Bird News Thursday 11th May / Black Stork

A Black Stork flew east past the east light at Rathlin this morning at 11:03. This would be the first record for NI. Unfortunately the bird was heading in the direction of Scotland! (Ric Else and Hazel Watson). This is possibly the same bird that was seen on the 22nd April in Mayo (per Irish Birding).

A Yellow Wagtail was also seen on Rathlin. (Ric Else and Hazel Watson)

A White-winged Black Tern was seen over Lough Beg. (David Steele)

Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were at Gosford Forest Park (John Anderson)

Three Cuckoos were sighted at Murlough Nature Reserve. (C and T Haire)

The Bann estuary had c900 Dunlin, 50 Sanderling, 3 Whimbrel, 50 Ringed Plover; also 1 Grey Plover still in non-breeding plumage. Altikeeragh high ground above Downhill held 3 Cuckoos. (Hill Dick/Peter Robinson)

Thanks to Ric Else for this pic of the Black Stork: