Black-necked Grebes

I was back in Dungarvan yesterday on a wet wand windy day. Once my work was completed, I travelled across the bay to the Gold Coast, and on to Ballynacourty Pier in search of Slavonian Grebe for my year list.  The Slav did not appear, but the two Black-necked Grebes that I saw a week ago, were still present, and came in close to the shore to take shelter from the strong south easterlies.

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Black-necked Grebes at Ballynacourty Pier John N Murphy

Spotted Sandpiper

I was in Dungarvan County Waterford today and before I left to come home to Clare, I stopped off at the Brickey River, on the main road from Dungarvan to Cork, As I pulled the car up close to the small wetland off the main road I observed this Spotted Sandpiper washing in a small creek. The bird vanished for a short while before returning to the creek and began feeding out in the open mud flats.  I believe this is the fourth county record for Waterford of this rare North American wader.

 

 

 

 Spotted Sandpiper 2CY at Dungarvan John N Murphy

Stormy Eiders

I have been working up the North west over the last few days and have come across Common Eiders at Mullaghmore in Sligo (21) and at Malin Head (12) in County Donegal. The close shots are all from Malin Head and the distant flock shots were further out to sea in Sligo.

 Eider off Malin Head John N Murphy

Eiders off Mullaghmore John N Murphy

Whinchats mid summer

I made a trip up the middle Shannon today and came across at least six Whinchats along the river.

 Whinchats males and females on Shannon River John N Murphy

Rosy Starling

This adult Rosy Starling was at Derrymore National School at Kerry Head from 11th to 13th June. It was in the small playing pitch of to the back of the school when I photographed it with a small flock of Common Starlings and was wary, feeding mainly in close to the tall uncut grass at the edge of the hedge around the pitch.

 Rose-coloured Starling at Kerry Head John N Murphy