White-rumped Sandpiper
Many thanks to Allen Gillespie for these excellent pictures of the White-rumped Sandpiper from the Bann Estuary yesterday.
Bird News Saturday 18th August
A White rumped Sandpiper is at the Bann Estuary. It is feeding at the little stream leading from the golf course which is roughly half way between the hide and the Barmouth itself.(A.Gillespie /T.Ennis )
A juvenile Black Tern was also at the Bann (Gerard McGeehan)
A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Sanderling and 61 Ringed Plover were at Kinnegar shore. 3 juvenile Ruff were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
27 Storm Petrels were ringed at Ballyreagh this morning, 3 of these were controls, see pictures below. (John Clarke, R Hoy, R Donaghy)
Some late news:
On 17th a Garganey, 2 Turnstone and 20 Shoveler were at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg. On 15th 5 Greenshank and 5 Ruff were there and on 13th a Pectoral Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and 70 Snipe (Matthew Tickner, Seamus Burns).
On 16th a Twite was with a small Linnet flock at Rinagee Coastal Park in Portstewart (Lowell Mills).
Thanks to todays photographers, Tom McCreery for another superb Willow Warbler shot, Ed O'Hara for the Common Sandpiper from the Belfast Lough RSPB reserve and John Clarke for the Storm Petrels trapped at Ballyreagh.
A juvenile Black Tern was also at the Bann (Gerard McGeehan)
A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Sanderling and 61 Ringed Plover were at Kinnegar shore. 3 juvenile Ruff were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
27 Storm Petrels were ringed at Ballyreagh this morning, 3 of these were controls, see pictures below. (John Clarke, R Hoy, R Donaghy)
Some late news:
On 17th a Garganey, 2 Turnstone and 20 Shoveler were at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg. On 15th 5 Greenshank and 5 Ruff were there and on 13th a Pectoral Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and 70 Snipe (Matthew Tickner, Seamus Burns).
On 16th a Twite was with a small Linnet flock at Rinagee Coastal Park in Portstewart (Lowell Mills).
Thanks to todays photographers, Tom McCreery for another superb Willow Warbler shot, Ed O'Hara for the Common Sandpiper from the Belfast Lough RSPB reserve and John Clarke for the Storm Petrels trapped at Ballyreagh.
Bird News for Friday 17th August.
In Fermanagh an adult Osprey (probably a male as it had no breast band) was near Belcoo (David Steele).
Briggs Rocks near Groomsport had a Red-throated Diver, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Wheatear and a Purple Sandpiper (Colin Guy).
5 Whimbrel flew east past Groomsport (George Gordon).
Yesterday a Little Egret was at Briggs Rocks before moving on the Sandy Bay at Orlock (Colin Guy).
Slightly further afield a sea-watch off Melmore Co.Donegal this morning (in very sub-optimal conditions! 1045-1330): 1 Sooty Shearwater, 30 Manxies, 1 Bonxie, 2 Puffins, 4 Common Scoter. Also 3 Mediterranean Gulls at the estuary at Carrigart at 1000 with a fourth bird, a juvenile, on the sea off Ards Friary on 16th.(O.Campbell)
Briggs Rocks near Groomsport had a Red-throated Diver, 2 Bar-tailed Godwit, a Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Wheatear and a Purple Sandpiper (Colin Guy).
5 Whimbrel flew east past Groomsport (George Gordon).
Yesterday a Little Egret was at Briggs Rocks before moving on the Sandy Bay at Orlock (Colin Guy).
Slightly further afield a sea-watch off Melmore Co.Donegal this morning (in very sub-optimal conditions! 1045-1330): 1 Sooty Shearwater, 30 Manxies, 1 Bonxie, 2 Puffins, 4 Common Scoter. Also 3 Mediterranean Gulls at the estuary at Carrigart at 1000 with a fourth bird, a juvenile, on the sea off Ards Friary on 16th.(O.Campbell)
Our thanks to Stephen Maxwell for this image of a Common Sandpiper(above)and also to Alistair Prentice for this image of a Redshank.
Bottlenose Dolphins : Whitehead, Co Antrim
Yes, not birds but we have yet to meet a birder who would not stop and admire a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins! These pics were take last Friday by Ian Enlander at Whitehead, Co Antrim.
Turnstone - Tom McCreery
Every now and then we get a photograph in that deserves its own posting. Perhaps it is of a rarity, a difficult to see bird or the photo is of very good quality. This picture of a Turnstone from Tom McCreery falls in to the latter. The quality and detail is superb of a very charasmatic bird which you can see along our coastline. You can see more of Tom's work and that of other local photographers on our bird pics blog at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Thursday 16th August
The Ring-billed Gull was still at Groomsport.
A Little Gull and 4 Ruff were at RSPB Belfast Harbour reserve. In addition 10 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Dunlin and a female Wigeon were also there (Stuart McKee).
An Osprey was at Belcoo, Co Fermanagh. It was an adulty, possibly a male and perhaps the same bird previously reported from Lough Melvin in July (D Steele)
At Larne Lough 12 Greenshank, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Egret were at Glynn. A Common Sandpiper was at Sandy Bay and 3 Little Egret and 4 Knot at Ballycarry Bridge (Cameron Moore).
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for the pics below of a pair of Spotted Flycatcher taken at The Mall, Armagh.
A Little Gull and 4 Ruff were at RSPB Belfast Harbour reserve. In addition 10 juvenile Black-tailed Godwit, 20 Dunlin and a female Wigeon were also there (Stuart McKee).
An Osprey was at Belcoo, Co Fermanagh. It was an adulty, possibly a male and perhaps the same bird previously reported from Lough Melvin in July (D Steele)
At Larne Lough 12 Greenshank, 17 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Black-tailed Godwit and a Little Egret were at Glynn. A Common Sandpiper was at Sandy Bay and 3 Little Egret and 4 Knot at Ballycarry Bridge (Cameron Moore).
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for the pics below of a pair of Spotted Flycatcher taken at The Mall, Armagh.
Manx Shearwaters - Stephen Maxwell
Manx Shearwaters are common around our coasts at this time of year but getting close enough to them to get a decent picture is never easy so well done to Stephen Maxwell for these pictures taken in Belfast Lough today.
Bird News Wednesday 15th August
St John's Point between 3.30 and 5.30 this afternoon had 2,000 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Great Skua, 30 Sandwich Terns, 15 Common Terns, 1 Arctic Tern, 300 Gannets, 200 Kittiwakes, 40 Fulmar, 8 Razorbill, 1 Puffin and 1 Guillemot. (Chris Murphy).
An hour’s seawatch this evening at Garron Point along the Antrim Coast Road produced 1 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 4 Storm Petrel, 4 Arctic Tern and 15 Whimbrel, all moving south. A 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull was in Larne Harbour container port again. Last night at Glynn in Larne Lough there was an adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Whimbrel and 11 Greenshank. (Neal Warnock).
2 Ruff, 6 Pochard and 2 female Pintail were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon. 4 of the Black-tailed Godwit at the reserve were juveniles and another 2 juveniles were at Whitehouse Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
A Barn Owl has been seen the last few nights at Beatty's Road between Annahilt and Hillsborough (Garry Wilkinson).
Thanks to todays photographers, Alistair Prentice for the Barn Owl portrait and Tom McCreery for the Swallow family.
An hour’s seawatch this evening at Garron Point along the Antrim Coast Road produced 1 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 4 Storm Petrel, 4 Arctic Tern and 15 Whimbrel, all moving south. A 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull was in Larne Harbour container port again. Last night at Glynn in Larne Lough there was an adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Whimbrel and 11 Greenshank. (Neal Warnock).
2 Ruff, 6 Pochard and 2 female Pintail were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon. 4 of the Black-tailed Godwit at the reserve were juveniles and another 2 juveniles were at Whitehouse Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
A Barn Owl has been seen the last few nights at Beatty's Road between Annahilt and Hillsborough (Garry Wilkinson).
Thanks to todays photographers, Alistair Prentice for the Barn Owl portrait and Tom McCreery for the Swallow family.
Bird News Tuesday 14th August
A female Garganey, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Ruff, 3 Common Sandpiper, a Greenshank, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Joe Lamont)
A Little Gull was still at RSPB Belfast (Stephen Maxwell)
Two Reed Warbler were seen at Oxford Island (Paul Scott)
The second summer Ring-billed Gull remains at Groomsport.
Yesterday 2 Great Skua were close to the Helly Hunter Buoy at the mouth of Carlingford Lough.
Many thanks to Robert Scott for the picture below of the Ballintoy Glaucous Gull.
A Little Gull was still at RSPB Belfast (Stephen Maxwell)
Two Reed Warbler were seen at Oxford Island (Paul Scott)
The second summer Ring-billed Gull remains at Groomsport.
Yesterday 2 Great Skua were close to the Helly Hunter Buoy at the mouth of Carlingford Lough.
Seawatching Alert
Strong south-easterlies are forecast for the next two days so you could do worse than head to St Johns Point, Co Down for a seawatch. Wednesday afternoon will be particularly wet. If large numbers of Manxies are on the move, keep an eye out for a Soft-Plumaged Petrel!
Another blog!
If you are interested in pics of our local wildlife you will no doubt have been following our pictures blog (www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk). There are also a number of other blogs run locally which we are happy to highlight. If you enjoyed the Barn Owl item or the Black Guillemot pic below, you will enjoy seeing further work by Alistair Prentice at: http://prenticephotography.blogspot.co.uk/
If you would like us to feature your blog or website, please feel free to contact us.
If you would like us to feature your blog or website, please feel free to contact us.
Bird News Monday 13th August
An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Whitehouse lagoon (Keith Bennett)
The Ring-billed Gull was still at Groomsport (Adam Middleton)
Thanks to Adam for the picture of the Ring-billed below. If you would like to send in pictures, please email us at nibirds@live.co.uk
The Ring-billed Gull was still at Groomsport (Adam Middleton)
Thanks to Adam for the picture of the Ring-billed below. If you would like to send in pictures, please email us at nibirds@live.co.uk
Barn Owl
As every birder knows, seeing a Barn Owl in NI is very difficult. Breeding numbers are at a very low level and the species is facing an uncertain future. It is however positive to report that at least one nest has produced a fledged bird in 2012 and there is photographic proof! The picture below was taken by Alistair Prentice at an undisclosed location. Alistair has a special hide and is also in possession of a Schedule 1 license that enables him to photograph birds like Barn Owls in the wild. He has also liaised with a conservation organisation about protection of this site. This is probably the best picture of a Barn Owl in NI for some time - so please enjoy and respect! Well done to Alistair for not only the shot but his efforts to protect this vulnerable species. 
Bird News Sunday 12th August
A second-winter Little Gull was at Whitehouse Lagoon in Belfast (Stuart McKee)
3 Common Sandpiper, a juvenile Ruff and a second-winter Little Gull were at the Harbour Lagoon. The second-summer Ring-billed Gull (moulting) was at Groomsport (George Gordon)
An hour's seawatch from Ballyhalbert this morning had (all moving south) 270+Manx Shearwater, 50 Kittiwake, 32 Gannet, 20 Arctic Tern, 6 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and 4 Fulmar. Also, two Common Sandpipers were at Kearney (James Robinson)
103 Gannet (adult and juvenile), 32 Curlew, 6 Greenshank and a juvenile Peregrine were off Ballyferris caravan site on the Outer Ards (Aaron Davis)
Thanks to Chris Henry for this pic of a Sand Martin an to Alistair Prentice for this pic of a juvenile Song Thrush. You can see more of their pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
3 Common Sandpiper, a juvenile Ruff and a second-winter Little Gull were at the Harbour Lagoon. The second-summer Ring-billed Gull (moulting) was at Groomsport (George Gordon)
An hour's seawatch from Ballyhalbert this morning had (all moving south) 270+Manx Shearwater, 50 Kittiwake, 32 Gannet, 20 Arctic Tern, 6 Sandwich Tern, 8 Common Tern, 1 Black-throated Diver, 2 Common Scoter, 4 Razorbill and 4 Fulmar. Also, two Common Sandpipers were at Kearney (James Robinson)
103 Gannet (adult and juvenile), 32 Curlew, 6 Greenshank and a juvenile Peregrine were off Ballyferris caravan site on the Outer Ards (Aaron Davis)
Thanks to Chris Henry for this pic of a Sand Martin an to Alistair Prentice for this pic of a juvenile Song Thrush. You can see more of their pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Saturday 11th August.
An adult Yellow-legged Gull was at Reedy Flats and a Little Gull and juvenile Ruff at Ardmore (Irish Birding)
St John's Point 11:30-13:45 had 1 Great Skua, 6 Puffin, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Grey Plover and 1000s Manx shearwater (Keith Bennett)
Two Little Gulls were still at RSPB Belfast (Stephen Maxwell)
3 Chough were at Ushet Lough on Rathlin Island. An immature Great Northern Diver were seen from the ferry on the way back to Ballycastle (Derek Polley).
A Little Egret was at Ballycarry Bridge on Larne Lough (Ricky McQuillan).
Last night 13 Storm Petrel were ringed and one controlled at Sheepland near Ardglass (Declan Clarke).
Yesterday 2 Greenshank were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Dundrum.
Late news for yesterday: Dundrum inner bay: 2 Knot, 30 Greenshank, 45 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Little Egret.
St John's Point: 2000+ Manx Shearwaters moving north in 2 hours, despite flat calm conditions. One Balearic Shearwater close inshore amongst them at 1715. Also 2 Arctic Tern amongst 100 Common and Sandwich Terns.
Killough Harbour (with Chris Murphy): Mediterranean Gull 1, Golden Plover 15, Snipe 12, Greenshank 6 (all Oscar Campbell)
The 2nd year Glaucous Gull is back at Ballycastle again (Colin Guy).
2 Little Gulls were at Belfast Harbour RSPB Reserve, see picture below. (Stephen Maxwell).
At least 7 Yellowhammer were singing at the Glebe Road, Tandragee. (James O'Neill).
Todays pictures feature one of the Little Gulls at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve by Stephen Maxwell, a close up of one of Oxford Island's camera loving Reed Warblers by Tom McCreery and a nice portrait of a Little Egret by Alan Gallagher. Check out more photographs by NI snappers at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
St John's Point 11:30-13:45 had 1 Great Skua, 6 Puffin, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Grey Plover and 1000s Manx shearwater (Keith Bennett)
Two Little Gulls were still at RSPB Belfast (Stephen Maxwell)
3 Chough were at Ushet Lough on Rathlin Island. An immature Great Northern Diver were seen from the ferry on the way back to Ballycastle (Derek Polley).
A Little Egret was at Ballycarry Bridge on Larne Lough (Ricky McQuillan).
Last night 13 Storm Petrel were ringed and one controlled at Sheepland near Ardglass (Declan Clarke).
Yesterday 2 Greenshank were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Dundrum.
Late news for yesterday: Dundrum inner bay: 2 Knot, 30 Greenshank, 45 Black-tailed Godwits, 8 Little Egret.
St John's Point: 2000+ Manx Shearwaters moving north in 2 hours, despite flat calm conditions. One Balearic Shearwater close inshore amongst them at 1715. Also 2 Arctic Tern amongst 100 Common and Sandwich Terns.
Killough Harbour (with Chris Murphy): Mediterranean Gull 1, Golden Plover 15, Snipe 12, Greenshank 6 (all Oscar Campbell)
The 2nd year Glaucous Gull is back at Ballycastle again (Colin Guy).
2 Little Gulls were at Belfast Harbour RSPB Reserve, see picture below. (Stephen Maxwell).
At least 7 Yellowhammer were singing at the Glebe Road, Tandragee. (James O'Neill).
Todays pictures feature one of the Little Gulls at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve by Stephen Maxwell, a close up of one of Oxford Island's camera loving Reed Warblers by Tom McCreery and a nice portrait of a Little Egret by Alan Gallagher. Check out more photographs by NI snappers at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Friday 10th August
A Golden Eagle was at the start of the Fairhead walk at Marconi's Cottage. (Conor McCarry).
2 Sooty Shearwater were seen from a sailing ship in Belfast Lough. For anyone interested a pod of 50/60 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were noted between Carrickfergus round to the Gobbins (John Pyper, David Clarke).
One of the first juvenile Black-tailed Godwits has arrived back from Iceland at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
Fifty Storm Petrels were ringed early this morning at Ballyreagh, two controls were caught as well (John Clarke, Rick Hoy)
The juvenile Ruff was still at RSPB Belfast Lough. Also 1 Greenshank, 12 Dunlin, a couple of Common Sandpipers, and a Snipe. (Keith Bennett)
The Little Gull was still present at RSPB Harbour Reserve, Belfast - pictures below (Stephen Maxwell)
The 2nd year Glaucous Gull was back again at Ballycastle. (Colin Guy).
Thanks to Alan Gallagher for the picture of the Chiffchaff and to Stephen Maxwell for the Little Gull pictures.
You can see more pictures from local photographers at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
2 Sooty Shearwater were seen from a sailing ship in Belfast Lough. For anyone interested a pod of 50/60 Bottle-nosed Dolphins were noted between Carrickfergus round to the Gobbins (John Pyper, David Clarke).
One of the first juvenile Black-tailed Godwits has arrived back from Iceland at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
Fifty Storm Petrels were ringed early this morning at Ballyreagh, two controls were caught as well (John Clarke, Rick Hoy)
The juvenile Ruff was still at RSPB Belfast Lough. Also 1 Greenshank, 12 Dunlin, a couple of Common Sandpipers, and a Snipe. (Keith Bennett)
The Little Gull was still present at RSPB Harbour Reserve, Belfast - pictures below (Stephen Maxwell)
The 2nd year Glaucous Gull was back again at Ballycastle. (Colin Guy).
Thanks to Alan Gallagher for the picture of the Chiffchaff and to Stephen Maxwell for the Little Gull pictures.
You can see more pictures from local photographers at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Thursday 9th August
The Reed Warbler was again on view outside the hide at Oxford Island, also a Greenshank and 6 Shoveler of the Discovery Centre, another Reed Warbler was at Ellis's Cut, singing strongly in the reedbed near the mouth of the canal.(O.Campbell)
A juvenile Ruff was at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
At Lough Foyle at least 4 Whimbrel and 600 Curlew were at Balls Point. 350 Sandwich Tern and 80 Dunlin were at Bann Estuary (Ian Enlander).
A juvenile Ruff was at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).
At Lough Foyle at least 4 Whimbrel and 600 Curlew were at Balls Point. 350 Sandwich Tern and 80 Dunlin were at Bann Estuary (Ian Enlander).
Later news from yesterday a Hobby was again at Montaighs Moss, Aghagallon. Also yesterday 2 Ruff and 2 Greenshank were at Bann Estuary and 3 Pale-bellied Brent at the Roe (Hill Dick, Peter Robinson)
Bird News Wednesday 8th August
At Larne Lough 148 Red-breasted Merganser, 5 Greenshank, 4 Little Egret and a Whimbrel were at Glynn (Shirley Dunlop, Gerard McGeehan).
A Little Egret was at Bann Estuary (Lowell Mills).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
Reedy Flats this morning had 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 1 Scaup and 20 Common Terns. An adult Spotted Flycatcher was feeding 3 juveniles on the road out of Reedy, at Derryadd.
A Little Gull was at Kinnegar shore in Belfast. (Bird Guides).
2 summer plummaged Sanderling were at Ballyfrench, Portavogie along with Dunlin, Ringed Plover and several Whimbrel. (Keith Bennett).
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for these shots of NI's most photographed Reed Warblers in the reed bed outside the Kinnegoe hide at Oxford Island.
A Little Egret was at Bann Estuary (Lowell Mills).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
Reedy Flats this morning had 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 1 Scaup and 20 Common Terns. An adult Spotted Flycatcher was feeding 3 juveniles on the road out of Reedy, at Derryadd.
A Little Gull was at Kinnegar shore in Belfast. (Bird Guides).
2 summer plummaged Sanderling were at Ballyfrench, Portavogie along with Dunlin, Ringed Plover and several Whimbrel. (Keith Bennett).
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for these shots of NI's most photographed Reed Warblers in the reed bed outside the Kinnegoe hide at Oxford Island.
Tuesday 7th August
Afraid no bird news today. However if you see or find any rare or scarce birds please report them for others to enjoy at nibirds@live.co.uk, Flightline on 028 914 67408 or text: 07511 684 398.
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for the pics below of a Knot and a Redshank. You can see more pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for the pics below of a Knot and a Redshank. You can see more pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Yellowhammer
Yellowhammer is an uncommon breeding resident, present in all counties except Fermanagh. In the last 20 years numbers in NI have declined significantly but in recent years their numbers seem to have stabilised - although they are still uncommon.
Many thanks to Stephen Maxwell for the pictures below of birds from Craigantlet / the Holywood Hills.
Many thanks to Stephen Maxwell for the pictures below of birds from Craigantlet / the Holywood Hills.
Bird News Monday 6th August
A flock of 34 Crossbill was feeding on larch at the east side of Tollymore Forest Park (Ann McComb).
200 Sandwich Tern were at Magilligan Point.
Yesterday a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the road at Shaw's Bridge in Belfast (Mr Henderson).
Along the north coast the second-summer Glaucous Gull was at Ballintoy harbour (Colin Guy).
In north Donegal 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 8 Black-tailed Godwits were on the estuary at Carrigart. At Melmore Head were 2 Manx Shearwater, a Storm Petrel, 2 Arctic Skua, 6 Great Skua, 1 Puffin, 25 Knot and a group of Bottle Nosed Dolphin. (Oscar Campbell).
Thanks to Tom McCreery for these excellent Reed Warbler pictures and to Mark Killops for the superb Kingfisher shot.
200 Sandwich Tern were at Magilligan Point.
Yesterday a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew across the road at Shaw's Bridge in Belfast (Mr Henderson).
Along the north coast the second-summer Glaucous Gull was at Ballintoy harbour (Colin Guy).
In north Donegal 2 Mediterranean Gulls and 8 Black-tailed Godwits were on the estuary at Carrigart. At Melmore Head were 2 Manx Shearwater, a Storm Petrel, 2 Arctic Skua, 6 Great Skua, 1 Puffin, 25 Knot and a group of Bottle Nosed Dolphin. (Oscar Campbell).
Thanks to Tom McCreery for these excellent Reed Warbler pictures and to Mark Killops for the superb Kingfisher shot.
Bird News for Sunday 5th August
The two Little Gulls were at RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve (Chris Surgenor, Jeff Larkin, Stephen Maxwell)
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the grounds of Rockport School in north Down (George Vance)
Along the Tyrone shore of Lough Neagh a Reed Warbler was at Blackers Rock. Up to 4 are holding territory there (Godfrey McRoberts).
In south Down a Ruff, Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper and 3 Whimbrel were at Dundrum Inner Bay South. At Dundrum Inner Bay North 3 Common Sandpiper, 14 Greenshank, 8 Little Egret, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, a Buzzard, 2 Raven, 4 Yellowhammer and a Kingfisher were at the Blackstaff (Shirley Dunlop, Gerard McGeehan).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
A mixed flock of 500-600 Hirundines were on wires between Boa Island & Lusty Beg Island with another 200-300 feeding over Lusty Beg this morning (Adam McClure)
An Osprey was at Ballysadare, Co Sligo this afternoon. (Sligo Birding)
Many thanks to Stephen Maxwell for the pic of the Little Gull (left hand bird) and the Common Sandpiper. You can see more pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in the grounds of Rockport School in north Down (George Vance)
Along the Tyrone shore of Lough Neagh a Reed Warbler was at Blackers Rock. Up to 4 are holding territory there (Godfrey McRoberts).
In south Down a Ruff, Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper and 3 Whimbrel were at Dundrum Inner Bay South. At Dundrum Inner Bay North 3 Common Sandpiper, 14 Greenshank, 8 Little Egret, 6 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, a Buzzard, 2 Raven, 4 Yellowhammer and a Kingfisher were at the Blackstaff (Shirley Dunlop, Gerard McGeehan).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
A mixed flock of 500-600 Hirundines were on wires between Boa Island & Lusty Beg Island with another 200-300 feeding over Lusty Beg this morning (Adam McClure)
An Osprey was at Ballysadare, Co Sligo this afternoon. (Sligo Birding)
Many thanks to Stephen Maxwell for the pic of the Little Gull (left hand bird) and the Common Sandpiper. You can see more pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Reed Warbler
Reed Warbler is an uncommon but localised summer breeder. It has been extending its range, particularly around Lough Neagh. Tom McCreery took these pictures of a bird today at Kinnego Hide, Oxford Island. 
Bird News for Saturday 4th August
At Bloody Foreland, Co Donegal, a Gull-billed Tern was observed flying east. A Pomarine Skua and 7 Bonxies were also observed (Chris Ingram)
Some sightings from Co Down today: Kearney: 2 Arctic Skua past (1 light adult, 1 dark). Dundrum South: 6 Little Egret, 10 Greenshank. Dundrum N: 5 Little Egret, 13 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff. At the Quoile (Castle I): 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher and Long-eared owl young calling (at least 3). (all Keith Bennett)
A Great-spotted Woodpecker was at Rostrevor, Co Down - picture below (Stephen Maxwell)
A Red Kite was at Montiaghs near Portmore Lough (Paul Toner)
A Yellow-legged Gull was at Reedy Flat.
3 Med Gull were at Rossglass and another at Kilclief Co Down.
Thanks to Bill Guiller for this picture of a Long-eared Owl near Larne. You can see other pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Some sightings from Co Down today: Kearney: 2 Arctic Skua past (1 light adult, 1 dark). Dundrum South: 6 Little Egret, 10 Greenshank. Dundrum N: 5 Little Egret, 13 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ruff. At the Quoile (Castle I): 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher and Long-eared owl young calling (at least 3). (all Keith Bennett)
A Great-spotted Woodpecker was at Rostrevor, Co Down - picture below (Stephen Maxwell)
A Red Kite was at Montiaghs near Portmore Lough (Paul Toner)
A Yellow-legged Gull was at Reedy Flat.
3 Med Gull were at Rossglass and another at Kilclief Co Down.
Thanks to Bill Guiller for this picture of a Long-eared Owl near Larne. You can see other pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News for Friday 3rd August
RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve had a 2nd summer Little Gull, 2 summer plum Red Knot, 5 Common Sandpiper, ca 25 Dunlin, a Greenshank and a Peregrine (Keith Bennett).
Six Common Sandpiper were at Craigavon Balancing Lakes last night (Alistair Prentice)
Yesterday evening, Melmore Head in a 2 hour seawatch had 70 Manxies, 2 Sooty, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 2 Bonxies, one Puffin (Oscar Campbell).
An adult Mediterranean Gull was near the boat compound at Whitehead (Cameron Moore).
Along the Armagh shore of Lough Neagh 3 Common Sandpiper were at Ardmore Point (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
Yesterday evening at 11.30pm a Barn Owl flew across the road near Ballygowan (David Morrow).
12 Swift were at Ballysillan Playing Fields in Belfast (Andy Elliott).
Large numbers of Cory Shearwaters are being seen of the south coast so if seawatching conditions improve in NI, there is always an outside chance of one. Records from NI are rare!
Thanks to Tom McCreery and Richard Donaghey for today's pictures. You can check out more pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Six Common Sandpiper were at Craigavon Balancing Lakes last night (Alistair Prentice)
Yesterday evening, Melmore Head in a 2 hour seawatch had 70 Manxies, 2 Sooty, 1 Balearic Shearwater, 2 Bonxies, one Puffin (Oscar Campbell).
An adult Mediterranean Gull was near the boat compound at Whitehead (Cameron Moore).
Along the Armagh shore of Lough Neagh 3 Common Sandpiper were at Ardmore Point (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).
The second-summer Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport.
Yesterday evening at 11.30pm a Barn Owl flew across the road near Ballygowan (David Morrow).
12 Swift were at Ballysillan Playing Fields in Belfast (Andy Elliott).
Large numbers of Cory Shearwaters are being seen of the south coast so if seawatching conditions improve in NI, there is always an outside chance of one. Records from NI are rare!
Thanks to Tom McCreery and Richard Donaghey for today's pictures. You can check out more pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
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| Sedge Warbler - Tom McCreery |
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| Sparrowhawk - Richard Donaghey |
Bird News Thursday 2nd August
Reedy Flats, Lough Neagh had a female-type Red-crested Pochard at the east end of the flats; also 2 Little Gulls east of Emerson's sandspit (One of yesterdays Little Gulls there was an adult and not seen today so three in the area) Also 3 Goldeneye, 9 Common Terns. (Oscar Campbell)
A second-winter Little Gull was between the piers at the Barmouth of the Bann Estuary (Mervyn Guthrie).
A light phase adult Arctic Skua flew east past Groomsport (George Gordon).
Yesterday a Barn Owl flew across the Groomsport bypass at dusk (Alan Chambers)
A Reed Warbler showing nicely in front of the Kinnego Hide,Oxford Island. (Oscar Campbell)
A second-winter Little Gull was between the piers at the Barmouth of the Bann Estuary (Mervyn Guthrie).
A light phase adult Arctic Skua flew east past Groomsport (George Gordon).
Yesterday a Barn Owl flew across the Groomsport bypass at dusk (Alan Chambers)
A Reed Warbler showing nicely in front of the Kinnego Hide,Oxford Island. (Oscar Campbell)
Bird News Wednesday 1st August
Along the Armagh shore of Lough Neagh 2 Little Gull, 6 Common Tern, 200 Gadwall, 3 Goldeneye, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, a Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at Reedy Flat (Oscar Campbell).
A seawatch at St John's Point between 8.00 and 9.00am produced 47 Black Guillemots, 62 Puffins and c.3,000 Manxies, all flying north, among the Black Guillemots was one albino bird. (Chris Murphy).
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for this shot of a Pied Wagtail taken between the showers. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
A seawatch at St John's Point between 8.00 and 9.00am produced 47 Black Guillemots, 62 Puffins and c.3,000 Manxies, all flying north, among the Black Guillemots was one albino bird. (Chris Murphy).
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for this shot of a Pied Wagtail taken between the showers. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
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