Some birds I had in Co Kerry

I took a spin down to Co Kerry with a friend to show him the White-wing Scoter thats been seen in Rosbeigh in Co Kerry. I got some good but distance view of the bird so we were pleased with that. Also on show were 2 Eiders, 1 Surf Scoter, 1 Velvet Scoter, 400 Common Scoter, Black Guillemot, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Gannet, 4 Chough, 1 Male Wheatear 50 Great-northern Divers and 20 Red-throated Diver. While back in Cromane we had great views of Pale-bellied Brent Geese, Ringed Plover, Rock Pipit, Little Egret and Grey Heron. While on the way home we had Raven and and a pair of Kestrels in Co Limerick. So a great days birding in all.

Pale-bellied Brent Goose

Common Scoter

Ringed Plover

Rock Pipit

Rock pipt with a Sand hopper for Lunch.

Distant flight shot of the White-winged Scoter.

A pair of kesterls.

Accipiter nisus

Well the Sparrow Hawk was back in again today. He has been coming in to the garden for nearly 3 months now. I have to admit to been fond of him. He has a real personality about him. So took a few pics to share with ye.

Sparrow Hawk

I deceided to do a bit of garden watchings today. My Blackcap was in with Linnet, Redpoll, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Collard Dove, Blackbird and Goldfinchs all in good numbers for the time of year. How ever I`m short one Redpoll as mister Sparrow Hawk payed a visit. Still nice to see him in as well.

Sparrow Hawk with what looks to be a male Redpoll.

Grey Partridge

Seen how nice a day it was, I decided to take spin up to the Boora Parklands in Offaly in search of Grey Partridge. I was happy to see they didn`t disappoint, as I had 7 in total. These are part of a re-introduction taken place at present and I have to admit it really seems to be going well. Other birds of note in Boora were 300 Golden Plover most in thier summer plumage, 100 Green Plovers aka Lapwings doing their dive bombing displays and a male Peregrine. There was also plenty of Irish Hares about running through the bogland area`s.

Slea Head

I took a trip around Slea Head today to see if the Wheatear`s had arrived there yet. Well the short answer is yes! and boy have they arrived, they were singing their little heads off. I had 3 males fighting for a female and the right to some prime breeding ground amoung the sheep and rocks. I had a pair in Ventry as well, while also at Ventry there was good views of a Black Guillemot out in the harbour. I also had Fulmars sitting on nests at
Dun Chaoin. And to finish the day off a beautiful sunset in Tralee Bay. Happy days!!

Female Wheatear.

Male Wheatear.

Fulmar.

Black Guillemot`s can be found in our harbours this time of year.

Kingfisher

Seen as how nice it was today I decided to take a walk along a river in Co Clare where I had some Kingfishers last year, and they didn`t disappoint today with some wonderful views again. Also showing well was a Dipper, Long-tail Tits and a lovely view of a male Chaffinch in full song.

Male Chaffinch in full song.

One of two Kingfishers showing well today.

An Irish Dipper.

Long-tailed Tits were busy collecting lichens and feathers for their nest

Up close and personal with Mr Blackcap.

for the last 5 months I`ve had Blackcaps visiting my garden. Such lovely singers as well. Took this snap today through the kitchen window.

Westfields

Took a trip out to Westfield today to see what was happening. Got some good views of a Chiffchaff in song also had good views of a Reed Bunting and of ducks and other water fowl.

Green winged teal

Out in Coonagh Co Limerick this morning. Got some good but distant views of a male Green-winged Teal. Here`s what was seen this morning..1 Adult male GW Teal, 40 Teal, 52 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 8 Shellduck, 18 Redshank, 5 Pochard, 17 Wigeon, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Ringed Plovers and 1 Chiffchaff

Crossbills

I was up the west Limerick hill recently and got my best views of Crossbill yet!!

Spoonbill

While in Cormane in Co Kerry recently I managed to get off a couple shots of the Spoonbill.

Sparrow Hawk