WATERFORD CITY: 3 Swifts over Ballybricken this am and 10+ over IDA park on the Cork Road this evening (DS); first Swifts also arrived over Ferrybank today (LR).

ARDMORE: Adult summer Red-throated Diver off Curragh (ADM).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Yellow Wagtail flyover, then around farmyard; Great Skua best on seawatch (MC); male Blackcap (PMW).

HELVICK HEAD: Seawatch 10-11am - 1 Ad sum Pom, 2 Bonxie, 26 Puffin, 4 GND, 5000+ Manxies; much smaller passage 12-1.30, only birds of a Bonxie, Common Tern and 69 Puffins (CF).

DUNGARVAN: 30+ Swifts (FO'C).

HELVICK: Male Pochard, 2 Arctic Terns, Black Guillemot, Great Skua, Arctic Skua and 4 Puffins during a brief seawatch. (MC, CF)

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS: Cuckoo calling (ADM).

DUNGARVAN: 2 Swifts over town centre this evening (FO'C).

CARRIGAVANTRY: Common Sandpiper (AJ).

Nr TALLOW: 3+ Woodcock roding including a pair (SO'C, PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  2 Tree Sparrows (MC).

EAST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Cuckoo calling & sometimes on view (CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  60+ Whimbrel & 2 Barnacle Geese at Lisselan, Wheatear on new link road bhind caravan park (JF).

RAM HEAD:  3 Great Skuas, hundreds of Manx Shearwaters & quite a few Common or Arctic Terns (seawatch 10:00-11:45, ADM).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  45 Whimbrel roosting west of the spits (PMW).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Red-throated Diver (W), 19 Whimbrel (8 W), House Martin, 2 Sand Martins, Wheatear, 2 Whitethroats, 3 Blackcaps, 12 Willow Warblers & 2 Tree Sparrows (PMW).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 19 Whimbrel, 2 Barnacle Geese & a Sedge Warbler at Lisselan (JF), 5 Whimbrel at Clohernagh (JDP).

FERRYPOINT: Summer-plumaged Great Northern Diver (ADM).

Near TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  CATTLE EGRET immediately N of Corballymore Wood, nr Saleen, in field with cattle at 10:45, then flew E over road (JDP).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon):  Swift (DW) - first of year for Co Waterford.

CLONEA:  Roseate Tern & 2 Arctic Terns with Sandwich Terns off Ballinard (CF).

WHITING BAY:  Sedge Warbler singing (NJB).

HELVICK HEAD: 

Seawatch 07.45 - 09.05 (JAP, BS, RAW): 

Great Skua: 8.

Puffin: 2.

Black Guillemot: 2.

Red-throated Diver: 1.

Manx Shearwater, Fulmar, Gannet, Kittiwake, large auks: light passage.

Sandwich Tern: large numbers.

HELVICK HEAD:  Red-legged Partridge today (MW, CF), near top of hill where Red-breasted Flycatcher was seen last autumn; one of at least 3 reported in area in last few days, presumably a gun-club release.

Nr TALLOW: Woodcock roding over forestry in two tetrads tonight (SO'C, PMW).

CLONEA:  Several hundred Whimbrel arriving in from sea, adult dark-bellied Brent Goose & 20+ White Wagtails at Ballinard (FO'C).

ARDMORE:  67 Whimbrel landed on rocks at Curragh c1600 (ADM).

CALISO BAY:  Merlin (").

LISMORE:  Common Sandpiper on Blackwater, 3 Whitethroats in disused quarry (ADM).

CLONEA:  45 Whimbrel, 2 Wheatears & a Whitethroat around Ballinclamper (MC snr).

KNOCKMEALDOWN MOUNTAINS:  Cuckoo heard (NR) - first of the year for Co Waterford.

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  23 Wheatears, 4 Willow Warblers, 3 House Martins, 3 Whimbrel & a Golden Plover this evening (MC).

ARDMORE:  3 Wheatears on rough ground at Dysert, 2 Stock Doves at Goat Island (NJB).

BUNMAHON:  Female MARSH HARRIER around midday today, heading east (NL).

WHITING BAY:  Sedge Warbler singing (NJB).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: female Blackcap, 14 Willow Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs & a Wheatear the best this afternoon (PMW).

SOUTH KILKENNY:  Buzzards during last week (PSi).

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Pair of Hen Harriers sky-dancing (CF).

CARRIGAVRANTRY: Sedge Warbler singing & Orange-tip butterflies (LRy).

Nr CLASHMORE:  Pair of Yellowhammers (JAP, BS).

WHITING BAY:  2nd-calendar-year Iceland Gull in freshly ploughed field at Whiting Bay (").

BALLYMACART:  6 House Martins (").

BRICKEY CANAL:  Stoat on road (").

Nr CLASHMORE:  Holly Blue buterfly (").

Nr KINSALEBEG:  Orange-tip (").

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Common Sandpiper (CF, DW).

NEWPORT EAST: Barnacle Goose with  Shelduck (JAP, BS).

WATERFORD NATURE PARK (Kilbarry):  Water Rail (LR).

Off BALLYVOYLE (from boat):  Great Skua & 15 Whimbrel (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  3 Long-tailed Ducks near Ballynacourty pier, flying out (").

HELVICK HEAD:  Whitethroat & 2 Willow Warblers (CF).

EAST WATERFORD:  RED KITE (DH per CF).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND:  2 Barnacle Geese still at Lisselan, also Wheatear & lots of Sand Martins (MDe).

BALLYSCANLAN LAKE: 1st-year Iceland Gull (EAMacL).

BUNMAHON:  Sedge Warbler (first of year) & Whitethroat (DW).

ARDMORE:  Whimbrel & Common Sandpiper at Curragh (ADM).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

TRAMORE:  Whitethroat (AJ).

Nr BELLE LAKE:  Grasshopper Warbler (first of year) reeling south of Belle Lake, plus lots of Blackcaps in song in that area & around Pickardstown, Tramore (PA).

DUNGARVAN: HOOPOE at the Cunnigar at 5 pm today.

EAST WATERFORD:  4 Buzzards (AJ),

TRAMORE TOWN:  3 House Martins (").

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Barnacle Geese again at Lisselan, also 3 Gadwall (MC).

GLENSHELANE:  2 Dippers (NT).

BROWNSWOOD (nr Portlaw):  first House Martin here, nest-inspecting (FJ).

RAM HEAD: >>500 Manx Shearwaters & a Porpoise this morning (ADM).

RIVER SUIR nr KILSHEELAN:  2 Common Sandpipers (EAMacL).

TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Barnacle Geese (displaying!), 213 Brent, c200 Swallows & c15 Sand Martins at Lisselan (AJ), also 3 Gadwall there (JF).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Pair of Tree Sparrows & just 1 Willow Warbler (PMW).

BALLYVOONEY: Great Northern Diver & 2 Red-throated Divers (AJ).

BALLYVOYLE: Willow Warbler, male Blackcap & Dipper (").

STRADBALLY: Dipper (").

MID WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Tree Sparrow (PMW).

CALISO BAY:  6+ Blackcaps (ADM).

BALLYVOYLE: 3rd-yr Glaucous Gull (AJ).

GOAT ISLAND: c60 Manx Shearwaters feeding with Gannets (").

DUNGARVAN: 3 Swallows at White Strand, Barnawee (MC snr).

IDA PARK (Cork Road): 3 Willow Warblers singing (DS).

Nr WATERFORD CITY:  RED KITE flying NW over Holy Cross, Cork Road, c16:00, then headed NE in general direction of Carriganore (DS).

DUNGARVAN:  5 Swallows at Ballynacourty (SMH).

SOUTH KILKENNY:  Swallow (BB).

TRAMORE:  4 Swallows (AJ).

DUNGARVAN:  5 Swallows over St. Augustine's College, Dungarvan (EC).

BALLINARD:  Adult Glaucous Gull & White Wagtail (MC).

HELVICK:  4 Black Guillemots (").

ARDMORE:  Wheatear, 2 Swallows & an Otter at Curragh (ADM).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (MC).

CALISO BAY:  an early Whitethroat (ADM) - first Co Waterford record of the year, and earliest in last 10 years at least.*  *First dates reported to waterfordbirds.com from 2005 onwards were: 30 Apr 2005, 30 Apr 2006, 27 Apr 2007, 19 Apr 2008, 23 Apr 2009 (also 14 Apr 2009 south Kilkenny), 24 Apr 2010, 18 Apr 2011, 28 Apr 2012, 20 Apr 2013.

WHITING BAY:  Female Merlin (").

Nr LISMORE:  Blackcap singing (ADM).

ARDMORE:  20+ Sand Martins & 2 Sandwich Terns at Curragh (ADM).

FERRYPOINT:  Wheatear & 2 Sandwich Terns (").



Sunday, April 06, 2014

ARDMORE:  Red-legged Partridge (presumed escaped or released) along New Line road, 5 Sand Martins & 11 Sandwich Terns at the Curragh (NJB).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  2 Black Guillemots & 10 Sandwich Terns, quiet on land (AJ).

TRAMORE:  2 Chiffchaffs (").

WATERFORD CITY:  Chiffchaff at Arbourmount, Ferrybank (LR).

HELVICK: 2CY Glaucous Gull. (MC)

Friday, April 04, 2014

KILMACTHOMAS: Swallow & 2 Sand Martins (FO'C).

CLONEA BEACH: 2 House Martins near hotel (").

TRAMORE:  3 Sand Martins at boating lake, Chiffchaff & 2 Siskins in garden at Cairnwood (JF).

DUNGARVAN:  Female Merlin hunting & 2 Swallows at Ballyneety (JAP).

Nr CAPPOQUIN:  Jay (NR).

SEAFIELD (nr Bunmahon): 2 Swallows & 2 Sand Martins (DW),

ARDMORE:  21 Sandwich Terns & 3 Sand Martins at Curragh (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  3 Swallows in town centre (FO'C) - first definite report of the year for Co Waterford.

CLONEA:  23 Sandwich Terns & 2 Wheatears at Ballinard (FO'C).

EAST WATERFORD:  2 Buzzards (AJ).

NEWTOWN GLEN (Tramore Bay):  3 Chiffchaffs & a Siskin (JF).

HELVICK HEAD:  2 female Wheatears & 2 Chiffchaffs (JAP).

MID WATERFORD:  2 Buzzards (TC).

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

HELVICK HEAD:  2 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls & a Willow Warbler (").

FERRYPOINT:  Wheatear & Sandwich Tern (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Willow Warbler in town centre (FO'C).

CLONEA:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull, 13 Sandwich Terns & a male Wheatear at Ballinard (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN:  Sandwich Tern off Ballynacourty pier (").

ARDMORE:  House Martin (first of year) flew W over bay, Chiffchaff near coastguards (NJB).

DUNGARVAN:  2 Sand Martins passed over town centre c18:55 (FO'C).

Nr KILL:  7 Sand Martins over water treatment facility just outside village (DS).

MID WATERFORD:  Pair of Buzzards (").

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Merlin, 2 Wheatears, 2 Sand Martins, 5 Willow Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs (including one eastern-type) & an Otter (MDe, PMW).

WATERFORD CITY:  Hummingbird Hawk-moth at Arbourmount, Ferrybank (LRy).

DUNGARVAN:  Male GARGANEY still just upriver from Barnawee Bridge (MC snr).

WATERFORD NATURE PARK (Kilbarry):  Kingfisher & Chiffchaff (LR).

GOAT ISLAND, ARDMORE:  Glaucous Gull (NJB); 3 Stock Doves (SMH, MC snr).

WHITING BAY:  12 Greenshank in flooded field, Great Northern Diver in bay (NJB).

FERRY POINT:  4 Sandwich Terns (").

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

SOUTH TIPPERARY:   3 Buzzards together (FJ).

BALLYVOYLE COVE:  2 Wheatears (ADM).

DUNGARVAN:  Sandwich Tern at Ballynacourty pier (").

Nr CAPPOQUIN:  Chiffchaff (").

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

NORTH WATERFORD:  3 Buzzards together (FJ).

WHITING BAY:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull (ADM).

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

WHITING BAY:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull feeding on Grey Seal carcase; Tree Sparrow & 2 Siskins on feeders near west end (MC snr).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD:  Red-throated Diver (JF, MH).

TRAMORE:  Great Northern Diver in Bay, 13 Gadwall at Lisselan (").

MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS:  Male Hen Harrier (MC).

EAST/MID WATERFORD:  Buzzard at two locations (FJ, DS).

HELVICK: 2 Sandwich Terns on buoy off Helvick plus 1st-winter Glaucous Gull on sea (JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Male Wheatear at Abbeyside church (").

SEAFIELD:  Sand Martin (DW).

DUNGARVAN:  Green Sandpiper at Killongford pools (JAP, BS).

WHITING BAY:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull; 3 Tree Sparrows at usual feeder near west end of bay (").

CALISO BAY:  Male Wheatear (").

CLASHMORE BROADS:  Stock Dove (").

WEST WATERFORD:  2 Buzzards (").

CLONEA:  5 Sandwich Terns at Ballinclamper (first of year), 2 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls at Ballinard (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: Male GARGANEY at Barnawee (MC, CF), 5 Long-tailed Ducks off Abbeyside beach, Black Guillemot at Ballynacourty & in harbour (MC, CF, EB).

HELVICK: 3 Black Guillemots (MC, CF).

DUNGARVAN: Male GARGANEY still present at Barnawee (SMH).

DUNGARVAN:  Male GARGANEY again at Barnawee, just upriver from bridge (MC snr).

CLONEA:  2 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls at Ballinclamper (").

WHITING BAY:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull (ADM).

ARDMORE:  2 Great Northern Divers, Curragh / Ardmore Bay (").



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

DUNGARVAN:  Male GARGANEY still showing well just upriver from Barnawee Bridge, very close to road at low tide (MC snr).

DUNGARVAN: Male GARGANEY still at Barnawee (JAP, BS).

CLONEA: 2 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls at Ballinard, 2 Common Scoter at Ballinclamper (CF).

BALLYVOONEY: Black Guillemot (").

STRADBALLY COVE: Dipper (").

DUNGARVAN: Male GARGANEY showing well at Barnawee/Kilminnin, 1405 (MC snr) still present 1500 (EAMacL).


BALLINARD:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull (RD).

WHITING BAY:  12 Choughs (NJB).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

BALLYQUIN: Male Wheatear (ADM).

IDA PARK (nr Waterford city): Chiffchaff singing & a Merlin (DS).

BALLINARD:  Wheatear & 1st-winer Glaucous Gull (RD).

CALISO BAY:  2 Wheatears (MC, CF, DW).

WHITING BAY:  2 Stock Doves (").

HELVICK:  3 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls (").

WEST WATERFORD:  3 Buzzards (2 locations) (").

DUNGARVAN:  Male GARGANEY at Barnawee / Kilminnin (MC snr).

TRAMORE:  Wheatear at sandhills car-park, adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake, 10 Shoveler & 5 Gadwall at Lisselan (AJ).

BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Quiet on land - 1 Chiffchaff; 4 Red-throated Divers on sea (MAD, PMW).

BALLINARD:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull again feeding on dolphin carcase (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF again behind petrol station near Youghal Road roundabout, being harassed by a Robin (FO'C).

TRAMORE:  Adult Ring-billed Gull at boating lake, female Merlin near landfill site (JF).

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard at two sites (one, possibly two birds) (ADM).

HELVICK: 3 Glaucous Gulls (adult & 1st-winters) (JAP).

DUNGARVAN: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at Ballynagaul ("), 12 Chiffchaffs at Brickey canal (FO'C).

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  2 Sand Martin at Ballyduff Upper, 50 Whooper Swans at Lismore callows (DC).

RAM HEAD: Flock of 37 Manx Shearwaters, also Pomarine Skua, Red-throated Diver, Porpoise & 10 Common Dolphins (ADM).

HELVICK HEAD:  Male Wheatear on road to high car-park this morning (JAP) - first of spring for Co Waterford.

BALLINARD:  1st-winter Glaucous Gull feeding on dolphin carcase, also Mediterranean Gull (FO'C).

WHITING BAY:  8 Greenshank in flooded field (NJB).

HELVICK:  Male Hen Harrier, female Merlin & 2+ Glaucous Gulls (2nd-winter & 1+ 1st-winter) (EAMacL).

CASTLETOWN FEN POOL: 4 Shoveler. (MC)

LISSELAN: Shoveler. (")

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

BOATSTRAND: 1st winter Iceland Gull. (")

STRADBALLY COVE: Dipper & Chiffchaff. (")

HELVICK: 2 1st winter Glaucous Gulls. (")

BALLYNEETY: 1st winter Glaucous Gull. (MC & MC Sr.)

DUNGARVAN: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull at Ballyneety (MC snr).

ARDMORE:  4 Great Northern Divers in Bay, adult Glaucous Gull at Ballyquin beach (NJB).

HELVICK: 3 Glaucous Gulls (adult & 2 1st-winter) & 1st-winter Iceland Gulls (JAP).

ARDMORE: Adult Glaucous Gull at Curragh (ADM).

WHITING BAY: 1st-winter Glaucous Gull & 17 Choughs (").

FERRYPOINT: 1st-winter Iceland Gull (").

BLACKWATER CALLOWS:  75 Whooper Swans at Ballyduff Upper (DC).

VILLIERSTOWN:  3 Otters (").

WEST WATERFORD:  Buzzard (").

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

BALLYVOONEY COVE:  5 Red-throated Divers (").

BALLYVOYLE:  2 adult Glaucous Gulls & 26 Choughs (").

DUNGARVAN:  2nd-winter Glaucous Gulls at Ballynagaul (").

MID WATERFORD:  3 Buzzards at two locations (2 + 1) (").

CLONEA:  2 adult Glaucous Gulls at Ballinard feeding on dolphin carcase (FO'C).

DUNGARVAN:  Great Northern Diver found dead near Ballynacourty Pier (").

HELVICK:  Merlin near high car-park (JJC).

CAHERNALEAGUE (nr Ballinamult):  early Peacock (very fresh) and Small Tortoiseshell (tatty) on the wing (").

BALLYVOONEY: summer-plumage Red-throated Diver (AJ, KA).

FERRYPOINT:  Yellow-legged Gull (ADM).

WHITING BAY:  2 1st-winter Glaucous Gulls (").

ARDMORE:  Adult Glaucous Gull & 2 Great Northern Divers at Curragh (").

BALLYVOONEY COVE:  Adult KUMLIEN'S GULL, adult Glaucous Gull & adult Yellow-legged Gull this pm (DO'S).

KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR:  Male RING-NECKED DUCK still present, on main lake then flew to upper lake (").

ARDMORE:  4 Great Northern Divers in bay (NJB).

DUNGARVAN:  Great Northern Diver at Colligan estuary (").

DUNGARVAN: SPOONBILL off pitch @ putt course (MC); 4 Glaucous Gulls (1st-winter & 3 adults) at Ballynagaul / Poulaphuca & a Chiffchaff at Poulaphuca (BS, JAP).

DUNGARVAN: Green Sandpiper at Brickey River, 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull at Barnawee, adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Ballyneety (MC, CF).

HELVICK:  3 Glaucous Gulls (1st-winter & 2 adults) (").

WHITING BAY: also 3 Glaucous Gulls (1st-w & 2 ads) (").

ARDMORE: 1st-w Glaucous Gull, 3 Whooper Swans & a Common Scoter at Curragh (").

WEST WATERFORD: 3 Buzzards (").

CLONEA: c12 Red-throated Divers, 4 Common Scoter & 2 Whimbrel (BS, FO'C, JAP, RZ).

BALLYVOONEY:  2 Red-throated Divers (").

ARDMORE: 1st-winter Iceland Gull at Curragh strand (BS, FO'C, JAP).

HELVICK;  Adult & 1st-winter Glaucous Gull & 2 Red-throated Divers (").

BALLYHEENY (nr Clashmore): Male Blackcap (BS, FO'C, JAP).

WEST WATERFORD: Buzzard (").

FERRYPOINT:  Adult Glaucous Gull (").

WHITING BAY:  2 Glaucous Gulls (adult & 1st-winter) & adult Mediterranean Gull (").

DUNGARVAN: SIBERIAN CHIFFCHAFF behind Topaz garage at Springfield (FO'C, JAP, BS) - first confirmed from photos & call 27/2 (FO'C) - also Water Rail there, Kingfisher & adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballyneety.