The Painted Lady is usually a scarce migrant from Africa, but this year
is expected to be a vintage year with huge numbers on the move.
this is one of several seen in a private garden at Ballygawley
This Whooper Swan and Mute Swan were acting like the parents of
this brood of cygnets. Whether they are the biological parents
remains to be seen - whether the cygnets are Mute Swans or hybrids will
become obvious as they grow older and mature.
Pictured is the Sligo Birdwatch group who took part in the annual Dawn
Chorus walk, which was held in the woodland close to the Church of
Ireland at Beltra, Co.Sligo. Thanks to Trevor Hunter for lending the
group his expert ear, picking out and helping the group identify a
range of species in the rich mix of sound that makes up the dawn
chorus.
The group was well-rewarded for their early (5.30am) start. Apart
from the avian interest the walk was made memorable by the sight of a
large well-fed hare in one of the local fields and a lone deer paused
momentarily in the pathway of the group before disappearing into the
undergrowth.
Cuckoos photographed near Sooey - the lower bird is being chased by a
Meadow Pipit. Cuckoos tend to lay eggs which closely match those
of their principal host, which varies from one region to another.
In Ireland, the meadow Pipit is the species most commonly
parasitised by Cuckoos.
