Wheatear

During my travels over the last two weeks I have noticed many Wheatears passing down through the country heading for Africa.

Wheatears © John N Murphy

Bar-tailed Godwit

While in Wexford over the weekend (19th September 2012),  I visited Rosslare back-strand where there were lots of waders including three Curlew Sandpipers and hundreds of Bar-tailed Godwits.

Bar-tailed Godwits at Rosslare backstrand © John N Murphy

Wexford Waders

I was in Wexford over the weekend and managed a couple of hours watching at Tacumshin and a few other local spots.  Had a great day on Monday where at Tacumshin I managed to catch up with the American Golden Plover, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, the White-rumped Sandpiper, three Pectoral Sandpipers, nine Ruff, five Curlew Sandpipers, two Little Stints, the Marsh Harrier and 40 White Wagtails along with all the other goodies associated with this site.  Below are a few shots of the White-rumped Sand and Pec Sands.

 White-rumped Sandpiper with Dunlin © John N Murphy

Pectoral Sandpipers at Tacumshin with Dunlin © John N Murphy

Turnstone

It has been two weeks since my last visit to the Bridges of Ross.  Since then there have been many good seabirds and waders.  I took these shots of Turnstones a near the Horse Fields where a few days later Buff-breasted Sandpiper and American Golden Plovers turned up. Hopefully I'll get back to photograph both of these species before they fly.

Turnstones at the Bridges of Ross © John N Murphy

Cape Clear Photography Course 2012

Two weeks ago I ran a week long Wildlife Photography Course at Cape Clear.  For the attendees, I promised I would put up some of the photos I took during the week.  Below are a few of the shots from the Island.

 Fulmars are common on the cliffs around Cape Clear © John N Murphy

 Speckled Bush Cricket © John N Murphy

 Broom Moth Caterpillar © John N Murphy

 Manx Shearwaters off the Boat Trip © John N Murphy

 The Vaporer Moth Caterpillar © John N Murphy

Osprey

An Osprey turned up at Lahinch last Friday 31st August 2012.  I managed to see it Saturday morning the 1st September before heading to the Bridges of Ross and loop Head for the day.  This juvenile bird is only the 12 record for the county and a great find by Geoff Pearson.

Osprey at Lahinch © John N Murphy

Grey Phalarope

I made a visit to Carrownouskey near Louisberg in Mayo where I came upon this storm wrecked adult  Grey Phalarope, that was moulting into winter plumage.  The bird was exhausted and I wonder did it make it through the night and back out to sea.

Grey Phalarope © John N Murphy