Bird News Saturday 30th April

At Ardmore on the south shore of Lough Neagh 96 Whimbrel were in fields just east of Emerson's Sand Pit and at least 60 White Wagtails were around the pit itself. Further west at Reedy Flat there were 14 Whimbrel, 2 Ruff and 2 Pintail. (Garry Armstrong).

A possible Eagle species was seen high over Ravenhill this afternoon, drifting east. (Ian Mercer) Coincidentally a bird drifting earlier at 12:30 over the Ballygowan Road, Carryduff, was felt to be a Golden Eagle (Chris Shaw)

A Great-spotted Woodpecker was drumming in Ballysallagh Forest Craigantlet (Jonny Clark) 

Another Great-spotted Woodpecker was in woods near the Argory, Co Tyrone.

Auks were returning in numbers to Gobbins cliffs today, including one pair  of Puffins. A male Whinchat and three Wheatear were at Glenhead Rd, Glenwhirry. (Richard Gray)

Yesterday the Red Kite was seen again at Junction 9 of the M1 (Martin Pettinger)

The 1st year Little Gull was still at Portavoe Reservoir, Orlock (Colin Guy)

Thanks to Wilf Swain for this pic of a Meadow Pipit: