Cuckoo calling & pair of Hen Harriers interacting this morning (ADM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still present (RZ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still present (JM).

ARDMORE: Grasshopper Warbler at Dysert (1st of year for Co Waterford), 5 Whimbrel at Curragh beach (SH).

WATERFORD CITY:  Sedge Warbler (1st of year for Co Waterford) singing at Knockboy (PA).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still present, also a Blackcap, small numbers of phylloscs & a few Tree Sparrows today (AA).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  Another HOOPOE (8th in Co Waterford in last 7 days) in stubble fields at Kilcohan side of Couse Bridge roundabout (south ring road) before being disturbed by a dog-walker (KB, BB).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  HOOPOE still in horse field (PC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still showing well, 07:30-09:30 (PC, RH).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore):  HOOPOE back again this morning (not seen yesterday) (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Yellow-legged Gull & 30+ Sandwich Terns at Saleen (KA).

KILMURRIN:  2 HOOPOES still present this morning (1 bird seen over the weekend) (CN); 1st-winter Little Gull (FO'C).

TRAMORE: Female MARSH HARRIER at Riverstown - headed for Lisselan chased by GBB Gulls; adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake (MC snr, FO'C).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male SUBALPINE WARBLER & HOOPOE still present (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Male VELVET SCOTER flew W with flock of 23 Common Scoter, also flocks of 19 & 7 Common Scoter W (total 49) (CF).


BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Probably a second HOOPOE today too, flying in from cliffs, also a male Blackcap (SE, MH).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: HOOPOE again by horses at 19:00 (MC).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still on show up to 18:00 (MC).

CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore): HOOPOE still present (ADM).

Nr MINE HEAD: HOOPOE still present on coast road near Mine Head lighthouse (MC snr).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still present, 13:00 (KA).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male SUBALPINE WARBLER still present at 10:00 (DS).

CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore): HOOPOE still present this morning (ADM).

Saturday, April 11, 2014

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male SUBALPINE WARBLER - entrance after chalet on left, field with ruin at top, far right ditch, showed very well (MC); HOOPOE still present same field this morning, by Brownstown House (pony paddock), also lots of Wheatears (MDe).

CARRIGNAGOUR (N of Lismore): Yet another new HOOPOE (ADM) - the 6th reported in Co Waterford alone in the last week.

Nr MINE HEAD: HOOPOE at roadside at Loskeran, 07:40 (JAP, BS).

Friday, April 10, 2015

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: HOOPOE found in morning, flighty & flew inland near main gardens (PA, MDe), later seen along west/Rinneshark lane (JG), then relocated at horse paddock by Brownstown House further put head again (DS).

Nr MINE HEAD: Another HOOPOE - flew over road at Loskeran near Mine Head  (EAMacL).

Nr CARROLL'S CROSS:  HOOPOE (BD).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS showing well at Clohernagh (EAMacL).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Cuckoo, plus lots of Willow Warblers all the way from Carrignagour up to the Vee (ADM).

LISMORE:  Cuckoo, same location as yesterday (ADM).



Thursday, April 09, 2015

LISMORE:  Cuckoo - 1st of year for Co Waterford (DM per ADM).

ARDMORE:  17 Sandwich Terns at Curragh (ADM).

 KILMURRIN:  2 HOOPOES in garden at Sycamore View, W of crossroads up valley from Kilmurrin Cove; birds then flew down into valley (CN).

Nr CARICK-ON-SUIR:  Several House Martins over the river just upstream from Carrick (FJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Sand Martin, Swallow, White Wagtail, female Wheatear, Shoveler & Tufted Duck at Lisselan, also Orange-tip, 2 Peacock & a lot of Small Tortoiseshell butterflies there (AJ).

LISMORE:  House Martin on Blackwater - 1st confirmed report of year for Co Waterford (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS again at Clohernagh, roosting in trees with Little Egrets; 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL, Ruff, 3 Shoveler (2m & 1 f), pair of Tufted Duck & male Wheatear at Lisselan; male Blackcap & 3 Chiffchaffs along lane to Saleen (DS).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Willow Warbler, 4+ Chiffchaffs, female Blackcap, 3 Swallows & 2 Tree Sparrows (").

TRAMORE ROAD: Jay over Tramore road, between Gracedieu & Halfway house (DS).

Nr TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 5 Yellowhammers (2m 3f) in field opposite entrance to farm between Lisselan & Kilmacleague (JF).

AGLISH:  Swallow (MF).

LISMORE: Swallow, also a Stock Dove along Blackwater (ADM).

WATERFORD CITY: Swallow (LR).

BALLYVOYLE: Swalllow, Male & female (JAP, BS).

VARIOUS LOCATIONS: 3 Willow Warblers (").

DUNGARVAN: 4 Long-tailed Ducks opposite pitch & putt course (").

BALLYBRACK: 6 Holly Blue butterflies (").

NEWPORT EAST: Male Orange-tip butterfly (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at Lisselan (IS, AJ, EAMacL), also Willow Warbler in song, Ruff & transition-plumaged Spotted Redshank (EAMacL).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Comma butterfly (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Swallow nr Clohernagh (MC), Ruff & 2 male Wheatears (AJ).

HELVICK HEAD: 7+ Willow Warblers (CF).

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier & 6 Wheatears (JF).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Male & female Hen Harrier, pair of Red Grouse, male & female Wheatear (ADM).

WATERFORD CITY: Swallows nr Gracedieu (LR).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS again at Clohernagh (AJ).

HELVICK HEAD:  Swallow & 3 Willow Warblers this morning (CF).

LISMORE:  10 Sand Martins on Blackwater (ADM).

BUNMAHON: 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Swallows & a Willow Warbler (DW).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Jack Snipe, Red Grouse & male Hen Harrier (ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL, Ruff & Gadwall at Lisselan main lake (AJ, KA).

ARDMORE: 6 White Wagtails (JDP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl & Spotted Redshank (JAP, FO'C, BS, EAMacL).

BUNMAHON:  2 Common Scoter (").

DUNGARVAN:  6 Long-tailed Ducks at seaward side of the Cunnigar (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Great Skua (").

VARIOUS LOCATIONS:  Total 97 species for the day including 3 Swalows & 10+ Sandwich Terns (").

WATERFORD CITY: Hummingbird Hawk-moth & Peacock butterfly at Arbourmount, Ferrybank (LR).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GREAT WHITE EGRET flying E past Lisselan c0915 (JAP, FO'C, BS, EAMacL) - only 2nd county record (excluding various unconfirmed reports over the years).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: 3 Red Grouse (ADM, AT).

YOUGHAL ESTUARY:  2 1st-winter Iceland Gulls at Kinsalebeg (JAP, BS).

DUNGARVAN:  4 Tufted Duck between the Cunnigar & the pitch & putt club - unusual location (").

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Raven at bird feeder in garden (ADM).

Thursday, April 02, 2015

WATERFORD CITY: Swallow over Francis St this evening (DS) - first report of spring for Co Waterford.

Wednesday, April 01, 2015

KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan): 3+ bats on the wing tonight (JAP).

GLENRIBBON (Lismore): 5 Jays & a Red Squirrel (DC).

DUNGARVAN:  Kingfisher flew up Colligan under N25 bridge & landed by Park Hotel (EB).

DUNGARVAN:  4 Long-tailed Ducks opposite pitch & putt course (JAP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at main pond at Lisselan, also a Stock Dove there (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF still behind Nissan garage at Springfield, 4 Pintail in Western Bay (BS, JAP).

CLONEA BAY: Sandwich Tern at Clonea beach, 2 Red-throated Divers at Ballyvoyle (").

ARDMORE: 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Curragh beach (").

WHITING BAY: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull & male Wheatear (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL & 2 1st-winter Little Gulls at Lisselan (MC, DS); GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh, 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at Saleen, Sandwich Tern by spits (MC).

BALLYSCANLON LAKE: Sand Martin [not Sandwich Tern!] (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Ring-billed Gull on fence by duck-pond nr Lidl, Dungarvan town (ADM).

Nr LISMORE: Lots of Chiffchaffs (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Great Skua, 5 Manx Shearwaters & good passage of large auks on a quick seawatch this morning, also an adult Glaucous Gull lingering off the cove before heading W (CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at Lisselan, also 2 1st-winter Little Gulls & a 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull there (DS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Short-eared Owl (SMH, FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL & 2 Little Gulls at Lisselan (SMH, FO'C).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL at end of seawall pond, Lisselan, 11:48 (AJ).

TRAMORE:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at boating lake, Little Gull at Lisselan & GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh (CFo, DFo).

DUNGARVAN:  SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF behind Nissan garage at Springfield (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  7 Red-throated Divers (AJ).

RATHMOYLAN:  White Wagtail, male Wheatear & 3 Red-throated Divers (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at Lisselan - flew toward field on hill behind phd with mixed flock of c1500 gulls (GM); GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh (JDP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  BONAPARTE'S GULL & Little Gull at Lisselan (EAMacL et al.); Jack Snipe at Kilmacleague saltmarsh (AJ).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male RING-NECKED DUCK still present (EAMacL).

DERRIGAL (nr Portlaw):  2+ Pink-footed Geese (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  2 female Wheatears (MC) & a Chiffchaff (MAD, PMW).

CALISO BAY:  Female Wheatear (MC).

BLACKWATER ESTUARY:  1st-winter Iceland Gull at Youghal Slob, 2nd-winter Iceland Gull at Kinsalebeg, both visible from Ferry Point (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL at main pond at Lisselan, also 1st-winter little Gull, male Shoveler & 3 Gadwall there; GLOSSY IBIS at Clohernagh; 2 Short-eared Owls at backstrand (AJ, JF).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male RING-NECKED DUCK (MS).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Drake RING-NECEKD DUCK & 2 drake Shoveler this evening (MC).

TRAMORE: 1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL & adult Ring-billed Gull on boating lake, 2 1st-winter Little Gulls at Lisselan (MStewart).

TRAMORE:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at boating lake, 11:35, showing very well (CO'S per irishbirding.com).

TRAMORE:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL still showing at close range on boating lake this morning (PA).

DUNGARVAN:  Peacock butterfly at Brickey canal (FO'C).

TRAMORE:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at boating lake, early a.m., before flying N high (CF, DS), back again by 12:20 (AJ), still present 14:45 (PA), then flew again at 17:15 (DDB); also adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake (DDB), & 1st-winter Little Gull on channel just inside seawall at Lisselan (CF).

BUNMAHON:  Iceland Gull (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Also 2 male Wheatears & 3 Short-eared Owls (BS, FO'C, JAP).

DUNGARVAN:  SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF & 2 Common Chiffchaffs behind Nissan garage at Springfield (KA, BS, FO'C, JAP); 3 Shoveler & 4 Pintail in Western Bay; 3 Goldeneye off pitch & putt (BS, FO'C, JAP).

CLONEA BAY:  7 Whimbrel & 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at Ballinard (').

BALLYVOYLE:  11 Common Scoter flying W towards Helvick (").

KILMEADEN:  Jay (").

VARIOUS:  97 species in total (").

TRAMORE:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL again at boating lake, showing well at Splashworld side before flying high inland, also adult Ring-billed gull, 2 Mediterranean Gulls & 40 Brent Geese there (MC); 1st-winter Little Gull on main lake at Lisselan (DS, CF); SPOONBILL near spits & Spotted Redshank feeding in pool at end of sandhills carpark (DS).

TRAMORE:  1st-winter BONAPARTE'S GULL at boating lake, showing well at Splashworld side at 18:00 (AJ), still present at 18:50 (JF).

DUNGARVAN:  Kingfisher flew in under new pontoon at Davitt's Quay (EB).

RAM HEAD:  Male Wheatear & 2 Chiffchaffs (NJB).



Saturday, March 14, 2015

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  3 Woodcock (JAP, BS).

BLACKWATER  VALLEY:  3 Jays at Knockanore; 2 Otters at Clashmore Broads (").

ARDMORE:  1st-winter Iceland Gull at Ardmore, female Merlin at Goat Island (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Male Wheatear along road to high car-park, adult Mediterranean Gull & 4 Black Guillemots (").

DUNGARVAN:  3 Whimbrel at Ballynagaul; SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF behind Nissan garage, Springfield; 4 Pintail (male & 3 female) in Western Bay; 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull at Lookout (").

Nr WHITING BAY:  2 Tree Sparrows at crossroad between Whiting Bay & Caliso Bay, Caliso Cottage (NJB).

KILMURRAY (nr Dungarvan):  Red Admiral butterfly (JAP).

CLONEA BAY: 2 Sandwich Terns off Ballinard (FO'C) - first of year for Co Waterford.

RAM HEAD: 4 Common Scoter, 10 Red-throated Divers & 4 Common Dolphins (ADM).

IDA PARK (nr Waterford city): Chiffchaff (DS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Spotted Redshank at first pond in sandhills carpark (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: SPOONBILL around the spits today (AJ).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Drake RING-NECKED DUCK still present (MC).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  126 Whooper Swans (TM).

TRAMORE:  Adult Ring-billed Gull & 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at boating lake (FO'C, SMH).

WATERFORD CITY:  Chiffchaff in garden, Francis Street (DS).

Nr DUNGARVAN: Long-eared Owl flew over N25, c22:50 (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: Wheatear on beach at Abbeyside Church (FO'C) - first of spring for Co Waterford.

BUNMAHON: 1st-winter Iceland Gull on beach (DW).

TRAMORE: Adult summer Mediterranean Gull & adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake (AJ).

HELVICK: Adult Iceland Gull still at pier (MC snr).

BROWNSWOOD (opposite Tibberaghny): Jay & 2 Crossbills (PMW).

TIBBERAGHNY (Co Kilkenny): 71 Whooper Swans, 35 Mute Swans & 9 Little Egrets (").

DERRIGAL (nr Portlaw): 48+ Greylag Geese & 17+ Whooper Swans (").

FERRY POINT:  Iceland Gull (JAP), 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull (NJB).

Nr WHITING BAY: Jay at Moord (JAP), 2 Tree Sparrows nr west end, 58 Brent Geese in field behind the bay (NJB).

CLONEA BAY:  4 Whimbrel at Ballinard (PV).

DUNGARVAN:  SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF on brambles, flycatching at back of Nissan garage, Springfield; Black Redstart on seawall at Abbeyside (").

BALLYQUIN: Merlin along beach (NJB).

TRAMORE:  Shoveler & adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake, 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at Pickardstown (BS, FO'C, JAP).

BELLE LAKE:  Water Rail (").

BUNMAHON:  Chiffchaff singing (").

STRADBALLY:  3 Treecreepers (").

DUNGARVAN:  2 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFFS, 5 Common Chiffchaffs & a Water Rail behind Nissan garage, Springfield; 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Long-tailed Ducks (maybe not the usual pair), 8 Goldeneye, male Pintail & 7 Shoveler off pitch & putt course; adult Mediterranean Gull at Gold Coast; Kingfisher at Brickey canal (").

HELVICK:  Adult Iceland Gull & 3 summer-plumaged Black Guillemots (").

VARIOUS: Total 93 species including 11 gull species for the day (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Sand Martin (1st Co Waterford report of the year) opposite McCarthy Fuels at Pickardstown (BS, FO'C, JAP), also a Ruff there (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN:  SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF, Common Chiffchaff, male Blackcap & nest-building Long-tailed Tit behind Nissan garage at Springfield, Dungarvan town (EAMacL).

TRAMORE:  Adult Ring-billed Gull at Tramore boating lake (MC).


Thursday, March 05, 2015

DUNGARVAN:  2 SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFFS behind Nissan garage at Springfield, Dungarvan town (FO'C), JAP).

HELVICK:  Adult Iceland Gull (").

CLONEA:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull off Ballinard (").

BUNMAHON:  2 1st-winter Iceland Gulls (MC snr).

TRAMORE:  Adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake (MC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  SPOONBILL at Pickardstown (AJ, LR), 3 (possibly 4) Short-eared Owls (AJ).

TRAMORE:  GLOSSY IBIS & SPOONBILL at Pickardstown (KA, AJ), Ring-billed Gull at boating lake (AJ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  6 Red-throated Divers (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Glaucous Gull at the Cunnigar (JAP).

CLONEA: 20+ Great Northern Divers (").

DUNGARVAN: SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF seen and heard well behind Nissan garage, nr Springfield waterworks; 7 Goldeneye opposite pitch and putt; Kingfisher ballyneety (BS, FO'C, JAP).

BALLYVOONEY COVE: 8-10 Red-throated Divers (").

HELVICK: Summer-plumage Black Guillemot (").

STRADBALLY: Red Squirrel (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2nd-calendar-yr (1st-winter) SPOONBILL & a Spotted Redshank opposite McCarthy Fuels (MC).

RATHMOYLAN: Black Redstart (").

Friday, February 27, 2015

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Drake RING-NECKED DUCK still present (MC).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Long-tailed Ducks showing well off sports centre (IS).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Merlin at Pickardstown (AJ).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 GLOSSY IBISES opposite McCarthy Fuels at Pickardstown (IS) - first definite confirmation of >1 bird here this winter.

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  RING-NECKED DUCK still present (").

HELVICK: Adult Glaucous Gull & 9 Black Guillemots (8 summer plumaged) (JAP, FO'C).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Long-tailed Duck & 4 Goldeneye off lookout, 2 Goldeneye at Ballyneety (").

BALLYVOYLE;  6 Common Scoter & a Red-throated Diver (MC snr).

TRAMORE: Black Redstart at W end of strand, male Blackcap at Pickardstown (AJ).

Nr LISMORE: Barn Owl tonight (ADM).

Nr KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Hen Harrier (NR).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Drake RING-NECKED DUCK still present (MC).

TRAMORE:  Adult Yellow-legged Gull at boating lake, before flying high & W (").

HELVICK: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull (JAP, BS).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Long-eared Owl calling in garden again last night after 3 nights' absence (ADM).

DRUM HILLS:  Woodcock, female Merlin & female Crossbill (RAW, BS, JAP, FO'C).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  Male Merlin & 2 Red-legged Partridge at Newport East (").

Nr WHITING BAY:  5 Tree Sparrows at usual feeders at W end of bay (").

ARDMORE:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull & 20+ Red-throated Divers off Curragh (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Summer-plumaged Black Guillemot (").

DUNGARVAN:  4 Pintail (1 m, 3 f), 15+ Shoveler & 4 Goldeneye (2 m, 2 f) off Western Bay (").

VARIOUS LOCATIONS:  90 species for the day, including 6 Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks & 2 Kestrela (").

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher at rear of Civic offices, Davitt's Quay, 13:45; also Otter same location yesterday (EB).

YOUGHAL HARBOUR:  1st-winter Iceland Gull, uner JJ's chuck wagon on Co Waterford side (CF).

BALLYVOYLE: 30+ Red-throated Divers & summer plumage Black Guillemot (KA, AJ).

BOATSTRAND:  Adult Great Black-backed Guyll with blue ring '1TP' on right leg (").

TRAMORE:  Eastern-type Jackdaw at bkiating lake (AJ).

Nr WHITING BAY:  2 Tree Sparrows at usual feeders, & 7 Stock Doves (MC snr).

ARDMORE:  2nd-winter Mediteranean Gull on strand (").

DUNGARVAN: 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull at Quann's (FO'C).

CALISO BAY:  Black Redstart (ADM).

TRAMORE:  3rd-calendar-year (2nd-winter) Iceland Gull & 10 Shoveler at boating lake (AJ).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Glaucous Gulls off pitch & putt course (JAP).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  GLOSSY IBIS at Pickardstown, 2 Pintail & c3000 Golden Plover at Kilmacleague (AJ).

ARDMORE:  2 Great Northern Divers (").

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Drake RING-NECKED DUCK on main lake (MC).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  147 Whooper Swans midway between Cappoquin and Camphire Bridge (MC snr).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  3 Short-eared Owls seen together (report per AJ).

DUNGARVAN:  Adult Yellow-legged Gull at the Cunnigar (MC).

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore):  Long-eared Owl calling again tonight & last night (ADM).

TRAMORE: Spotted Redshank in saltmarsh between old dump & spits (just NNW of first hillock), 96 Grey Plover W of spits, 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull off Saleen, 2 Pintail (male & female) & 8 Gadwall in Backstrand off N saltmarsh (PMW); adult Ring-billed Gull & 20 Shoveler at boating lake, 16 Gadwall & 27 Little Grebes at Lisselan (AJ, PMW); Whimbrel at Clohernagh, 9 Reed Buntings at N saltmarsh (AJ).

DRUM HILLS:  7+ Crossbills, Jack Snipe & Jay; 2 Yellowhammers between Toor North and Clashmore (JAP, BS).

BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Stock Dives near Clashmore Broads (").

Nr WHITING BAY: 10+ Tree Sparrows at usual feeders (").

ARDMORE: 2 Red-throated Divers (").

DUNGARVAN: 2 Long-tailed Duck off pitch and putt (").

VARIOUS LOCATIONS: Total 80 species including 5 Sparrowhawks (").

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS (adult & 1st-winter) on the Cunnigar, opposite pitch & putt course, also 2 Long-tailed Duck, 4 Pintail (1 male), 17 Shovelet & 6 Goldeneye off P&P; 2 Whimbrel at Ballynagaul; Water Rail at Springfield; 48 Great Crested Grebes & 8 Red-throated Divers around bay (PMW).

CLONEA BAY: 3 Red-throated Divers & 2 Great Northern Divers (").

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore): Long-eared Owl calling again tonight (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Jack Snipe at Sallybrook Bog, Clonea Road, Abbeyside (MC snr).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: GLOSSY IBIS (AJ).

DUNGARVAN: 2 SPOONBILLS (").

BALLYVOYLE: Black Redstart (").

TANKARDSTOWN (nr Bunmahon): Red-throated Diver (").

Monday, February 09, 2015

ARDMORE:  Mediterranean Gull & 3 Great Norther Divers at Curragh (ADM).

RAM HEAD:  Porpoise & 30 Common Dolphins (").

CARRIGNAGOUR (nr Lismore):  Long-eared Owl hooting in garden the last few nights (").

COMERAGH MOUNTAINS:  A wing-tagged WHITE-TAILED EAGLE (tag "10") flew N overhead (MMacR); flock of 20 Snow Buntings at Coum Iarthar ridge on Comeragh plateau, grid reference S308125 (MD).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  Green Sandpiper downriver from old railway bridge, Cappoquin (MC snr).

TRAMORE : GLOSSY IBIS again in channel off The Estuary housing estate, Riverstown area, NW corner of Backstrand (MC, DS); also adult Ring-billed Gull at Riverstown (DS); 2 Iceland Gulls at E end of beach (JB).

DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher at end of pier at Dungarvan Quay,13:30 (EB).

DUNGARVAN: Also 2 Long-tailed Ducks, 2 Shoveler & 2 Pintail off pitch+putt  (FO'C).

TRAMORE: Black Redsart by Tramore lifeboat, Cove pier (EAMacL).

TRAMORE: GLOSSY IBIS showing well in channel in front of McCarthy Fuels, Riverstown (CF, MC); white 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull off seawall at Backstrand, then flew towards Saleen, Water Rail at Lisselan, adult Ring-billed Gull & adult Mediterranean Gull at boating lake (MC).

DUNGARVAN: Adult Ring-billed Gull at Ballynacourty pier, male Black Redstart at Abbeyside Church grounds (FO'C); Kingfisher at Dungarvan quay before flying under Devonshire Bridge (EB).

Nr GRACEDIEU (Tramore Road): Long-eared Owl at 06:05 this morning (JF).

TRAMORE:  Black Redstart at the harbour (KA).

TRAMORE:  Adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake (RZ, MC); GLOSSY IBIS at Backstrand (PC per irishbirding.com).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  114 Whooper Swans, also c150 Wigeon (CF).

BLACKWATER VALLEY:  No Whooper at Camphire (") - but usual Bride flock were feeding at one or two other locations nearby in mid January (PS).

HELVICK HEAD:  Glaucous Gull (JAP).

DUNGARVAN:  Whimbrel at Ballynagaul (JAP); Green Sandpiper at Brickey canal (CF); dead Kingfisher at window in Aldi car-park (DC).

CLONEA:  Long-eared Owl at Ballinclamper, also 6 Ravens there including one eating fat balls on garden feeder (DC).

Nr KILMEADEN:  Dead Barn Owl at Kilmeaden end of bypass/toll road (DC).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  Kingfisher at Clohernagh (DS).

TRAMORE:  Dead KILLER WHALE still on Saleen beach at Backstrand - looks like a young animal by size but old by teeth (ADM); 64 Shoveler on boating lake, new record count for the county? (MC).