Sligo's Birding Sites:
	(1) Mullaghmore <<< Previous Site <<<                              >>> Next Site >>>       Where Mullaghmore lies about 20 Kilometres north  of Sligo town near the border with Leitrim When Between September and April Introduction Mullaghmore is a small peninsula with several small lakes situated  on the north coast of County Sligo. The lakes are the main points of birding interest and lie on the northern edge of the peninsula.  Although unnamed, they are collectively known as the Bunduff lakes. Between the lakes and the sea is a prime example of a  habitat known as machair, which is threatened in Europe. Beyond the dunes, a  sandy beach stretches west for roughly 3 kilometres from the small village of Mullaghmore to some small cliffs. The western part of the peninsula also consists  of some low cliffs. Generally deserted and set against the backdrop of the Sligo  Mountains, Mullaghmore is an amazing place to go birding on a crisp winter’s morning! Birds Mullaghmore  is probably most famous for its Whooper Swans.  Most of the swans breeding in Iceland and wintering in Ireland pass through here between mid-October  and November. During the peak of this autumn migration, up to 300 swans may be present on the three lakes. The return migration  in March and April occurs on a much smaller scale. The three lakes on Mullaghmore differ considerably from each other. Lake 1 is relatively shallow and is the favoured  haunt of Mallard and Teal in winter. Only one or two Whooper Swans are generally to be found on this  lake. The flat fields beyond used to support a flock of Greenland White-fronted Geese, but none have been reported recently.  On a few occasions, Short-eared Owls have been  seen here. Lake 2 is the deepest lake and supports  a few Little Grebes, Tufted Ducks, Coots  and in winter a few Scaup. The lake is fringed  by reeds, which support a good population of Sedge Warblers  in summer. The bushier areas play host to Cuckoo, Grasshopper Warblers and Common Whitethroat. Generally, the majority of the Whooper Swans can be found on Lake 3. In winter, between 30 and 80 birds may be present alongside the  resident Mute Swans. Other birds present include  Mallard, Teal, Wigeon,  Tufted Duck, plus the occasional Pintail, Gadwall,  Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff. A small flock of Golden Plover can usually be found on the machair beyond Lake 3. It is also visited by two or three Choughs in winter. The beach plays host to a small flock of Brent Geese, some Oystercatchers, Ringed Plover,  Dunlin and Sanderling. A small flock of Gulls is frequently present at the stream, consisting mostly of  Herring and Great Black-backs. A few Snow  Buntings are occasionally present in the dunes. Offshore, Great Northern, Red-throated  and very rarely Black-throated Divers are present, as well as Shag, around 50 Common Scoter,  a few Long-tailed Ducks, Black & Common  Guillemots and Razorbill. The cliffs  on the headland support a few breeding pairs of Fulmar,  while the seaweed-covered rocks support Oystercatchers,  Turnstone and the ever-elusive Purple Sandpiper. During westerly winds Manx Shearwaters, Gannets  and occasionally European Storm Petrels may pass offshore. In late August and September, Leach’s Storm  Petrels are seen regularly during westerly storms. Rarities that have occurred in Mullaghmore include a Marsh Harrier in June 2003 and a Whiskered Tern in September 2003, which was only Ireland’s 19th record. Access by Car From Sligo town, take the N14 north towards Donegal. Pass through the village of Cliffoney, taking a left-hand turn after about 2 kilometres. Park the car on  the grassy margin at Lake 2 and continue on foot. Access by Public Transport There are several daily bus services to the village of Cliffoney from Sligo. From here, walk along the R279 for about 500 metres. After a right-hand bend in the road, take the first right hand turn. Keep left at the two intersections. Viewpoints All the sites mentioned can be easily viewed from the roads in the area. Maps and Photos Mullaghmore is covered by Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series Map 16. The view from Mermaid's Cove south towards Mullaghmore (below).