Green Sandpiper

This Green Sandpiper was at Ballycorrick Bridge near Ballynacally.  Green Sandpipers turn up at Ballycorrick on a regular basis, especially during Autumn migration. They originate from Scandinavia and eastern Europe into Russia, nesting in old trees in swampy taiga forests.  They should be in Africa for our winter but I have seen Green Sandpipers during winter throughout many parts of the Fergus estuary since the early 1980's.  At that time they were not thought to overwinter here and since the 80's they have become much more regular in winter.  Other good places to see them around the county are the new attenuation ponds off the new motor way near Ennis, and some of the mid Clare lakes that had grassy , shallow verges like Lough Atedaun, Corofin.