Bird News Sunday 14th August

Photo above of the Wilson's Phalarope taken by Ian Graham(double click on image for better view)

A Wilsons Phalarope was showing well at the RSPB Harbour Reserve (Ray Bennett \ Gerard McGeehan). Wilson's Pharalope first turned up in Britain in Sep. 1954 in Scotland which was only 50 miles from were Alexander Wilson was born, after whom the species was named. The first for Ireland was Aug. 1961 at Lady's Island Co.Wexford. The first one to turn up in Northern Ireland was the 22nd Sept.1969 and ironically it was the same date in 2007 that the last one turned up at the RSPB Harbour Estate, hopefully this one will stay for a while, so get down and have a look at this cracking american wader.

A Ruff,(see below, a lovely image taken by Cecil Smith) Little Egret, Common Sandpiper and 4 Snipe were also present.

The Hobby was still at the Montiaghs, Co. Antrim (Ian Graham)

12 Ruff were at Myroe.

A Kingfisher and 3 Sedge Warbler were at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve.(D.Blakley)

Please report your bird sightings to: nibirds@live.co.uk

A reminder about the following birding event next weekend at Carlingford:
http://nibirds.blogspot.com/2011/07/mourne-cooley-nature-activities.html