Snow Drops

Snow Drops Galanthus have flourished in the past few days due to the temperature rise in the spring air. Snow Drops are hardy bulbs, originating from Europe and Asia Minor.  Two or three straplike leaves, dark green in colour, grow from each bulb.  The white flowers are usually borne singly, mostly in early spring but sometimes in mid to late winter, which makes them the earliest flowering bulb.

Bracket Fungus

Also at Dromore Nature Reserve today were a selection of Bracket Fungi. Some were past their sell by date but others were just emerging.   They are extremely common and grow on dead wood and fallen branches of deciduous trees. It is common in woodlands all year round. This mushroom is called a Many-zoned polypore Coriolus versicolour, though I prefer its more common name of 'Turkey Fan Tail' or 'Turkeytail'. Sadly this mushroom is inedible. 

Ear Fungus

This Ear Fungus Hireneola auricula-judae was found today at Dromore Nature Reserve, near Ruan where I went in search of early fungi and plants. It was first commonly known as "Judas's Ear" eventually became "Jew's Ear", while today "Jelly Ear" or other names are sometimes used. It is a widespread winter fungi that grows on dead branches of deciduous trees and shrubs, but it especially favors elder.  

Rock Pipit

While searching for the Water Pipit on the small rocky beach south of Seafield, there were lots of Rock Pipits eating through the hoards of recently hatch flies and hoppers. There was a good selection of adults and many of last years juveniles were still obvious and good practice to get the eye in for a Water or Buff-bellied Pipit.

Pied Wagtail

I did a tour of west Clare today, beginning at Seafield, near Quilty where there were hundreds of wading birds on the shore and many of the Turnstones were colour ringed. Also had a colour ringed Saderling and first year Herring Gull. Near Quilty I managed to find an Eastern Jackdaw and re-located the Water pipit within a flock of Rock Pipits just south of Seafield.  I then passed through Quilty village on my way north towards Clahane.  In Quilty village an adult Ring-billed Gull was on the beach.   When I got to Clahane the second Water Pipit was on the shoreline feeding with Redshank and Turnstones.  These Pied Wagtails were showing well, along with Rock Pipits.

Siskin

Today was a really wet miserable one with not too many people venturing out.  I decided to stay at home and just watch the birds at the bird table.  About a half dozen Siskins have arrived and are joining the Goldfinches munching peanuts to beat the band.  It is amazing how hardy birds really are, even in extremely heavy downpours of rain they just sit it out and continue to feed.

Goosander

Yesterday after leaving the spot on the river Shannon near the Mill Road, Limerick, where I photographed the male Dipper singing, I managed to get shots of the two immature/female Goosanders near Shannon Banks (Clare).  Both birds were actively feeding upstream of the Mill Road staying well out in the river.  They managed to catch lots of fish some were very large.  The fish looked like Roach, Perch and dace.