July 2007 Sightings

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July 2007

31st July 2007
Cartron Marsh

A drake Gadwall in eclipse plumage was seen with six Mallard in the stream where it enters the Marsh (S. Feeney)

24th July 2007
Rocky Point, Poravaud

85 Sandwich Terns seen today (S. Feeney)

21st July 2007
Mullaghmore

There was a steady trickle of Manx Shearwaters this afternoon, flying south very close to the shore in flat calm conditions, approximately 20/hour (S. Feeney).

16th July 2007
near Ballygawley

A Barn Owl was seen near Ballygawley this evening, and resighted in the same area a short time later in the evening, flying along the same flight path, and this time was seen to be carrying prey (S. Feeney).

11th July 2007
Bunduff Lakes,
Mullaghmore

A Grasshopper Warbler and a couple of Whitethroat were heard at the northern end (furthest from the main road) of the largest of the Bunduff Lakes (M.Bell).

11th July 2007
Mermaid's Cove,
Mullaghmore

An Arctic Skua was seen chasing and harrassing terns over the sea, while three Red-throated Divers were seen on the water (M.Bell).

10th July 2007
Aughris Head

A recently fledged juvenile Tree Sparrow was seen in the old village, while at the head itself, there was a good passage of Manx Shearwaters and Gannets (both adult and sub-adult), while on the cliffs there were huge numbers of Kittiwakes and Guillemots, with lesser numbers of Fulmars, Razorbills and Black Guillemots (S. Feeney).

7th July 2007
Tanrego Ponds,
Ballisodare

Flock of 28 Greenshank seen at the Tanrego Ponds, near Streamstown, both adult and juvenile birds present. Two Jays seen in the surrounding trees (T. Hunter)


	Images © Mícheál Casey 2007
	7th July 2007: Male (left) and female (right) Blackcaps - these birds were trapped and ringed in mature scrub near Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo this morning under the BTO ringing scheme (for further information on this scheme, see www.bto.org/ringing). Blackcaps are unusual among our warblers in that the male and female are readily distinguished in the field, with only the male having the black cap that gives the species its name. Ringing studies have shown that two separate populations of Blackcaps are found in Ireland. These breeding birds will leave at the end of the summer and spend the winter in southern Iberia and north-west Africa, while a separate population that breed in northern Europe (especially Austria/Germany) visit Ireland and the UK in winter. Wintering Blackcaps are most commonly seen on the east coast, and are usually seen in gardens, where they are readily attracted by apples and other fruit.

6th July 2007
Aughris

A pair of Tree Sparrows were seen feeding young at their nest (in a cavity in the wall of a derelict building) (M.Casey).

4th July 2007
Cummeen Strand

Flock of 147 Curlews at high tide roost east of the Coney Island causeway. Probably post-breeding birds returning to Sligo Bay (M.Casey).


		Images © Mícheál Casey 2007
		2nd July 2007: This Whooper Swan is an unseasonal sight at Bunduff Lake, and is presumably the same individual that has been seen at this location in summer over the past few years. It seems to be unable to fly and therefore unable to migrate to Iceland with the rest of the Whoopers that winter in this region. The reddish-brown coloration around the head is often seen on Whooper Swans in Ireland, and is caused by iron deposits in the lake mud staining the bird's plumage as it grazes on underwater plants.

2nd July 2007
Bunduff Lake, Mullaghmore

One Whooper Swan, presumably the long-staying individual reported in previous summers (M.Casey).


	Image © Mícheál Casey 2007
	2nd July 2007: A Rock Pipit carrying food, probably to a second brood, near Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo

1st July 2007 Rathcormack, Co. Sligo

A Merlin flew across the main Donegal road just south of Rathcormack this morning (M.Bell). Together with the Peregrine sighting below, these two falcons must have shortened the journey!

1st July 2007 Sligo Town

A Peregrine Falcon flew over the N4 in Sligo town this morning (M.Bell)