Bird News Wednesday 31st August

A Green Sandpiper and 2 Ruff, 2 juvenile Ringed Plover, 100 Lapwing and 40 Black Headed Gull were at Lady/Sandy Bays, Lough Neagh. (Neil Warnock/Vernon Carter).

Along the Armagh shore of Lough Neagh 25 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 8 Ruff, 2 Knot, a Bar Tailed Godwit, 4 Whimbrel and 6 Black Tailed Godwit were at Reedy Flat, 19 Goldeneye, 5 Common Tern and 2 Whooper Swan were also seen and 32 White Wagtail and 2 Wheatear were nearby in a field at Ardmore church. (Oscar Campbell).

2 Curlew Sandpiper and 8 Ruff were at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve. (Gerard McGeehan).

A possible Lesser Yellowlegs was reported near the Twelve Arches at Dundrum Inner Bay South. (Leonard Charles).

Late news from yesterday, 3 Sanderling and 300 Starling were at Lady Bay, Lough Neagh, a Common Tern and 35/40 Tree Sparrow were at Portmore Lough RSPB reserve. (Vernon Carter).

Little Grebe - Robert McDowell

Bird News for Monday 30th August

The Semi-palmated Sandpiper was still at the Barmouth, Castlerock. (Dennis Weir)
A Curlew Sandpiper, 7 Ruff, and 12 Knot were at the RSPB Belfast Harbour Estate.
Our thanks to Allen Gillespie for this lovely shot of the Curlew Sandpiper at the Harbour Estate, even in juv. plumage they really are a lovely looking wader.

Bird News for Monday 29th August.

The Semi-palmated Sandpiper was seen again to-day at the Bann Estuary, best viewed from the hide. 2 Little Stint and 5 Curlew Sandpiper were also present.

2 juvenile Little Gull were at Lough Beg. A juvenile Little Stint and a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper were at Church Island and a juvenile Hen Harrier hunting at Paddy's Dub (David Steele).
At Strangford Lough a Little Stint and Spotted Redshank were at Anne's Point and 3 Curlew Sandpiper near Pattons Marsh (Richard Weyl).
4 Pale-bellied Brent (probably new arrivals), a Wheatear, Peregrine and 22 Turnstone (2 juveniles) were at Islandhill (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).

In Donegal Melmore Head over 3 hours had 16 Great Skua, 5 Arctic Skua, 8 Sooty Shearwater, a Puffin and 75 Manx Shearwater (Oscar Campbell). Yesterday an all day seawatch at Melmore produced 5 Long-tailed Skua, 25 Arctic Skua, 70 Great Skua and 116 Sooty Shearwater (Oscar Campbell, Eric Randall).

Also yesterday a Curlew Sandpiper was at Belfast Harbour RSPB at 9am (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).

Curlew Sandpiper (third from left), with Dunlin, Islandmagee - Bill Guiller (27th August)

On Saturday, 9 Whooper Swan (including one Cygnet) were at Lough Beg. 40 Grey Heron were also at the Toome Eel fishery. (Ken Perry)

A free training day (an Introduction to Bird ID and Recording) is taking place at Dundrum on Sunday 18th September. The day is part of an ongoing series of events organised by Alliance Youth Works, a local environmental education charity and runs from 10am-1pm. Places are limited so if you are interested then please contact Liz Farnan at Alliance Youth Works on 43 767 244 or lizfarnan@allianceyouthworks.org.uk
Many thanks to Craig and Ed for the photos below:

Juvenile Ringed Plover - Craig Nash

Wheatear - Craig Nash

Ruddy Duck & Pochard - Ed O'Hara

Bird News for Sunday 28th August

A Semipalmated Sandpiper was at the Bann Estuary this afternoon. 2 Little Stint, 3 Curlew Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel , and 50 Sanderling were also present.

A sea-watch from Ramore Head between 9am-noon, produced 10 Sooty Shearwater, 5 Arctic Skua, 4 Great Skua, 1 Whimbrel and 1 Snipe, a Wheatear was on the headland and a Peregrine was hunting the area.

A female Marsh Harrier was seen over the reeds from the main hide at the Quoile Pondage.(C.Gillespie, Norma Percevel Price)
The RSPB Belfast Harbour reserve had 6 Ruff, 5 Knot, 10 Dunlin and 40 Bar Tailed Godwit, there was no sign of the Wilson's Pharalope. 2 Little Egret were at Kinnegar Pool. (Ian Graham, George Gordon, Stephen Maxwell). Some good birds around so well worth keeping a close eye on the reserve.

A ring tail Hen Harrier was hunting at Oxford Island. (Ed O'Hara).

At Rathlin Island 4 Great Skua, 2 Arctic Skua, at least 3 Chough and 3 Twite were at Rue Point. (Dermot Hughes).

A Ruff and 2 Bar Tailed Godwit were at Cloghy Rocks in Strangford Narrows. (Spencer & Joan Marshall).

2 Red Kites were over farmland at Ballywalter. (Stephen Bell).

8 Crossbill were at the Burnish in Newry. (Frank Carroll).

Thanks to Ed O'Hara, Slawomir Starzynski and Stephen Maxwell for these shots

Ring Tailed Hen Harrier, Oxford Island - Ed O'Hara

Ruff, Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve - Slawomir Starzynski

Little Egret, Belfast Harbour Estate - Stephen Maxwell

Bird News for Saturday 27th August

A Sanderling, 42 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin and 31 Turnstone were at Sandy Bay in Larne. A Cuckoo, 2 Willow Warbler, 3 Bullfinch and 2 Blackcap were at Cranny Falls in Carnlough (Gerard McGeehan, Shirley Dunlop).

5 Buzzard circling together over the Downshire area of Carrickfergus were later joined by a sixth from the direction of Belfast Lough (David Stockton).

A Curlew Sandpiper was at Islandmagee (Bill Guiller)

Bird News Friday 26th August

A juvenile Long-Tailed Skua was at Kinnegar Shore
The Wilsons Phalarope and two Ruff were at Belfast Harbour RSPB reserve (David McNulty)

Thanks to Slawomir Starzynski for this nice shot of Turnstones.

Turnstones - Slawomir Starzynski

As ever, if you have any bird news, please forward information to: nibirds@live.co.uk

Where to go birding this Autumn?

The Autumn is undoubtably the best time of year for birding in Ireland. The mix of migrants and rare winter visitors together with changes in the seasons and the potential of a good seawatch all make this a fantastic time. So if you have a day or a few days free, what would we recommend? Depending upon whether you want to find your own birds or go chasing rarities, the following are some suggestions:

Northern Ireland
Copeland Island - Our best known migrant location. Two years ago it had a Raddes Warbler and famously had Whites Thrush and has also had e.g Yellow-Browed Warbler.

Rathlin Island - It does no doubt attract migrants. In the last few years it has had Yellow Browed Warbler and a Wryneck. It is however a large island with plenty of cover but there is always significant potential with Rathlin.

Myroe \ Roe Estuary - This is the major location in NI for waders and holds a good supporting cast of wildfowl. Always worth a day out, particualrly in September. Buff Breasted Sandpiper is 'guaranteed' at some time in the month.

Republic of Ireland
Tory Island - The north wests most famous migrant location. After the 50 minute boat journey, you never know what will turn up. Head to East Town to see where birds such as Booted Warbler and Pechora Pipit turned up. Head west to the Lighthouse and look for rare waders. It can be a fantastic place to bird, however, on a wet and windy day it can be dreary!

Belmullet - This Co. Mayo location is underwatched and offers fantastic potential. Last Autumn, the highlight was American Coot but it has also had many good passerines and waders. It is a 5 hour drive away but can certainly be worth it.

Achill Island - Like Belmullet, it is underwatched. It has fantastic wader, wildfowl and passerine habitat. There is the now resident Black Duck and if the birding is poor, you cannot but be impressed by the scenery. Again a 5 hour drive away (but no boat journey!).

Inishboffin - This Island off Galway is starting to get a name for itself. Two Irish firsts in recent tears (Cedar Waxwing and Laughing Dove) shows the massive potential.

Wexford - Tacumshin is THE top wader spot in Ireland. At present you can also add the now resident Bearded Tits to the cast of rare nearctic waders.

Cape Clear - If you are after a rarity, this is the top location in Ireland. Famous amongst NI birders for manys a year (there is even a 'wood' named after us!), it offers not only excellent birding but also good craic. You are unlikely to find yourself as the lone birder on the Island but you have a fantastic opportunity to find your own rarities. October is the top month for rare passerines.

Little Bunting, Cape Clear - Michael O'Keefe

If travelling anywhere in Ireland this autumn, dont forget to take your copy of the excellent Finding Birds in Ireland. It features all of the above locations - and more!

Bird News for Thursday 25th August.

Not a lot of news in to-day except that the Wilson's Phalarope remains at the RSPB Belfast Harbour Estate.
At Slieve Beagh Co Monaghan this morning, Female Hen Harrier, 3  Red Grouse, Crossbills, Kestrels a Sparrowhawk, 2 Raven and a Female Wheatear (Colin Bell)

Seawatching Weather?

According to the weather forecast, moderate South Easterly winds are forecast for tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. A visit to St Johns Point may be rewarded!
This weekend, winds are expected to go North Westerly on Friday evening, possibly staying North Westerly for the weekend. The winds are only expected to be moderate but could still produce good seawatching conditions along the north coast.

Update: BirdWatch Ireland's new seabird blog is up & running and will feature posts & articles on general seabird work, Seatrack updates & regular sightings from The Bridges of Ross. Obviously a very seasonal blog! www.seabirdwatchireland.blogspot.com

Bird News Wednesday 24th August

The Wilsons Phalarope was still present at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve.

A possible Yellow Legged Gull, not confirmed as the wing pattern was not seen, was with the Lesser Black Backed Gulls at Reedy Flats along the Armagh shore of Lough Neagh, a Whooper Swan and 3 Goldeneye were also seen. Yesterday 11 Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin and 6 Goldeneye were at Reedy Flats and Portmore Lough had a moulting Slavonian Grebe, 260 Gadwall. a Shoveler and 6 Wigeon. (Oscar Campbell).

A Kingfisher was at Stranmillis Weir in Belfast. (Irish Birding).

Thanks to Slawomir Starzynski for these excellent shots taken at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve and Kinnegoe shore at the weekend.

Little Egret - Slawomir Starzynski

Little Egret - Slawomir Starzynski

Black Tailed Godwit - Slawomir Starzynski

Black Tailed Godwit - Slawomir Starzynski

Bird News for Tues 23rd August

At Lough Beg a Pectoral Sandpiper was in the southwest corner before flying into the marsh. None were there last night so this might be a new bird (D.Steele)

The Wilson's Phalarope continues it stay at the RSPB Belfast Harbour reserve.(Irishbirding)

Staying on the subject of american waders, Tacumshin Co Wexford had 3 species of them to-day, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Sandpiper and White-rumped Sandpiper, all 3 have over the years, turned up at the RSPB Harbour Estate, so keep a sharp eye out for anything unusual.

On the Antrim side of Belfast Lough 223 Sandwich Tern and a Little Egret were at Greenisland (Gerard McGeehan).

At Strangford Lough a pair of Wheatear and a Greenshank were at Gibbs Island (Spencer and Joan Marshall).

Raptors seem to be the order of the day, the Hobby is still at the Montaighs and the Osprey reported again from the RSPB Portmore Lough reserve. A Red Kite was reported over Antrim (Birdguides) and a Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk were seen outside of Dundonald.(S.Maxwell)
A great photo(above) from Craig Nash of a hunting female Sparrowhawk over Killard to-day.

Knot At Belfast RSPB

Thanks to Des Gillespie for this superb shot of a Knot taken at Belfast RSPB reserve on Saturday. Small numbers of Knot are often present at the reserve, especially at high tide, but they can be difficult to see well as they tend to keep to the back of the reserve, well away from the observation room and hides. Dan has done really well to get this excellent shot.

Bird New Monday 22nd August

The Wilsons Phalarope was still at the Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve (Paul Scott \ Brian McNulty)
12 Knot and a Ruff were also at the Reserve (Stephen Maxwell)

At Strangford Lough a Wheatear and a Buzzard were at Killyleagh shore. (Spencer & Joan Marshall).

The Osprey was still at Portmore RSPB reserve.

Ruff - Stephen Maxwell

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

Bird News for Sunday 21st August.

2 Pectoral Sandpipers a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper and 12 Ruff were in the South west corner of Lough Beg (David Steele)
The Wilson's Phalarope is still at the RSPB Harbour Estate reserve, it has now been seen for a full week, 3 Ruff, 6 Knot and around a dozen Dunlin were also present.
The Hobby was present again today at the Montiaghs (Paul Scott). We have received some stunning pictures of this bird and you can see more are in our Features section.

Hobby - Mark Killops

There was no sign of the Alpine Swift today.

The Osprey was seen again at RSPB Portmore Lough reserve.(E.O'Hara)
A Great Skua, 3 Common Scoter and 16 Black-tailed Godwit (flying south) were at Burial Island along the Outer Ards (Richard Weyl).
At Strangford Lough 2 Little Egret and 560 Redshank were at the Floodgates (Dot Blakely).
In south Down 9 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, a Greenshank, a female Sparrowhawk, 2 Whooper Swan and 5 Buzzard were on the Newcastle side of the Downshire Bridge at Dundrum (Fulton Somerville. Janet McKevitt).

The second summer Ring-billed Gull was at Ballycastle.(Irishbirding)
Sightings from Ards Peninsula this afternoon included 2 Greenshank & 97 Turnstone at Miller's Corner, 5 Carrion Crow & 10 Golden Plover just south of Greyabbey, 1 Common Whitethroat at Horse Island, a Whimbrel at Ballywallon Island, 25 Canada Geese at Ardquin and 27 Sandwich Tern at Ballyhenry Island (Adam McClure)

One of the Knot currently at the RSPB Harbour Estate,this fine photograph was taken by James O'Neill

Bird News Saturday 20th August

An Alpine Swift was seen over the Edgewater estate in Donaghadee this evening, it was seen with a large flock of other hirundines (James Robinson) The Edgewater estate is the last development coming out of Donaghadee heading towards Millisle.

The Wilson's Phalarope was still present at Belfast RSPB. (Ed O'Hara).
Also 2 Ruff, 8 Knot and 20 Bar-tailed Godwits ( I.Graham)

A Merlin was at Burnish viewpoint, Newry. (Frank Carroll).

On the Ards peninsula, 10 Whimbrel were at Ballyquintin Point and a juvenile Red Kite north of Greyabbey (Jim Whitla, Fulton Somerville).

2 Little Egret were at Kinnegar (Ricky McQuillan).

The drake Eider of the American race Dresseri, now undergoing its annual moult, was at Ballyhiernan Bay, Fanad, Co. Donegal. (Wilton Farrelly)

Thanks to Des Gillespie for yhis shot of the Wilson's Phalarope.

Wilson's Phalarope - Des Gillespie

Bird News for Friday 19th August.

The Wilson's Phalarope and the Spotted Redshank were once again at the RSPB Harbour Estate reserve (S.McKee) also present were 2 Common Sandpiper and a Ruff . 2 Ruff, a Common Sandpiper, 85 Mute Swan and numerous Black-tailed Godwit were at Quoile Pondage (Vernon Carter).

Bird News Thursday 18th August

The Wilsons Phalarope (on right with Ruff on left) and the Spotted Redshank are present at the RSPB Reserve today. There was also 6 Knot and a Ruff, so a nice selection of waders. If anyone is thinking of heading to the RSPB Harbour Estate to-morrow the Airport Road is blocked off, so enter via the Kinnegar entrance.

18 Ruff and 2 Garganey were in the SW corner of Lough Beg at sunset. (David Steele)

Our thanks to Phillip West who had this Jay in his garden this afternoon, what a stunning bird they are.

Bird News Wednesday 17th August

The Wilsons Phalarope was still at the RSPB Harbour Reserve. Also 4 Common Sandpiper, 5 Knot & 8 Swifts there this evening. (Paul Scott \ Adam McClure)
The high-tide roost at Dundrum Inner Bay this afternoon: 73 lapwing, 142 redshank, 3 curlew & 5 turnstone (which are still in summer plumage). (Adam McClure)
A juvenile Spotted Redshank was at Belfast Lough RSPB (Stuart McKee).
Yesterday a Pale-bellied Brent was near Marconi's Cottage at Ballycastle (Colin Guy).

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

Wilson's Phalarope Pictures

Thanks to Stuart McKee and Cecil Smyth for these shots of the juvenile Wilson's Phalarope:

Wilson's Phalarope - Stuart McKee

Wilsons Phalarope - Cecil Smith

Bird News Tuesday 16th August

The juvenile Wilson's Phalarope was still present at Belfast RSPB reserve. (Guy Hamilton/Ian Graham).

The Hobby was still at the Montiaghs. (Mark Killops\S McKee).

The first summer Ring Billed Gull was at Ballycastle. (Matthew Tickner).

6 Buzzard and a Swift were at Killyleagh Estate and 100 Sand Martins were at the Quoile Pondage. (Spencer Marshall).

4 Raven were seen at Castlewellan viewpoint. (Dot Blakely).

12 Little Egret were at Dundrum Inner Bay South and 120 Common Gull and 23 Grey Heron in the fields at Murlough Farm. (Derek Polley).

4 Common Sandpiper and 100 Curlew were at the Roe Estuary, a Whimbrel was with Godwits at Magilligan with a Kestrel hunting around the Martello tower. (David Hill).

Thanks to todays photographers Mark Killops, David Hill and Cecil Smyth.

Hobby, The Montiaghs - Mark Killops



Hobby, The Montiaghs - Mark Killops

Little Egret, Kinnegoe Shore - Cecil Smyth

Common Sandpiper, Roe Estuary - David Hill

Magilligan, Lough Foyle - David Hill

Copeland Pics

Many thanks to Kerry Leonard for the two pics below. Unfortunately only one or two Arctic Tern chicks fledged from a peak of nearly 1000 pairs on the Copelands.  The main factors affecting success were as usual weather and Gull predation (which is significant).

Arctic Tern Chick - Kerry Leonard

Black Guillemot - Kerry Leonard

Bird News Monday 15th August

The Wilsons Phalarope was still at the RSPB Harbour Reserve this morning. It was viewable in the north west corner. (Craig Nash)

Many thanks for this 'atmoshperic' shot of a Buzzard over Craigantlet, Co Down by Stephen Maxwell:

Buzzard - Stephen Maxwell

Peregrines in NI

Whilst concern over many breeding raptors continue in NI, the 2011 nesting season was a particularly successful one in many parts of Northern Ireland for the Peregrine.
At least 62 pairs were located and 50 of these fledged 135 young. The average number of young per successful nest (2.7) was the highest recorded since the present study started in 1977. The North Antrim Coast, Fermanagh and South Antrim all had good seasons but site occupancy and nesting success in County Armagh, the Belfast Hills and the Sperrins was significantly reduced due to persecution. While most sites were checked, any additional information would be welcomed. Adult Peregrines are regularly seen throughout the nesting season in the Belfast (particularly the Shipyard/harbour area) but nesting has not been proved there since 2001. Any information on this mystery would be much appreciated by the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group. Please feel free to send information in and we will pass in confidence to the NIRSG.
(The above information was approved for publication by the NIRSG)

Bird News Sunday 14th August

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

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

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

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

12 Ruff were at Myroe.

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

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

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

Bird News Saturday 13th August

The Hobby was still at the Montiaghs. (Norma Perceval Price/Derek Brennan).

A Spotted Redshank, 10 Ruff and a Green Sandpiper were at the Bann estuary and 11 Whimbrel and 6 Ruff were at Myroe Levels. (Neal Warnock).

A first winter Mediterranean Gull was at Moygannon, Warrenpoint and 2 Crossbill were at Rostrevor Forest. (Joe Devlin).

An adult Spotted Redshank, Whimbrel, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper were at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve. (Stuart McKee)

One of the Slavonian Grebes was still at Portmore Lough RSPB. (Irish Birding).

The hybrid Ring Billed Gull x Common Gull was back at Millisle, a Great Skua, Red Throated Diver and 5 Whimbrel were at Burial Island on the outer Ards. (Richard Weyl).

A Short Eared Owl was at Killard. (Craig Nash).

Short Eared Owl, Killard - Craig Nash

Bird News for Friday 12th August

A Common Sandpiper, Ruff, 2 Greenshank, 15 newly arrived Knot (7 summer adult and 8 juvenile), 50 Swift and a Water Rail were at Belfast Lough RSPB. Yesterday 2 Ruff were there (Stuart McKee). The harbour estate reserve starting to look interesting well worth keeping a check on it over the next lot of weeks, maybe a nice american wader popping in, certainly is the time when they start appearing.

Along the Outer Ards a Great Skua, Whimbrel, RT Diver and Common Scoter were at Burial Island. On Wednesday 4 Reed Warbler were still at Ballyherly Lough (Richard Weyl).


One of the 8 Storm Petrel's ringed at Portstewart last evening by John Clarke and team, when you see how small they look in hand it is just incredible that these little birds can face some of the roughest sea's in the world.

The Blog would like to thank everyone who sends us information its very much appreciated

Bird News Thursday 11th August

The Hobby was still showing at the Montiaghs, Co. Antrim (David McCreedy).
2 Crossbill were in Fivemiletown (Colin Bell)
A Ruff was at the RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve (Paul Scott).

Bird News Wednesday 10th August

9 Ruff were in the south west corner of Lough Beg. (David Steele).

The Hobby continues its stay at the Montaighs. (Irish Birding).

2 Slavonian Grebes were at Portmore Lough RSPB reserve. (Irish Birding).

A juvenile Ruff, a different bird from those previously present, was at Belfast Lough RSPB, and a moulting adult Mediterranean Gull was at Kinnegar shore. (Stuart McKee).

Thanks to James McDowell for this close up of the Montiaghs Hobby.

Hobby - James McDowell

Thanks to Craig Nash for this excellent shot of one of the wing tagged Buzzards.

Wing Tagged Buzzard - Craig Nash

Wing-tagged Buzzards

Eimear Rooney has just carried out the first year of a long term buzzard monitoring wing-tagging programme. 39 chicks and 2 adults have been tagged in N.I. in counties Down and Antrim - with the aim of monitoring first year survival of chicks, dispersal and turnover rate of adults at breeding sites. This is being carried out as part of her research at Queen's University, Belfast. Eimear would appreciate it if you could send records of any sightings to buzzardsni@hotmail.co.uk (or we can forward them to her) - all buzzards tagged in the UK and ROI in 2011 have orange on the left with NI buzzards also carrying yellow on the right. Thanks to Stephen Maxwell for reporting the birds below!

Wing-tagged Juvenile Buzzards, Co. Down - Stephen Maxwell

Bird News Tuesday 9th August

The Hobby was still at its favoured location at the Montiaghs, Co. Armagh. (Ron Price)

2 Crossbill flew over a garden at Fivemiletown (Colin Bell)

An Arctic Skua, Whimbrel and 2 Turnstone were at Briggs Rocks (Dot Blakely).

Colour ringed Black-tailed Godwits

If you encounter any colour ringed \ flagged Black-tailed Godwits (there are a number at present at the RSPB Belfast Harbour Reserve) please forward details to godwits@irishwildlife.net  There is an ongoing scheme to trace movements across the breeding and wintering grounds.
Further details about the scheme can be seen at: http://www.scoiliosaefnaofa.com/godreports.htm

Wing Tagged Buzzards

We have received a report of 2 wing tagged Buzzards, if anyone can provide information on others, please do not hesitate to forward details.

Bird News Monday 8th July

A seawatch between 4:30 and 8:30pm at Ramore Head, Co. Antrim had 680 Manx Shearwater, 5 Arctic Skua, 4 Great Skua, 8 Sooty Shearwaters, 1 Storm Petrel and a Glaucous Gull (Neal Warnock)

The Hobby was still present at the Montiaghs near Aghalee. (Stuart McKee).

The Osprey was still at Potmore Lough. (Mark McMullan).

A Little Egret, Little Stint, 4 Whimbrel, 3 Knot, a Common Sandpiper and 2 Spotted Redshank were at the Bann Estuary. A Grasshopper Warbler was calling in fields beside Nelson Drive Estate in the Waterside in Londonderry. (Theo Campbell).

5 Arctic Skua, 2 light phase and 3 dark phase, were off Briggs Rocks on the Down side of Belfast Lough. Another Arctic Skua was just north of Ballywalter. (Richard Weyl).

A Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff and a Knot were at Belfast Lough RSPB reserve. (Wilton Farrelly).

Thanks to Stuart McKee for this close up shot of the Montiaghs Hobby.

Hobby - Stuart McKee

Bird News Sunday 7th August

The Hobby remains at Montiaghs Moss. (Stephen Maxwell). Is it the most photographed raptor ever in NI?
Belfast Harbour Reserve had a female Ruff, a Curlew Sandpiper and a Snipe (Norma Perceval-Price)
Three Garganey have been confirmed at Paddys Dubh, Lough Beg. Also in the area is an Osprey. A juvenille Med Gull was at the Mullagh along with 2 Spotted Flycatchers (David Steele)
Belfast RSPB reserve had 3 Common Sandpiper and 2 Whimbrel were at Kearney Point (Keith Bennet)
Another Osprey was at Portmore Lough this morning.

Hobby - Stephen Maxwell

Hobby - Stephen Maxwell

Bird News Saturday 6th August

The Hobby was still at Montiaghs Moss this afternoon (Paul Scott \ Mark Killops).

Hobby - Mark Killops

A Garganey was at Portmore Lough. A message on the noticeboard there said that a Green Woodpecker had been seen. Further information on this sighting would be appreciated.
A Great Skua was at Burial Island and a freshly dead LE Owl at Portavogie. On Wednesday 5 Whimbrel were at Ballyquintin (Richard Weyl).
A female or juvenile Garganey was at Lough Beg and a Ruff at Mullagh (David Steele).
A juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull and Whimbrel were at Whitehouse Lagoon in Belfast and a Ruff at RSPB Reserve (Keith Bennett).
A colour ringed Sanderling and 3 summer Turnstone were at Kinnegar shore. An adult Curlew Sandpiper, Sanderling, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall and 500 Curlew were at Belfast Lough RSPB Reserve (Stuart McKee).
A Ruff was at the Bann Estuary (Neal Warnock)
26 Storm Petrel were ringed last night at Portstewart (John Clarke, Ken Perry, Rick Hoy)

Storm Petrel - John Clarke

Bird News Friday 5th August

Hobby - Jeff Larkin

The Hobby was still present this afternoon at Montiaghs Moss - Directions in previous posts. - (Jeff Larkin \ George Gordon) This Hobby has proved very popular, it's not often we get such prolonged looks at one, especially in this country, most of our records are from single observers. Hopefully it will stay over the weekend allowing a lot of people the chance to add it to their Northern Irish list. As you can see from the photograph's it is a very striking looking bird.

A wing tagged Red Kite was seen at Ballygally this morning (Neal Warnock)

2 adult Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Whimbrel, a female Sparrowhawk and a Little Egret were at Bann Estuary. Another Little Egret was at Ballykelly and a Buzzard at the Roe Estuary (Theo Campbell).

Bird News Thursday 4th August

Picture of the Hobby this evening photo by Ian Graham

The Hobby has been seen this afternoon and evening at Montiaghs Moss (directions and details in previous posting). The bird has a bad right leg, and probably bacause of this, it favours sitting on fence posts and low branches. (Walter Veale, Philip West, Garry Armstrong et al)

In the area this morning were a pair of Sparrowhawks flying and calling over the wood near the junction along Moytown Rd. Also 1 Snipe and singing Willow Warbler (Norma Perceval-Price)

10 Whimbrel and 2 Sanderling were at Kinnegar Shore. Another Whimbrel and a Gadwall were at RSPB Reserve (Stuart McKee).

2 Whimbrel were at Larne Promenade (Paul McCullough).

4 Sand Martin were at Six Mile Water in Antrim (Andy Elliott).

Goldfinch - Stuart McKee