February 2008 Sightings
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January 2008 <<<   Back to Archive >>> March 2008

29th February 2008
Bunduff,
Mullaghmore		 Male Goosander at Bunduff (R. Sheppard).
29th February 2008
Sligo Town		 Two juvenile Iceland Gulls were in Sligo town late afternoon, and an immature Peregrine Falcon spectacularly took a Black-headed Gull from mid-air (R. Bonser, J. Hunter, G. Howard and B. Wright).
29th February 2008
Ballintemple		 The pale Richardson's Canada Goose was still at Ballintemple, with a Pink-footed Goose also amongst the Barnacle Goose flock (R. Bonser, J. Hunter, G. Howard and B. Wright).
29th February 2008
Mullaghmore		 14 Whooper Swans were at Mullaghmore (R. Bonser, J. Hunter, G. Howard and B. Wright).
26th February 2008
Ballyconnell		 There was a flock of 20+ Eider well out in Ballyconnell Bay, another of 30+ at Cullmore and a smaller flock off Cloonagh beach (S. Feeney). 
26th February 2008
Ballintemple		 A very large Barnacle flock, possibly the full flock, was at Ballintemple, spread out over several fields. The pale Richardson's Cackling Goose was with them (the one with the throat stripe) but didn't see the Pink-footed Goose, also at Ballintemple was a third-winter Iceland Gull, feeding close to cattle. Also in Ballintemple, there was a large mixed finch flock, mostly Linnet with some Goldfinches (S. Feeney).
26th February 2008
Raghly		 The Dark-bellied Brent (adult) was with a group of Light-bellied Brent on Raghly strand (S. Feeney, D. Skehan).  A flock of 200+ Common Scoter was noted a good distance off Raghly in the direction of the Lower Rosses, also good numbers of Great Northern and Red-throated Divers in the bay (S. Feeney).
Common Eider
Image © Mícheál Casey 2008
26th February 2008: Adult male Common Eider, Raghly Harbour, Co. Sligo
Click on image above to see larger version
2 Pintail
Image © Séamus Feeney 2008
24th February 2008: Two female Pintail (foreground), Cartron Point, Sligo Harbour.
Click on image above to see larger version
24th February 2008
Sligo Harbour		 Two female Pintails were in Sligo Harbour, in the area ath Cartron Point where the Cartron channel meets the main channel (S. Feeney).
23rd February 2008
Sligo Cathedral		 Peregrine sightings have once again been reported on the belfry tower and in the vicinity of Sligo Cathedral in recent weeks, e.g. see entries for 3rd and 10th February below.  Special permission and access was obtained to inspect the top levels of the tower for evidence of Peregrine Falcon activity on Staurday afternoon 23rd February, before the beginning of the 2008 breeding season.  Despite years of intermittent sightings, and much speculation, it was immediately clear that Peregrines have never nested there - indeed there is no suitable ledge or recess that would hold a nest.  There was, however, some fairly fresh prey remains, and it seems that Peregrines use the Cathedral belfry as a "plucking post",  and as an occasional roost rather than as a breeding site.  

Some photos of the prey remains recovered are here - not for the squeamish!  Also some Peregrine's eye views of Sligo from the tower on a wet afternoon.  

Any help with identifying the prey remains would be appreciated.   

The site would seem ideal for a nestsite partnership project like the one on Derby Cathedral in England - see the Derby Peregrine website here.
23rd February 2008
Ballintemple		 2000 Barnacle Geese at Ballintemple, along with one Richardson's Cackling Goose (M. Bell).
23rd February 2008
Quay St Car Park,
Sligo Town.		 There were three Iceland Gulls (two 1st-winter and one 2nd-winter), by the Quay St. parking area in Sligo (M. Bell). 
23rd February 2008
Lissananny More,
Ballymote.		 A further 60 Whooper Swans (M. Creegan).
23rd February 2008
Lissananny More,
Ballymote.		 60 Whooper Swans (M. Creegan).
23rd February 2008
Raghly		 Good numbers of waders were seen along the Strand at Raghly including 300+ Bar-tailed Godwit and 300+ Knot.  A male Merlin was seen nearby (M. Bell).
22nd February 2008
Rinnbaun Bay,
Lough Arrow		 The Lesser Scaup was seen at Rinnbaun Bay (E. Dempsey, M. Bell).
1st winter Mediterranean Gull
Image © Séamus Feeney 2008
21st February 2008: First-winter Mediterranean Gull at Half-moon Bay, Hazelwood.
Click on image above to see larger version
21st February 2008
FERMANAGH NEWS		 A Red-crested Pochard has been found on Lough Barry, near Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh (B. Robson).
21st February 2008
Half-moon Bay,
Hazelwood		 A first-winter Mediterranean Gull was with Black-headed Gulls, which wwere being fed bread at the picnic area in Half-moon Bay (S. Feeney). At least the third Mediterranean Gull seen in Sligo this winter, and the first immature bird.
20th February 2008
Drum,
Ballygawley		 A ring-tail (juvenile/female) Hen Harrier was seen as it flew over farmland, circled, and flew off in the same general direction, from north to south (S. Feeney).
Images © Séamus Feeney 2008
19th February 2008:  These photos shows the adult male Ring-necked Duck on Lough Bó today.

All male Ring-necked Duck photos from Arrow & Lough Bó this year are here.
Click on image above to see larger version
18th February 2008
Knocknarea		 24 Chough were seen on Knocknarea on Monday evening 18th February (F. Farrell).

Fiona Farrell writes:
As I am trying to track and follow Chough movements around Sligo Leitrim, please let me know if you spot groups of them, either through posting on this website, or contacting me on my mobile (086 0533700).
19th February 2008
Drumfin,
Castlebaldwin		 A Barn Owl was seen briefly in the lights of a car travelling along the main Dublin Road (M. Enright).
19th February 2008
Lough Bó		 Adult male Ring-necked Duck seen on Lough Bo this afternoon with Tufted Ducks (may or may not be the Muck Island bird from Lough Arrow on small lake, about a mile north-east of Arrow - some plumage differences are evident) (S. Feeney)
See photos of both birds here.
18th February 2008
Set of Lough Gara/ South Sligo sightings received		 We would like to acknowledge the receipt of a set of records from South Sligo (mostly wildfowl counts from the area around Lough Gara), compiled this winter by Michael Creegan of Ballymote.  In the age of mobile phones, computers and digital video, there is something special about opening an envelope from the postman and receiving a meticulously compiled set of hand-written records with grid references.  These records have been posted on the site under the relevant dates - 25/10/07, 18/11/07, 16/12/07, 13/1/08, 20/1/08, 10/2/08. Thanks Michael!
18th February 2008
Sligo Harbour		 Two Iceland Gulls, an adult Ring-billed Gull and an adult Mediterranean Gull were seen in the harbour area today (B. Robson).
18th February 2008
Lissadell		 The Richardson's Cackling Goose was with the Barnacle geese at Lissadell, as well as the Pink-footed goose, 17 Shovelers and 2 Pintails (B. Robson).
17th February 2008
Lomcloon,
Monasteraden
(Lough Gara)		 240 Wigeon and 7 Great Crested Grebes (M. Creegan).
17th February 2008
Rinnbaun Bay,
Lough Arrow		 The immature male Lesser Scaup gave good views again today in Rinnbaun Bay (S. Feeney, D. Breen).  New photos and video of this bird have been uploaded here.

Video and photo © Dermot Breen 2008
17th February 2008:  This video and photo show the immature male Lesser Scaup at Rinnbaun Bay, Lough Arrow today. Unfortunately the upperwing pattern was not captured on this occasion. New photos and video of this bird have been uploaded here.
Click on image above to see larger version
Lesser Scaup Images
Image © Mícheál Casey 2008
16th February 2008:  The immature male Lesser Scaup at Rinnbaun Bay, Lough Arrow today. Although views were much obstructed by reeds, the light was good and the views were close enough to reveal bill details, the fine vermiculations on the back, and the very faint vermiculations in the fore-flanks.  
Click on image above to see larger version

 Further photos are here.
16th February 2008
Old Boathouse,
Doorly Park,
Sligo Town		 One Mediterranean Gull was on the Garvoge River upstream of Sligo Town.  It appears to be same bird as seen at Cartron in Sligo Harbour on the 12th & 13th (S. Feeney).
16th February 2008
Sligo Harbour		 Two Iceland Gulls were seen (S. Feeney).
16th February 2008
Ballisodare Bay		 An scattered flock of at least 500 Common Scoter was on the sea west of Portavaud (Surf Scoters not observed), but many of the birds were at extreme distance), and there were good numbers of Great Northern Divers and Red-throated Divers in Sligo Bay, in ideal calm viewing conditions (S. Feeney).  
16th February 2008
Rinnbaun Bay,
Lough Arrow		 The immature Lesser Scaup drake was again seen on Lough Arrow.  The bird was with about six Tufted Ducks in the reedbeds to the right of the pier, along the edge of the wooded shoreline (M. Casey).
Otters
Otters
Images © Séamus Feeney 2008
16th February 2008: This family group of Otters were clearly enjoying the unseasonally fine weather on the west Sligo coast this afternoon.  The adult had a fish, which appeared to be a Ballan Wrasse, and appeared to be making the two youngsters work for their supper by coaxing/teasing them with it in an extended game of chase.  
Click on image above to see larger version
15th February 2008
Ballyconnell/
Ballintemple		 The dark Richardson's Cackling Goose was at Ballintemple. The Barnacle Geese seemed to be split into at least 3 groups with 500+ at Lissadell, 300+ at Knocklane and 1000+ at Ballintemple.  A pale/bleached first-winter Iceland Gull was feeding in the field next to the one with the geese.  There were 40ish Eider at Cullumore/Trawbane (S. Feeney).  
15th February 2008
Lissadell		 The Pink-footed Goose was with the Barnacles at Lissadell, and there were also 18 Shoveler and a pair of Pintail on the pond (S. Feeney).
Brent Goose catch at Enniscrone Golf Club
Image © Mícheál Casey 2008 
14th February 2008:  Work begins on extracting the record catch of 151 Brent Geese at Enniscrone Golf Club.  These birds have been ringed with high-visibility Darvic (plastic) rings on each leg.  Please report any sightings of colour-ringed Brent Geese to the co-ordinator of the Irish Brent colour-ringing scheme, Graham McElwaine at grahammcelwaine@btinternet.com, or via this website.  Please note the colour and letter on each ring, and which leg each ring is on.  Every sighting is vital.
Click on image above to see larger version
14th February 2008
Enniscrone Golf Club,
Inishcrone		 The Irish Brent Goose Research Group (IBGRG) organised a cannon netting operation at Enniscrone Golf Club today which resulted in 151 Light-bellied Brent Geese being caught in a single firing of the cannon-nets - a record catch for the group.  Hopefully these birds will provide many years of ring-reading for birdwatchers on their migratory flyway, in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and the high arctic tundra of Canada.  One Icelandic-ringed bird was caught with today's catch.  The IBGRG deeply appreciate the assistance of BirdWatch Sligo members, the staff and volunteers of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in Northern Ireland, and the National Parks and WildlifeConservation Rangers, for the reconnaisance work which led to todays extraordinary catch, and for their assistance with the handling and processing of the birds caught (K. Colhoun, K. Mackie, G. McElwaine).

Work begins immediately tomorrow morning on monitoring these ringed birds - for example, determining which of them are members of the same family groups - work which will be underpinned by the DNA fingerprinting of blood samples taken on the day from individual geese.  The birds were also sampled for Avian Influenza as part of the Irish Department of Agriculture's Avian Influenza surveillance programme for all Avian Influenza strains including the highly virulent H5N1 strain.

Image © Gerard Scott 2008
Photos of the Brent Goose cannon-netting operation at Enniscrone Golf Club are now up on the website here.
CETACEAN NEWS
13th February 2008
Streedagh Beach		 An unidentified whale carcass was found on Streedagh Beach today.  It is approximately 5m long - not yet positively identified (M. Crowley, via G. Scott).
13th February 2008
 Cartron Sewage Outfall,
 Sligo Harbour		 Three Iceland Gulls, a Mediterranean Gull and a metal-ringed Herring Gull were at the Cartron sewage outfall (S. Feeney)
12th February 2008
Drumfin, Castlebaldwin		 A Barn Owl was seen at dusk near Drumfin (B. Flynn, via M. Enright).
Mediterranean Gull
Image © Mícheál Casey 2008 
12th February 2008:  Adult Mediterranean Gull on the shore at Cartron sewage outfall in Sligo Harbour.
Click on image above to see larger version
12th February 2008
Cartron Sewage Outfall,
Sligo Harbour
 An adult Mediterranean Gull and the dark first-winter Iceland Gull were at the Cartron sewage outfall at lunchtime (S. Feeney, M. Casey).
Ring-necked Duck
 Ring-necked Duck
Images © Mícheál Casey 2008 
11th February 2008:  The Ring--necked Duck which is at Muck Island on Lough Arrow shows where the species gets it's name - note the rich chestnut-brown neck-ring, which is most easily seen when an alert bird extends its neck
Click on images above to see larger versions
Ring-billed Gull
 Second-winter Iceland Gull
Images © Declan Skehan 2008 
10th February 2008:  The Ring-billed Gull on the left and the second-winter Iceland Gull on the right were photographed in Sligo harbour on Sunday.
A bumper collection of photos of the Iceland Gulls seen in Sligo Harnour since the New Year is here.
Click on images above to see larger versions
Little Egret
Images © Declan Skehan 2008 
10th February 2008:  This Little Egret was near Carney village, in the estuary of the Drumcliff River on Sunday
Click on images above to see larger versions
10th February 2008
Sligo Harbour		 An adult Mediterranean Gull was seen at the Ballast Quay sewage outlet among a very large number of gulls at 1 p.m. (D. Skehan).
10th February 2008
Lissananny,
Ballymote		 20 Whooper Swans at G659131 (M. Creegan).
10th February 2008
Rathmullen,
Ballymote		 15 Whooper Swans at G127667 (M. Creegan).
10th February 2008
Knockawhishoge, Ballymote		 25 Curlew, 60 Wigeon at G697134 (M. Creegan).
10th February 2008
Magheranore, Doocastle		 80 Fieldfare and Redwings at G574099 (M. Creegan).
10th February 2008
Ross,
Killaraght
(ESE of Lough Gara)		 33 Whooper Swans at M757985 (M. Creegan).
10th February 2008
Drumcliff Estuary		 A Little Egret was at Drumcliff (D. Skehan).
10th February 2008
Quay St Car Park		 Three Iceland Gulls at Quay St - the usual suspects, also Ring-billed Gull seen briefly (D. Skehan).
10th February 2008
Lough Arrow		 The 1st winter male Lesser Scaup was again present this morning at Rinnbaun Bay, Lough Arrow, showing well with the Tufted Duck flock on the bays southern edge. The male Ring-necked Duck is still giving excellent views from the causeway onto Muck Island, looking north-east. Approximately 40 Goldeneye were seen on the lake, and a nice flock of Fieldfares was in fields at the north end of the lake, on the road back to Castlebaldwin from Muck Island (N.T. Keogh, E. O'Flynn).
10th February 2008
Ballyconnell/Cloonagh		 Approximately 90 Eider and 4 Great Northern Divers were sheltering in the bay at Cullumore/Cloonagh (N.T. Keogh, E. O'Flynn).
10th February 2008
Mullaghmore		 Good numbers of Fulmars were on the cliffs at Mullaghmore (N.T. Keogh, E. O'Flynn)
10th February 2008
Ballintemple		 Approx. 1500-2000 Barnacle Geese, the pale Richardson's Cackling Goose and the Pink-footed Goose were using the flooded fields at Ballintemple (N.T. Keogh, E. O'Flynn).
10th February 2008
Doonierin,
Rathcormack 		 The female Blackcap is still coming to feed on apples in a rural garden on the edge of Drumcliff bay, a male was seen at this site on the 8th, but they have not been seen together (D. Gunne).
Smew Wood Duck
Images © Séamus Feeney 2008
10th February 2008:  Some wild and exotic birds seen in Enniskillen, Co. Fermangh today today - the Smew (left) was on Drumgay Lough beside the Enniskillen Agricultural College, while the American Wood Duck (right) was on the Erne River in the town.
Click on images above to see larger versions.
7th February 2008
FERMANAGH NEWS 		 The male Smew was seen well at Drumgay Lough, beside the Agricultural College, but there was no sign of the red-head Smew seen earlier in the week.  A Wood Duck (very confiding and probably an escape from captivity) has paired with a female Mallard on the Erne River in the town, and gave very good views as it saw off all challengers for her affections!  Thanks to Brad Robson, Fermanagh RSPB Warden for the information on both birds (S. Feeney)
Peregr

Images © Mícheál Casey 2008
10th February 2008:  A Peregrine Falcon relaxes after finishing its Sunday brunch, which appears to consist of a Moorhen, on the belfry parapet of Sligo Cathedral.
Click on images above to see larger versions.
Second-winter Iceland Gull
Image © Jerry Warne 2008
9th February 2008:  A visiting UK birder, Jerry Warne, photographed the second-winter Iceland Gull at Quay Street on Saturday
9th February 2008
Cullumore,
Ballyconnell		 A flock of about 60 Common Eider feeding close to the shore in the regular spot at the base of the cliffs at Cullumore,  south of Cloonagh beach (marked as Trawbane on OS map) (S. Feeney).
9th February 2008
Drumcliff bay		 A single Black-tailed Godwit was seen with a small flock of Redshanks (S. Feeney).  Black-tailed Godwits are never common in Sligo Bay, and are usually seen on passage in autumn and in late spring.
9th February 2008
Lough Arrow		 The dark Richardson's Cackling Goose was seen with the Barnacle Geese in Ballyconnell (S. Feeney).
8th February 2008
Lough Arrow		 The Lesser Scaup was re-sighted in Rinnbaun Bay (having been absent yesterday) and the adult male Ring-necked Duck (Sligo's most reliable rarity?) was in the small inlet north of the causeway (J. Warne).
8th February 2008
Raghly		 10 Great Northern Divers were seen from Raghly (J. Warne).
8th February 2008
Sligo Harbour		 At least three Iceland Gulls (two first-winter and a second-winter), an adult Mediterranean Gull, and an adult Ring-billed Gull were at the Cartron sewage outfall (J. Warne).
8th February 2008
Lissadell		 10 Shovelers were on the pond (J. Warne).
8th February 2008
Ballyconnell		 One Richardson's Cackling Goose and the Pink-footed Goose were with about 2,500 Barnacles in flooded fields north of Raghly (J. Warne).
6th February 2008
Lough Arrow		 No sign of the Lesser Scaup in Rinnbaun Bay (very small numbers of ducks there today) but the adult male Ring-necked Duck was still in the small inlet north of the causeway to Muck Island (S. Feeney).
7th February 2008
FERMANAGH NEWS 		 An adult male Smew has joined the red-head bird on Drumgay Lough, Enniskillen.  Female Ring-necked Duck still on Racecourse Lough, Enniskillen (B. Robson)
6th February 2008
Lough Arrow		 The immature male Lesser Scaup was still in Rinnbaun Bay and the adult male Ring-necked Duck was still in the small inlet north of the causeway to Muck Island (S. Feeney).
6th February 2008
Inishcrone		 Two Twite were found feeding on a piece of waste ground, at the end of the road running north of the harbour along the coast, also saw three Purple Sandpipers on the rocks near here (M. Bell).
5th February 2008
NEW PHOTOS UPLOADED 		 A super selection of recent photos of "white-winged' gulls from Sligo and Donegal was received today.   Photos of Iceland Gulls from Sligo Harbour by Declan Skehan are on the "Iceland Gulls in Sligo" page, while photos of Iceland, Kumliens and Glaucous Gulls, taken in Greencastle Harbour, Co. Donegal by Derek Charles, are on the Donegal Sightings page.
5th February 2008
Raghly		 The adult Dark-bellied Brent was again seen in the flooded fields between Ardtermon and Raghly (M. Casey).
Dark-bellied Brent
Images © Mícheál Casey 2008
4th February 2008:  Dark-bellied Brent at Raghly.  The upper photos show the contrast between Dark-bellied and Light-bellied Brent - note the much darker flanks and belly, and how the grey extends back past the legs underneath.
Click on images above to see larger versions.
4th February 2008
Rinnbaun Bay,
Lough Arrow		 The immature drake Lesser Scaup was re-sighted this morning (M. Bell)
4th February 2008
Lissadell		 The Pink-footed Goose was with a large Barnacle Goose flock in the Goose Field and approximately 14 Shoveler were on the pond (S. Feeney)
4th February 2008
Back Avenue,
(Old Boathouse Pier)		 A BTO-ringed Common Gull was seen, and the ring almost completely read using a telescope - a ring number not previously reported from Sligo.  A metal-ringed Black-headed Gull was also seen at the Deepwater Quay (S. Feeney).
4th February 2008
Raghly		 The Dark-Bellied Brent was with approx 25 Light-bellied Brent in the flooded field on the right before the Raghly causeway (M. Casey).
4th February 2008
Stephen St Car Park		 A small party of Long-tailed Tits, never common in town, was seen in the trees along the Garvogue River by the Sligo Weekender offices (D. Skehan).
4th February 2008
Quay Street Car Park		 4 Iceland Gulls - two pale individuals, one intermediate and the dark bird (D. Skehan).

Shovelers on the pond at Lissadell
Images © Séamus Feeney 2008
4th February 2008:  Shoveler are never a common duck in Sligo, but the pond in Lissadell has been a very reliable site for the past two or three winters.  The colourful males are easy to pick out even at distance, but the females are harder to distinguish unless that characteristic bill is visible.
Click on images above to see larger versions.
4th February 2008
ROSCOMMON NEWS		 There was a good turnout at Lough Croan for the World Wetland Day event on the 2nd of February, despite poor weather conditions, and those who braved the elements saw all the expected birds including Greenland White-fronted Geese, Whooper Swans, Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler, Golden plover etc.  On a brief return visit on the 4th, a quick partial count of the lough had 60+ Pintail, 120 Shoveler, 200+ Teal, 200+ Wigeon and c60 Greenland White-fronted Geese.  It is well checking out this site if visiting the area.  (M. Bell).
Images © Mícheál Casey 2008
3rd February 2008:  In the immortal words of Rolf Harris.................  
"Can you tell what it is yet?"
This Peregrine Falcon was roosting on the parapet of the belfry of Sligo Cathedral on Sunday night.  A Peregrine has been seen roosting at this site intermittently over the years.
Click on images above to see larger versions.
3rd February 2008
Lough Arrow		 Male Ring-necked Duck still present off the causeway to Muck Island, with Tufted Ducks (S. Feeney).
3rd February 2008
Sligo Cathedral		 A Peregrine Falcon was seen roosting on the parapet of the Cathedral belfry by the light of the floodlights (M. Casey).
3rd February 2008
Cummeen Strand		 Good numbers of common waders seen in dreadful conditions -  450 + Dunlin, c. 300+ Knot, perhaps equal no of Golden Plover, large numbers of Curlew (D. Skehan).
Images © Michael Bell 2008
2nd February 2008:  Contrasting wintry images from south Sligo in what should be the first days of spring!  Starling flocks build up in spectacular aerial displays before roosting between Ballymote and Keash (top), and a flock of Whooper Swans graze on pasture, with a light covering of snow  on the hills in the background on the Castlebaldwin Road outside Ballymote (lower images).
Click on images above to see larger versions.
1st February 2008
Cartron,
Sligo Harbour		 A pale 1st-winter Iceland Gull was at Cartron in the evening (N. Keogh, N.T. Keogh).
1st February 2008
Lissadell		 The pale Richardson's Cackling Goose and the Pink-footed Goose were in the Goose Field at Lissadell with approx 800 Barnacles, and approx 40 Brent grazing on the pasture. 12 Shovelers (7 male, 5 female), a large flock of Wigeon and Teal, as well as good numbers of Curlew, Redshank and Dunlin, and a few Lapwing were on the pond. A Treecreeper was seen on the walk through the forest to the hide, and 2 Great Northern Divers were seen in Drumcliff Bay from this path also (N. Keogh, N.T. Keogh, M. Casey). 
1st February 2008
Molloway Hill,
Sligo Town		 Sligo people walking along Molloway Hill between Sligo General Hospital and the Institute of Technology witnessed a dramatic episode at lunchtime today when a Sparrowhawk attacked a Jackdaw, both birds falling to the pavement as they grappled with each other, where they both lay stunned by the impact of their fall, and apparently completely unconscious for a considerable time on the pavement.  The birds attracted the interest of a small audience, before the Sparrowhawk recovered enough to fly to a nearby tree, after which the Jackdaw, in a somewhat distressed state, made good its escape.  The incident was witnessed by a number of passers-by, who were fascinated to see wild creatures in a life-or-death struggle at such close quarters in an urban setting (D. Scott).
1st February 2008
Staad Abbey,
Streedagh		 A lightly-oiled Common Guillemot was found on the beach near Staad Abbey, and taken into care with a view to re-habilitating and releasing it (M. Keane).
1st February 2008
Sligo Cathedral,
Temple Street		 A Peregrine Falcon flew west past the Cathedral (D. Skehan).
1st February 2008
Special Notice		 If you are walking along beaches in the west or north-west this weekend, please keep an eye out for stranded turtles or turtle carcasses, as several have been reported on the beaches of the UK and Ireland (including two in Mayo) in recent weeks.  It is likely that these are Loggerhead Turtles, and while they may be decomposed or partly scavenged, they should be quite recognisable.  Please report any sightings to Dr Don Cotton at Sligo Institute of Technology, either directly or via this website.