The drake Ring-necked Duck is still in Kinnegoe Bay at Oxford Island. (Garry Armstrong) The bird was still present at 11:15 (Shane Brighton)
A Temmincks Stint was at Portmore. (Shane Brighton).
Temminck's Stint, Shane Brighton.
Bird News Saturday 4th July 2026
Drake Ring-necked Duck at Kinnegoe Bay, Oxford Island NNR (Garry Armstrong).
4 fledged Mediterranean Gulls at Belfast Lough WoW (Stuart McKee).
19 Mediterranean Gulls at Kerrykeel, Co Donegal (Wilton Farrelly).
Ring-necked Duck, Daniel Newton:
Mediterranean Gull, Stuart McKee:
Bird News Friday 3rd July 2026
A Turtle Dove has been reported from a garden in Ballyclare.
Bird News Thursday 2nd July 2026
Yesterday a 2nd year Mediterranean Gull was at Church Bay, Rathlin (Ric Else)
Two Great Skua and the 2y Mediterranean Gull were on Rathlin today (Ric Else)
Three Stock Doves, 2 adults and a young bird, were feeding with Wood Pigeons, in a field off Ardilea Road, near Clough (David Nixon)
Bird News Wednesday 1st July 2026
Ruff in nearly full summer plumage, 2 Common Sandpipers at Belfast Lough WoW (Gerard McGeehan). Also 15 Mediterranean Gulls including 2 2nd calendar year (Bob Watts).
A group of Crossbill over Mullaphad Forest, Co Fermanagh (Colin Bell).
Bird News Tuesday 30th June 2026
A Common Sandpiper and two Knot were at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Stuart Cosey)
A Spotted Flycatcher was at Slievenacloy outside Lisburn. (Chris Hamilton).
A Green Sandpiper dropped into Lough Beg this evening. (David Steele).
s Monday 29th June 2026
A Spotted Flycatcher was in the Belfast Hills (David Clarke)
Two Common Sandpiper were at Donard Cove, Newcastle (Andrew Upton)
A Quail was calling in the Antrim Hills (Kevin Kirkham)
Two Mediterranean Gulls and a Greenshank were at the Quoile (Chris Murphy)
Spotted Flycatcher, David Clarke:
Bird News Saturday 27th June 2026
The Osprey was seen again at Gibbs Island in Strangford Lough. (Suzanne Atkinson).
A Storm Petrel was 6 miles from Larne Harbour this morning. (Darrell Prest).
Unfortunately a dead Barn Owl was on the A1 hard shoulder southbound between the Sprucefield and Hillsborough roundabouts. (Suzanne Belshaw).
Bird News Friday 26th June 2026
The second year Bonaparte’s Gull was still at Blanketnook, Donegal (Chris Ingram)
Bird News Thursday 25th June 2026
Lesser Emperor dragonfly at East Light, Rathlin still present today for 3rd day (David Nixon / Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
2nd calendar year Arctic Tern, Common Sandpiper, 3 Sandwich Tern chicks, 9 Mediterranean Gulls including 2nd calendar year bird (Derek Polley / Bob Watts).
Cuckoo at Slievenacloy NR (David Clarke).
Spoonbill flew over Killough at 2113 (Chris Murphy).
2nd calendar year Bonaparte’s Gull still at Blanket Nook, Donegal (Derek Brennan).
Bird News Wednesday 24th June 2026
The 4 Glossy Ibis were still at Lough Beg this morning, also one pair of Whoopers with 1 cygnet.(Hugh Thurgate).
At least 1 young Mediterranean Gull has fledged at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Stuart McKee).
There was no sign of the Blue-winged Teal off Long Point at Lough Beg this afternoon. Two pairs of Whooper Swans, one with one cygnet and the other with three cygnets were present. A pair of Spotted Flycatchers were at Megargy outside Magherafelt. (Godfrey McRoberts).
Bird News Tuesday 23rd June 2026
Possible Hobby being mobbed by Swallows heading towards Annahilt (Garry Wilkinson).
Female/immature male Blue-winged Teal still at Lough Beg viewable from Long Point with small group of Shoveler (Leia Getty). Still present 6pm (Bob Watts).
2nd calendar year Bonaparte’s Gull at Blanket Nook, Donegal (Derek Brennan).
2 Crossbills over Fivemiletown garden (Colin Bell).
Bird News Monday 22nd June 2026
A female Blue-winged Teal was showing well from the Long Point viewing area, Lough Beg, associating with a small group of Northern Shovelers (David Steele). The bird was still present at 7:25pm (Daniel Newton).
An Arctic Skua and a Minke were off Portstewart this morning (John Clarke)
Seats are available for tomorrow's boat trips to Gobbins and Muck island. Boats leave Bangor at 1pm and 5.30pm. Great chance to see and photograph seabirds, including Puffins. Contact Jim Wells on -07856235144.
A Chough has seen and photographed from Tor Head, Co Antrim (Suzanne Atkinson)
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in a garden at Ballywalter yesterday (Rosemary McKibbon)
Blue-winged Teal, David Steele:
Bird News Sunday 21st June 2026
A Whooper Swan flew over Portballintrae. (Ian Dickey)
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Michael Latham.
Bird News Saturday 20th June 2026
White-tailed Eagle at the Quoile (David Stirling).
Yesterday 4 mobile Glossy Ibis still at Lough Beg eastern shore (David Steele).
Bird News Thursday 18th June 2026
A Common Sandpiper, 5 Mediterranean Gulls and 80 Sandwich Terns were at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Derek Polley).
Yesterday a Red-throated Diver was off Benone beach. (Jim O'Hara).
Red-throated Diver, Jim O'Hara).
Bird News Wednesday 17th June 2026
Pair of Great Skua on Rathlin yesterday but sadly no sign of breeding activity so far (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
Spotted Flycatcher in garden near Hillsborough (Juliet Fleming).
White-tailed Eagle at the Quoile (Dixon Onderdonk).
Great Skuas, Ric Else / Hazel Watson):
Spotted Flycatcher, Juliet Fleming:
Bird News Tuesday 16th June 2026
There are now two Night Heron reported by the owner at a private site near Lisburn. Unfortunately access to the site is not currently possible. (This is the first sighting since the previous one circa 2 weeks ago)
5 Crossbill were on Rathlin yesterday (Ric Else)
A high count of 88 Sandwich Terns were at RSPB WoW (Jake Grant)
An Osprey flew steady southwest over Murley Mountain near Clabby (Tyrone / Fermanagh border), early evening (David Steele)
Bird News Monday 15th June 2026
A European Turtle Dove was reported in Robinson Road in Bangor yesterday on eBird with a good description. (Holly McCormack)
The Osprey was seen again at Gibbs Island in Strangford Lough. (Paul Megahey, David Stirling)
A Hobby was at Murley Mountain, near Clabby (Tyrone / Fermanagh border). (David Steele).
Bird News Sunday 14th June 2026
Drake Lesser Scaup in Kinnegoe Bay, Oxford Island NNR (Garry Armstrong).
Unconfirmed report of female Black Duck Millisle (Rod Kerr per eBird).
2cy female Red-footed Falcon still present at same site near Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Brian Hegarty). Apparently no sign since this morning.
Marsh Harrier being mobbed by nesting Black-headed Gulls at Portmore Lough (Michael Latham).
White tailed Eagle in the Antrim Hills this morning (Warren McConnaughie).
A Spotted Flycatcher was at Loughry College, Cookstown, Co Tyrone (Godfrey McRoberts).
Whimbrel over Killough (Chris Murphy).
4 Whimbrel on Tory, Co Donegal (Eric Randall).
Marsh Harrier, Michael Latham:
Bird News Saturday 13th June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon was still at Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Michael Latham)
Two Arctic Tern were at RSPB WoW (Michael Latham)
A Common Sandpiper was at Ardglass (Chris Murphy)
Red-footed Falcon, Michael Latham:
Bird News Friday 12th June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon remains near Jenkinstown in Co. Louth. (John Kenny). The bird was still present early afternoon. (Guy Hamilton, Terry Hanna).
The Osprey was seen again around Gibb's Island in Strangford Lough. (Paul Megahy, David Stirling).
An Osprey is at Corbett Lough outside Banbridge. (David McCreedy).
A Red Kite with a purple wing tag was on the west shore of Lough Neagh. (Philip McErlean).
Four Glossy Ibis are at Lough Beg this evening. (David Steele).
A hybrid Hooded x Carrion Crow was around the Four Winds, Belfast this evening. (Aaron Long).
Red-footed Falcon, Terry Hanna.
Red-footed Falcon, Guy Hamilton.
Bird News Thursday 11th June 2026
Roseate Tern this morning and early afternoon at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW Reserve. Still present 1pm roosting Common Terns on far side from visitor centre (Derek Polley). Showing well with Sandwich Terns 230pm (Stuart McKee).
Red-footed Falcon continuing at the same site near Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Jon Biddle).
Roseate Tern, Stuart McKee:
Bird News Wednesday 10th June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon remains at Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Theo Campbell / Martin Deehan) The bird was still present at lunchtime (Derek Polley)
An Osprey was fishing off Gibbs Ireland, Strangford Lough, this morning (per Paul Meghahey)
A Night Heron was seen on the 29th May in Magheragall area, near Lisburn. Not seen subsequently.
A Grasshopper Warbler was at Portballintrae (Lauren Hutton)
The Spoonbill was still at The Quoile (Kevin Kirkham)
Red-footed Falcon, Martin Deehan:
Red-footed Falcon, Stevie Brennan:
Bird News Tuesday 9th June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon is still at Jenkinstown in Co. Louth. (Conor O'Brien) The bird is still present at 6pm. (Justin Ivory).
A Ring Ousel was in song at the Giants Causeway. (Fran O'Connell).
The Spoonbill was still at the Quoile. (Ann-Marie Smyth).
The Chough is still on Rathlin. (Ric Else).
Bird News Monday 8th June 2026
At least one Cetti's still singing close to McNabb's, Killough (Chris Murphy).
Red-footed Falcon still near Jenkinstown on Cooley Peninsula, Co Louth. Unfortunately photos from yesterday show two ticks around its left eye though it continues to feed voraciously. Still present mid afternoon feeding on insects and worms (John Lambe). Still present this evening (Ewan McKenzie).
Chough again on Rathlin; the first sighting in a fortnight (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
Black-necked Grebe continuing at Oxford Island (per Ed O’Hara). Still present 7pm (Aiden Donohoe).
Osprey at the Quoile also a Black Swan at large (Wren Kirkpatrick).
2 probable Orcas off Tory on Saturday (James McNelis).
Red-footed Falcon, Shane Brighton:
Osprey, Wren Kirkpatrick:
Bird News Sunday 7th June 2026
A Black-necked Grebe was off the Croaghan Hide, Oxford Island m, this morning (Garry Armstrong). The bird was still showing at 2:15 (Stuart Cossey)
The female Red-footed Falcon was still showing well at Jenkinstown, Co Louth (Mark Elliott)
The Spoonbill continues at the Quoile (Jeff Larkin)
The Mediterranean Gulls now have young at RSPB WoW (Stuart McKee)
Two adult and 3 juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker were visiting a garden near Hillsborough (Garry Wilkinson)
Red-footed Falcon, Mark Elliott:
Black-backed Grebe, record shot, Daniel Newton:
Bird News Saturday 6th June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon is still at the same location in Co. Louth. (Stuart McKee, David Steele, Garry Armstrong). The bird was still present to at least 4.00pm. (Nigel Moore).
A Spotted Flycatcher was at Roslea in Co. Fermanagh. (Colin Bell).
A possible Hobby was seen flying over Ballyculter, near Castleward. (David Stirling).
There was no sign of the Spoonbill at the Quoile today. (Alan Fitzsimmons).
Pairs of Mediterranean Gulls continue at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Aaron Somerville).
A Yellowhammer was singing at Greyabbey. (J Martin).
Red-footed Falcon, Nigel Moore.
Bird News Friday 5th June 2026
Red footed Falcon still at the same spot in Co Louth near Jenkinstown on the Cooley Peninsula (Fergal Stanley / Chris Rankin). At https://maps.app.goo.gl/eGik7Cvufv17LshN9?g_st=iw
Male Crossbill over Fivemiletown garden thus morning. Yesterday 2 Crossbills at Corchloghy, Co Tyrone and a Spotted Flycatcher on the Augher River Walk (Colin Bell).
Adult Hobby in the Antrim Hills (Ian Dickey). Also a Whinchat (Chris Hamilton).
Hobby, Ian Dickey:
Bird News Thursday 4th June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon was again showing well this morning at Jenkinstown, Co Louth. (Fergal Stanley) Please park here and walk back to the main road where the bird frequents the rough stoney field. The bird was still present at 5pm (Bob Watts). The bird was present at 9pm (Stephen Dunbar) https://maps.app.goo.gl/67xEYq6PyDsujpKz8?g_st=ipc
A white Red Kite was seen in the Antrim Hills. (Dermot Hughes) Any other sightings of this bird would be welcome.
The Spoonbill was still at the Quoile (Garry and Gayle Wilkinson)
A Marsh Harrier was still at Inch, Co Donegal (Arnie Livingstone)
Spoonbill, Quoile, Garry Wilkinson:
Marsh Harrier, Arnie Livingstone:
Bird News Wednesday 3rd June 2026
The 1st summer female Red-footed Falcon is still on the Cooley Peninsula in Co. Louth. (Birdguides).
Red-footed Falcon, John Murphy:
Bird News Tuesday 2nd June 2026
1st summer female Red-footed Falcon still present Co Louth at same site as yesterday at Cooley Point (Bird Info Services).
Marsh Harrier on Rathlin (Tomas Hand).
Golden Eagle soaring high above Glynn at 1420 before heading west, a very tatty individual (Tim Davies).
White-tailed Eagle, 2 Ospreys and Spoonbill at the Quoile (Chris Murphy).
No sign of Marsh Sandpiper at Lough Bef from legitimate viewing points, Little Stint the best (Martin Deehan / Theo Campbell). No sign this evening (David Steele). Please note all areas apart from Longpoint Wood viewing point are out of bounds.
Red-footed Falcon, Peter Phillips & Leia Getty:
Bird News Monday 1st June 2026
The Red-footed Falcon was in Co Louth at 5:30pm at this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zFKXTepeTdzfmPbKA?g_st=ic
The White-tailed Eagle was seen again at the Quoile (Paul Megaghy)
Yesterday a Red-footed Falcon was in the Cooley Mountains, Louth (Gerry Carolan)
A Hobby was at Long Point viewing area, Lough Beg (David Steele)
The Spoonbill was still at the Quoile (Chris Murphy)
The Marsh Sandpiper was again at Lough Beg this evening and appeared in the southwest corner about 19.30. At 20.30 it flew out again and was relocated back on the western shoreline where it was found last Friday. Present there amongst other waders (godwits etc) up to 21.20 though rather distant. It is worth checking Long Point. Two Curlew Sandpiper and a Little Stint were on the western shore this evening (David Steele) Please note that the meadows have breeding waders and birders should not walk them and obey all signs in the area.
Bird News Sunday 31st May 2026
There are now 5 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Stuart McKee).
The immature Spoonbill is back on Lough Beg west shoreline. (David Steele).
An adult Little Tern and 1st year Arctic Tern were at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Stuart Cossey).
The Spoonbill was still at Castle Island hide at the Quoile. (Paul Hunter).
A Cuckoo was at Murlough Beach Nature Reserve this morning. (Alan Fitzsimmons).
The Little Stint was again off the hide at the Bann Estuary but flocks very mobile. (Jeff Larkin).
Darvagh Forest near Cookstown had a Cuckoo and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers. (Godfrey McRoberts).
Spoonbill, David Steele.
Cuckoo, Alan Fitzsimmons.
Spoonbill, Paul Hunter.
Bird News Saturday 30th May 2026
Tree Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher and 3 Corncrake on Tory Island, Donegal (Theo Campbell).
Spoonbill (does not seem to be a full adult), north side of Church Island, Lough Beg, viewable from Long Point. No sign of Marsh Sand this morning from any of the paths / boardwalk (Derek Brennan et al).
3 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls and a 2nd calendar year bird at Belfast Lough WoW (Bob Watts).
Little Stint continuing at the Bann Estuary (John Spottiswood).
Probable Carrion Crow along Ormeau Embankment, Belfast (Mark Smyth).
Spoonbill, Derek Brennan:
Bird News Friday 29th May 2026
A Marsh Sandpiper was at Lough Beg this evening on the western shoreline for 30 minutes till 20.00 when it flew up. Scope views only but no further signs to up to 21.15 but possibly still present. Unfortunately access to the shorelines is currently restricted due to nesting birds so hopefully it might reappear at Church Island / Long Point viewing area (David Steele)
A Little Ringed Plover was off the Tready Hide, Inch, Co Donegal (Derek Brennan)
A Reed Warbler was at Loughinisland. A Spotted Flycatcher was at Tievenadarragh Wood, also near Loughinisland. A high count of 60 Black-tailed Godwots were at Castleisland Hide, Quoile (Maurice McNeely)
The Spoonbill was at the Quoile (Dave Weir)
A Marsh Harrier was at Inch, Donegal (Searlas Anderson)
The immature and tagged White-tailed Eagle was at the Quoile (Dot Blakely / Jill Edgar)
Marsh Sandpiper, David Steele:
Little Ringed Plover, Derek Brennan:
Marsh Harrier (BoC), Searlas Anderson:
White-tailed Eagle, Jill Edgar:
Swift Walk
The North Down Swift Conservation Group are having a Swift Walk & Talk in Donaghadee on 12 June.
Tickets are free but attendees need to register ahead of time here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swift-walk-and-talk-tickets-1987817309082
Bird News Thursday 28th May 2026
A Red Kite was at Duburren, Co. Armagh. (Aobh McAnulty, John Spottiswood).
A Little Stint was with the wader flock at the Bann estuary. (Matthew Tickner).
A Spotted Flycatcher was at the Six Mile Water in Antrim. )Aidan Donohoe).
Little Stint, John Clarke.
Bird News Wednesday 27th May 2026
8 Corncrakes and a 2nd calendar year Glaucous Gull were on Tory this morning. (Theo Campbell).
3 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls were at Belfast Lough RSPB WoW reserve. (Stuart McKee).
A Quail was flushed at Kinramer on Rathlin. (James Crymble).
A Great Spotted Woodpecker was at Oxford Island. (Aidan Donohoe).
Spotted Flycatcher, Shelagh Henry.
Boat Trips
There are two boat trips on Saturday (30th May). Ballycastle to Mull to photograph Sea Eagles being fed by boat and Tory/Inishbofin for Corncrake, Chough and Great Skua. Contact Jim Wells on-07856235144 for full details.
Bird News Tuesday 26th May 2026
Spoonbill still at the Quoile (Chris Murphy / David Stirling). Subsequently a White-tailed Eagle (Ashley Buchanan). Female Smew this evening (Chris Murphy).
Corncrake calling Magheraorarty, Donegal (Theo Campbell).
Marsh Harrier at Portmore Lough (Aidan Donohoe).
Bird News Monday 25th May 2026
Spotted Flycatcher at Slievenacloy (Leia Getty).
At least one Garden Warbler at Ely Lodge Forest (Leia Getty).
The long-staying Pink-footed Goose remains on Rathlin feeding with 23 Greylags (Ric Else / Hazel Watson).
Osprey near Downings, Co Donegal (Kevin Murray).
Spotted Flycatcher, Leia Getty:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)