November 2009 Sightings

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	Image © Mícheál Casey 2009
20th November 2009: Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull (left) being chased by an Herring Gull (right) at Lissadell today. Further images of the unidentified gull are here.

White-tailed Eagle "Male Star" found in distress near Skreen, Co. Sligo

	Image © Mícheál Casey 2009
'Male Star', the juvenile White-tailed Eagle that has made his home in Sligo has been found in a distressed state on a road near Skreen on Monday 15th November. He was depressed and inco-ordinated and and has been taken into care for re-habilitation. This bird was released into the wild in Co. Kerry in July, as part of the Irish re-introduction programme. This bird, uniquely, settled a long way from the rease site, in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo (where it was photographed above), where it fed on gulls and carrion including a tideline seal carcass. Please sign the SPÉIR Stop the Poison Petition to lobby the authorities to tackle the menace of poisoning. Update 19/11/09: 'Male Star' is doing well in care and it is hoped that he will fully recover. Update 20/11/09: 'Male Star' is continuing to do well Update 20/11/09: 'Male Star' has been transferred to an open aviary, where he is flying again, making good progress.

Good news on Sligo's Corncrakes

The final tally of Corncrakes in Sligo in 2009 was a minimum of six calling males, representing the most confirmed in the county since the Corncrake conservation project began, in 1994.

More details, and a round-up of this year's Corncrake season in the rest of the west are here.

Nature Learn - expert education on ecology and nature for schools and groups

A new nature education service has set up business in Ballymote, Co. Sligo run by Sligo BWI member and regular contributor to this website, Michael Bell. Nature Learn will primarily be focusing on primary schools throughout the region but Michael is also available for talks, guided field trips etc. for other groups as well. If you know of a primary school that may wish to avail of this service please contact Michael.

A Scan of Nature Learn's brochure can be downloaded from this site

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Ringed Greenfinch traced

5 November 2009

A Greenfinch found dead near Calry on 28/10/09 has been traced.

This ring has been traced, thanks to some detective work by the Irish native bird breeding community. This bird was one of two young males that escaped from the premises of a local licenced Greenfinch breeder, who has been in touch with the website and is delighted to hear that the bird was located, although disappointed to hear it had died. It had actually survived for over a year in the wild. Many thanks to all involved for their assistance (you know who you are). The news is being passed back to the young finder.

Video Grab © RTE 2009

Massive Stranding of Starfish at Lissadell

5 November 2009

A phenomenal stranding of Common Starfish (Asterias rubens) at Lissadell beach is being blamed on the strong storms of recent days. An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 starfish, mainly adults, have been washed up along the strand in an event unprecedented in local memory. This species is is the most prevalent conventional starfish of the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean. Its principal prey is mussels (consuming them in their shells), but it will eat fish eggs, carrion, and other molluscs. A full report on the incident can be viewed on the RTE News of 5/11/2009.

The two King Eiders (rare Arctic Ducks) that wintered in this part of Drumcliff bay last winter were seen to eat enormous quantities of this species - see lower left image. This incident is further proof of the massive numbers of starfish that live in this bay. It seems likely that there will be plenty left should the King Eiders return!

BirdWatch Sligo Event - Science Week 2009

Friday 13th November 2009

Note amended date - incorrect date posted last week

8.00pm

Conservation of Ireland's Brent Geese

Dr. Kendrew Colhoun

Kendrew Colhoun is a very active research scientist, who has specialised in the study and tracking of migratory goose populations. From cannon-netting Brent Geese on Enniscrone Golf Course to tracking the migration of Bar-headed Geese across the Himalayas from Mongolia, Kendrew has adapted cutting edge technology to answer some age-old questions about migrant geese - seeking to understand their migration routes and strategies, and why these are selected. He will be presenting the results of flyway scale studies of arguably Ireland's most important wintering water bird, the results of some recent research and the direction of future studies.

Help prevent poisoning: What you can do
11th November 2009

There are two eagles of different species roosting within 20 miles of Sligo town tonight. Both of these are young birds, and likely to seek out carrion (dead animals) for food. At this stage of their life they are very susceptible to malicious or accidental poisoning. This is an appeal to farmers, foresters, and anyone else in the country side to raise their vigilance.

Watch out for:
- discarded chicken or other meat
- 'road kill' out of context - obvious road-kill carcasses that have been moved and placed away from roads
- farm animal, wild animal or bird carcasses, especially if the body has been opened or skinned
- suspicious pieces of minced meat or other meats

Please do not tamper with anything you find, as it may be valuable evidence, and may be dangerous to your health. Record what you see, take a photo if possible, and contact the Gardai or the nearest Conservation Ranger, either of whom will treat your report in confidence.

It is especially important to record the precise location, date and time of whatever you find, as these birds carry GPS satellite tags, so if a poisoning were to occur, it may be possible to trace where the bird picked it up. In this event your evidence and your precise written records would be crucial evidence for the investigation team.

Remember - this is a publicly funded project - these are YOUR birds.

Please don't let this happen in Sligo

These White-tailed Eagles were poisoned in Kerry. The north-west has a track record for the accidental poisoning of birds of prey - remember the Dromahair Red Kite.

Please be vigilant and report your suspicions

	BIRDWATCH MAYO EVENT The Barn Owl Research Project An illustrated talk by John Lusby Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology, (opposite Travellers Friend/Royal Theatre) Old Westport Road, Castlebar Wednesday 7th October 2009 at 7.30pm Room will be signposted from main lobby
	Guided Birdwatching Tours of Galway available If you are visiting Galway city or county and want an expert guide to get the most out of your visit, contact Tom Cuffe for a memorable guided tour to the birds and birding sites of Galway. Click here for contact details.


Date	Species	Photo	Number	Site	Observer	Remarks


30 November 2009	Velvet Scoter		1	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Joe Donaldson	Adult female, with Common Scoter flock
30 November 2009	Light-bellied Brent Goose		17	Carrowhubbock, Inishcrone	Mick Hynes via email to BirdWatch Ireland HQ
30 November 2009	Dark-bellied Brent		1	Raghly Harbour, Raghly Point	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson	With Light-bellied Brent on Ardtermon Strand
30 November 2009	Long-tailed Duck		15	Drumcliff Bay, Viewed from Raghly Harbour, Raghly Point	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson
30 November 2009	Twite		15	Raghly Harbour, Raghly Point	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson
29 November 2009	Peregrine Falcon		1	Mullaghmore head, Mullaghmore	Noel Raftery, Martin Enright	Juvenile perched on wall
29 November 2009	Chough		2	Mullaghmore head, Mullaghmore	Noel Raftery, Martin Enright	In flight
29 November 2009	Oystercatcher		1	Cloonagh Strand, Ballyconnell	Don Cotton	Metal ringed bird - this is the third consecutive winter that a ringed Oystercatcher has been on this strand - same bird?
29 November 2009	Little Egret		1	Streamstown, Ballysadare Bay	Conor McElhinney
29 November 2009	Oystercatcher		189	Streamstown, Ballysadare Bay	Conor McElhinney
29 November 2009	Light-bellied Brent		90	Streamstown, Ballysadare Bay	Conor McElhinney
29 November 2009	Curlew		c. 30	Streamstown, Ballysadare Bay	Conor McElhinney
29 November 2009	Purple Sandpiper		3	Inishcrone Pier, Inishcrone	Mervyn Gawley
29 November 2009	Hybrid Herring Gull x Glaucous Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Paul Kelly, Victor Caschera	Second-winter. Close to 1,000 gulls on the strand. Please note correction - not Herring x Iceland Gull as reported yesterday.
29 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2-3	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Paul Kelly, Victor Caschera	All first-winter
29 November 2009	Yellow-legged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Paul Kelly, Victor Caschera	Second-winter.
29 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Paul Kelly, Victor Caschera, Denis O'Sullivan, Ger Walsh	The first-winter hybrid bird is still around, was seen well.
29 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Paul Kelly, Victor Caschera, Denis O'Sullivan, Ger Walsh, Noel Raftery, Martin Enright	Good views - photos taken on this visit will be added to Paul's online gallery of fantastic bird images from all over the world on his website www.irishbirdimages.com
29 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Paul Kelly, Victor Caschera, Denis O'Sullivan, Ger Walsh, Noel Raftery, Martin Enright	Good views
28 November 2009	Tree Sparrow		1	Raghly	Declan Skehan
28 November 2009	Whooper Swan		5	Streedagh	Paul Keogh
28 November 2009	Long-tailed Duck		2	Streedagh	Paul Keogh
28 November 2009	Chough		5	Streedagh	Paul Keogh
28 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Michael Bell, Mícheál Casey	Seen briefly and poorly in dense fog on two occasions about an hour apart. Opposite the Alpine Gardens at Lissadell each time.
28 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey, Séamus Feeney	Adult female
28 November 2009	Velvet Scoter		1	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Séamus Feeney	Adult female, with Common Scoter flock
28 November 2009	Long-tailed Duck		6	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Séamus Feeney	Adult female, with Common Scoter flock
25-27 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Glencar Valley, Co. Leitrim	Satellite data via Lorcan O'Toole	Conall has been roosting near the Glencar valley
27 November 2009	Eagle sp		1	Lough Melvin/Kinlough area, Co. Leitrim	via Caroline Shiel	Several reports - possibly 'Conall', Golden Eagle (see above).
27 November 2009	Greater Scaup		1	Front Lake, Bunduff, Mullaghmore	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy	Adult female
27 November 2009	Goosander		1	Front Lake, Bunduff, Mullaghmore	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy	Adult male
27 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2	John's Port, Lissadell	Mícheál Casey	With gull flock of 1,000+
27 November 2009	Greenfinch		100+	John's Port, Lissadell	Mícheál Casey	Feeding on fallen seed along edge of beach
27 November 2009	Twite		13	Knocklane, Ballyconnell	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy	In separate groups of 7 and 6
26 November 2009	Chiffchaff		1	Tully, 4km SW of Bellanagare, Co. Roscommon	Michael Bell	Seen well, very odd time of year
26 November 2009	Chough		2	Mullaghmore Head, Mullaghmore	Gerard Scott & Mícheál Casey	Feeding on pasture
26 November 2009	Great Northern Diver		3	From Mullaghmore Harbour, Mullaghmore	Mícheál Casey
26 November 2009	Little Auk		1	Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh	via Marius Breen	At Horse Island. A Little Egret was also seen in this area two weeks ago
26 November 2009	White-tailed Eagle		1	Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh	Peter Taylor via Marius Breen	At Carr Island near Lough Erne Golf Course at 11.30am.
25 November 2009	Hen Harrier		1	Cloonshanville Bog, Near Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon	Michael Bell	Adult male
25 November 2009	Merlin		1	near Easkey GAA pitch, Easkey	Séamus Feeney	Hunting
25 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Glencar, Co. Leitrim	Satellite data via Lorcan O'Toole	Satellite data received today indicates that the juvenile satellite-tagged Golden Eagle 'Conall' moved about 11 km after feeding on the fox at Lurganboy, and roosted overnight near Glencar on the night of the 23/24th.
24 November 2009	Snowy Owl		1	Inishcrone	Margaret Hannon via Mervyn Gawley	Seen well along new path north of pier. Perched on fence post, being mobbed by gulls, allowed close approach in very windy conditions, and flew towards the pier. First record for Co. Sligo.
24 November 2009	Long-tailed Duck		1	Lough Doon, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim	Fiona Farrell	Adult female in winter plumage. Long-tailed Ducks are relatively unusual at inland sites. The species has been recorded at this particular site just three times before - a pair was seen here c. 1999 (Séamus Feeney); 1 juvenile/female was seen on 17th November 1999 (Don Cotton) and at nearby Lough Colgagh, two females were present on 18th March 1992 (Don Cotton).
24 November 2009	White-tailed Eagle		1	Co. Leitrim	Satellite data via Allan Mee	The White-tailed Eagle, 'Male L', which travelled to Scotland during the autumn is on his way back! Satellite data placed him at Lisnabrack, to the north of Benbo mountain, Co. Leitrim yesterday afternoon! Follow his progress here.
24 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney	Still around!
24 November 2009	Shoveler		10	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	On the pond
24 November 2009	Wigeon		300+	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	On the pond
24 November 2009	Teal		340	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	On the pond
24 November 2009	Lesser Black-backed Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney	3rd winter bird. This bird was in wing moult (this species normally moults on its wintering grounds in western Iberia).
24 November 2009	Peregrine Falcon		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	Flew from direction of the potato field opposite.
24 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	Ballygilgan, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In potato field opposite Goose Field, with Barnacles
24 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	Ballygilgan, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In potato field opposite Goose Field, with Barnacles
24 November 2009	Iceland Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	A first-winter bird, seen opposite Maugherow Church, about 2 miles west of the two seen below, but overlap possible At least two first winter Lesser Black-backed gulls also present, as well as brief views of what looked like an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (probably the 3rd-winter bird seen at Lissadell (above).
24 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney	Both first-winters, included the 'bulky' bird seen regularly on this strand for a few weeks.
						Noticed the reference to a Little Egret on Lough Erne a couple of weeks ago, I saw one on Boa Island on Monday 23rd. Also had two other sightings later the same day, presumably ofthe same bird, one further east on Boa Island and again in flight near Hare Island. Still an unusual visitor to Lough Erne, apparently only 2nd or 3rd sighting in the county. Wonder how long before they're breeding! Best wishes, Michael.
23 November 2009	Little Egret		1	Boa Island, Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh	Michael Stinson	Michael says: I saw one on Boa Island on Monday 23rd. Also had two other sightings later the same day, presumably ofthe same bird, one further east on Boa Island and again in flight near Hare Island. Still an unusual visitor to Lough Erne, apparently only 2nd or 3rd sighting in the county. Wonder how long before they're breeding!
23 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Near Lurganboy, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim	Max Brosi	The satellite-tagged young male, Conall, was seen well as he fed on the carcass of an adult fox in a large roadside field on the edge of Lurganboy village. He obviously knows how to make himself popular in sheep farming country! Satellite data from his GPS tag shows that he returned to Glencar on Saturday 21/11/09 - see our 'Conall' page
23 November 2009	Storm-Petrel		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Noel Raftery	Found dead along the woodland path that leads to the Goose Field hide. This path runs parallel to Lissadell Strand and the bird was found about a mile east of where a single Storm-Pterel was seen by Declan Skehan yesterday (below). The same bird or part of a wider 'wreck' of storm-blown birds?
23 November 2009	Iceland Gull		3	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey, Noel Raftery	All first-winters, along the freshwater stream on Lissadell Strand in front of the Alpine Gardens. Flushed by the movement of heavy machinery along the access road.
23 November 2009	Storm-Petrel		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Declan Skehan	Seen along the waters edge opposite the Alpine Gardens at Lissadell.
22 November 2009	Black-tailed Godwit		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve,, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney, Paul Keogh	Close to the hide. Also Barnacle geese, good numbers of Wigeon & Teal on the pond and about a dozen Light-bellied Brent up on the field.
22 November 2009	Redshank		5	Masonite Plant, Carrick-on -Shannon	Trevor Hunter	Flew across main Sligo-Dublin Road. This species is very scarce this far inland.
22 November 2009	Iceland Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Declan Skehan	On the strand in front of the Alpine Gardens
22 November 2009	Black Brant		1	Ardtermon Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney, Paul Keogh	With Light-bellied Brent
22 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In potato field opposite Goose Field, with Barnacles
22 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In potato field opposite Goose Field, with Barnacles
21 November 2009	Black Brant		1	Ardtermon Point, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe
21 November 2009	Kumlien's Gull		1	Ardtermon Point, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe	1st winter
21 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2	Ardtermon Point, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe	1st winter
21 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe	Good views
21 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe	Good views
21 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe	Good but brief views in the freshwater stream front of the walled gardensat Lissadell at about 3pm
21 November 2009	Kumlien's Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Paul Keogh, Séamus Enright, Mike O'Keefe	1st winter, on the strand in front of the Alpine Gardens at Lissadell
22 November 2009	Greenfinch		104	Liisadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Noel Raftery	Feeding above the high tide line and flew to scrubby trees at the edge of the dunes when disturbed. On Maugherow Strand between Lissadell and John's Port. Most were adults with just a few juveniles.
20 November 2009	Common Buzzard		2	Clogherevagh, Calry, Sligo	Michael D. (Mike) Casey	Seen well, landed on telephone wires for a while before soaring on the wind again and finally heading North towards Colgagh at 10.am on Friday 20th November.
20 November 2009	Raven		2	Fawcetts Bridge, Doonally, Sligo	Mícheál Casey	In trees along main Manorhamilton road
20 November 2009	Sparrowhawk		1	Doorly Park, Sligo Town	John McEvoy	Adult female, being mobbed by a magpie as she flew out from the Ardowen House area
20 November 2009	Goldeneye		4	Doorly Park, Sligo Town	John McEvoy	3 adult males and one immature.
20 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney, Mícheál Casey	Arrived with about 100 Barnacles c. 2pm
20 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney, Mícheál Casey	Arrived with about 100 Barnacles c. 2pm
20 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey, Don Cotton	Feeding on starfish on the western end of the starnd at Johns Port at dawn (Mícheál Casey), seen later at the Alpine Gardens (Don Cotton). A gallery of images of this bird ishere.
20 November 2009	Iceland Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	1st winter
20 November 2009	Brambling		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Mícheál Casey	In the 'Linnet Plot" at the eastern end of the Lissadell Goose Field.
19 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	Feeding on starfish on the strand in front of the alpine garnes at Lissadell
19 November 2009	Kumlien's Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	1st winter
19 November 2009	Iceland Gull		3	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	All 1st winter
17 November 2009	Raven		1	Easkey	Robin Burnhams	In fields behind the village
14 November 2009	Tree Sparrow		2	Easkey	Robin Burnhams	In private garden during week ending 17th Nov
17 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Near Ballinamona, Calry, Co. Sligo	Satellite Data via Lorcan O'Toole of the Golden Eagle Trust.	Conall is staying around the northern shores of Lough Gill - please keep an eye out for him.
17 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney, Mícheál Casey	In the area between Lissadell House's walled garden and the shellfish farm at Lissadell Strand
17 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In Gillen's potato field opposite the Goose Field, with Barnacles
17 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In Gillen's potato field opposite the Goose Field, with Barnacles
17 November 2009	Little Egret		1	Gibraltar Point, Cummeen Strand	Michael D. (Mike) Casey
17 November 2009	Merlin		1	John's Port, Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	Hunting over fields behind beach
15 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Gerard Scott	Seen briefly in flight at John's Port, just west of Lissadell. Considered a possible hybrid by experts who have seen images of the bird - still of north American origin, possibly the result of an American Herring Gull breeding with a Glaucous-winged Gull
15 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen, also seen by Birdwatch Sligo Outing
15 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen, also seen by Birdwatch Sligo Outing
15 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	near Carrigeencor Lough, Co. Leitrim	Satellite Data via Lorcan O'Toole of the Golden Eagle Trust.	Conall the satellite-tagged Golden Eagle continues his southerly route - he roosted near Carrigeencor Lake, near Dromahair last night. There is surely a good chance he will be seen as he moves into more populated areas. Where next - The Ox Mountains?
15 November 2009	Greenfinch		75	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy	An encouraging counterpoint to the recent reports of a sharp decline of this bird in Sligo's gardens.
14 November 2009	Woodcock		3	N17, Ballinacarrow	Mícheál Casey	Flying in tight formation - possibly a group that was roosting together & flushed together
14 November 2009	Little Egret		1	Finnod Point, Drumcliff Bay	Michael Bell	Seen during the iWEBs count
14 November 2009	Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Derek Charles, Séamus Feeney, Paul Keogh, Declan Skehan, Gerard Scott, Martin Enright, Mícheál Casey	Found by Derek Charles, this 1st winter bird showed some features of Glaucous-winged Gull, a rare vagrant from the west coast of America rarely seen in Europe, and not so far confirmed in ireland. This bird's identity is open to debate, especially as so many hybrids have been seen in the past involving this species. A hybrid is not ruled out in this case, and some experts consider this bird shows characteristics seen in Herring Gull x Glaucous-winged Gull hybrids. All opinions welcome. c. 1,000 gulls, mainly Herring Gulls and Common Gulls have been attracted by the stranded starfish on lissadell Strand, a spectacle well worth seeing
14 November 2009	Ring-billed Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Derek Charles, Séamus Feeney,Paul Keogh, Declan Skehan, Mícheál Casey	1st winter bird
14 November 2009	Kumlien's Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Derek Charles, Séamus Feeney,Paul Keogh, Declan Skehan, Mícheál Casey	1st winter
14 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Derek Charles, Séamus Feeney,Paul Keogh, Declan Skehan, Mícheál Casey	Both 1st winter
14 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Derek Charles, Séamus Feeney
14 November 2009	Purple Sandpiper		4	Rosslea castle, Easkey	Robin Burnhams	Seen on strand near the castle
14 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Derek Charles, Séamus Feeney
13 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Glencar Lough, Co. Leitrim	Satellite Data via Lorcan O'Toole of the Golden Eagle Trust.	Conall moved south from Lough Melvin yesterday and roosted overnight on King's Mountain. His movement patter so far has trended to the south, he may continue once the weather improves. In the meantime, any sightings at Glencar would be welcome. Further updates will be posted as they are received. See satellite traces on the Conall page
13 November 2009	Slavonian Grebe		1	Lissadell, Drumcliff Bay	Lorraine Benson
13 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Lorraine Benson
10 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Lorraine Benson
13 November 2009	Greenfinch		1	Rathscanlon, Tubbercurry	Micheál Casey	In juvenile plumage - indicates that this bird was recently fledged.
12 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Lough Melvin, Co. Leitrim	Satellite Data via Lorcan O'Toole of the Golden Eagle Trust.	See photos of Conall (taken as a chick in Glenveagh National park) and the satellite tracing of his route to date here.
12 November 2009	White-tailed Eagle		1	near Skreen, Co. Sligo	Satellite data via Dr Allan Mee of the White-tailed Eagle Re-Introduction Scheme	Update - Star still present in same area up to yesterday - between Dunmoran Strand and the main Sligo-Ballina Road (N59).
11 November 2009	White-tailed Eagle		1	Derkmore Point, Dromard, Co. Sligo	Satellite data via Dr Allan Mee of the White-tailed Eagle Re-Introduction Scheme	News received today from Allan Mee indicates that 'Star' is in the Skreen Dromard area, moving between a number of roosts along the N59 Sligo-Ballina Road. Star is the juvenile male satellite tagged White-tailed Eagle released in Kerry during the summer, as part of a re-introduction programme. He has proven to be an untypically mobile and adventurous youngster - most of his 'class mates' remained close to the release site. 'Star' seems to have crossed straight from Raghly Point to Derkmore Point on the south side of Sligo Bay between 1300-1500 on 7/11.
11 November 2009	Golden Eagle		1	Lough Melvin, Co. Leitrim	Oonagh & Joe Kavanagh	Seen crossing the lake at the western side of Lough Melvin, near Kinlough, being mobbed by a dozen crows. The observer notes: Eagle flew westwards along the northern shore of Lough Melvin and then veered south avoiding the town of Kinlough, labouring against the south east wind, heading to the Dartry mountains. He flew low at approx 30m altitude was being mobbed by a dozen crows. As he banked to gain height I caught a glimpse of a red wing tag on starboard wing. He looked quite dark without a golden sheen. There was a barely noticeable light patch on his tail base. His head looked large enough and the wings looked broad enough for me to believe that this was a juvenile White Tailed Eagle. However the red wing tag matches that of Conall the newly fledged Donegal born Golden Eagle, who was satellite tracked to Castle Caldwell on the western shore of Lough Erne on Nov 8th. Satellite data fromthe Golden Eagle Project confirms that this is the satellite tagged juvenile bird 'Conall' from the Donegal Re-Introduction Project - see his remarkable story here. This bird is part of the first generation of Golden Eagles hatched in the wild in Ireland for over a hundred years, one of two successfully hatched & fledged by a pair of re-introduced Golden Eagles in Donegal last summer.
11 November 2009	Brambling		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Mícheál Casey	At least one male was with a small number of Chaffinches, Reed buntings and a large (80+ Linnet flock in the 'Linnet Plot" at the eastern end of the Lissadell goose Field.
10 November 2009	Ringed Plover		439	Lower Rosses Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Don Cotton
10 November 2009	Sanderling		545	Lower Rosses Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Don Cotton	HIghest ever count for Co. Sligo
10 November 2009	Dipper		2	Riverside, Garravogue River Sligo Town	Derek Kenna	On boats moored in the Garravogue River opposite the 'Blue Lagoon' pub.
10 November 2009	Lesser Black-backed Gull		4-6	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney, Mícheál Casey	All first-winter birds
10 November 2009	Iceland Gull		2	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney, Mícheál Casey	First winter birds. Still c. 600 gulls in area, still feeding on the stranded starfish. The stranding appears to stretch as far as Raghly, involving 95,000 at Lissadell and 65,000 at Raghly (N. Raftery, D. Cotton)
10 November 2009	Long-tailed Duck		2	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney
10 November 2009	Kingfisher		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Séamus Feeney
10 November 2009	Shoveler		4	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In the seasonal pond. All male
10 November 2009	Teal		280	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In the seasonal pond.
10 November 2009	Wigeon		350	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	In the seasonal pond.
10 November 2009	Barnacle Goose		c. 500	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	Flushed by overflying Coastguard helicopter
10 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney
10 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney
9 November 2009	Lesser Black-backed Gull		4	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	All first-winter birds - taking advantage of the starfish bounty with the other gulls (see below)
9 November 2009	Iceland Gull		1	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Mícheál Casey	First winter bird. Feeding on the stranded starfish at Lissadell. Now that the numbers of people visiting the site has tailed off, the gulls have moved in. Over 600 gulls were along Lissadell Strand today in pretty atrocious weather conditions, mainly Herring Gulls, with some Common and Black -headed Gulls.
9 November 2009	Snow Bunting		1	Car Park, Diamond Bay Hotel, Inishcrone,	Mervyn Gawley	Feeding with a mixed flock of Linnets, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Reed Buntings, Skylarks and pipits. Interestingly the observer saw a small flock there exactly same location last year
8 November 2009	Chough		2	Derkmore, Dromard	Gregory Daly	Seemed to be a pair
8 November 2009	Little Egret		1	Derkmore, Dromard	Gregory Daly	Probably a different bird to the other one recorded in Sligo Bay today (at Gibraltar Poit, by Michael D. Casey)
8 November 2009	Common Buzzard		1	near Coolaney village, Ox Mountains	Conor McElhinney	Perched in a roadside tree
8 November 2009	Dipper		1	Lough Talt, Ox Mountains	Conor McElhinney	Some commoner birds also seen: 1 x Kestrel (male), 1 x Bullfinch (female), 1 x Reed Bunting (male), 1 x Dunnock, 1 x Stonechat, 7 x Cormorant, 2 x Mute Swan, 2 x Woodpigeon, 2 x Collared Dove, 2 x Pied-Wagtail, 1 x Song Thrush, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, Goldfinch, Blue Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie.
8 November 2009	Whooper Swan		2	Lough Talt, Ox Mountains	Conor McElhinney
8 November 2009	Raven		3	Lough Talt, Ox Mountains	Conor McElhinney	Flying around top of mountain
8 November 2009	Merlin		1	Trawalua Strand, Mullaghmore	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy
8 November 2009	Light-bellied Brent		c 400	Raghly	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Great Northern Diver		4	Raghly	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Kestrel		1	Raghly	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.	Perched on a line.
8 November 2009	Kestrel		1	Attiduff, Ballinfull	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.	Being harassed by a crow as it hunted..
8 November 2009	Lapwing		c 50	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Common Eider		c 70	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Black Guillemot		2	Mullaghmore Harbour, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Great Northern Diver		3	Mullaghmore Harbour, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Light-bellied Brent		121	Bunduff Strand, Mullaghmore	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy	This count and the one by Marius et al below are likely to overlap each other.
8 November 2009	Light-bellied Brent		170	Mullaghmore Harbour, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
8 November 2009	Little Egret		1	Gibraltar Point, Cummeen Strand	Michael D. Casey	Fishing about 10m from the sea wall, at the western end.
8 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
8 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
8 November 2009	Slavonian Grebe		1	Drumcliff Bay, viewed from Lissadell Clam Farm	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
8 November 2009	Red-breasted Merganser		21	Drumcliff Bay, viewed from Lissadell Clam Farm	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
8 November 2009	Golden Plover		418	Drumcliff Bay, viewed from Lissadell Clam Farm	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
8 November 2009	Long-tailed Duck		5	Drumcliff Bay, viewed from Lissadel Clam Farml	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
8 November 2009	Golden Plover		418	Drumcliff Bay, viewed from Lissadell	Séamus Feeney, Joe Donaldson, Declan Skehan
7 November 2009	White-tailed Eagle		1	DerkmorePoint, Dromard	Satellite data via Dr Allan Mee of the Golden eagle Trust	Not yet sighted - this movement observed on satellite data only. Star seems to have crossed straight from Raghly Point to Derkmore Point on the south side of Sligo Bay between 1300-1500 on 7/11.
6 November 2009	Shoveler		6	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney
6 November 2009	Cackling Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney
6 November 2009	Canada Goose		1	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney
6 November 2009	Barnacle Goose		c. 2,000	"Goose Field", Ballygilgan Nature Reserve, Lissadell	Séamus Feeney	Returning from a great height, apparently after being flushed
6 November 2009	Common Starfish (Asterias rubens)		30,000+	Lissadell Strand, Drumcliff Bay	Don Cotton & Jean Dunleavy	30,000 - 50,000 washed up in exceptional stranding of this common species. Probably related to recent sustained stormy weather and spring tides.
3/4 November 2009	White-tailed Eagle		1	Lissadell Estate, Lissadell	Satellite data via Allan Mee	The White-tailed Eagle that has been on the Classiebawn Estate at Mullaghmore since August ('Male Star') may be on the move. GPS satellite data indicates that he flew south today and is roosting in the Lissadell estate. He seems to have developed a taste for Sligo's stately homes.....
4 November 2009	Hen Harrier		1	Keash, Ballymote	Gregory Daly
3 November 2009	Little Auk		2	Lenadoon Point, Easkey	Séamus Feeney	Seawatch record
3 November 2009	Arctic Skua		1	Lenadoon Point, Easkey	Séamus Feeney	Seawatch record
3 November 2009	Pomarine Skua		1	Lenadoon Point, Easkey	Séamus Feeney	Seawatch record
3 November 2009	Great Skua		2	Lenadoon Point, Easkey	Séamus Feeney	Seawatch record
3 November 2009	Sooty Shearwater		5	Lenadoon Point, Easkey	Séamus Feeney	Seawatch record
1 November 2009	Eider		70	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.	Compact flock
1 November 2009	Kittiwake		c. 100	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.
1 November 2009	Barnacle Goose		5	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.	Flew by over sea
1 November 2009	Gannet		300-400	Mermaid's Cove, Mullaghmore	Marius Breen, Fred Carroll, Dermot Hagen.	Widely spread over whole area.

November 2009 Sightings

20th November 2009: Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull (left) being chased by an Herring Gull (right) at Lissadell today. Further images of the unidentified gull are here.

White-tailed Eagle "Male Star" found in distress near Skreen, Co. Sligo

Massive Stranding of Starfish at Lissadell

Please don't let this happen in Sligo

20th November 2009:
Possible hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull (left) being chased by an Herring Gull (right) at Lissadell today. Further images of the unidentified gull are here.