Tuesday 21 August 2012

Mid August

A few more pictures from the last week or two from a few different spots.
More and more waders turning up. Seems to be one of the best years for wader numbers in this part of the world. Waders must have had a pretty successful season up in the Arctic which is more than can be said for down here. Dunlin numbers in particular seem to be up and I've had single juvenile Knot at most waders spots so far which isn't usually the case here. Single juvenile Ruff also at Truska marsh and Murloch down Ballyconneely direction in last few days also.

Moulting adult Redshank, Kilkieran

Juvenile Redshank, Kilkieran

G4YYGW Colour ringed Sanderling, Omey Strand. First noted here back on 7th August 2008.

Juvenile and adult Sandwich Tern, Omey Stand. Note the ring on the juvenile! Where did this guy come from? There's a hell of alot to be said of colour ringing.

Wheatear, Omey Strand.

Juvenile Herring Gull, Omey Strand.

Juvenile Herring Gull, Omey Strand.

Juvenile Herring Gull, Omey Strand.

Juvenile Great Black-backed Gull, Omey Strand.

We (finally) managed to get out to some of the islands the other week namely Cruagh Island, High Island and Inishark. Most birds have finished up at this stage but there was still a little life on Inishark. Still a few breeding Kittiwakes left in the breeding colony. Decent numbers of juveniles present. All the Guillemots had long since made the leap of faith.

Fulmars off Inishshark.

Fulmar, off Inishshark

Great Skua off Inishark (bird number one).

Great Skua off Inishark (bird number two, note different primary moult).

Great Skua off Inishark (bird number two, note different primary moult).

Great Skua off Inishark (bird number two, note different primary moult).

The water levels at Rahasane Turlough seem to be rising with each passing week which is bad news for waders. Levels so high now that there's very little mud/ground left. Birds are squeezed into the extreme perimeter of the turlough, usually on the very side of the turlough which makes for impossible viewing. There is on tiny sliver of land left along the Dunkellin River which runs through the middle of the lough. Two Ruff and three Knot with forty Black-tailed Godwits there on Sunday, little else. You'd really have your work cut out trying to find anything Dunlin sized scurrying through the tall grass.

Turlough Horses, Rahasane

Common Seals, Mannin Bay. A few pups on the left.

Beautiful Demoiselle, Dawros River

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