Bird News Sunday 8th June

The Hobby was still present at Montiaghs Moss (Keith Bennett)

Two Reed Warbler were singing at Lough Cowey, Co Down (Brian Murphy)

A Curlew Sandpiper was at the south west corner of Lough Beg and a pair of Ring-necked Duck at the Mullagh. (David Steele)

The drake Garganey was still at Portnore Lough (Birdguides).

At least five summer plummaged Sanderling and a Curlew Sandpiper were at Magilligan Point today. (Charles Stewart).

A family part of Spotted Flycatcher and a Kingfisher were at Sion Mills, Co Tyrone. (Brian Hegarty).

Last night a Red Grouse was calling at Clabby Mountain in Co. Fermanagh. (Colin Bell).

Thanks to today's photographers, to Christine Cassidy, Dick Glasgow, Brian Hegarty, Charles Stewart,  Karl Martin and Charles Harkin.

Wheatears - Christine Cassidy

 Hen Harrier - Dick Glasgow

 Hen Harrier - Dick Gkasgow

 Spotted Flycatcher - Brian Hegarty

 Sanderling - Charles Stewart

 Curlew Sandpiper - Charles Stewart

 Peregrine - Karl Martin

 Sandwich Tern - Karl Martin

Whitethroat - Karl Martin

 Gannet - Charles Harkin

House Martin - Charles Harkin

Bird News Saturday 7th June

No news so far today.

Thanks to Tony Donaldson and Cameron Moore for today's pictures.

 Sedge Warbler - Tony Donaldson

Whitethroat - Cameron Moore

Bird News Friday 6th June

A drake Green-winged Teal and a drake Garganey are at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Birdguides)

The Hobby was still at Montiaghs Moss (James O'Neill / Liam Logan)

Three Crossbills flew over a house in Fivemiletown (Colin Bell)

A Grey Plover and Whimbrel in Killough today (Chris Murphy)

Thanks to today's photographers. You can see more bird pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk

Dick Glasgow - Buzzard:

James O'Neill - Hobby:

Noel Austin - Linnett:

Liam Logan - Hobby:

Bird News Thursday 5th June

The drake Ring-necked Duck was still at the Quoile. (Chris Murphy)

2 adult Mediterranean Gull and 2 Whimbrel were at Glynn in Larne Lough (Joe Lamont)

At Briggs Rocks this morning a Roseate Tern flew past calling and shortly afterwards 2 adult Mediterranean gulls flew overhead calling (Colin Guy)

Unfortunately a Red Kite (Blue 13) and two chicks have been found dead at a nest, presumably poisoned, at Katesbridge, County Down. Please report any suspected wildlife crime to the PSNI on 101 or anonomously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Thanks to Christine Cassidy for this pic of a Black Guillemot and Roger Greeves for the Reed Bunting:

Bird News Wednesday 4th June

The drake Ring-necked Duck was at the Quoile pondage this morning (Tim Murphy)

The first summer Little Gull was still at Kinnegar Lagoon (Wilton Farrelly)

There are now 3 Garganey at Portmore Lough (Gerard McGeehan).

A Red Grouse was at Lllendrum Windmill Farm, nr Fivemiletown Co Tyrone. Tempo had a pair of Spotted Flycatcher and pair of Ravens. (Colin Bell).

The Little Gull was still at Kinnegar Pool this evening. (Stephen Maxwell).

Thanks to today's photographers, to David Hill, Christine Cassidy, Karl Martin, Stephen Maxwell and Martin Lamb:

Reed Bunting - David Hill

 Black Guillemot - Christine Cassidy

 Black-tailed Godwit - Karl Martin

Common Tern - Karl Martin

Little Gull - Stephen Maxwell

 Hen Harrier - Martin Lamb

Hen Harrier - Martin Lamb

Bird News Tuesday 3rd June.

The Little Gull still present at the RSPB Belfast Harbour estate reserve.(S.Maxwell)

Little Gull - Stephen Maxwell.

Meadow Pipit - Noel Austin.

Bird News Monday 2nd June.

A Red-crested Pochard was at the RSPB Portmore Lough reserve.(Frank Carroll)

A first summer Little Gull was in a field off the Moss Rd, Holywood situated behind Redburn country park.It was feeding with Black -headed Gulls (Richard Woods)

Swallow.

Skylark - Roger Greeves.

Cuckoo - Noel Austin.

Bird News Sunday 1st June

The first summer Little Gull was still at Kinnegar Pool and a Grasshopper Warbler was singing nearby (Wilton Farrelly)

Ballyherly Lough, County Down had 9 singing Reed Warbler.  At Knockinelder Bay 16 were Sanderling. (Richard Weyl)

A Glossy Ibis was at Portmore Lough RSPB reserve. It landed on the scrape below the viewing platform at 2.20pm, flew 2 lapwing fields at sw end of reserve at 2.45pm, then flew high north at 3.10pm. 230+ Swifts were also feeding above the lough. (Tim Murphy)

The Hobby was still at Montiaghs Moss (Nigel Moore)

The Marsh Harrier was at Lough Cowey at mid-day before flying off north (Warren Fowles)

A Brent Goose flew past Cushendall Boat Club today (John McKillop)

Two Corncrake were calling in hay meadows at the Isle of Doagh, Co Donegal (Christine Cunningham)

Gobbins Boat Trips

Based on the weather forecast it is fairly certain that both of the boat trips will happen tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday evening. They leave at 5.30pm. 14 people are booked so there are still 6 seats available. If you would like to join us on either evening contact Jim Wells on 07856235144. 

Thanks to Christine Cassidy for this Black Guillemot pic, Nigel Moore for the Portmore Glossy Ibis and Karl Martin for the Red Kite. You can also see mor pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk

Bird News Saturday 31st May

The Hobby was still present at the Montaighs NNR.(Irishbirding)

The Marsh Harrier was present at Lough Cowey, Down, at 2.30 today (Guy Hamilton)

The drake Garganey was still at Portmore Lough (Birdguides)

A Cuckoo was calling on the Derrytrashna Rd, Lurgan.(David Clarke)

Keep up to speed with our Swifts at the  Northern Ireland swift Group web site and swift diary. Lots of information about nest boxes, attracting swifts, camera kits and video from inside nest boxes

www.saveourswifts.co.uk

www.saveourswifts.co.uk/diary2014.htm

Our sincere thanks to Tom McCreery for the Cuckoo, Christine Cunningham for the Meadow Pipit to Dick Glasgow for the photo of a Reed Bunting. Also to Eric Philips for the pic of a Grey Heron on a roof at Lambeg:

BTO Event

*FREE EVENT* 

A BTO Garden BirdWatch workshop is being held at Oxford Island Discovery Centre on Saturday 7 June from 10.00am to 2.00pm (lunch included). To discover what’s involved in this easy-to-do weekly all year round survey and its value to conservation, please book a place by contacting the Discovery Centre on 028 3832 2205 or emailpflowerday@live.co.uk

House Sparrow, Dick Glasgow:

Rathlin on Camera

Rathlin on Camera

Location – Rathlin Island, Date – 21 June

Rathlin Island is one of Northern Ireland’s most special places - home to all sorts of flora and fauna, from puffins and seals to rare orchids, and stunning views as far as the eye can see.

Join local resident and award-winning photographer Tom McDonnell to explore the most picturesque parts of the island and enjoy expert guidance on capturing that perfect shot.

Time – Noon to 3.30pm

Price - £20/£15 for RSPB members. Ferry fare not included - visitwww.rathlinballycastleferry.com to view sailing times.

Booking for this event is essential by emailing amy.ryan@rspb.org.uk or calling 028 9049 1547.

Spaces are limited. This event is not suitable for under 16s.

Great Auk....

NIEA, particularly Peter Cush, have been involved in a wonderful project to bring the Great Auk 'back' to Rathlin. Worth having a look at the short film which can be accessed at http://vimeo.com/93162057

Bird News Friday 30th May

The male and female Garganey were on the island from the viewing platform at Portmore Lough RSPB reserve. There were also an impressive 23 singing Reed Warbler heard on survey around the lough (Brad Robson and Amy Burns)

A Cuckoo was calling in Woodburn Forest just off the Slievetrue Rd, Newtownabbey this morning at 7:40am. (George Stewart)

A late Brent Goose was at Glynn, Co Antrim (Neal Warnock)

Two fist summer Little Gull were at Kinnegar today (Brian Murphy / Joe Lamont)

Thanks to Dick Glasgow for the buzzard pic and Joe Lamont for the male Sparrowhawk:

Bird News Thursday 29th May

A male Garganey was at Church Island. Lough Beg. (David Steele)

A first summer Little Gull was at Belfast Harbour RSPB Reserve today (Anne Guichard)

Many thanks to Anne Guichard for these pics of the Little Gull (in the latter chased by a Black-headed Gull) and Dick Glasgow for the male Hen Harrier. You can see more pics at www.nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk 

Bird News Wednesday 28th May

Late news for yesterday was that the Glossy Ibis was still at Lough Cowey, seen preening on a small dead tree on the opposite side of bay, looking west, from main fishing carpark at 9.20pm. (Tim Murphy).

2 (possibly 3) Cuckoo were at Glarryford at the junction of Duneany and Killycowan Roads (Sean Hennessy).

Bird News Tuesday 27th May

A pair of Garganey were showing well in the new scrape at Portmore Lough RSPB reserve (Robin Brown and Amy Burns)

An adult female Marsh Harrier and 3 Reed Warbler were at Lough Cowey this afternoon. (Tim Murphy)

A Hobby was hunting over Montiaghs Moss, Co Antrim, this morning. (Ron Price)

A drake Ring-necked Duck was at the Quoile (presumably the Castle Ward bird) on the 24th and 25th May)

Thanks to Amy Burns for the distant pic of the pair of Garganey:

Bird News Monday 26th May

The Osprey was still present at Lough Corbet NR Banbridge, along with three Common Terns (David McCreedy)

A Cuckoo was calling in trees between Clencraig and Belfast Royal Golf Course.(Warren Rainey)

Our kind  thanks to Tom McCreery for his two excellent photo's of the Osprey at Corbet Lake. Also to Karl Martin for the Grey Heron. Also to Stephen Maxwell for the Blackcap

Bird News Sunday 25th May

The White-winged Tern is still at Inch Lake, Donegal (Keith Bennett) this afternoon it was on one of three small stone islands. (Neal Warnock)

Two Curlew Sandpipers and a summer plumaged Knot were at the Bann Estuary (Neal Warnock)

A fist summer Iceland Gull was at the east end of Ballyheirnan Bay, Fanad. Five Great Northern Divers were also present. (Wilton Farrelly).

A male Pintail was at Paddy's Dubh, and a summer plumaged Knot was at Lough Beg this evening. (Ciaran Burns).

 An adult Long-tailed Skua and 70 Common Scoter were at Magilligan, Lough Foyle (Nigel Ireland). 

A Reed Warbler and male Red-breasted Merganser were at Blackers Rock along the west shore of Lough Neagh (Godfrey McRoberts).  

A first-summer Mediterranean Gull and a Whimbrel were at Belfast Harbour Lagoon (Stuart McKee).

A Pine Marten was being mobbed by Hooded Crows at Lough Muckno Park, Castleblaney in Co. Monaghan. (John Anderson)

Bird News Saturday 24th May

A White-winged Black Tern is at Inch Lake, Co Donegal this morning (Chris Ingram)

A Cuckoo was at Murlough, Co Down (Kevin Kirkham-Brown)

Three Water Rail were near Scarva (Fulton Sommerville)

You can share rare and scarce bird news via nibirds@live.co.uk, text 07973403146 or Twitter @nibirds 

Thanks to Christine Cassidy for these pics of a Wheatear and a Ringed Plover:

Bird News Friday 23rd May

A pair of Ravens have raised young within a sub-urban setting in east Belfast (Vivienne Boyd)

A Corncrake has been calling on Rathlin Island (RSPB)

Seabird viewing around Rathlin...
There is a planned boat trip organised to view the seabirds around Rathlin Island leaving Ballycastle at 15.30 on Sunday 25th May and also Monday 26th May, if interested contact jimwells7@aol.com

Thanks to Karl Martin for the Grey Heron. Also to  Dick Glasgow for this pic of a Tree Sparrow:

Bird News Thursday 22nd May

Four Concrake were heard calling today at Malin Head, Co Donegal. (Christine Cassidy and Theo Campbell)

A Wood Warbler is on Tory Island along with a Spotted Flycatcher and two White Wagtails (Chris Ingram)

Last night a young Dipper was at Fardross Forest nr Clogher Co Tyrone (Colin Bell)

Yesterday a Spotted Flycatcher, Bullfinch, Sedge and up to three Reed Warblers were along a road on the south side of Lough Cowey, Co Down (Dick Haydon)

Also yesterday a Garden Warbler was in song and glimpsed briefly at Big Wood Forest Nature Reserve, Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast, (Joe Furphy)

Thanks to Karl Martin for these Stonechat pics:

Bird News Wednesday 21st May

3 Whinchat were at Glenwherry and a Spotted Flycatcher at Glynn. (Gerard McGeehan).

A Spotted Flycatcher was at Gosford Forest Park. (Neil Cartmill).

An Osprey was at Banagher Reservoir, Co. Londonderry. (David Steele).

Thanks to today's photographers Tony Donaldson and Christine Cassidy.

 Grey Wagtail - Tony Donaldson

Ringed Plover - Christine Cassidy

Bird News Tuesday 20th May.

A Great White Egret was at the Mullagh, Lough Beg (David Steele)

A 1st summer Little Gull was at the RSPB Belfast Harbour Estate reserve.(Keith Bennett)

A Spotted Flycatcher was near Bessbrook, Co Armagh this evening. (Frank Carroll)

Late news from last night of a Grasshooper Warbler and a Pine Martin where at Crocknagrally Forest nr Fivemiletown Co Tyrone.(Colin Bell)

Also a Barn Owl was seen at 23.00 between Crumlin and Nutt's Corner.(Garry Wilkinson)

Thanks to Dick Glasgow for this pic of a Pied Wagtail: