Bird News Friday 17th February

The Ruddy Shelduck was still present at Ballysaggart Lough. The bird had clipped wings and allowed close approach.  A Mediterranean Gull was also seen.  The Marsh Harrier was seen again at Oxford Island (Gerard McGeehan / Joe Lamont).

An adult Mediterranean Gull nearing full summer plumage was in Larne Harbour (Neal Warnock).

Between 7:30 and 8:40 this morning, Whitehead had 90 Red-throated Divers and 4 Great Northern Divers flying into Belfast Lough. 30+ Bottlenose Dolphins were also seen (Ian Enlander).

In Donegal, a Smew and juvenile Glaucous Gull were at Inch Island. A Velvet Scoter, Slavonian Grebe, Long-tailed Duck and 60 Scaup were at Mill Bay and a Ruddy Shelduck on the levels (Birdguides).

Goldeneye at Inch Island, Robin Cunningham