A European Turtle Dove was reported in Robinson Road in Bangor yesterday on eBird with a good description. (Holly McCormack)
The Osprey was seen again at Gibbs Island in Strangford Lough. (Paul Megahey, David Stirling)
A Hobby was at Murley Mountain, near Clabby (Tyrone / Fermanagh border). (David Steele).
Drake Lesser Scaup in Kinnegoe Bay, Oxford Island NNR (Garry Armstrong).
Unconfirmed report of female Black Duck Millisle (Rod Kerr per eBird).
2cy female Red-footed Falcon still present at same site near Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Brian Hegarty). Apparently no sign since this morning.
Marsh Harrier being mobbed by nesting Black-headed Gulls at Portmore Lough (Michael Latham).
White tailed Eagle in the Antrim Hills this morning (Warren McConnaughie).
A Spotted Flycatcher was at Loughry College, Cookstown, Co Tyrone (Godfrey McRoberts).
Whimbrel over Killough (Chris Murphy).
4 Whimbrel on Tory, Co Donegal (Eric Randall).
Marsh Harrier, Michael Latham:
The Red-footed Falcon was still at Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Michael Latham)
Two Arctic Tern were at RSPB WoW (Michael Latham)
A Common Sandpiper was at Ardglass (Chris Murphy)
Red-footed Falcon, Michael Latham:
The Red-footed Falcon remains near Jenkinstown in Co. Louth. (John Kenny). The bird was still present early afternoon. (Guy Hamilton, Terry Hanna).
The Osprey was seen again around Gibb's Island in Strangford Lough. (Paul Megahy, David Stirling).
An Osprey is at Corbett Lough outside Banbridge. (David McCreedy).
A Red Kite with a purple wing tag was on the west shore of Lough Neagh. (Philip McErlean).
Four Glossy Ibis are at Lough Beg this evening. (David Steele).
A hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow was around the Four Winds, Belfast this evening. (Aaron Long).
Red-footed Falcon, Terry Hanna.
Red-footed Falcon, Guy Hamilton.
Roseate Tern this morning and early afternoon at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW Reserve. Still present 1pm roosting Common Terns on far side from visitor centre (Derek Polley). Showing well with Sandwich Terns 230pm (Stuart McKee).
Red-footed Falcon continuing at the same site near Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Jon Biddle).
Roseate Tern, Stuart McKee:
The Red-footed Falcon remains at Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Theo Campbell / Martin Deehan) The bird was still present at lunchtime (Derek Polley)
An Osprey was fishing off Gibbs Ireland, Strangford Lough, this morning (per Paul Meghahey)
A Night Heron was seen on the 29th May in Magheragall area, near Lisburn. Not seen subsequently.
A Grasshopper Warbler was at Portballintrae (Lauren Hutton)
The Spoonbill was still at The Quoile (Kevin Kirkham)
Red-footed Falcon, Martin Deehan:
Red-footed Falcon, Stevie Brennan:
The Red-footed Falcon is still at Jenkinstown in Co. Louth. (Conor O'Brien) The bird is still present at 6pm. (Justin Ivory).
A Ring Ousel was in song at the Giants Causeway. (Fran O'Connell).
The Spoonbill was still at the Quoile. (Ann-Marie Smyth).
The Chough is still on Rathlin. (Ric Else).
At least one Cetti's still singing close to McNabb's, Killough (Chris Murphy).
Red-footed Falcon still near Jenkinstown on Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth. Unfortunately photos from yesterday show two ticks around its left eye though it continues to feed voraciously. Still present mid afternoon feeding on insects and worms (John Lambe). Still present this evening (Ewan McKenzie).
Chough again on Rathlin; the first sighting in a fortnight (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
Black-necked Grebe continuing at Oxford Island (per Ed O’Hara). Still present 7pm (Aiden Donohoe).
Osprey at the Quoile also a Black Swan at large (Wren Kirkpatrick).
2 probable Orcas off Tory on Saturday (James McNelis).
Red-footed Falcon, Shane Brighton:
Osprey, Wren Kirkpatrick:
A Black-necked Grebe was off the Croaghan Hide, Oxford Island m, this morning (Garry Armstrong). The bird was still showing at 2:15 (Stuart Cossey)
The female Red-footed Falcon was still showing well at Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Mark Elliott)
The Spoonbill continues at the Quoile (Jeff Larkin)
The Mediterranean Gulls now have young at RSPB WoW (Stuart McKee)
Two adult and 3 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker were visiting a garden near Hillsborough (Garry Wilkinson)
Red-footed Falcon, Mark Elliott:
Black-backed Grebe, record shot, Daniel Newton:
Red footed Falcon still at the same spot in Co Louth near Jenkinstown on the Cooley Peninsula (Fergal Stanley / Chris Rankin). At https://maps.app.goo.gl/eGik7Cvufv17LshN9?g_st=iw
Male Crossbill over Fivemiletown garden thus morning. Yesterday 2 Crossbills at Corchloghy, Co Tyrone and a Spotted Flycatcher on the Augher River Walk (Colin Bell).
Adult Hobby in the Antrim Hills (Ian Dickey). Also a Whinchat (Chris Hamilton).
Hobby, Ian Dickey:
The Red-footed Falcon was again showing well this morning at Jenkinstown, Co Louth. (Fergal Stanley) Please park here and walk back to the main road where the bird frequents the rough stoney field. The bird was still present at 5pm (Bob Watts). The bird was present at 9pm (Stephen Dunbar) https://maps.app.goo.gl/67xEYq6PyDsujpKz8?g_st=ipc
A white Red Kite was seen in the Antrim Hills. (Dermot Hughes) Any other sightings of this bird would be welcome.
The Spoonbill was still at the Quoile (Garry and Gayle Wilkinson)
A Marsh Harrier was still at Inch, Co Donegal (Arnie Livingstone)
Spoonbill, Quoile, Garry Wilkinson:
Marsh Harrier, Arnie Livingstone:
The 1st summer female Red-footed Falcon is still on the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth. (Birdguides).
Red-footed Falcon, John Murphy:
1st summer female Red-footed Falcon still present Co Louth at same site as yesterday at Cooley Point (Bird Info Services).
Marsh Harrier on Rathlin (Tomas Hand).
Golden Eagle soaring high above Glynn at 1420 before heading west, a very tatty individual (Tim Davies).
White-tailed Eagle, 2 Ospreys and Spoonbill at the Quoile (Chris Murphy).
No sign of Marsh Sandpiper at Lough Bef from legitimate viewing points, Little Stint the best (Martin Deehan / Theo Campbell). No sign this evening (David Steele). Please note all areas apart from Longpoint Wood viewing point are out of bounds.
Red-footed Falcon, Peter Phillips & Leia Getty:
The Red-footed Falcon was in Co Louth at 5:30pm at this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zFKXTepeTdzfmPbKA?g_st=ic
The White-tailed Eagle was seen again at the Quoile (Paul Megaghy)
Yesterday a Red-footed Falcon was in the Cooley Mountains, Louth (Gerry Carolan)
A Hobby was at Long Point viewing area, Lough Beg (David Steele)
The Spoonbill was still at the Quoile (Chris Murphy)
The Marsh Sandpiper was again at Lough Beg this evening and appeared in the southwest corner about 19.30. At 20.30 it flew out again and was relocated back on the western shoreline where it was found last Friday. Present there amongst other waders (godwits etc) up to 21.20 though rather distant. It is worth checking Long Point. Two Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint were on the western shore this evening (David Steele) Please note that the meadows have breeding waders and birders should not walk them and obey all signs in the area.
Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Corncrake on Tory Island, Donegal (Theo Campbell).
Spoonbill (does not seem to be a full adult), north side of Church Island, Lough Beg, viewable from Long Point. No sign of Marsh Sand this morning from any of the paths / boardwalk (Derek Brennan et al).
3 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls and a 2nd calendar year bird at Belfast Lough WoW (Bob Watts).
Little Stint continuing at the Bann Estuary (John Spottiswood).
Probable Carrion Crow along Ormeau Embankment, Belfast (Mark Smyth).
Spoonbill, Derek Brennan:
A Marsh Sandpiper was at Lough Beg this evening on the western shoreline for 30 minutes till 20.00 when it flew up. Scope views only but no further signs to up to 21.15 but possibly still present. Unfortunately access to the shorelines is currently restricted due to nesting birds so hopefully it might reappear at Church Island / Long Point viewing area (David Steele)
A Little Ringed Plover was off the Tready Hide, Inch, Co Donegal (Derek Brennan)
A Reed Warbler was at Loughinisland. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Tievenadarragh Wood, also near Loughinisland. A high count of 60 Black-tailed Godwots were at Castleisland Hide, Quoile (Maurice McNeely)
The Spoonbill was at the Quoile (Dave Weir)
A Marsh Harrier was at Inch, Donegal (Searlas Anderson)
The immature and tagged White-tailed Eagle was at the Quoile (Dot Blakely / Jill Edgar)
Marsh Sandpiper, David Steele:
Little Ringed Plover, Derek Brennan:
Marsh Harrier (BoC), Searlas Anderson:
White-tailed Eagle, Jill Edgar:
The North Down Swift Conservation Group are having a Swift Walk & Talk in Donaghadee on 12 June.
Tickets are free but attendees need to register ahead of time here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swift-walk-and-talk-tickets-1987817309082
A Red Kite was at Duburren, Co. Armagh. (Aobh McAnulty, John Spottiswood).
A Little Stint was with the wader flock at the Bann estuary. (Matthew Tickner).
A Spotted Flycatcher was at the Six Mile Water in Antrim. )Aidan Donohoe).
Little Stint, John Clarke.
8 Corncrakes and a 2nd calendar year Glaucous Gull were on Tory this morning. (Theo Campbell).
3 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls were at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Stuart McKee).
A Quail was flushed at Kinramer on Rathlin. (James Crymble).
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was at Oxford Island. (Aidan Donohoe).
Spotted Flycatcher, Shelagh Henry.
There are two boat trips on Saturday (30th May). Ballycastle to Mull to photograph Sea Eagles being fed by boat and Tory/Inishbofin for Corncrake, Chough and Great Skua. Contact Jim Wells on-07856235144 for full details.
Spoonbill still at the Quoile (Chris Murphy / David Stirling). Subsequently a White-tailed Eagle (Ashley Buchanan). Female Smew this evening (Chris Murphy).
Corncrake calling Magheraorarty, Donegal (Theo Campbell).
Marsh Harrier at Portmore Lough (Aidan Donohoe).
Spotted Flycatcher at Slievenacloy (Leia Getty).
At least one Garden Warbler at Ely Lodge Forest (Leia Getty).
The long-staying Pink-footed Goose remains on Rathlin feeding with 23 Greylags (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
Osprey near Downings, Co Donegal (Kevin Murray).
Spotted Flycatcher, Leia Getty:
A pale phase Arctic Skua was seen of Portstewart Head this morning (Stephen Riddell)
A pair of Scaup were off the play area shore at Oxford Island (Shane Brighton)
An Osprey was reported from Corbett Lough, Bannbridge this morning (per David McCreedy)
3 Cuckoo were up the Antrim Hills (Kenny Moore)
Scaup, Oxford Island, Shane Brighton:
Chough continues on Rathlin in Church Bay. Also Tree Pipit and 6+ Spotted Flycatchers (Ric Else /Hazel Watson / Nick Richards).
Falcon species at Portmore Lough chasing Swallows. Initial identification Merlin but behaviour sounds more reminiscent of Hobby (Leia Getty).
6 Mediterranean Gulls at Belfast Lough WoW (Bob Watts).
Small passage of Spotted Flycatcher on Copeland and Hobby yesterday flew towards Donaghadee. Whinchat and Spottes Flycatcher ringed yesterday (per Kevin Rice / Kez / David Stirling).
2+ Spotted Flycatchers in Lagan Park, Dromora (Justin Childs).
A dark phase Arctic Skua of Fanad, Co Donegal this evening (Wilton Farrelly).
A drake Scaup was at Oxford Island (Ed O’Hara)
The Chough was at the old Kelp Store on Rathlin (Ric Else)
A second calendar year Arctic Tern was at RSPB WoW (Jake Grant / Hannah Kerr)
There will be a round Rathlin boat trip on Monday morning. Weather to be very good. Great chance to see the island's seabird colonies. Contact Jim Wells on -07856235144 for full details.
Chough, Ric Else:
Arctic Terns back on the island at Strangford Lough (Dermot Hughes).
5+ Yellowhammers Castlerock including 2 singing males (John Spottiswood).
The Chough remains on Rathlin (also seen yesterday), the ring ABZ indicating an Isle of Man origin (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
White Tailed Eagle again over Derryadd Bay Lough Neagh 15:45 (Ed O’Hara).
White Stork over Annalong, Co Down (BirdGuides).
Chough, Ric Else:
Whale Watch Ireland 2026
Saturday 23rd May
5:00-7:00 PM
Irish Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG) invites you to join us at a number of headlands or vantage points for Whale Watch Ireland 2026, Saturday 23rd May 5:00-7:00 PM. This annual event is free - no booking required.
While there are of course no guarantees of sightings, given reasonable weather you have a good chance of seeing some of the species that inhabit your local waters. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day + sensible footwear.
Please bring binoculars (and spotting scope), stories to share and your sense of humour.
Northern Ireland locations
Location | Meet at | Leader name | Phone | |
Ramore Hd, Portrush | Portrush Coastal Zone | Rachele Kempston | 078 05626074 | |
Portmuck, Islandmagee | Car Park | Ian Enlander | 078 49853549 | |
Bloody Bridge, Newcastle | Car park | Andy Carden | 077 62019160 |
Further details and list of all watch sites at https://iwdg.ie/whale-watch-ireland-2026/
See you there
IWDG
The Pink-footed Goose was still with the Greylags at Glebe, Rathlin (Hazel Watson)
A Pectoral Sandpiper was with the large wader flock at the Bann Estuary (Matthew Tickner)
A White-tailed Eagle went over Derryadd, Lough Neagh at 3:45, heading west (Ed O’Hara)
Two Pomarine Skua were seen from the Belfast to Isle of Man ferry.
Pectoral Sandpiper, Matthew Tickner:
'There are 4 seats available for the boat trip to Tory and Inishbofin this Saturday (23rd May). Great opportunity to see Corncrake, Chough and Puffins. Contact Jim Wells on 07856235144 for full details'.
White-tailed Eagle soaring over Derryadd Bay Lough Neagh. Looks like same bird at Oxford Island two days ago (Ed O’Hara).
The Ruddy Shelduck was still at Long Point, Lough Beg. A Reed Warbler was also present (Dermot Hughes)
9 adult Mediterranean Gulls were at RSPB WoW (Bob Watts)
Three Reed Warbler were at Castle Espie this morning (Jonathan Clarke)
Reed Warbler, Jonathan Clarke:
Immature White-tailed Eagle at Oxford Island NNR (Gary Brown).
Cetti’s Warbler continuing at Lough Cowey (Daniel Barry).
Marsh Harrier at Portmore Lough (Michael Latham).
3+ Purple Sandpipers on Rathlin still, Red Kite yesterday (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
20+ Whimbrel St John’s Point. Also 3+ presumed Greenland Wheatear Sheskinmore, Co Donegal (Sean Cole).
White-tailed Eagle, Gary Brown:
Cetti’s Warbler calling at Lough Cowey, heard from the car park. Also at least 4 Reed Warbler (Wilton Farrelly / Philip West / Bob Watts).
An Arctic Tern was at RSPB WoW. A Reed Warbler was also off Hide 2 (Daniel Newton)
A Chough flew east over Kebble, Rathlin the first island record since 2018 (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
8 Arctic Tern were at Copeland (David Stirling)
The best at Barr Hall Bay / Ballyquinton was a Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Stock Dove, 8 Whimbrel. (Wilton Farrelly / Philip West / Bob Watts)
One Curlew Sandpiper was at the Bann Estuary. A Ruff was seen briefly (John Spottiswood)
Two Ring-necked Parakeets were seen at the Antrim Road Waterworks, Belfast (Derek Polley)
A visit today to Tory Island had 8 Corncrake and 5 Whimbrel(Robert Hughes)
The second year Bonapartes Gull was seen off the platform hide at Inch, Donegal (Derek Brennan)
Two Stock Dove were on Whitesides Road, Ballymena (Jonny Rosborough)
Chough, Ric Else / Hazel Watson:
Stock Dove, Jonny Rosborough:
