Barnacle Geese

I passed through Lacken in North Mayo this evening and on the sand bank in the middle of the Bay, two Barnacle Geese flew in off the sea and landed.  These are my first Barnacles for this autumn.

Barnacle Geese, North Mayo © John N Murphy

Great Cormorant

I spent the day around Delphi and Fin lough in south Mayo.  During the heavy spells of rain there were a few dry periods during which I managed to photograph this Great Cormorant resting on the south shore of Fin Lough.

Great Cormorant on the shores of Fin Lough, Delphi © John N Murphy

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