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Wed 3rd,Jan.2007.  A  Atlantic White Sided Dolphin was washed up this morning on the beach at Buncrana. It was reportedly alive when spotted by workmen on a nearby site, who informed our club member Dermot Mc Laughlin, who together with fellow club member Martin Moloney, and Andrew Speer, of the N. P.& W.S. tried to get the Dolphin back to sea, but regrettably it died a short time later. ( Click thumbnail image at top of page ).

Sat. 6th.Jan.2007. What a beautiful day, a harbinger of Spring, with birdsong echoing through the woods and hedgerows of the peaceful pastoral setting of Bogey. Three Bullfinches, two of which were male, were observed perched on the branches of an old apple tree basking in the warm rays of the sun, while high above a Sparrowhawk was performing an elaborate display of aerobatics to a female much lower down, and skulking in the nearby shrubbery were a few Jays, a little later our attention was drawn to the call of a buzzard, and a pair were soon located circling over the tops of the tall trees which form part of the Bogey House Estate........... Under the expert guidance of club member Dermot Mc Laughlin, who has a intimate knowledge of this region, we were able to record a large flock of approximately Five hundred Greylag Geese, and forty eight Whooper Swans feeding in a lush looking pasture....... As evening approached the reality of the season became evident, with dark clouds casting their lengthening shadows together with a cool breeze approaching from the south west, we wound up our outing with a brief visit to Blanket Nook where we noted large flocks of duck mostly Wigeon, Teal and Mallard, with a few Redshank and fewer Greenshank .

Sat.13th. Jan.2007. After the false dawn of Spring last Saturday, to the grey murkiness of today, with the very high water in Inch Lake being atomized by the gale force wind and the incessant rain, visibility was very much restricted,  adding to the gloom was the absence of birds in any large numbers on the Lake, and the traditional feeding grounds devoid of all bird life which in part may be caused by people as we witnessed to day , a couple walking five unrestrained dogs through the area. Surely it's time some one in authority intervened.........A ray of metaphoric light brightened up our day when we shared our lunch break with a group from the Derry branch of the R.S.P.B. in the company of Richard Smith . With a very brief respite from the rainfall we all headed back to our transport.......... In retrospect we agreed that the outing was enjoyable, and having also been to the Farland Bank, Blanket Nook areas, and observed Whooper and Mute Swans, Greylag Geese, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Lark, Shelduck, Goldeneye, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Great Crested and little Grebe, Sparrows, Goldfinches, Robins, Chaffinches, Blackbirds, Fieldfare's, and a Gold crest, watched over by a crafty Sparrowhawk, who would disagree ?

Sun. 14th Jan.2007. The monthly winter count of the Culdaff Estuary by our club was taken today and showed a marked decrease in the number of birds compared with the same period last year............A sighting today of approximately one hundred Barnacle Geese at Quigley's Point confirmed by member Boyd Bryce. This is the first time Barnacle have ever been reported in this area .

Tuesday 16th. Jan. 2007. Our club member in Inch Island Boyd Bryce reported that a young seal was  found near  Ross Cottages at mid day today . The animal looked rather undernourished and distressed as might be expected as the animal was a considerable distance from the sea . Boyd contacted the Wildlife Service who had the seal dispatched to the Dublin Seal Sanctuary, where it's expected to make a full recovery

Sat.20th. Jan.2007. A bright calm morning saw our club members make the first stop  at the parochial hall car park Malin Town where with an ebbing tide good numbers of Teal, Mallard, Wigeon, together with Redshank, Greenshank, and Curlew, were noted, and even greater numbers were observed from the lay-by near Dykes's Corner. Further out the bay, Brent Geese, Red- Breasted Mergansers, and Eider Duck, were added to the list, and as we were about to move on there was an  eruption of birds  including Curlews, Jackdaws, Rooks, Choughs, Oystercatchers, and numerous small birds from the fields near the Presbyterian Church caused by the appearance of a Buzzard over head......... On our approach to the car park at Knockamany the weather took a turn for the worse, and  deteriorate further as we drove to Malin Head,with heavy snow showers that obliterated our view. When the driving conditions became perilous, and with discretion being the better part of valour, we decided to call it a day.

Sat. 27th. Jan. 2007. The weather today did not live up to our expectations, or as predicted by the forecasters, but undaunted we pursued our intent to monitor the number of geese on the peninsula and were rewarded with a recording of a few hundred Barnacle on the Isle of Doagh and later at Glasha we observed just under three hundred Brent, also in the area were Dunlin, Redshank, Eider, Mallard, Wigeon, an estimated thirty Red Breasted Mergansers, Golden Plover, and large flocks of Curlew......At Malin Head the number's of Barnacle were not as we had hoped, which was disappointing, but at Bree we saw a Glaucous gull...... .....The other news of the week was the finding at Ballymoney, south of Inch Island the partially decomposed body of  a Rissos Dolphin which is a offshore Species, and may have been washed into the Lough by the high tides of the past Weeks.

Sat. 3rd. Feb.2007.Our visit to the Eastern side of the Peninsula, saw a sun caressed countryside with the overnight frost retreating to the shaded refuge of north facing hedges and plantations. At the coniferous woodland near the crest of Aught Hill, blackbirds and robins were prominent both in flight and vocal renditions, while good numbers of Brent geese, Oystercatchers, Wigeon, went about their daily routine  on the silvery surface of the Foyle at Quigleys Point. The next stop was at Tullyally Forest, where the customary cup of tea and sandwich was consumed, which together with the beautiful day and camaraderie of the fellow enthusiasts  makes you realize how wonderful our hobby of studying wildlife and nature is. Here we recorded five male and one female Bullfinches feeding on unidentified seed heads, it is not often that so many of these birds are seen together. On the other side of the road Blue tits, and Coal tits were picking through the pine cones on nearby trees, and further along perched on a fence post a Buzzard was having a confrontation with a couple of cheeky Jackdaws   ..........Our outing concluded at Inishowen Head with the observation  of Seagulls in their hundreds having a feeding frenzy on some unknown food source in the shallow translucent waters that covered the offshore sand banks. On shore our attention was drawn to the call of Choughs that were then seen performing their aerial artistry, against a blue cloudless sky.

Sat. 10th. Feb. 07. No report due to technical  difficulties.

Sat.17th. Feb. 07. Club representatives, Dermot Mc Laughlin. Danny Mc Laughlin, Martin Moloney, and Paddy Mc Crossan, set off for Dublin yesterday the 16th. to attend the Irish Raptor Study Group's Annual Conference, which was held in the Green Isle Hotel. Starting at 10.am and terminating late evening, with breaks for coffee and lunch. The large attendance was entertained, with talks and slide shows on the proposed introduction of the White-tailed Eagle to Kerry and the Red Kite to Co. Wicklow, and related to these were talks on The Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme, The Irish Raptor Research, The White-tailed Eagle in Norway, The Red Kite in Britain, and The Effects of Predation by Sparrowhawks on Wintering Redshanks. The Proceedings finished with the A.G.M...   A busy and tiring couple of days concluded at 10.30 pm. back in Inishowen.

Sat. 24th. Feb. 07. Our first stop this morning was the wildlife haven of the Bogay House Estate, where we counted five jays screeching their alarm call at any intruders encroaching on their territory, human or otherwise, perhaps it was the three Buzzards circling overhead surveying the proceedings below that annoyed them. Later in a little byroad near Newtoncunningham we encountered a very large flock of small birds, we estimated a couple of hundred amongst which were Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Linnets, and a little robin, looking rather out of place among such luminaries.  At Blanket Nook we met with members of the Belfast branch of the R.S.P.B. who were enjoying their visit to Inishowen. We all proceeded to Inch Lake, there the Belfast group went to the new hide, and we after a quick look at the lake from the Watery Road exit,  headed home.......Earlier in the week I received from Boyd Bryce, our travelling correspondent, the news that he had observed a female Hen Harrier flying, and later perched on fence post in the Moville area.

Sat.3rd. Mar. 07.The morning was spent meandering through the woodland idyll that is Lissnagrath, where we watched as Red Squirrels deftly clambered through the branches of majestic beech, chestnut, and Scotch Pine trees. Not to be outdone Treecreepers , like little steeplejacks scaled the bare tree trunks to a great height, only to fly to the base of another and start the process again in the search for their breakfast of insects that could be found in cracks and crevices on the bark. Near the main road some benevolent group had established a feeding station that was comprised of bread and peanuts, which was appreciated by lots of small birds mainly Coal Tits, Blue tits, Great Tits, and Chaffinches, while further along the road a family of Long-tailed Tits were flitting from tree to tree. The gentleness of the occasion was interrupted by the call of Buzzards, five of which could be seen floating above the bare tree tops, and in the distance could be heard the shrieks of a few Jays............Our man on Inch Island, Boyd Bryce had a report this week of two Little Egrets that are over- wintering at Dunfanaghy. We have had Little Egrets at Trawbreaga Bay on a couple of occasions the last being Oct.05. Could this be start of the colonisation of this part of the country as they have done further south ?

Sat. 10th. Mar. 07.  The arrival of 104 Whooper Swans and 45 Greylag Geese at the fields adjacent to the approach road to the pump house at Inch Lake, heralds the start of the spring migration of these species to sub-arctic regions along with many others to less extreme breeding grounds  At fields near Newtowncunningham, Burt, and Burnfoot, others families of Swans and Geese were preparing for departure by fuelling up on grass and on any potatoes to be found in the fields after the harvesting machines had finished their work. On the lake there were large numbers of Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, and lesser numbers of Shell duck, Goldeneye,   Red- breasted Mergansers, Great crested Grebes. The waders consisted mainly of Redshank , Greenshank, Curlew, Lapwing, and Ringed Plover. On the western side of the lake a few Canada Geese were observed. At Blanket Nook, large flocks of Teel and mallard were recorded, and the flocks of small birds as mentioned in last weeks news were feeding at the same place, the reason being the close proximity of a stubble field that was also hosting hundreds of Crows, and Pigeons........Last Wednesday night the club was well represented with seven members attending the Bird  Watch Ireland's A. G. M. in the County Museum in Letterkenny which was followed by illustrated talks on the National Chough Survey with emphases on the local numbers given by Mike Trewby, which was followed by a most interesting talk on Red Grouse by Sinead Cummins.

Sun.11th. Mar. 07. The clubs winter count for Bird Watch Ireland's survey of  the Culdaff Estuary, concluded today with a slight increase in the numbers recorded last month.

Sat .17th. Mar. St. Patricks Day. No club activity today.  The Crana college, Buncrana was the venue on Thursday night the 15th.inst. for our club meeting, at which we discussed the many projects that we involved ourselves in during the past number of months, the last being the Non Estuarine Seabird Survey carried out on behalf of Bird Watch Ireland, a report on the Irish Raptor Study Group's annual Conference in Dublin was given, and also discussed was what we hoped to achieve during the Spring and summer. In attendance were our good friends George Mc Dermot and Karl King, both keen enthusiasts in the study of Butterflies and Moths, they also outlined their future plans, one of which is to do a study of the moths to be found in the many diverse habitats in the Inishowen area . Boyd Bryce informed us that the young seal pup found near Ross Cottages Inch Island on Jan. 16.and sent to the Dublin Seal Sanctuary has been returned and would be released at Inch today. The meeting concluded with a most interesting and entertaining talk and slide show on the flora and fauna of the Peninsula by club chairman Dermot Mc Laughlin.

Sat. 24th. Mar. 07. A sunny Spring morning began in the Illies, watching Dippers bobbing up and down in their customary manner on stones before plunging into the cold mountain stream that had emanated from the Fullerton Dam further up the mountain, in search of the larvae to be found intermingled with the gravel and stones on the bottom of the stream that will later form a tributary of the Crana River.  Below the twin bridges in  calmer water, a pair of Mallard Ducks make a great splash as they take to the air to avoid the approaching humans on their way to the pine forest on higher ground. Later in the morning as we walked through the great Cathedral like aisle's formed by the tall mature conifers on the higher slopes, many small birds  including Chaffinch, Siskin, Coal tits, Blue Tits, and Great tits, were seen flying from tree to tree some picking from the large clusters of cones hanging like great bunches of ripe golden grapes from the topmost branches. Further down the hill, Bullfinches were feeding on fresh green shoots of young larch trees. A passing sparrow hawk temporarily upset the harmony of the setting, but normality was soon restored as it headed in the direction of meenyanly. As we returned to the twin bridges a female Kestrel flew past and came to rest on a lone birch tree. After the customary cup of tea on the Glentogher side of the hill, a Female Hen Harrier was observed hunting across the moore before disappearing behind the trees on the left hand side of the road, and from the same direction a short time later a Sparrow hawk made it's entrance..............The big news of the week was the sighting of a Pine Martin by Danny and Dermot Mc Laughlin in the Scalp Mountain area, and from Inch Island Boyd Bryce reported hearing his first Chiffchaff and seeing the first Wheatear of 07.

Sat. 31st. Mar. 07. What a glorious warm, sunny day, one that belied the fact that it was March if only just, and not May or June. Our quest today was to try and locate the caterpillar of the most beautiful butterfly that has not been seen in Inishowen for many a long year. The Butterfly in question is the Marsh Fritillary, with it's stained-glass like wings, and that, as it's name suggests is associated with marshy places where it lays it's eggs on the food plant Devil's- Bit Scabious, then as caterpillars that are black and shiny they seek the shelter and warmth of long grass with a south facing aspect. Our search took us to a few sites in the Ballyliffin and Isle of Doagh area where they had been recorded in the past, but unfortunately our search was in vain....... At Ballyliffin  a dead Common Seal was lying on the beach with no obvious reasons for its demise, while in Trawbreaga Bay later in the day, two more Common Seals were observed on a sandbank basking in the afternoon sun near Figert........ Another exciting report this week was the sighting by our member Daniel Moloney, home from his studies in Scotland for the Easter break, of a Goshawk in the Buncrana district, this the second year that it has been seen in the area, which bodes well for the possibility that it is breeding locally.

Sat 7th. Apr. 07. A unexpected opportunity to go to Inishtrahull Island presented it's self and was gratefully accepted. We departed from Bunagee pier at 9.50.a.m .on a silky sea, upon which we observed, Common Guillemots, Black Guillemots, Puffins, Razorbills, and Gannets, like arrows plunging from  great heights to collect some marine delicacy. On arrival at our destination we were greeted by Grey Seals that slithered off the nearby rocks to get a better look at this human cargo disembarking, after Des our master mariner had secured our craft. During the short stay that was dictated by the falling tide, we recorded, one hundred and fifty plus Grey seals, one Red Deer, Rabbit, Shag, large raft's of Eider duck, Turnstone, redshank, Wheatear, Ring Plover, Lapwing, Chough, Shelduck, Fulmar, Gannet, Black-backed Gull, Herring gull, Grey Heron, Rock Pipit, and Snipe. At 12.45pm. we departed this wonderful mystical place where in the present, the feeling of communion with the past is strangely never far removed.

Sat. 14th.Apr. 07. There have been many cold, wet, windy, days in the past weeks since the year began, but today more than compensated for them ,with wonderful bright, warm, calm, conditions. At Inch Lake, as we walked leisurely on the sun drenched new walkway to the Burnfoot river, we saw an abundance of Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, and the beautiful Peacock Butterflies, as the fluttered from the newly established blossoms, and foliage, to an accompanying chorus of birdsong, while darting above the trees those harbingers of summer, the Swallows, collecting their breakfast of flies that were floating on the rising cushion of warm air. On the little island in the lake, specially prepared to accommodate nesting Terns, has now been colonised by hundreds of Black-headed Gulls, to the determent of the intended tenants, who have been banished to the sandy shoreline to build their nests, and with a rise in the water level, the unfortunate consequence is obvious. Also on this crumb of real-estate were a few hundred Black-tail, and bar-tail godwit. Later at Blanket Nook, within a time span of ten minutes Five Buzzard, one Sparrowhawk, and one Peregrine Falcon were recorded, while later a pair of the not so common Gadwall  accompanied by another male were spotted among other duck in the centre of the lake. In conclusion a  most memorable day was had by all.

Sat.21st. Apr. 07. Our wanderings today took us to the Muff, Birdstown area, where with rather dull hazy conditions, and occasional light rain that encourage's the young buds and foliage to perform their Spring magic, and decorate the trees and hedges, with their delicate shades of green. The number of birds in the Liss na Grath Wood area was rewarding, with the cheerful song's of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, and the beautiful rendition of the Blackcap, disrupted somewhat by the raucous tones of the Jay. Near Birdstown one hundred plus Sand martins busied themselves reclaiming their former nesting sites in the disused sand banks there . Also in the general area was a Buzzard, but most surprising was the number of Red Squirrels seen on the ground, searching through the leaf litter before scampering to the safety of their tree top drays. A study of the amazing architectural wizardry of a Goldcrest's nest suspended from beneath the branch of a Birch Tree, concluded our outing for the day. ...........From  Inch Island  Boyd Bryce reports finding two Long-Eared Owls nests, containing chicks at a well advanced state of development which helps to confirm our view that the Long Eared Owl population in Inishowen is thriving. (Picture of one of the Owls ringed on 21st. April. can be seen on the Raptor Page.)

Sat.28th. Apr. 07. Our quest today was to seek another elusive Butterfly, namely the rather beautiful Holly Blue, that had been reported in the Moville area, but our first stop was to meet new member Mary Mc Laughlin at Drung, after which we proceeded to Ballyrattan , where in ideal conditions we observed very large numbers of the diminutive Green Hair-streak Butterfly, also an abundance of Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Tortoishell, and a few lack-lustre Peacock. At Moville our expectation of finding the Holly Blue evaporated after spending a considerable period in a calm, warm, sunny, holly clothed habitat, without any luck. Some time later our despondency was dispelled after a moral boosting elixir of tea, and a sandwich was consumed at Inishowen Head, where we noted Buzzard, Chough, Wheatear, and the newly arrived Painted Lady Butterfly.......We had a few reports this week of the Cuckoo, from many parts of the Peninsula, and George Mc Dermot, reported his first sighing of  a Swift for 07, near Buncrana.......Several club members went to a meeting in the Loughs Agency Building, in Derry on Monday night the 23rd. inst. by the Derry branch of R.S.P.B. where a talk on the Peregrine Falcon was to be given by Jim Wells, but who regrettably did not appear. Non the less an enjoyable evening was had by all, with a talk by Aiden Lonergan Director of the R.S.P.B.for Northern Ireland, on the proposed developments in the area. Our own Dermot Mc Laughlin contributed to the evening, with a talk on the activities of the Inishowen Wildlife Club, and on behalf of our members present, extended a vote of thanks for the courtesy and hospitality received.

Sun.29th..Aprl. 07. Of the twenty plus Brent geese seen at Trawbreaga Bay last week, all but one lonely bird remains, as the rest have departed to the Canadian Tundra, to breed and return again with their new families in early October, and comfort us once more with their friendly bark-like call as we walk the beach on those cold, dark, days of winter. At Lagg three pairs of Sand Martins, the vanguard for many more of these little birds that are on their way back to their native shore, where they will renovate their excavations in the clay bank of the stream.... Also preparing for parenthood are the Wheatears, who again use holes in the earth or utilise the shelter provided by stone walls.... What a great time is Spring.

Sat.5th.May.07. This morning at Cambry, Gleneely, we discovered a rich vein of the little Green Hairstreak Butterfly, in large numbers ,as they fluttered from their food plant the Bilberry Plant to the colourful aromatic Whin , where with folded wing the green iridescent pixels glistened in the warm mid morning sunlight. Also present were the more common species such as the Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Tortoiseshell, Peacock, and most surprisingly, a Red Admiral, our first this year. We continued our search at Falmore, but with the weather threatening to return to its old tricks, and the Sun skulking behind the ever increasing cloud cover, that was to deliver some welcome rain later, and a freshening cool breeze, very few Butterflies were on the move, but to compensate we recorded six Buzzards, one kestrel, one Sparrow hawk, and a Jay. The whirring sound  of the, Grasshopper Warbler, the musical songs of the Willow warbler, Reed Bunting, and the classical  voice of the Black Cap, did not deter us from going home as the rain drops started to splatter the dusty surface of the road, that  was to herald the end of a wonderful  period of fine weather.

Sat. 12th.May.07. No outing today, but we have had reports of seven cuckoos, in the Aught area of Ture, and  near by, Jays were heard. It has also been reported that a male Ruff in summer plumage, and four Garganey Duck, were seen in Inch Lake during the  week.... Last night our club raptor expert, Martin Moloney and his Peregrine Falcon " Gina " was featured on the B.B.C.  wildlife programe The " Return of the Raptors", the second in the series will be shown in the Autumn .To see live footage of Peregrine Falcons on nests with chicks, at quarry sites in Co. Down, and Co. Derry. click on link. 

www.bbc.co.uk/raptors

Sat. 2nd. June. 07.Our club activities were severely curtailed by the very inclement weather that prevailed throughout the day, but a visit to Inch lake revealed the unusual sight of a Greylag Goose with a gosling in close attendance. Less unusual but still interesting was the presence of a number of Whooper Swans. As conditions showed no sign of improving, we decided after a visit to the Farlannd Bank and Blanket Nook to call it a day.

Sat. June 9th 07. The emphasis this glorious weekend was mostly on Butterflies, with the eagerly awaited visit of Bob Aldwell and David Nash from the Dublin Naturalists' field Club tomorrow, but today club members went to the Urris region of Clonmany with visits to Leenan and Rockstown where, Wall brown , Common Blue, Small Heath, Tortoiseshell, and Green-veined White, Butterflies were recorded. Also observed were a number of Swifts and Choughs.

Sun. June10th. 07. This morning, again in Mediterranean type sunshine and heat we assembled at the White Strand Hotel, Buncrana.and with our numbers augmented by members from the west to the East of the Peninsula, also present were George Mc Dermott, and Karl King, from the Inishowen Moth and Butterfly Group. The quest for the elusive Marsh Fritillary saw a search of a area near Lough Na Mainn, and Lough Fad on the mountain road to Carndonagh, where Conn O Donnell from Shrove, reported seeing one recently, but today's visit was not productive. The next stop was at Culdaff, followed by Tramone, and Falmore where, Large White, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady, were Recorded. The Painted Lady was also reported in Inch by Boyd Bryce, and in Clonmany by Neil Doherty

Sat. 16th.June 07. What a change in the weather conditions today, with heavy rain in the morning and temperatures just making double figures, compared to last Saturday when they were in the mid twenties, with brilliant sunshine, but none the less,we were entertained at sylvan Lissnagrath, by a family of Jays,with the young birds, as is usual with young members of any group,making very noisy demands on their most attentive parents. A little later a Buzzard flew hastily across the main road pursued by a army of small birds that was not pleased by the presence of such a adversary. There was a continual flitting of Great Tits, Coal Tits, Blue tits, through the leaf-laden branches of the mighty beech trees, while from within the forest the song of Blackcap, Chiffchaff, and Willow warbler, permeated the dense vegetation .

At Inch Lake, the presence of ten Greylag Geese grazing on the western side of the lake was interesting, but less so was the few Canada Geese intermingled with them.We did a thorough search of the lake with scopes and bins for the Ring Necked Duck,and a Red-necked Pharlarope reported there recently but due to the greyness of the day we did not locate them.We proceeded to Blanket Nook, and looked there but with the same result, but we had a good view of a Great crested Greebe sitting on its nest,and not far away was a number of Bartailed and blacktailed Godwit. A quick count of the Shell Duck revealed a number in excess of thirty.On the bushes as we left for home were numbers of Reed Bunting, carrying food to their young awaiting anxiously in the safety of the hedges.

Sun.17th. June. Our first sighting for 07.of a Dark Green Fritillary was at Lagg today, spotted by Paddy Mc Crossan.

Sat 23rd. June 07. Another miserable Saturday, one of the many which have been since mid May with the exception of the 9th. inst. But the heavy rain, low cloud, and strong cool breeze, did not deter our group of enthusiasts that gathered at Leamacrossan, and from there went to Creehennan, where we checked the forestry blocks in that area and in all the following locations. Drung Hill, Croagh, Ballyargus, at Pennsylvania Bridge,we turned to Tullynavinn,and Tullally. The most prominent bird of the day with the exception of Blackbird, and Crow,was the Buzzard which has to be out and about hunting, with hungry young, most of which are still in the nest. As the rain eased in the afternoon we located many potential sites for the Green Hairstreak Butterfly, which were noted with the intention of a visit next May. Apart from the rather damp start, we enjoyed our visit to the region that could be described as the backbone of the Inishowen Peninsula.

Sat. 30th. June 07. Today, after a visit to the beautiful leafy Bogey area where Buzzards soared majestically over the dense and varied plantations near the Bogay Estate, we moved beyond our normal Inishowen Territory and arrived at the Oldtown slate Quarry, near St. Johnston, where two young Kestrels were honing their flying skills near their nesting site. With the greyness of the morning receding, and being replaced by a bright warm sun that had the effect of charming the butterflies from their hiding places to flutter effortlessly over the abundant and varied flora which included a selection of Orchids, including the Marsh, the spotted, the butterfly,and the common Twablade. A short time later we were on top of Dooish Mountain with the great panoramic view of Co. Derry, and Tyrone to the east. To the north west Lough Swilly gleamed below while the Fanad Peninsula blended into the infinity of the haze, with Muckish and Errigal a few degrees further to the south. Circling over the forests and farm land below were numbers of Buzzards, the predominant bird of the day. The formation of towering cumulus reaching far into the bright blue sky suggested a turbulent end to a beautiful outing in a beautiful Countryside, and a few hours later the thunder storm arrived as predicted.

Sun. 1st. July.07. At Lagg this afternoon, with the sun again beaming its bounty of light and heat, numbers of Dark Green Fritillary, Grayling, a few Ringlet, and Painted Lady Butterflies were recorded. From a high branch in a dense area of thicket a Whitethroat uttered its protest at a human presence

Sat. 7th. July 07. Our objective today was to record the Butterflies that are to be found at this time of the year in the Ballyliffin, Isle of Doagh, Lagg and the Malin Head areas of the peninsula, but the outlook was rather bleak when we assembled at the Isle of Doagh road. With dark, heavy, rain-bearing clouds rolling in with clockwork regularity, and with a complete absence of sunlight,and warmth we decided to forgo a visit to a potential Marsh Fritillary site near Ballyliffin,and like wise a visit to the dunes near Craigawinney . After a call to Carrigabraghey, at the northern end of the Isle of Doagh and not having seen a single butterfly all morning, it was decided to have a break for our cup of tea, during it's consumption a change in the weather could be detected, and when we arrived at the dunes system at Lagg the warm sun was shinning brightly and with Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Ringlet, Grayling, and Meadow Brown fluttering in abundance. What a metamorphosis from a hour earlier. We concluded the days activity by going to Malin Head to check on a few sites where Marsh Fritillary may have been present in the past.

Sat.14th.July 07. With the reported sightings of Hen Harriers, male and female, in the Glentogher and Illies areas over the last few weeks it was to the latter that we turned our attention in the hope of locating these birds, that would be feeding young close to their nesting site. With assembly at the twin bridges below the Pollon Dam, which was in heavy overflow,due to the torrential rain of last night,and with the dark peat laden water cascading over the outlet steps, to crash it's way down stream, where a Mallard Duck was showing great distress flying to and fro along the river bank, which we discovered was being caused by a young cat stalking through the deep meadow grass, where young ducklings may have been sheltering. From below Cruckahenny, a Buzzard was observed hovering near Crockbrack, while beside our cars, good numbers of Ringlet, and meadow Brown Butterflies were enjoying the morning sun. Our next stop was on the Glentogher side of the hill, where in a sheltered, sun saturated forestry road, greater numbers of the previously mentioned Butterflies, with lesser numbers of Tortoiseshell, fluttered with great urgency from plant to plant. A first for this area was the sighting of a Red Squirrel here a few weeks past. Onwards to Creehennan Hill, which has many suitable Hen Harrier habitats, on this occasion no birds were evident, but a obliging Buzzard gave a display of it's aerial capabilities. The weather gods were in benevolent mood today, as heavy showers and winds were forecast, but instead we got a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze chasing the occasional cloud shadow across the myriad greens of the surrounding hills and bog land, and not a drop of rain to spoil a great day of watching nature at its best.

Sun.15th. july 07. Today at Lagg, in the early afternoon, and in perfect conditions, a short browse near the corner revealed 25+ Dark green fritillary, 30+ Meadow Brown, 6 Ringlet, 2/3 Grayling, 2 Small Copper, 3 Common Blue, and 2 Tortoiseshell, Butterflies. Later in the evening near Glenmakee Quarry, in the evening sun 18 Tortoiseshell, in pristine condition were observed feeding on thistle heads.

Sat. 21st. July 07. Our activities for the weekend started last night, when George Mc Dermott of the Inishowen Moth Survey Group suggested that we might like to join him on one of his trapping expeditions and asked us to point out a suitable habitat, we recommended a site in the Moville area, which we considered would meet all of his requirements. George with Karl King, are involved in a Moth survey of the Peninsula as stated in our "Views and News"of 17th. March, and are interested in different types of habitat. Late last night we joined George as he set up his traps with great aplomb in wonderful conditions ,while in the distance the calls of young long eared Owls could be heard demanding what to them would be their breakfast after spending the day sleeping off the exertions of the previous night. This morning after a early start, we returned with George to see the fruits of his labours, and we were not disappointed with the great number of species recorded, and with the beauty of design, the colour variation and in most cases the delicacy of construction. Also in the vicinity were large numbers of Green-veined White, Tortoiseshell, and lesser numbers of Meadow Brown Butterflies. Raptors were well represented in the contiguous woodlands, with Sparrow hawks calling, and Buzzards soaring high overhead. Once again we were blessed with a glorious sunny day, with a few dark clouds moving far inland before depositing their payload. Our members are most grateful to George for allowing us to experience his skills and great knowledge in this fascinating pursuit.

Sat.28th.July 07. It was torrential rain and a cold breeze that greeted us this morning as we returned with moth expert George Mc Dermott to the northern brow of Crucknacilladerry near Carndonagh, to check the contents of his moth traps set in similar weather conditions last night, and as was to be expected the results were disappointing with lower numbers than obtained on last weeks count...... Back at our cars, the prospects of a good day looked unlikely . But armed with our eternal optimism we decided a drive to Lagg might produce something, and not for the first time this year our arrival was greeted with bright sunshine and a light north wind, and in the shelter of the dunes system we had a great couple of hours recording, 13 Grayling. 29 Small Copper. (our largest ever recorded ). 7 Tortoiseshell. 5 Common blue. 18 Dark green Fritillary. 1 Red Admiral. 50+ Meadow brown. 1 Ringlet. 4 Large White. and 3 Green-veined White. At this stage George had to return to his domestic duties, and we with a visit to Knockamany added a further 25 Green-veined White Butterflies, to our list. What a bright end to a grey beginning.

Sat. 4th. Aug 07. We arrived at Inch Lake by mid morning where with a strong southerly breeze, and occasional sunshine we recorded 80+ Large White, 100+ green-veined White, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Tortoishell, 100+ Speckled Wood, and 6 Ringlet Butterflies. At Blanket Nook, a further 12 Green-veined White, Butterflies were recorded. Also there, we counted 95 Greylag Geese, flying in to the lake, from the adjacent barley fields that have been recently harvested and where they would have been enjoying a handy meal of fresh oats. Earlier in the morning we paid a visit to the dunes system at Lisfannon, in the hope of seeing a Clouded Yellow Butterfly, and where they had been recorded last year, but none were seen, perhaps it was a little early and the air had not warmed up enough. But that is how it is sometimes with wildlife watching.

Sun. 5th. Aug. 07. Today at Dunree Fort, our club under the guidance of Dermot Mc Laughlin, hosted a land based sea watch on behalf of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, who designated today as National Whale Watch Day, Conditions were perfect with a oily calm sea, an abundance of sunlight and an absence of rain, that could be seen approaching but fortunately passing us by, and most importantly the appearance of a few Dolphin and porpoise, that contribuated to a most successful afternoon that was enjoyed by over one hundred people from many parts.

Sat. 11th. Aug. 07.What a miserable day, with persistent rain from early morning, together with a heavy blanket of dense mist that shrouded the mountains and countryside, and reduced visibility to near zero. The fresh breeze that would be expected on the coast, and that might have moved the murkiness on was conspicuous by it's absence. What was surprising was the number of members that turned up at Ballyliffin, our assembly point, on a day like this, suggested that they may have been suffering from the dreaded cabin fever, or perhaps just avoiding their responsibilities on the home front. As 2.00.p.m. approached,and the light fading even more, the rain getting heavier, and only a large raft of Eider Duck, numerous Shag, and ring Plover, recorded, we called it a day. (The miserable variety).

Sun.9th. Sept. 07. Around mid day today, a pair of Pomarine Skuas were observed by Dermot Mc Laughlin, harassing a number of Gulls near the mouth of the Crana River, this activity lasted about a half an hour, before they headed in the direction of the open waters of the lough. It is rather unusual to find these birds so far removed from the sea.