Bird News for Tues 23rd August

At Lough Beg a Pectoral Sandpiper was in the southwest corner before flying into the marsh. None were there last night so this might be a new bird (D.Steele)

The Wilson's Phalarope continues it stay at the RSPB Belfast Harbour reserve.(Irishbirding)

Staying on the subject of american waders, Tacumshin Co Wexford had 3 species of them to-day, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper and White-rumped Sandpiper, all 3 have over the years, turned up at the RSPB Harbour Estate, so keep a sharp eye out for anything unusual.

On the Antrim side of Belfast Lough 223 Sandwich Tern and a Little Egret were at Greenisland (Gerard McGeehan).

At Strangford Lough a pair of Wheatear and a Greenshank were at Gibbs Island (Spencer and Joan Marshall).

Raptors seem to be the order of the day, the Hobby is still at the Montaighs and the Osprey reported again from the RSPB Portmore Lough reserve. A Red Kite was reported over Antrim (Birdguides) and a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk were seen outside of Dundonald.(S.Maxwell)
A great photo(above) from Craig Nash of a hunting female Sparrowhawk over Killard to-day.