Tolka Branch Trip Report

 Kilcoole, County Wicklow - 18th February 2012

by Philip Clancy



Sea watching at Kilcoole (Photo by Phillip Clancy)


Despite the forecast for rain, over 20 Tolka Members met at Kilcoole car park this morning.  After getting out of the cars we were straight away greeted by a beautiful Peregrine Falcon doing laps of the car park high above our heads.

Other Raptors on the day included 2 Kestrels, Merlin and a ringtail Hen Harrier. Two Stonechat were nice to see at the start of the walk and almost straight away we were greeted by the sound of Skylarks - a wonderful spring sound.

Other birds seen included Teal, Shoveler, Wigeon, Mallard, Shelduck, Grey Heron, Little Egret, 5 Red-throated Divers, Little Grebe, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, and Golden Plover which also put on a beautiful display for us in the strong winter sun. The wind as well as the Geese and Swans being so far away lead to distant views on the day and so it was virtually impossible to pick out a Bewick Swan or a Bean Goose. We did however count about 80 Whooper Swans, lots of Greylag & Brent Geese.  

Highlights of the day were a Glossy Ibis which was picked up flying towards us. It then went right over our heads and on towards Newcastle. 

The other highlight was 10 Snow Bunting at Greystones. A great day was had by all.


Snow Buntings at Greystones (Photo by Phillip Clancy)

 

 

 
     

 

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