Ken Perry - Sparrowhawk & "Friends"
On 23rd December 2012 Ken Perry and his ringing team caught, ringed and photographed a Sparrowhawk in his back garden in Coleraine. On the 30th January the same bird was seen from his office landing in a tree during a sunny spell a good 100m off in the margins of the university woodland. It spread its wings and started sunbathing for a period of at least 15 minutes. During this time a gathering posse of tits and finches appeared and at least 14 birds are shown in the supporting photograph perched within 2m of the bird with another twelve in the canopy 4m above. This unusual posse dispersed once the hawk flew off.
Bird News Monday 11th February
The blue Snow Goose was still with the White Fronts on Lough Macnean, Co Fermanagh (Brad Robson)
A Snowy Owl was seen yesterday on the Pettigo Plateau, on the Donegal / Fermanagh border (Birdguides)
5 Waxwings were in Orkney Drive, Ballymena, Co. Antrim (Jeff Larkin)
A male Brambling was in a garden at Knock, Belfast (L Farrelly)
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for the picture of a Song Thrush taking advantage of the recent rain, and to Christine Cassidy for the picture of a Coaltit in her garden. You can see more bird pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
A Snowy Owl was seen yesterday on the Pettigo Plateau, on the Donegal / Fermanagh border (Birdguides)
5 Waxwings were in Orkney Drive, Ballymena, Co. Antrim (Jeff Larkin)
A male Brambling was in a garden at Knock, Belfast (L Farrelly)
Thanks to Alistair Prentice for the picture of a Song Thrush taking advantage of the recent rain, and to Christine Cassidy for the picture of a Coaltit in her garden. You can see more bird pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Sunday 10th February.
It would be fair to say that the weather to-day was absolutely miserable, despite this there was some news.
The drake Red-crested Pochard was still on show at Kinnego Bay, Oxford Island.(G.Armstrong/P.West.)
20 Waxwing were at the Seven Towers roundabout in Ballymena Co.Antrim.(J.Larkin)
10 Waxwing were near Kings Park Primary School along Avenue Road in Ballymena.(S.Foster)
Our thanks to Chris Colhoun for the picture of a Chaffinch(top) and to Alistair Prentice for this picture of a Redwing.
The drake Red-crested Pochard was still on show at Kinnego Bay, Oxford Island.(G.Armstrong/P.West.)
20 Waxwing were at the Seven Towers roundabout in Ballymena Co.Antrim.(J.Larkin)
10 Waxwing were near Kings Park Primary School along Avenue Road in Ballymena.(S.Foster)
Bird News Saturday 9th February
A probable Siberian Chiffchaff was visiting a garden in Newry, Co Down (Frank Carroll)
At Derrymacash, Lurgan, 7 Waxwings were at Corner House Bar (Ed O'Hara)
At Oxford Island, Kinnego Bay was the drake Red-crested Pochard and 8 Ruddy Duck (Ed O'Hara)
9 Brambling were at a garden on the Belmont Road, Belfast (Philip West)
3 Long-tailed Ducks and over 1000 Eider were off Carrickfergus this morning (Neal Warnock)
The Bittern was seen briefly from the causeway to Inch Island,Co Donegal, along with a drake Smew (Niall Hatch)
An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Whiteabbey, Belfast Lough today (Paul McCullough)
The Waxwings were still in Comber (Adam Middleton)
A Grey Plover, second-winter Mediterranean Gull and 2 first-winter Iceland Gull were at Barmouth of Bann Estuary (Theo Campbell).
At Larne Lough 2 female Long-tailed Duck and a Red-throated Diver were off Glynn (Jeff Larkin)
A Little Egret was seen flying over Strathearn School, east Belfast (W Farrelly)
Many thanks to Ed for the Waxwing and Red-crested Pochard pics (top ), Angus Kennedy for the Inch Smew and Adam Middleton for the Waxwing (bottom pic) below.
At Derrymacash, Lurgan, 7 Waxwings were at Corner House Bar (Ed O'Hara)
At Oxford Island, Kinnego Bay was the drake Red-crested Pochard and 8 Ruddy Duck (Ed O'Hara)
9 Brambling were at a garden on the Belmont Road, Belfast (Philip West)
3 Long-tailed Ducks and over 1000 Eider were off Carrickfergus this morning (Neal Warnock)
The Bittern was seen briefly from the causeway to Inch Island,Co Donegal, along with a drake Smew (Niall Hatch)
An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Whiteabbey, Belfast Lough today (Paul McCullough)
The Waxwings were still in Comber (Adam Middleton)
A Grey Plover, second-winter Mediterranean Gull and 2 first-winter Iceland Gull were at Barmouth of Bann Estuary (Theo Campbell).
At Larne Lough 2 female Long-tailed Duck and a Red-throated Diver were off Glynn (Jeff Larkin)
A Little Egret was seen flying over Strathearn School, east Belfast (W Farrelly)
Many thanks to Ed for the Waxwing and Red-crested Pochard pics (top ), Angus Kennedy for the Inch Smew and Adam Middleton for the Waxwing (bottom pic) below.
Understanding our Red Kites
Misunderstanding of these large birds means that some are worried about the nature of Red Kites on livestock but in fact, they are scavengers and are commonly seen eating worms rather than even bothering to hunt a rabbit! With the lambing season in full swing, the RSPB is reassuring farmers that Red Kites do not pose any threat to lambs. Last year was a great year for the kites in County Down and everyone is hoping that 2013 will bring similar successes.
Adam McClure, RSPB Red Kite Officer advises, “Kites do not hunt mobile prey, but prefer to feed on meat scraps, earthworms, carcasses, frogs and the occasional mouse or rat. These birds of prey lack the power, strength and speed to take anything larger than a young rabbit, never mind a lamb.”
It is important to remember that whilst pest control may be a common practice in the farming industry, poisoning and laying poisoned bait is illegal, indiscriminate poison in our countryside can harm other wildlife.
Adam McClure, RSPB Red Kite Officer advises, “Kites do not hunt mobile prey, but prefer to feed on meat scraps, earthworms, carcasses, frogs and the occasional mouse or rat. These birds of prey lack the power, strength and speed to take anything larger than a young rabbit, never mind a lamb.”
It is important to remember that whilst pest control may be a common practice in the farming industry, poisoning and laying poisoned bait is illegal, indiscriminate poison in our countryside can harm other wildlife.
Bird News Friday 8th February
20 Waxwings were in trees at Comber School, Co. Down, this morning. (James Robinson).
20 Waxwings were feeding in a private garden near the Corner House pub in Derrymacash, Lurgan at 10.00am this morning, see picture below. (Comghal McQuillan).
A male Red Crested Pochard, presumably the returning bird from last winter, was at Oxford Island, Co. Armsgh. (David Knight).
Yesterday 2 Great Northern Diver and 2 Greenshank were at Lower Lough Erne Islands RSPB reserve. Today a female Brambling was in a garden in Monea and an adult Yellow Legged Gull was at Enniskillen tip in Co. Fermanagh. (Brad Robson).
On the north coast a Black-throated Diver and a Great-northern Diver were at Magilligan Point, a Great-northern Diver was in Portrush Harbour, the 'resident' adult Ring-billed Gull was showing well in East Strand Car Park, Portrush. (Peter Robinson and Hill Dick).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Comghal McQuillan for the Waxwing picture, to David Cassells for the Sparrowhawk picture and to Alistair Prentice for the Cormorant picture. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
20 Waxwings were feeding in a private garden near the Corner House pub in Derrymacash, Lurgan at 10.00am this morning, see picture below. (Comghal McQuillan).
A male Red Crested Pochard, presumably the returning bird from last winter, was at Oxford Island, Co. Armsgh. (David Knight).
Yesterday 2 Great Northern Diver and 2 Greenshank were at Lower Lough Erne Islands RSPB reserve. Today a female Brambling was in a garden in Monea and an adult Yellow Legged Gull was at Enniskillen tip in Co. Fermanagh. (Brad Robson).
On the north coast a Black-throated Diver and a Great-northern Diver were at Magilligan Point, a Great-northern Diver was in Portrush Harbour, the 'resident' adult Ring-billed Gull was showing well in East Strand Car Park, Portrush. (Peter Robinson and Hill Dick).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Comghal McQuillan for the Waxwing picture, to David Cassells for the Sparrowhawk picture and to Alistair Prentice for the Cormorant picture. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Thursday 7th February.
66 Whooper Swan were on the Farranfad Road off the Buck's Head Rd between Clough & Downpatrick.(C.Murphy)
A Red Kite was along Carrick Road near Burren, Warrenpoint (F O'Connor).
10 Brambling have been visiting a garden on the Knockmore Road in Lisburn for the last two months, two of the birds are photographed below.(K.Kirkham-Brown)
Our thanks to Mark Smyth for this picture of a Stonechat and also to Alistair Prentice for this wonderful shot of a Dunnock.
Bird News Wednesday 6th February
The drake American Wigeon was still at tullaghan on the leitrim donegal border today seen by Fionnbarr Cross. (per Brad Robson).
2 Little Egrets were at McDonalds in Dundonald. (Chris Henry).
A flock of 12 Waxwings were feeding on Cotoneaster berries in Poleglass, West Belfast, see pictures below. (Rob McAllister).
Yesterday a first-year Iceland Gull was with 1,000 gulls at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Andy Elliott).
Last week a high density of Woodcock was on woodlands south of Six Mill Water and a Raven at Muckamore (Lowell Mills).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Rob McAllister for the Waxwing pictures, to Alistair Prentice for the Fulmar picture, to Ian Jackson for the Siskin pictures, to Tom McCreery for the Goldfinch picture and to Dessie Loughrey for the Chaffinch picture. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
2 Little Egrets were at McDonalds in Dundonald. (Chris Henry).
A flock of 12 Waxwings were feeding on Cotoneaster berries in Poleglass, West Belfast, see pictures below. (Rob McAllister).
Yesterday a first-year Iceland Gull was with 1,000 gulls at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Andy Elliott).
Last week a high density of Woodcock was on woodlands south of Six Mill Water and a Raven at Muckamore (Lowell Mills).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Rob McAllister for the Waxwing pictures, to Alistair Prentice for the Fulmar picture, to Ian Jackson for the Siskin pictures, to Tom McCreery for the Goldfinch picture and to Dessie Loughrey for the Chaffinch picture. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Tuesday 5th February
A flock of twenty Waxwing Have been around Poleglass, West Belfast since Thursday. Around seven were there today (Rob McAlister)
The Little Gull still at Craigavon North Lake (Ed OHara)
A second-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Enniskillen Tip (Brad Robson)
Three Brambling were still visiting a garden at Belmont Road, Belfast (Philip West)
Yesterday the Cattle Egret was still at the organic piggery, St Johnstone, Co Donegal (Liam McCafferty)
Thanks to Ed for this pic of the Little Gull and Alex Coroliu for a Little Egret taken at Carlingford. You can see more pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
The Little Gull still at Craigavon North Lake (Ed OHara)
A second-winter Mediterranean Gull was at Enniskillen Tip (Brad Robson)
Three Brambling were still visiting a garden at Belmont Road, Belfast (Philip West)
Yesterday the Cattle Egret was still at the organic piggery, St Johnstone, Co Donegal (Liam McCafferty)
Thanks to Ed for this pic of the Little Gull and Alex Coroliu for a Little Egret taken at Carlingford. You can see more pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Monday 4th February.
The Lesser Scaup was seen again to-day at Oxford Island (Birdguides)
The 2nd winter Iceland Gull was seen at Central Station in Belfast.
2 Brambling were at Coleraine (Ken Perry, John Clarke)
A female Brambling was still visiting a garden at Gilnahirk (Ron Price)
Bird News Sunday 3rd February
A Lesser Scaup was at Oxford Island this morning, see pictures below. A Great Northern Diver was also present. A Pink Footed Goose was with 20 Whoopers and 300 Greylag Geese at Reedy Flats. The Little Gull and a Kingfisher were at Craigavon Balancing Lakes, see picture below. (Ed O'Hara).
The Bittern was showing well at Inch, from the Causeway. 2 male Smew also (Neal Warnock/Christine Cassidy). The Cattle Egret was also nearby at the Pig Farm at St Johnstone. (Neal Warnock)
The drake Green Winged Teal was still at Bar Hall Bay, Ballyquintin. (Keith Bennett).
A male Merlin was on Divis Mountain above Belfast, a Kestrel and a Stonechat were also seen. (Dave Stirling).
The Ring-billed Gull was still in Groomsport, see picture below. (Stephen Maxwell).
The Iceland Gull was seen again today on the River Lagan at Central Station in Belfast. (Paul McCullough).
A flock of 18 Waxwings were on Lisnahunshin Road in Cullybackey at 4.40 this afternoon. (Peter McAllister).
15 Waxwing were opposite the church a Killowen, Coleraine (Dave Allen).
6 Waxwing, a female Bullfinch and 25 Tree Sparrow were in a garden in Castlerock (Mervyn Guthrie).
An un-tagged Red Kite was at Tyrella (Ivor McDonald).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Ed O'Hara for the pictures of the Lesser Scaup and the Little Gull, to Alistair Prentice for the Kestrel picture, to John Clarke for the Brambling picture, to Christine Cassidy for the Buzzard picture, to Stephen Maxwell for the Ring-billed Gull and to Alan Gallagher for the Coal Tit picture. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
The Bittern was showing well at Inch, from the Causeway. 2 male Smew also (Neal Warnock/Christine Cassidy). The Cattle Egret was also nearby at the Pig Farm at St Johnstone. (Neal Warnock)
The drake Green Winged Teal was still at Bar Hall Bay, Ballyquintin. (Keith Bennett).
A male Merlin was on Divis Mountain above Belfast, a Kestrel and a Stonechat were also seen. (Dave Stirling).
The Ring-billed Gull was still in Groomsport, see picture below. (Stephen Maxwell).
The Iceland Gull was seen again today on the River Lagan at Central Station in Belfast. (Paul McCullough).
A flock of 18 Waxwings were on Lisnahunshin Road in Cullybackey at 4.40 this afternoon. (Peter McAllister).
15 Waxwing were opposite the church a Killowen, Coleraine (Dave Allen).
6 Waxwing, a female Bullfinch and 25 Tree Sparrow were in a garden in Castlerock (Mervyn Guthrie).
An un-tagged Red Kite was at Tyrella (Ivor McDonald).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Ed O'Hara for the pictures of the Lesser Scaup and the Little Gull, to Alistair Prentice for the Kestrel picture, to John Clarke for the Brambling picture, to Christine Cassidy for the Buzzard picture, to Stephen Maxwell for the Ring-billed Gull and to Alan Gallagher for the Coal Tit picture. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Saturday 2nd February
A Snow Bunting was on Slieve Donard in the Mournes. (Keith Bennett)
The Cattle Egret was still at St Johnstone, Co Donegal. The bird now seems to be showing wounds on its back. (Liam McCafferty).
The ring tailed Hen Harrier was seen again at Inch Lake, perched and hunting over the reed bed. (Brian Hegarty/Inishowen Wildlife Club).
The drake Green-winged Teal was still at Dunfanaghy New Lake (W Farrelly).
Late news from yesterday 340 Lapwing, 620 Golden Plover, 35 Grey Plover, 2 Greenshank, 90 Bar-tailed Godwit, 210 Curlew and 4 Little Egret were at Myroe. Also 350 Whooper Swans and 6 Greylag Geese in a field South of Swann's Bridge. ( Peter Robinson, Hill Dick).
The Little Gull was still at Craigavon Balancing Lakes, a second Little Gull was at Portmore, see picture below. (Ed O'Hara).
2 Raven were flying around the top of the quarry in Newtownards this afternoon, a Long-eared Owl was flying across fields between the Ballyblack Road East and the Movilla Road near Newtownards at 6.15 this evening. (David McCormick).
2 Sandwich Terns were in the outer bay at Killough. (Chris Murphy).
What was almost certainly a White-tailed Eagle was seen at the cliffs at Downhill at 1.30pm (Hazlett Harkness).
2 Black-throated Diver were at Magilligan. A Little Auk was 20m off the car park at Ramore Head and 20 Purple Sandpiper also noted in the area. 2 Slavonian Grebe were at the Barmouth of Bann Estuary (David Clarke, John Pyper).
In Donegal the Bittern, a male Smew, 2 Ruff, a fem/imm Hen Harrier and a Black Swan were at Inch Lake (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).
20 Fulmar and 2 Raven were at Ballintoy Harbour (Mark Smyth, Gary Brown, Alistair Prentice).
A second-year Iceland Gull was seen flying out of Belfast Lough (Stuart McKee).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Liam McCafferty for the pictures of the Cattle Egret, to Ed O'Hara for the picture of the Little Gull, to Zach McCreery for the picture of the Stonechat, to Alistair Prentice for the picture of the Kestrel, to Stephen Maxwell for the picture of the Reed Bunting and to Angus Kennedy for the picture of the Treecreeper. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
The Cattle Egret was still at St Johnstone, Co Donegal. The bird now seems to be showing wounds on its back. (Liam McCafferty).
The ring tailed Hen Harrier was seen again at Inch Lake, perched and hunting over the reed bed. (Brian Hegarty/Inishowen Wildlife Club).
The drake Green-winged Teal was still at Dunfanaghy New Lake (W Farrelly).
Late news from yesterday 340 Lapwing, 620 Golden Plover, 35 Grey Plover, 2 Greenshank, 90 Bar-tailed Godwit, 210 Curlew and 4 Little Egret were at Myroe. Also 350 Whooper Swans and 6 Greylag Geese in a field South of Swann's Bridge. ( Peter Robinson, Hill Dick).
The Little Gull was still at Craigavon Balancing Lakes, a second Little Gull was at Portmore, see picture below. (Ed O'Hara).
2 Raven were flying around the top of the quarry in Newtownards this afternoon, a Long-eared Owl was flying across fields between the Ballyblack Road East and the Movilla Road near Newtownards at 6.15 this evening. (David McCormick).
2 Sandwich Terns were in the outer bay at Killough. (Chris Murphy).
What was almost certainly a White-tailed Eagle was seen at the cliffs at Downhill at 1.30pm (Hazlett Harkness).
2 Black-throated Diver were at Magilligan. A Little Auk was 20m off the car park at Ramore Head and 20 Purple Sandpiper also noted in the area. 2 Slavonian Grebe were at the Barmouth of Bann Estuary (David Clarke, John Pyper).
In Donegal the Bittern, a male Smew, 2 Ruff, a fem/imm Hen Harrier and a Black Swan were at Inch Lake (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).
20 Fulmar and 2 Raven were at Ballintoy Harbour (Mark Smyth, Gary Brown, Alistair Prentice).
A second-year Iceland Gull was seen flying out of Belfast Lough (Stuart McKee).
Thanks to today's photographers, to Liam McCafferty for the pictures of the Cattle Egret, to Ed O'Hara for the picture of the Little Gull, to Zach McCreery for the picture of the Stonechat, to Alistair Prentice for the picture of the Kestrel, to Stephen Maxwell for the picture of the Reed Bunting and to Angus Kennedy for the picture of the Treecreeper. You can see more NI bird pictures at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk
Bird News Friday 1st February
11 Waxwing were at the Grove roundabout, Ballymoney Road, Ballymena today (Iris Miller)
An Iceland Gull was at the RSPB Belfast Harbour estate.
15 Waxwing were in the square in Comber.(S.Maxwell) see photo below.
A Med.Gull and a Sandwich Tern were in Killyleagh Harbour and a Little Gull well of the harbour, 2 Carrion Crow were at Nicky's Point.(D.Nixon)
A count at Flatfields this morning contained 130 Whooper Swan, 27 Greylag Geese, 350 Lapwing and 10 Curlew.(C.Mellon)
2 Pink-footed Geese flew over the RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve.(G.McGeehan)
The Cattle Egret was seen again at the pig farm St.Johnston Co.Donegal.
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An Iceland Gull was at the RSPB Belfast Harbour estate.
15 Waxwing were in the square in Comber.(S.Maxwell) see photo below.
A Med.Gull and a Sandwich Tern were in Killyleagh Harbour and a Little Gull well of the harbour, 2 Carrion Crow were at Nicky's Point.(D.Nixon)
A count at Flatfields this morning contained 130 Whooper Swan, 27 Greylag Geese, 350 Lapwing and 10 Curlew.(C.Mellon)
2 Pink-footed Geese flew over the RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve.(G.McGeehan)
The Cattle Egret was seen again at the pig farm St.Johnston Co.Donegal.
Our thanks to to-days photographs from the top Stephen Maxwell-Waxwings, Alistair Prentice- Dunlin and finally to Tom McCreery for the Redpoll and Goldfinch.
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