THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS  and ADVISERS DURING   February, March 2010

Lorraine Benson, Mark Carmody, Philip Clancy, Shay Connolly, Tom Doyle, Chris Evans, John Fox, Gerald Frank, Kieran Grace,  Michael Harris,Michael Keating, Niall T Keogh, Aidan Kelly, Paul Kelly, Sean Kingston,  Coilin MacLochlainn, Soibhan McNamara, Brian Madden, Oscar Merne, Liam O'Brien, Stephen O Byrne, Sean Pierce, Gerry Power, Adrian Rooney, Ian Stephenson, Robert Vaughan, Ciaran Walsh

The named authors hold the copyright for all photographs published on this website. Authors permission must be sought for copying, publishing or reproduction for any purpose other than for personal archives.

 Be sure to enter your sightings data to the Atlas on the link below. You will find very useful information here about the area you visit. Well worth a few extra minutes at your computer! http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/taking_part/index.htm  

The Eagle has landed! - sorry we couldn't resist it!

Sunday 28 March 2010
Small flock of Siskins at Glendalough today. AR


Phoaaah! Kerry for the holidays but Wicklow was the place to be today! Thanks to Neil O Reilly for this photo

Saturday 27 March 2010
2 Redpolls in Sandyford today. First Dublin Wheatear on the Bull - see John's photo on our Home page!.


Redpoll at Sandyford. Coilin Mac Lochlainn

26 March 2010
Reports of a female White-tailed Eagle ( with wing tag F) present for the past few days near Wicklow town.  see http://www.goldeneagle.ie/news. Keep an eye out for this magnifcent creature - worth a trip to Wicklow if you are not all in Sligo this weekend!

A Willow Warbler & a singing Chiffchaff were along the stream at Clonkeen Park, Deansgrange. A singing Willow Warbler, a pair of Sparrowhawks, 5 Treecreepers, a Raven & a Red Squirrel were at Killiney Hill. At UCD Belfield, a pair of Stock Doves were near the arboretum whilst 15 Tufted Ducks are still present on the lake, where the resident pair of Mute Swans are currently building a nest. NTK
At Tollymore Forest ,Co Down 1 Buzzard. 2 Red Kites one of which was not wing tagged. Also a pair of Mandarin ducks on the river at Newcastle.PC 2 Little Gulls at Swords today. PK 2 Sandwich Terns at Blackrock. KG Hill of Allen, Co. Kildare - 6 Buzzards in group courtship display high over the hill. SO'B 


Treecreeper at Botanic Gardens. Dermot Mc Cabe

25 March 2010
At Kill equestrian centre adjacent to the Hartwell River, Kill, Co. Kildare 1 Chiffchaff in song and one Dipper on the river. First Swallow in Greystones this evening. BM

24 March, 2010 - welcome back Rob!
One Siskin in Sandyford. CMacL2 1st winter Mediterranean Gulls at the base of the west pier Dunlaoghaire. The Black Redstart was at the base of the east pier, a Sandwich Tern  flew south through Scotsman's bay and the Red- necked Grebe was showing distantly between the Stena terminal and the marina -  nice summer plumage. RV

At Cabinteely Park this morning, a Little Egret, a Grey Wagtail and a singing Chiffchaff were along the stream whilst 4 Treecreepers, a Sparrowhawk, a Siskin & 5 Lesser Redpolls were the best in the wood. At Kilbogget Park a singing Chiffhaff, a pair of Bullfinches & a Grey Wagtail were the best of the passerines whilst 10 Mediterranean Gulls were on the football picthes [2 adults, 4 3rd cal-years & 4 2nd cal-years]. NTK

23 February, 2010
At Killiney Hill, a Sparrowhawk & 3 Treecreepers were in the wood, a Peregrine flew overhead and a Red Squirrel showed well again in the usual spot. A monedula-type "Eastern" Jackdaw was along the N11 at Loughlinstown, by the Commons Road exit at 11:05. A Sparrowhawk & a flock of 30+ Goldfinches were at Shanganagh Park. NTK

22 February, 2010
At Blackrock Park, a Sparrowhawk & a Swallow flew overhead, a Chiffchaff was heard singing, 4 Little Grebes, a pair of Tufted Ducks & 2 Light-bellied Brent Geese were on the pond and a Little Egret was in "The Blackpool". Two Treecreepers & a single Redwing were the best at Deer Park. NTK

 Alpine Swift at Brendan's school (St Joseph's CBS Termonfeckin rd Drogheda) today. Well done Brendan!

Sunday 21 February, 2010
On a class outing with Eric in Wicklow  1 male Crossbill, 1 Peregrine Falcon, about 8 Buzzards and about 6 Red Kites.  Also a male Crossbill was in full song. PC

2 female Bramblings and a small influx of Siskins in Bray today. OM

A Blackbird fledged in Temple Bar today but was still taking food from both parents. Is this early for Blackbirds?


Crossbill, Wicklow. Philip Clancy

Saturday 20 February, 2010 - Tolka Branch Outing today
15 Tolka Branch birders enjoyed Spring sunshine in Kilcoole today but with northerly winds had no luck on the migrant front.
A single Chiffchaff at Kilcoole with another at Blackditch was the migrant total on a day when the highlight was two Stock Doves seen on the grassy field  south of the Kilcoole reserve. No Stonechats observed between Kilcoole Station and the Breaches. Victims of the cold spell? DMcC


Chiffchaff at Blackditch. Brendan Shields

 

17 March - Happy St Patricks day

At Cabinteely Park this morning, 4 Treecreepers, a Sparrowhawk & a pair of Stock Doves were in the wood whilst a Chiffchaff & 2 Little Egrets were along the stream. Seven Mediterranean Gulls [3 adults, a 3rd cal-year & 3 2nd cal-years], c.30 Linnets, 18 Oystercatchers & 7 Teal were the best at Kilbogget Park. Another Chiffchaff was at Clonkeen Park feeding in the trees along the river, with a Sparrowhawk & 2-3 Grey Wagtails also present. NTK

2 Buzzards with obvious size difference soaring over Strawberry Beds being mobbed by a gang of Jackdaws. Pair of Kestrels circling and calling for c15minutes also over Strawberry Beds.  19 Redwings in top of a tree in Phoenix park quietly singing among themselves.CE

 Pair of Great Crested Grebes in breeding plumage at Donnabate seen from the Martello tower. Also one Great Northern Diver. MK  2 Buzzards & a Kestrel over the dump at Rogerstown. Also, a Stoat crossing Turvey avenue coming from the allotments side at 11:30am today.AR


Dipper on the Dodder. Tom Gregan

16 March, 2010
An adult Ring-billed Gull in breeding plumage was on Blackrock Park pond at 09:00 this morning. It was perched on the dead tree on the island, calling & displaying to a nearby Common Gull. The small section of estuarine stream between the park & Booterstown DART Station, colloquially known as “The Black Pool” held c.100 Black-tailed Godwits, 20 Teal, 2 Greenshank & a Little Egret. At Blackrock College, c.160 Light-bellied Brent Geese were feeding on the pitches at 09:30. A Treecreeper was the best at Deer Park, Mount Merrion and a Buzzard flew NW over Johnstown Road, near Cabinteely at 16:30. NTK

15 March 2010
A pair of Carrion Crows flew in off the sea at Killiney Bay at 12:50 and proceeded to fly directly North over Dalkey Hill. A confiding Red Squirrel was seen in the Scots Pine stand uphill from the coffee shop/main gates at Killiney Hill park. NTK 6 Yellowhammers and 2 Skylarks at Darrdistown cemetry, 1 Buzzard over Silloige Golf Course at M50 Ballymun roundabout.MK 

Sunday 14 March, 2010
7 Yellowhammers in Edenderry this morning. LB 1 Buzzard today in the Strawberry Beds. CE 

Saturday 13 March, 2010
News from the IWeBS on the Bull this morning 1 Green-winged Teal north of the Causeway and over 900 Black-tailed Godwits a higher than usual number - presumed to be migrating birds on a stopover making their way north. All the Wigeon and Shoveler have cleared out. TD,GP 

1 Buzzard perched at the side of the Naas dual carrigeway at exit 5. One more Buzzard over the Red Cow being mobbed by corvids. Small flock ( 50)  Redwing and Fireldfare in Corcagh Park.LB


One of 3 Buzzards at Blanchardstown on 1 March. Ciaran Walsh

12 March, 2010
Male Eider and female Black Redstart  
at Red Island today. Eider feeding in the tidal flow off  between the
south side of Colt Island and Red Island. The Black Redstart between the Springers and steps down to South Strand.

Also a male Black Redstart last week at Barnageeragh.SP

A Stock Dove, 2 monedula-type "Eastern" Jackdaws & 18 flyover Light-bellied Brent Geese were all seen at UCD Belfield this morning. A flyover Little Egret, c.50 Redwing & an adult summer plumaged Mediterranean Gull were at Deer Park, Mount Merrion. A pair of Little Grebes and a Blackcap were the best at Blackrock Park. NTK

11 March, 2010
21 Tufted Ducks
at the lake, UCD Belfield. NTK

10 March, 2010
Today one distant Buzzard soaring high over the Strawberry Beds. 30 Redwings in the Phoenix Park, 10 of which were engaged in conversational subsong in the top of a tree.CE

9 March, 2010
Barn Owl
crossing M7 at 11pm, 1 mile SW of Dublin/Kildare border. SOB

Surveying the local parks today produced some interesting sightings. A pair of Jays showed extremely well in the stand of Monterey Pines on Killiney Hill at 08:30 this morning. A Red Squirrel was also present nearby. At Clonkeen Park, Deansgrange, a Chiffchaff was seen feeding in the trees along the river just north of Meadowvale Tennis Club. At Kilbogget Park, 3 Golden Plover & a male Reed Bunting were notable whilst 7 Mediterranean Gulls on the football pitches were comprised of two 2nd cal-years & 5 summer plumaged adults, some of which were displaying & calling to each other. At Cabinteely Park, 2 Stock Doves in the wood were a nice surprise and a good local record. NTK

Ballymunbirdwatch anyone?! Chiffchaff singing and showing well in a small wooded area beside the old flats in Ballymun today at 3.30pm.at the flats on Balbutcher lane -  there is a wooded area in front of the flats along the road. MK

8 March, 2010
At Kilcoole, an adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose was the highlight of the morning, present with c.500-550 Light-bellied Brent Geese feeding in Webb's field. Also present on the marsh were 270 Greylag Geese (incl. an orange neck-banded bird indicating wild, Icelandic origins), 3 Shoveler, 115 Golden Plover, 2 Little Egrets, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, a Greenshank and several Water Rail calling in Ballygannon reedbed. Some Bullfinches, Goldcrests & Long-tailed Tits were all seen around the car park/Sea Road area. 2 Buzzards were seen soaring distantly, inland from the Breaches and several singing Skylarks in the dunes heralded the start of Spring. NTK & NK 26 Mediterranean Gulls at Sandycove today, and Black Redstart at base of East Pier,Dun Laoghaire.CMacL

7 March, 2010
Buzzard at Santry demense this morning. Small flock of Redwing still in the area. MK

Saturday 6 March, 2010
Red-necked Grebe
in DunLaoghaire now showing signs of breeeding  plumage ( see below). SC Peregrine Falcon on the Central Bank this morning, 40 Redwing in song still in Trinity College in the trees and on the playing pitches.LB


Photo . Shay Connolly

3 March 2010
Red- necked Grebe is still at Dun Laoghaire harbour. Also present were 5 Great Crested Grebes going to summer plumage, 2 Razorbills, 2 Guillemots, a male and female Red- breasted Merganser and 1 Shag. The Black Redstart is also still present at the base of the east pier.IS

2 March, 2010
3 Buzzards
directly over Dolly Heffernans pub in Blanchardstown.CW Black Guillemot under Butt Bridge today. MH 2 male Blackcaps singing in Dartmouth Square, Ranelagh on 3 March 2010. MC

1 March, 2010
2 female and 1 male Blackcaps
coming to apples and cake in Phibsboro.CE Black Guillemot under Butt Bridge. MH
 

Sunday 28 February, 2010
Perigrine Falcon
on the Central Bank, Dame Street from early morning. 42 Redwings on the pitches in front of the Pav at Trinity College also this morning.LB 5 Red Kites, near Avoca   Wicklow  . SC


 Red Kite, Wicklow. Shay Connolly

Saturday 27 February, 2010
Black Redstart still Balbriggan Harbour. Also 24 Purple Sandpipers at Martello, Balbriggan ( one of which was colour ringed). The Blue-winged Teal is still on the Bull south of the Causeway. Eastern type Jackdaw also on the Bull  at dusk south of the the Causeway with a flock of Jackdaws.  AK  Female Blackcap in Drimnagh. SMcN

25 February, 2010
After a long absence a Peregrine Falcon was once again on the east side of the Central Bank at dawn today.  LB

Sunday 21 February, 2010
One
Velvet Scoter off Gormanston flying north, 1 Black Redstart at Balbriggan Harbour this evening. AK  103 Greylag Geese, 23 Whooper Swans, 32 Curlew and 1 Brent Goose at Three Castles, Manor Kilbride, Co. Wicklow ths morning. LO'B

Lovely Twite seen in Sligo by John Fox on 17 February

Saturday 20  February, 2010 - Tolka Branch outing today 
The whole day was subzero and very foggy until late afternoon. 

Highlights were:
Black Redstart -
Dundalk Docks
Greylag Goose-  
Dundalk Docks, probably a feral bird.
Velvet Scoter -
Salterstown.
Yellowhammer -
near Lurgangreen and Clogherhead.

Brian Mc Donnell's excellent photos from the Tolka trip at Clogerhead today.  Two of our favourites in typical pose -Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting 

 Water Pipit , Kingfisher and Ruff at Swords Estuary. GF 8 Black Guillemots at the Poolbeg some moulting into breeding plumage ( see below) SC 1 Short-Eared Owl 1.5 miles North of Sallins, Co. Kildare, in scrub adjacent to Grand Canal.SO'B


Black Guillemot - moulting. Shay Connolly

19 February, 2010
1 Male and 1 female Blackcap at Kilcross, Sandyford CMacL


Male Blackcap. Coilin MacLoughlin

16 February, 2010
Beautiful sunny morning in Dublin with the Red-necked Grebe still showing well at the end of the east Pier in Dun Laoghaire. . A Black Redstart also at the base of the east Pier on the seaward side. 12 Black Guillemots at the base of the South Wall at Poolbeg some already in breeding plumage. LB 

14 February, 2010 - Happy Valentines day!
1
Brent Goose was with 111 Greylag Geese at Three Castles, Manor Kilbride, Co. Wicklow. LO'B This Sparrrowhawk was in Rosemary's garden in Ballyfermot. Also Buzzard visiting a Rachels Santry garden in the past week. 

13 February, 2010 

Crane at Ballycon Bog Co. Offaly. John Fox

12 February,  2010
Red Arches park at Baldoyle was taken over by the Brent ringers on Thursday and Friday. See Siobhan's excellent description on her blog at http://drimnaghbirdwatch. wordpress.com/. Between 11.30 and 13.00 the Red-necked Grebe was showing well in Dun Laoghaire harbour near the west pier, both in the inner and outer harbour and a Black Redstart was present in the usual spot near the east pier.CE

11 February, 2010
150+ Greenfinches
flew out from a roost on the Luas side of at Stephens Green just after dawn this morning. LB

10 February , 2010
1 ringed Mediterranean  Gull
at Ballymun, 100 Redwing, 50 Curlew on the Starlights GAA Pitch Collinstown Rd at the back of the Airport.MK

9  February, 2010
The male Chaffinch showing some characteristics similar to the North African race africana was present near the entrance to Dublin Zoo at 13:05. It was showing well, although briefly, with the Chaffinches in the trees along the green metal fence opposite the entrance to the Garda Headquarters. A pale phase Buzzard flew over, heading NW, being mobbed by corvids. A Kestrel & lots of Redwing were also present. NTK


Red-necked Grebe still at Dunlaoghaire. Mark Carmody

Sunday 7 February, 2010
10 Yellowhammer, 1 Tree Sparrow, 4 Reed Bunting, 50 Redpoll, 50 Goldfinch, 100+ Chaffinch,
off the Belgard Rd Tallaght heading towards Newlands Cross. SK On the Bull Island - Oystercatcher (423), Little Egret (2), Red-breasted Merganser (22), Great Crested Grebe (12), Blue-winged Teal (1). At Dun Laoighaire Harbour - Red-necked Grebe (1), Great Northern Diver (4), Mediterranean Gull (12), Purple Sandpiper (9).MC

Saturday 6 February, 2110
12 Great Northern Divers
of the Cardy Rocks at Bremore, Balbriggan. AK

5 February, 2010
2 Siskins
in the Alders at the Car Park by Nassau Street in Trinity at lunchtime  A bright sunny Spring day in Dublin!LB


4 February, 2010
A flock of about 20 Siskins are feeding on the Alders at the car park next to the Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College. Also present were some Chaffinch, Goldinch and Greenfinch.IS

1 February, 2010
100 Redwing
on the playing pitches in Trinity. A couple of Mistle and Song Thrush’s were also present.IS

8 Yellowhammers seen feeding on fresh grass seed in Daristown cemetary on the old airport road this morning. Also 4 Comorants on the pond in Santry Demense..MK


Archives

January 2010

December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
August/September 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
January/February 2009

October/November/December 2008
September 2008
July/August 2008
May/June 2008
April 2008
March 2008
January/February 2008


November/December 2007
September/October 2007
July/August 2007
May/June 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007 and Earlier