Glaucous Gull

I have been working up in north Mayo all summer.  Everytime I stop off at Kilalla Bay near the harbour for a quick look, the first-summer Glaucous Gull that I found last January, is ever present around the small pier and fish shop.

Glaucous Gull in Kilalla © John N Murphy

Waders

While in Dungarvan in mid September I came across many godwits, including some colour ringed birds in the middle of the town.

 Bar-tailed Godwit, Dungarvan © John N Murphy

Colour ringed Black-tailed Godwits, Dungarvan © John N Murphy

White Wagtail

These White Wagtails were also photographed at Clonea Strand, Waterford.

White Wagtails at Clonea Strand, Waterford © John N Murphy

Red Knot

Just a few shots of a Red Knot in winter plumage from Clonea Strand, Waterford a few weeks ago.

Red Knot, Clonea Strand © John N Murphy

Arctic Skuas

Still catching up on shots I took and places I visited while in Cork over three weeks ago.  On an afternoon visit to Ballycotton in east Cork, I managed to capture a couple of Arctic Skuas on camera as they harassed Sandwich Terns in Ballycotton Bay.  

Arctic Skuas chasing Sandwich Terns over the sea at Ballycotton © John N Murphy

Wilson's Phalarope

During my holidays in County Cork some weeks past, I managed to catch up with the Wilson's Phalarope in Kinsale Marsh.  The bird was not as confiding as the last one I saw and found at home in Loop Head, west Clare on 29th September 2006.  Photographs of both birds below.

Wilson's Phalarope at Ross Bay, Loop Head in 2006 © John N Murphy

 Distant shot of the Kinsale Wilson's Phalarope © John N Murphy

 Wilson's Phalarope top left of the picture flying with Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin © John N Murphy

 Wilson's Phalarope between two Redshank © John N Murphy

Wilson's Phalarope beside similar sized Redshank and a giant Great Black-backed Gull © John N Murphy

Black-tailed Godwit

Some weeks ago I spent a few days holidays in South Cork along the coast.  The estuaries all over the county have to be some of the best locations in Ireland to get close and observe Black-tailed Godwits.

Black-tailed Godwits, Cork © John N Murphy