Friday 30th April News

Ring necked Duck - 1, drake, Portmore Lough (Probably one of the Oxford Island birds)
Osprey - 1, Oxford Island (along with18 Whimbrel and 6 Scaup)
Ring Ouzel - 1, Glenhead Road (off Sainthill Road),  Co Antrim
Whimbrel - 120, Lady Bay, Lough Neagh


Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
by Mark Killops, April 2010

Common Birds Gallery updated here

Morocco Trip Photos updated here

Butterfly News 30th April

Dear All

I saw at least 2 Real's Wood Whites at Craigavon Lakes, Co. Armagh, this afternoon (30th April). This is 1 day earlier than the first Northern Ireland sighting of 2009 (at the same site, when 1 was seen by Ted Rolston). Both were in a sheltered area near some trees although I covered a fair bit of more open ground also. These are as far as know the first Real Wood Whites of 2010 in Northern Ireland, although 

http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/text/853/first_sightings_2010.html 

mentions Wood White Leptidea sinapis in Surrey on 24th April.
 

Other butterfly species seen today:

Holly Blue: 1 female in my garden  at Portadown, and 1 around a Holly Tree at Cargans near Tandragee, Co. Armagh (latter a new site I believe although it has been seen at at least 3 other sites within a mile or two).

Small White: At least 1 identified out of about 5 white butterflies proably all this species in a field of yellow Crucifers at Cargans. The first of this species I have seen in 2010.

Peacock: 1 in a field beside the River at Cargans.

Speckled Wood: About 6 at Cargans; the first I have seen of this species in 2010. Surprisingly none seen at Craigavon Lakes.

Orange-tip: 3 males and a female at Cargans and 2 males and a female at Craigavon Lakes. The first females I have seen so far.

Green-veined White: 5-6 at Cargans and 2-3 at Craigavon Lakes.

IAN RIPPEY 30.4.2010


For up-to-date sightings and information on butterflies in Northern Ireland visit the Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland website:

www.bcni.org.uk

Marsh Harrier NEWS

Male Marsh Harrier returned to 2009 breeding site on 11th March,
followed by a female on 15th March.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
by Mark Killops, Portmore Lough May 2009




Both birds remained at the original site (for 5-days), last seen together there on 20th!!

Visits, from 21st to 23rd March revealed no birds - then a male was seen coming from
the direction of Strangford Lough, carrying prey on the a/noon of 24th, flying south-east !!

Found both birds later that afternoon at a new site, approx. 4km from the original site and there
they remained until the appalling weather at the end of March & early April !!

Due to the poor weather (snow, rain, high winds etc. etc.), the site was not visited from 28th
March to 2nd April. Visits specifically on 3rd, 4th & 5th April, and several visits later in the month
revealed no harriers - they appeared to have suddenly and prematurely deserted the area - reason
unknown at present ?? Displaying was observed and stick collecting by the male was also seen - so
the birds appeared to be reasonably happy at their new abode ??


Many thanks to Don Scott for this update

For more information (on every species of Harrier in the world!) check out Don's book:


'Harriers: Journeys Around The World'

Moths on the Wing - 30th April

Early Thorn Selenia dentaria

Flight Period: mid-February to May

















Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica

Flight Period: May to June

Thursday 29th April News

Cuckoo - 5, Grasshopper Warbler, 5, nr Killeter, Co Tyrone
Whinchat - 1, Antrim Plateau

Spot the Bird (Part 4)

Answer to Part 3 - Pale-bellied Brent Goose!

UN ACCOLADE FOR CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE’S WORK ON SWIFTS

International recognition for renovations at swift event on Friday evening

On Friday 30.04.2010, the Crescent Arts Centre, Hamilton Architects, project sponsors Breacon and contractors Gilbert-Ash received a prestigious UNESCO award at a multi-cultural event celebrating the return of the swifts – a long-distance migrant bird.
The UK ‘Man and the Biosphere’ Urban Wildlife Award for Excellence is a UK contribution towards the United Nations International ‘Man and the Biosphere’ project in urban areas. It aims to recognise projects which help keep contact between people and wildlife and make a real contribution to the quality of peoples’ lives.
The award is given in recognition of their innovative partnership in ensuring the protection, conservation and enhancement of the swift breeding colony in the roof of the 136-year old Crescent Arts Centre listed building during a complex two-year long multimillion pound refurbishment and extension.
“We are thrilled with the award,” said Dr David Hill, Crescent Arts Centre’s Chair. “When we confirmed the unique nature of the colony and the importance of preserving it, we ensured the birds’ requirements were written into the tender and the rest, as they say, is history.”
And some history it is too. The colony has been in the building since the 1920s at least, when the screaming of the swifts was remembered as these avian wonders entered and left their nests.
“It was very interesting for us working with these challenges,” said Kieran Mooney, Project Sponsor, Braecon. “But a lot less difficult that you’d imagine. All we had to do was ensure that the timing of the project coincided with the winter, when the birds were away. And when they returned, they were happy to nest alongside the renovations that were taking place on the other side of the building.”
“This award is very timely,” said John McMillen, CEO NIEA. “As swift numbers struggle across the UK, we know that the Crescent has done something for them here. We hope that their example inspires others to follow their lead when they discover that wildlife can be accommodated with very little effort and cost.”
The event, organised by the RSPB, Beyond Skin and the Crescent, also launched Swiftwatch UK, a UK-wide survey asking people to report sightings of swift colonies. Swifts numbers have collapsed across the UK and Ireland, partly because buildings that used to house them are knocked down or renovated, making them unsuitable for the birds.
“It would be useful for us to know where their colonies are located and get a better picture of the numbers here. If anyone has any information we would encourage them to let us know about it,” said Stephanie Sim, RSPB. “We congratulate the Crescent. They are a shining example of how wildlife and people can and benefit each other.”
For more information about the event call 02890242338.

To report a swift colony, go to:

http://metsteel01/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.rspb.org.uk/thingstodo/surveys/swifts/

or call 02890491547.

Wednesday 28th News

Common Sandpiper - 1, River Bann, Portadown.
Whimbrel - 100, Lough Beg and 26, Killard
Med Gull - 1, Ballycastle
Common Tern - 2, River Lagan, Belfast
Black Guillemot - 27, Queens Bridge, Belfast 
Swift - 25, Killyleagh
Whitethroat - 2, Whitehead
Grasshopper Warbler - 1, Lough Beg
Snow Bunting - 1, Ballintoy (with a small flock of Twite)

Spot the Bird (Part 3)

Butterfly News

2 Holly Blue Butterflies were seen in Lisburn this morning.
A Speckled Wood was also seen on Sunday.
There has also been an influx of Painted Ladys into Southern Spain the past few days.

http://www.butterflyireland.com/butterfly_records_2010.htm shows the 1st records of Small Copper and Common Blue in 2010 in Ireland, and also the first record for the Large White in 2010 in the Republic of Ireland, although the latter was recorded as early as 16th March (a record early date) in Northern Ireland, with several subsequent records.

David Nash: Holly Blue, nr Gorey, Wexford, 23/4; Holly Blue, Drogheda, Louth (per T Boyd), 24/4;
Holly Blue, University College, Belfield, Dublin, 25/4; Holly Blue, Nutley Park, Donnybrook, Dublin, 25/4

Freddie Walsh: Holly Blue(2), Small Copper(2), Peacock(1), Small Tortoiseshell(1), Speckled Wood(1), Common Blue(20m +7f), Green-veined White(7), Raven, Wexford (H12), 23/4;Common Blue(5 male), Small Copper(1), Green-veined White(3), Peacock(1), Raven, Wexford (H12), 20/4[First Common Blue in 2009 on 19/4; Small Copper on 18/4]

Caroline Mhic Daeid: Orange-tip(9m), Carnacally,  Crossroads, Meath (H22), 23/4; Orange-tip(1m), Moynalty, Meath (H22), 14/4

John Fogarty: Speckled Wood(1), Green-veined White(3), Orange-tip(2), Aughnagomaun, Horse & Jockey Thurles, Tipperary S (H7), 23/4

Frank Smyth: Holly Blue(1f), Ceannchor Road, Howth, Dublin, 23/4;Large White(1), Sutton, Dublin, 22/4: Wall Brown(1), Lions Head, Howth, 22/4
[First Large White in 2009 on 25/3]

Frank Smyth:  Speckled Wood(23), Small Tortoiseshell(5), Green-veined White(2), Peacock(2), Comma(1), Howth, Dublin, 22/4
[Comma near "The Needles"; probably a female]

The following 16 species have been reported so far in Ireland in 2010:

Brimstone*; Large White; Small White; Green-veined White; Orange-tip; Small Copper*; Green Hairstreak; Holly Blue; Common Blue*; Red Admiral*; Painted Lady*; Small Tortoiseshell; Peacock; Comma*; Speckled Wood, and Wall Brown*. 

Species with an asterisk have so far not been recorded in 2010 in Northern Ireland (but see below).

Miss Lindsey Greeves report a Small Copper on 24th April at Eden Villa, Portadown, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 

Ian McNeill of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, reports Orange-tips reaching double figures in the area recently. I also saw a male yesterday (25th April) at Carne near Portadown.

Many thanks to Ian Rippey for this update.

For up-to-date sightings and information on butterflies in Northern Ireland visit the Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland website:

www.bcni.org.uk

Ring-necked Duck

One of Sunday's Ring-necked Ducks at Oxford Island by Mark Carmody

http://www.markcarmodyphotography.com/

Make sure to check out Mark's website - some amazing photos and the book is a must-buy for anybody interested in the Irish ornithology.

Rathlin Island

BE A RATHLIN TRAILBLAZER

Guided walks through RSPB's reserve promise incredible encounter with nature

Discover Rathlin Island’s wildest side as you trek the trail through the RSPB reserve at the south of the island. Guided walks from May to August offer unprecedented exploration of the cliffs, hills and wildlife that make Rathlin so special.

Being guided by the RSPB adds an extra dimension. “We’ll be pointing out the rich biodiversity and features of this amazing natural resource and helping walkers spot lapwings, choughs, buzzards, oystercatchers, the unique golden hare and peregrine,” says the RSPB’s Imelda McFaul.

The trail covers some four miles of coastal grassland habitat. Walkers meet at the ferry passenger shelter at Rathlin Harbour at 11.30am and head towards the reserve via the shoreline, spotting common and grey seals along the way. “We’ll then skirt Lower Alley Lake where sightings of coot, tufted duck and mallard are always a possibility, then up to the cliffs for a stunning panorama of Rathlin’s chalk cliffs and the North Antrim Coast,” explains Imelda. “The route along the cliffs then promises incredible views of the Mull of Kintyre and Fair Head. There’s always a good chance of spotting buzzard, peregrine, snipe and wheatear.”

The route then passes Ushet Lake, home for geese, oystercatcher, lapwing and gulls. The walk should take around 3 hours.

Rathlin Island is already a haven for wildlife like the Irish hare, thousands of seabirds, rare plants and insects. In a major boost for Northern Ireland’s wildlife, fifty-two hectares of land was purchased in 2009 to safeguard some of our most important habitat. An essential part of this acquisition, made possible through support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and RSPB members, was making the land accessible to all.

Numbers are limited and interest is certain to be great, so early booking is advised. Please contact Janice at RSPB NI on 02890 491547. The walk costs £3 per adult, and children go free.

Whimbrel

These pictures of a Whimbrel were taken by Ian Graham at Kinnegar Shore, Down on Sunday.

Tuesday 27th April News

Cuckoo - 2, Peatlands Park

Whooper Swan - 18, Portrush, flying north

Brent - 30, Newcastle

 Above: Cuckoos, Peatlands Park by Ed O'Hara

In Memory

The last week has been difficult for a local birder, his wife and family. I know that everyone will relate to the message below:

I am not there

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the snow on the mountain's rim,
I am the laughter in children's eyes,
I am the sand at the water's edge,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle Autumn rain,
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the star that shines at night,
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

OSPREY

Additional news from yesterday evening was of an Osprey in flight just west of Fair Head, Co.Antrim. 30 Whimbrel also in area.

Monday 26th April News

Swifts - Continue to be seen with birds at Oxford Island and Enniskillen.
Grasshopper Warbler, 3, Monea, Co. Fermanagh
Common Tern, 6, Oxford Island
Cuckoo, 1 Monea.
Wheatear, 40, (10 Greenland) were on the Antrim Plateau
Whimbrel, 100 & Sedge Warbler were at Reedy Flat Lough Neagh
Brent - 33 were still at Millisle on the Outer Ards


Copeland Island: From the weekend there were 40 Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and a Bean Goose was reported from Mew Island
(note: the Bean Goose report has since turned out to be erroneous)

Ring Necked Duck

Sunday 25th April News

Ring Necked Duck, 2 drakes, Oxford Island

Ring billed Gull - 1, (adult), Quoile Pondage

Common Sandpiper - 2, Oxford Island

Whimbrel - 20, Myroe, Lough Foyle

Whimbrel - 30, Oxford Island

Common Tern - 2, Oxford Island

Little Gull - 3, Quoile Pondage (along with Common Tern, Little Egret and Swift)

Glaucous Gull - 1, Ballyhalbert, Co. Down

Osprey - 1, Oxford Island, Lough Neagh

White Wagtail - 50, Wheatear 8 (inc. 2 Greenland types), Longfield Point

Cuckoo - 1, Peatlands Park

Grasshopper Warbler - 3, Peatlands Park

Above: Osprey, Oxford Island by Ed O'Hara

Above: Ring-necked Ducks, Oxford Island by Mark Killops





In Donegal, the drake Ring Necked Duck was still present at Inch lake. This bird is associating with a female Pochard.

Saturday 24th April News

Little Gull, 2 Ad, Common Sandpiper 4, Common Tern 30, Quoile Pondage
Manx Shearwater, 100, Whimbrel 15, St Johns Point, Co. Down
Whimbrel - 45, Killard Point, Co Down,
Reed Warbler, 2, Sedge Warbler 1, Ballyherly Lough, Co Down
Common Tern - 5, Ballyhenry Bay, Strangford Lough
Arctic Tern - 3, Larne Lough
Ruff - 1, Belfast Harbour RSPB Reserver
Common Sandpiper -  2, Dundrum
Little Egret - 4, Dundrum
Wheatear - 6, Capanagh

A Roller was seen in Wexford today along with a number of other rare and scarce migrants.

Friday 23rd April News

Whimbrel - Good numbers continue to be seen on Lower Lough Erne Islands with over 80 seen around Trory.
Twite - 10, Ballyholme Yacht Club, Bangor

Thursday 22nd April News

Common Sandpiper - 5 Whitehead
Whimbrel - 50, Lower Lough Erne Islands
Black-tailed Godwit - 4, Lower Lough Erne Islands
Swift - 5 Glengormley, 2 Ballymena
White Wagtail - 8, Whitehead
White Wagtail - 42, Lower Lough Erne Islands
Grasshopper Warbler - Belleek, Co fermanagh

Wednesday 21st April

Black Redstart - 1, male (singing), Port Ballantrae

The Glossy Ibis remains at Tacumshin and a Swift was seen at Greystones, Wicklow.

Tuesday 20th April

Purple Sandpiper - 5, Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim

Mediterranean Gull - 2 (one with a white ring), Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim

Glaucous Gull - 1 (adult), Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve.

Little Gull -1 (adult), Quoile Pondage, Co. Down

Common Tern - 3, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down (1st reported this year)

White Wagtail - 1, Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim
Crossbill - 40, Cairn Wood, Craigantlet, Co. Down

2,000 auks went south past Whitehead.

Below: Red Squirrel at Straidkilly NNR by Denis McBride, Glenarm Wildlife Group

To find out more about Straidkilly and the Glenarm Wildlife Group click here

Mammal photos updated here


Israel (March 2009) photos updated here

Monday 19th April

Common Sandpiper - 1, River Lagan, Belfast
Whimbrel - 2, Lower Lough Erne RSPB, Co. Fermanagh
White Wagtail - 24, Lower Lough Erne RSPB, Co. Fermanagh

Moths on the Wing

Early Tooth-Striped Trichopteryx carpinata

Moth photos updated here


Chamomile Shark Cucullia chamomillae (caterpillar)
by Dave Allen

Lunar Hornet Moth Sesia bembeciformis
by Dave Allen

Red-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis
by Dave Allen

The Vapourer Orgyia antiqua (caterpillar)

by Dave Allen

Sunday 18th April

Whimbrel - 45, Ballyquintin Point, Co. Down
Little Gull - 2 (adult summer and immature), Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Cuckoo - 1, Drumack, Rasharkin, Co. Antrim
Cuckoo -1, Carrigatuke, Fews Forest, Co. Armagh
Whinchat - 1, Portmuck, Island Magee, Co. Antrim
Greenland Wheatear - 2, Whitehead, Co. Antrim
Crossbill - 50, Slieve Gullion Forest, Co. Armagh
Crossbill - 6, Carrigatuke, Fews Forest, Co. Armagh

Above: Crossbills, today, Slieve Gullion Forest, by Joe Devlin



Moths on the Wing

Clouded Drab Orthosia incerta, 18/04/2010

Powdered Quaker Orthosia gracilis, 18/04/2010

Hebrew Characters Orthosia gothica, 18/04/2010

Moth photos updated here

Saturday 17th April

Manx Shearwater - 15, St. John's Pt., Co. Down
Little Egret - 5, Dundrum Inner Bay South, Co. Down
Little Egret - 2, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Red Kite - 4, Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down
Common Sandpiper - 1, Belfast RSPB
Purple Sandpiper - 30, Ramore Head, Co.Antrim
Whimbrel - 16, Ramore Head, Co.Antrim
Whimbrel - 7, Belfast RSPB
Ruff - 1 (male), Belfast RSPB
Ring-billed Gull - 2 (both 2nd Winter), Belfast RSPB
Glaucous Gull - 1 (3rd summer), Millisle, Co. Down
Little Gull - 1(adult), Quoile Pondage, Co.Down
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1 (female), Co.Down
Cuckoo - 1, Ballyregan Road, Dundonald, Co. Down
Reed Warbler - 1, Ballyherly Lough, Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 7, Kelly's Wood, Co. Down
Chiff-chaff - 2 - Kelly's Pt., Co. Down
Crossbill - 20, Ballyboley Forest, Co. Antrim

Above: Hen Harrier, today, Co. Antrim by Mark Killops

Above: Great Crested Grebes by Mark Killops, today, Oxford Island



Moths on the Wing

Twin-spotted Quaker Orthosia munda

Flight Period: early March to beginning of May


Israel shots added to Trip Photos gallery (here)


There are now over 500 photos on this blog!

Friday 16th April

Pale-bellied Brent - 400 (flying north), Islandmagee, Co. Antrim
Long-eared Owl - 1, Laurelvale,  Co. Armagh.
Grasshopper Warbler - 1, Ballycolin Rd., Belfast Hills

Thursday 15th April

Little Egret - 1, Collector's Bay, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Black-tailed Godwit - 650, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Whimbrel - 20, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Snipe - 15, wasteground in front of Sainsbury's, Sprucefield, Co.Down
Jack Snipe - 3, wasteground in front Sainsbury's, Sprucefield, Co.Down
Little Gull - 1 (adult), Collector's Bay, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Grasshopper Warbler - 1, Kileter, Co. Tyrone


SPOT THE BIRD (PART 2)















Photo: Ross Towers

Answer: Common Buzzard, Inishargy Bog UWT

For more information on Inishargy Bog visit here



Moths On The Wing


Red Chestnut Cerastis rubricosa

Flight Period: March to mid-May

Wednesday 14th April

Red-throated Diver - 3, Killard Pt., Co Down
Red Kite - 1, Cappanagh, Co Antrim
Ruff- 1, Belfast RSPB, Co. Down
Glaucous Gull - 1 (adult), Belfast RSPB, Co. Down
Dipper - 2, Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone
Spotted Flycatcher - 1, Halfway House, Banbridge, Co. Down
Twite - 30, Ballintoy, Co. Antrim

Above: Unidentified butterfly, Morocco March 2010 by Ed O'Hara. (Any comments / id welcome)

Above: Willow Warbler - today, Inishargy Bog, Co Down

Above: Willow Warbler - today, Oxford Island, Co.Armagh by Ed O'Hara

Above: Blackcap - today , Oxford Island, Co. Armagh by Ed O'Hara

Tuesday April 13th

Little Egret - 1, Collector's Bay, Quoile Pondage, Co.Down
Black-tailed Godwit - 500, Belfast RSPB, Co. Down
Common Sandpiper - 1, Collector's Bay, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Ruff - 1, Belfast RSPB, Co. Down
Turnstone - 100, Kinnegar Shore, Belfast,  Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 5, Castle Issland Rd., Co. Down



Morocco Trip Photos (here) and Features (here) updated!


There are now over 470 photos on this blog!

Monday 12th April

Red Kite - 4, Castlewellan, Co. Down
Goshawk - 2 (pair displaying), Castlewellan, Co.Down
Glaucous Gull - 1, (1st winter), River Bann, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry

 Above: one of 3 Red Kites seen at Ardilea, Dundrum Inner Bay North, (03/04/2010) by Joe Devlin

Above: Willow Warbler, Oxford Island (10/04/2010) by Mark Killops


Republic of Ireland
Avocet - 1, Tacumshin, Co. Wexford
Spoonbill - 1, Timoleague, Co.Cork


Common Birds (here) and Morocco Trip Photos (here) updated.

Sunday 11th April

Garganey - 2 (pair), Portvogie, Co. Down
Scaup - 3, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
Red-throated Diver - 8, St. John's Pt, Co. Down
Slavonian Grebe - 5, Herring Bay, Strangford Lough, Co. Down
Manx Shearwater - 1, St. John's Pt., Co. Down
Little Egret - 6, Dundrum Inner Bay South, Co.Down
Hen Harrier -2, skydancing, Antrim Plateau, Co.Antrim
Buzzard - 3, Woodburn, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim
Ringed Plover - 172, Ballykinler, Co. Down
Sanderling - 198, Ballykinler, Co. Down
Sanderling -  54, Ballykinler, Co. Down
Purple Sandpiper - 4, Newcastle Rock Pool, Co.Down
Turnstone - 125, Rock Pool, Newcastle
Greenshank - 1, St. John's Pt, Co. Down
Common Sandpiper - 2, Glenarm Forest, Co. Antrim
Great Skua - 1, St. John's Pt, Co.Down
Mediterranean Gull - 1 (1st winter), Ramore Head, Co. Antrim
Sandwich Tern - 2, St. John's Pt., Co. Down
Sandwich Tern - 1, Killough, Co. Down
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1, Downpatrick, Co. Down
Swallow - 50, Woodburn, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim
White Wagtail - 8, Drumfad Bay, Millisle, Co. Down
White Wagtail - 3, St. John's Pt, Co. Down
Grey Wagtail - 6, Glenarm Forest, Co. Antrim
Greenland Wheatear - 1, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Willow Warbler - 2, St. John's Pt, Co. Down
Long-tailed Tit - 4, Woodburn, Carrickfergus, Co.Antrim

Above: today's pair of Garganey at Portavogie by Ian Graham

Above: one of today's Scaup at Oxford Island, Co. Armagh by Mark Killops

Saturday 10th April

Red-throated Diver - 5, Whitehead, Co. Antrim
Manx Shearwater - 6, Whitehead, Co. Antrim
Slavonian Grebe - 15, Greyabbey Bay South, Strangford Lough
Slavonian Grebe - 1, Greyabbey, Strangford Lough
Slavonian Grebe - 3, Gasworks, Strangford Lough
Little Egret - 2, Ballycarry Bridge, Larne Lough, Co. Antrim
Sandwich Tern - 2, Whitehead, Co. Antrim
Puffin - 7, The Gobbins, Islandmagee, Co. Antrim

Friday 9th April

Greenland White-fronted Goose - 2, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Greylag Goose - 30, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Merlin - 1, female, Drumfad Bay, Millisle,Co. Down
Black-tailed Godwit - 400, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Water Pipit  - 1, Drumfad Bay, Millisle, Co. Down
Scandinavian Rock Pipit - 1, Cushendun, Co. Antrim

Thursday 8th April

Whooper Swan - 28, Kesh, Co. Armagh
Woodcock - 1, Kilwaughter, Co. Antrim
Long-eared Owl - 1, Dunmurry, Co. Antrim
Stock Dove - 1, Loughguile, Co.Antrim
Swallow - 10, Loughuile, Co. Antrim
Swallow - 1, Kilwaughter, Co. Antrim
Swallow - 1, Drumfad Bay, Millisle, Co. Down
Swallow - 5, Temple Water, Castle Ward, Co. Down
Housemartin - 3, Loughguile, Co. Antrim
Sandmartin, 50 Loughguile, Co. Antrim
White Wagtail - 7, Drumfad Bay, Millisle, Co. Down
Wheatear - 2, Drumfad Bay, Millisle, Co. Down
Blackcap - 2, Temple Water, Castle Ward, Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 1, Kilwaughter, Co. Antrim
Chiff-chaff - 2, Kilwaughter, Co. Antrim
Chiff-chaff - 1, Loughguile, Co. Antrim
Chiff-chaff - 1, Temple Water, Castle Ward, Co. Down

Wednesday 7th April

Pink-footed Goose - 1, River Closet, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh (with Greylag and Whooper Swan)
Smew - 2, Portmore Lough, Co. Antrim
Swallow  - 2, Killyleagh, Co. Down
Water Pipit - 1, Millisle, Co. Down
Blackcap - 1, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 2, Quoile Pondage, Co. Down
Chiff-chaff - 2, Derry, Co. Londonderry

Tuesday 6th April

Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 37, Millisle, Co. Down
Osprey - 1, Castle Espie, Co. Down
Red Kite - 3, Castlewellan, Co. Down
Buzzard - 5, Sion Mills, Co. Tyrone
Buzzard - 1, Castlewellan, Co. Down
Sparrowhawk - 1, female, Castlewellan, Co. Down
Common Sandpiper - 1, Millisle, Co. Down
Jack Snipe - 1, Tandragee, Co. Armagh
Black-tailed Godwit - 150, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Mediterranean Gull - 1, 1st winter, Poyntzpass, Co. Down
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 200, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Glaucous Gull - 1, 1st Winter, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Iceland Gull - 1, 1st Winter, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Stock Dove - 3, Castlewellan, Co. Down
Blackcap - 1, Castle Espie, Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 2, Mullagh, Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Chiff-chaff - 1, Long Pt., Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Chiff-chaff - 1, Castle Espie, Co. Down
Raven - 2, Long Pt., Lough Beg, Co. Londonderry
Yellowhammer - 4 (3 males / 1 female), Sion Mills, Co. Tyrone


More moth photos added to the 'Other Wildlife' gallery

To visit click here

 

Monday 5th April

Pink-footed Goose - 1, Oxford Island , Co. Armagh
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 30, Drain's Bay, Co. Antrim
Ruddy Duck - 12, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
Manx Shearwater - 60/hour, St. John's Pt., Co. Down
Gannet - 100/hour, St. John's Pt., Co. Down
Black Guillemot - 3, Glenarm Harbour, Co. Antrim
Black Guillemot - 2, Ballygally, Co. Antrim
Water Pipit - 1, Millisle, Co./ Down (now in breeding plumage)
Chaffinch - 15, Glenarm Forest, Co. Antrim
Brambling - 1, Glenarm Forest, Co. Antrim


There are now over 400 wildlife photos on this blog

Sunday 4th April

Greenland White-froned Goose - 10, Myroe Levels, Lough Foyle
Pink-footed Goose - 2, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh 
Little Egret - 2, Dundrum Inner Bay South, Co. Down
Little Egret - 5, Ardilea, Co. Down
Red Kite - Legananny, Co.Down
Buzzard - 4, Lough Shark, Co. Down / Armagh
Merlin -1, female, Ballykelly, Lough Foyle
Golden  Plover - 600, Long Pt., Lough Foyle
Ringed Plover - 80, Bann Estuary, Co. Londonderry
Sanderling - 220, Bann Estuary, Co. Londonderry
Curlew - 170, Bann Estuary, Co. Londonderry
Black-tailed Godwit - 1000, Belfast RSPB, Co. Down
Black-tailed Godwit - 150, Bann Estuary, Co. Londonderry
Whimbrel - 1, Ballyquintin, Co. Down
Iceland Gull - 1, 1st winter, Donnybrewer, Lough Foyle
Long-eared Owl - 1, Ardilea, Co. Down
Swallow - 4, Belfast Harbour Conservation Area, Co. Down
Swallow - 1, Kinnegar Shore, Co. Down
Swallow - 1, Blackstaff River, Co. Down
Wheatear - 1, Ballykinler Beach, Co. Down
Wheatear - 1, St. John's Pt., Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 4,  Lough Shark, Co. Down /Armagh
Willow Warbler - 1, Kinnegar Shore, Co. Down
Willow Warbler - 2, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh
Chiff-chaff - 6, Lough Shark, Co. d
Chiff-chaff - 1, Ardilea, Co. Down
Brambling - 1, female, Donnybrewer, Lough Foyle
Tree Sparrow - 40, Donnybrewer, Lough Foyle

Swallow / Housemartin, Sandmartin - 30, Lough Shark, Co. Down / Armagh

More Morocco photos added to the 'Trip Photos' gallery 

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Republic of Ireland
Iceland Gull - 1, 1st winter, Greencastle, Co. Donegal

Saturday 3rd April

Whooper Swan - 65, Aghagallon, Co. Antrim
Goosander - 2, pair, Lough Island Reavy, Co. Down
Hen Harrier - 1, female, Portmore Lough , Co. Antrim
Red Kite - 1, Lough Island Reavy, Co. Down
Red Kite - 2, Ardilea, Dundrum Inner Bay, Co. Down
Buzzard - 6, Garry Wood, Co. Antrim
Buzzard - 3, Ardilea, Dundrum Inner Bay, Co. Down
Sparrowhawk - pair, Garry Wood, Co. Antrim
Kestrel - 1, male, Garry Wood, Co. Antrim
Peregrine - 1, Ardilea, Dundrum Inner Bay, Co. Down
Greenshank - 8, Dundrum Inner Bay South, Co. Down
Sabine's Gull - 1, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 200, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim
Sandwich Tern - 4 (2 pairs), displaying, Cockle Island, Co. Down
Swallow - 1, Aghalgallon, Co. Antrim
Redwing - 50, Garry Lower, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim
Wheatear - 1, Garry Lower, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim
Blackcap - pair, private garden, Larne, Co. Antrim
Chiff-chaff - 4, Whitehead, Co. Antrim
Chough - 1, Fair Head, Co. Antrim
Tree Sparrow - 10, Ardilea, Co. Down
Yellowhammer - 7, Ardilea, Co. Down

Friday 2nd April

Pale-bellied Brent Goose - 32, Drains Bay, Co. Antrim
Sandwich Tern - 2, Greencastle Pt., Carlingford Lough, Co. Down

Thursday 1st April

Osprey - 1, Newcastle Beach, Co. Down - (flying north over Royal Co. Down Golf Course)
Buzzard - 4, Dunmurry, Co. Antrim
Ring-billed Gull - 1, 3rd winter, Carrickfergus Leisure Centre, Co. Antrim
Swallow - 2, Whitehouse Lagoon, Co. Antrim
Swallow - 1, Ardilea, Dundrum Inner Bay, Co. Down
Crossbill - 22, caravan park, Gosford Forest Park, Co. Armagh