Inishowen Wildife Club

News 11

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    Sat. 1st. Jan.2011. The first day of the New Year offered a welcome to us with most pleasant sunshine and a dreamy zephyr wafting through the trees, when we paid a visit to the wonderland of Lisnagrath Wood, where Red Squirrels scampered over the rich, rust-red carpet of last Autumns leaves, before scurrying up the majestic Beech, and gigantic Scotch Firs whose bark radiated a warming glow in the morning light. A number of Jays emulated the Squirrels by first checking the leaf litter for a tasty morsel before flying out of range in the distant branches. Those little climbing experts the Tree Creepers nimbly scaled any tree that might hold in the many cracks or cavities in the bark, a titbit to sustain it's athletic prowess. Many small birds, such as Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Chaffinch, were enjoying a feeding frenzy at the feeding stations, maintained by some benevolent group, perhaps the local scout club. Further along the road on a stand of Alder Trees a large flock of Siskin were savouring the seeds hanging pendulum-like from the branches..... With a certain amount of regret we left the dappled shade of the Wood and went to the shoreline of Lough Foyle, with stops at Ture, and Quigley's Point, where Brent Geese, Mallard, Red-Brested Merganser, Herring Gull, drifted on a silvery sea, while Oystercatchers and Curlew searched the shallow waters near the shore. ..... A left turn after Quigley's Point brought us to Creehennan and on to Drung and back to the road and the Lough shore again, where many of the previous birds were noted...... Periodic stops were made on our way to the Inishowen Head Area, during which Buzzard, Kestrel, Peregrine, Redwing, Lapwing, Curlew, Fieldfare, Raven, Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, and Herring Gull were recorded. It was remarkable that no small waders were observed today...........The object of this outing was to bolster the reported number of bird species in the eastern side of the Inishowen Peninsula for the National Bird Atlas Survey, undertaken mainly by Martin Moloney, assisted by the club Members.
     

    Sat. 8th. Jan. 2011. The expected respite from the winter's onslaught of the past few weeks was short lived, when this morning, though starting calm, and sunny, with a light dusting of miniscule snowflakes that added a festive appearance to our beautiful countryside was soon dispelled when at Glasha the weather indicated it's vile intension's with the gathering of dark snow laden clouds, aided by a strong piercing southeasterly wind, that made very difficult the task of counting the large numbers of Brent Geese, Mallard, Teal, and Wigeon Duck, drifting on the raw surface of Trawbreaga Bay in anticipation of the gastronomic treats soon to be exposed by the fast retreating tide. Close to the shore Redshank, Greenshank, Lapwing, and Curlew were already enjoying their breakfast from what was to be had at the tide line. On the bare limbs of some adjacent trees a large flock of Redpoll was also recorded..........At Tullyarb, a Buzzard, perched on a telephone pole was added to our list......... On arrival near the Parochial Hall at Malin Town, Snipe, and the same bird species, with the exclusion of the Brent as noted at Glasha were observed here. Absent today in the area, but seen yesterday in it's glistening white raiment was the exotic Little Egret, that has been in residence here since the begriming of September 2010...... In the large field at Connolly's Estate, a sizable flock of Greylag Geese grazed undisturbed, contained in the flock was one Pink-footed Goose...... With our tea time fast approaching our next stop was the Meeting House at Lagg where we were treated to the pleasure of watching an Otter searching for it's midday repast, to the musical accompaniment of a small flock of Chough flying overhead. This was followed by a magical aerobatic display by large flocks of Godwit that at high speed, and with a flick of a wing by the squadron leader would have the entire flight seem to disappear, and with another devilish flick reappear, to then land on the sandy beach a little to the north of our position....... A flock of Barnacle geese in their hundreds was recorded sheltering in the fields close to the base of Bambas Crown, Malin Head, and further to the East at Ballyhillin a smaller number was noted. Then to finish the outing and retire to the warmth of our firesides we watched from the pier at Portmore, very large rafts of Eider Duck ride the towering waves that partly vaporised as they crashed over the jagged rocky bastions that protect our coastline.

     

    Sat. 15th. Jan. 2011. In what could only be described as atrocious weather, with incessant heavy rain and strong wind. Stalwart members, Mary Mc Laughlin, Jerry O Keeffe, Peter White, Dermot and Danny Mc Laughlin, Martin Moloney, and Paddy Mc Crossan, completed the January count of our designated area of Lough Swilly, on behalf of Bird Watch Ireland's Winter Survey. With the visibility greatly reduced by the misty murkiness that prevailed throughout the day, we felt that our task was completed in the most difficult conditions with a high degree of accuracy and satisfaction.

    Earlier in the week Martin Moloney reported a small flock of Twite in the Isle of Doagh, also the sighting of a Golden Eagle at close range in the Meentiagh Lough area. There have also been reports of a Red Kite in the Peninsula in the past few days.

     
    Sat. 22nd. Jan. 2011. Just how fickle our weather can be was demonstrated today with a beautiful, bright, sunny, calm morning, compared with last Saturday when we braved heavy rain, and strong cold wind to perform our task on Lough Swilly. So it was with a brighter outlook, that after we gathered at the Square in Clonmany our first stop was at the beautiful Tropical-like beach of Tullagh Bay with it's golden sands, and waves lapping gently on the shore that sweeps majestically from Binnion to Craigleen Point, where we watched in the warming sunshine large rafts of Eider Duck, drifting on a motionless sea, and Great Northern Divers further out diving in search of their sustenance, to then pop to the surface to consume their meal. Shimmering flocks of Sanderling and Ringed Plover cavorted at great speed across the silken surface of the Bay eventually to land on the sandy beach with great excitement, refuel, then fly off again...........The show of the morning was the appearance of a large pod of Dolphins, parading in circus-like fashion in an easterly direction. This exhibition kept their audience well entertained for about twenty minutes, and then they were gone........ Further along at Rockstown Harbour while replacing our calorie intak, more Eider, Herring and Common Gull, Cormorant, Shag, and Mallard, were recorded. But the highlight of the afternoon was to watch that little assassin, the Merlin, as it chased, killed, and proceeded to pluck and then consume it prey, all at close range............. After a visit to Lennen Pier, we drove up the magnificent Mammore Gap, and from the summit with powerful optics scanned the beautiful panorama below, clad in it's colourful winter garb with variations of ocher, sienna, and umber, set against the pale blue of the distant hills. To conclude our day out, we observed from our lofty site a very large flock of Hooded Crows, pillaging what was available from a Sheep pen situated on the top of Pinch Mountain.
     
    Sat. 29th. Jan. 2011. What a wonderful day. One that started with the warm embrace of a benevolent sun, and that set us up for the task of completing the winter bird count on behalf of the National Bird Atlas Survey, the areas of concern were from Muff, to Inishowen Head. ........ As we set off from Gortanny, Quigley's Point, through the pastoral settings of Clonelly, Tromty, and then to the Loughside at Three Trees. It was while doing so that we experienced something not usually encountered when bird watching in this country, and that was sighting a pair of Ostrich sorting through the undergrowth in a field close to a farm building, and a short time later a number of Peacock were observed having breakfast in more confined conditions. ......... Half way through the village of Muff a turn to the left brought us to Killderry, where walking among the stately columns of leafless Beech Trees, their long reaching limbs casting a complicated lattice of shadows, where Red Squirrels performed amazing acts of athleticism through their arboreal pathways, and colourful Jays, protested at our presence with raucous calls before melting from view into the depth of this utopian woodland. ........From a vantage point near the border we admired the magnificent reed bed that extends along the shore at Killderry, and recorded very large numbers of small Waders, Duck, Greenshank, Redshank, Godwit, Lapwing, Curlew, and Gull. .........Counting continued with regular stops in the Ture, Quigley's Point, Drung, Redcastle, and Moville areas, with the last one at Inishowen Head.......... And finally a pair of Golden Eagles were reported today in the Inishowen Peninsula, this and the confirmation that the Little Egret is still residing in Trawbreaga Bay. ...One can only ask, can things get any better?
     
    Sat. 5th. Feb. 2011. After last Saturday's sunshine it was back to a grey sort of day, without rain, but with a rather cool south-westerly breeze, that reminded us that standing about was not to be recommended. This was somewhat ignored as the final brush strokes to our Bird Atlas canvas was nearing completion, with this visit to the Glengad, and Culdaff areas to record the Bird life there. At Portaleen Pier where the leaden sky blended with the gentle heaving sea that with the very high tide, sent billowing plumes of pristine white spindrift thundering over anything in it's way. It was in this situation that a raft of Eider Duck were foraging, with Black Guillemot in their winter plumage, Shag, Gannet, Fulmar, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull also recorded . In the surrounding countryside Pied Wagtail, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Robin, Rook, and Jackdaw were counted. The spectacular beauty of our coastline is well illustrated when viewed from the car park at the top of Portaleen Brae, or from across the valley to the even more elevated Binnanea Mountain. The expression "See Naples and Die"could easily with the change of one word apply to this beauty spot. Traveling on over the hill to Culdaff, another beautiful vista was revealed, with the golden sands of the beaches attracting the eye. Here Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Rock Dove, Curlew, Redshank, Little Grebe, Blackbird, Thrush, Hooded Crow, Wigeon, Cormorant, Rock Pipit, and Black-backed Gull were added to our list. The count for this relatively small area was most encouraging, with the bonus of seeing earlier in the morning the Little Egret near Malin Town.
     
    Sat. 12th. Feb. 2010. The penultimate winter count of our area of Lough Swilly for Bird Watch Irelands Survey, was completed with great satisfaction in excellent sunny, and occasionally cool conditions. At some locations the joyful song of the Thrush reminded us that the cold dark days of winter were coming to an end..... The one slight drawback to our activities today was the tide, being a little on the high side, but this was countered by the perfect visibility, that enabled us to see and get an accurate count of the birds on, or off the water as they sparkle against their various backgrounds. All of this was in contrast to last months work that was completed in the atrocious conditions prevailing on that day.
     
    Sat. 19th. Feb. 2011. Our day got off to a scintillating start, when near Malin Town the pair of Little Egret that have been recorded in the area since the beginning of last September, were observed as they preened their snow-white plumage as if perhaps they were preparing for a very special event in the near future. What an occasion that would be? Further out towards Lagg a sizable flock of very alert Barnacle Geese grazed in a field of grass near the shore, in preparation for their imminent departure to their distant breeding grounds on the high cliffs of Greenland........ At the Culdaff Estuary in the warming sunlight, Little Grebe, and a flotilla of Mallard, Wigeon, and Teal patrolled the shallow waters, while A few Redshank hurried along the rivers edge in the company of Curlew, Common, Black-headed, and a small number of Great Black-backed Gull, with an elegant Grey Heron standing guard on the mornings activities.......The next stop was where a leisurely walk under the arching branches of the many trees and bushes awaiting their, soon to be delivered new soft green foliage, to further enhance this pathway that leads to Redford Shore. On the smooth water of the Bay, pairs of Eider Duck, and Great Black-backed Gull bobbed to the tidal rhythm........ With a deadline looming in the afternoon, we concluded a very enjoyable outing at the Kinnagoe Beach, with a cup of tea, while recording Red-throated Diver, Shag, Cormorant, and Razorbill. Absent today was our Raptor expert Martin Moloney, who was representing the club at the Irish Raptor Study Group meeting in Dublin.
     
    Sat. 26th. Feb. 2011. With Monday next the 28th. inst. as the last day for completion of the Bird Atlas count, it was decided the only two remaining 10.kl. squares on the Inishowen Peninsula map that required a little tweak to turn them red, like all the others, were in the Malin, Culdaff and Moville areas. That situation was rectified when a good turn out of members set off on this bright sunny morning for these destinations, with a stop for a short period at Malin Town bridge to have a look at the ghost-like figures of the Little Egrets as they absorbed the warmth of the early sunlight, while a number of Red-brested Mergansers flirted with each other, a joy associated with the Rite of Spring. Close by Shelduck, Golden Eye, Wigeon, Mallard, and Teal, performed their more mundane activities..........Then it was on through Crackna, Trenatubber, and Claggan, where more of the missing species were added to the list........ A short break was had at Bunnagee Pier Culdaff, where on the nearby river Greylag Geese, Redshank, Little Grebe, Mallard, Teal and Wigeon, Common, Black-headed, Great Black-backed, and Herring Gull, checked what was available on the menu offered in the mud, laid bare by the retreating tide. While in the adjacent fields large numbers of Curlew were recorded ...........Later in the afternoon we had a pleasant surprise near Knockergrana, when a Female Hen Harrier was observed hunting over the open countryside, this brought to seven the number of Raptors seen today as six Buzzards were recorded earlier. ......... Our final activity was in late evening when we had a brief stop in the shadow of Cnoc Alainn bearing it's crown of television antenna, to gaze on the amazing vista below that extended across the shimmering mouth of Lough Foyle to the delicately tinted great headland of Benevena, bathed in a soft crepuscular light, a vision to be replayed again and again later, perhaps in the comfort of our dreams.
     
    Sat.5th. Mar. 2011. Born out of a heavy blanket of mist and light rain was a beautiful morning where our outing wandered leisurely through the amazing broad-leafed woodlands of the Muff area. Starting near the Kilderry Estate, with Red Squirrels scampering hurriedly about their business, and the heavenly song of the many birds resounding through the perfect calmness of the hour.......... At a lay-by on the Culmore side of the border, large numbers of Redshank sorted through the Tide line of Lough Foyle, as did the many Curlew, Shelduck, Mallard and a few Wigeon, also Common, Black-headed, and Herring Gulls. ..........Next a visit to the denuded haven of Lisnagrath, where the many species of Beech, Chestnut, and Scotch Fir, are ready and awaiting their new garments of soft green foliage. In the distance the croaking call of Ravens are heard echoing through this place of peace and tranquility, then from a different direction the raucous call of Jays was heard. ........Now it was off to the lofty summit of Croc an Luir Hill, from where Crocknacraddy, Cloghadoo, and Glenard, were visible, as was Buncrana, wrapped in the gathering haze............ Time was approaching for us to retrace our steps through the Cathedral of tall Fir Trees that had littered the roadway with their many cones, that may be appreciated by the Crossbills, and Squirrels that frequent this sheltered idyll. Then it was back in the car and home after a magical day in the great outdoors.
     
    Sat. 12th. Mar.2011. With Spring struggling to break free from its Winter chrysalis to an unwelcoming countryside under a cloak of soggy snow, from which a few hardy daffodils bravely poked their golden flower heads to the morning, which helped lift a little of the gloom with their cheery smiles, and offered a welcome to those little early lambs seeking solace from whatever shelter that might be available to them on this cold miserable day. That set the scene for the last Winter count of Lough Swilly by our club on behalf of "Bird Watch Irelands" survey for 2011. Our start was at Buncrana Pier, then through Lisfannon, Fahan, and ending on Inch Island. On arrival in Inch we stopped for our cup of tea in the shelter of our fellow member Boyd Bryce's farmyard. Today Boyd was wearing his "Shepherds Hat"and displaying his expertise in the skills involved in aiding the safe arrival of his new flock.......Our count continued diligently to early evening, when we knew that "Mission Accomplished" could be declared.
     
    Sat. 19th. Mar. 2011. A bright sunny morning was added to, when on our way from Bridgend to Bonemaine Hill, that scarce but beautiful creation the Yellowhammer, presented itself to us at very close range as it perched on a bare branch of the tree of mystery and magic namely the Hawthorn. Perhaps it had an influence, when later on our arrival at that oasis of peace and tranquility Bogay, nine Buzzard were recorded as they drifted with great ease and grace over this rich pastoral scene, while a more businesslike Sparrowhawk was pursued by a posse of angry Crows and Jackdaws. And where the hedges and ditches that offered shelter from the early Spring weather, were rewarded with drifts of Lesser Celandine, and Dandelion, with their twenty four carat gold finish, gleaming in the midday Sun. ............ On our way to the crest of Dooish Mountain, a pair of Mad March Hares were watched as they raced to and fro along a ridge of a cultivated field for a considerable time. Watching this behaviour with great interest was a couple of Hooded Crows...... Later a most spectacular vista was revealed from Dooish with Lough Swilly resplendent in the warm glow of spring, and Inch Island tucked snugly to it's eastern shore, with Fanad head ghosting in the far distance, and to the left, the snow coated tops of Muckish, and Errigal, shone brightly in the afternoon light. ..........The remainder of the outing was enjoyed at Blanket Nook, where large flocks of Oystercatcher, Mallard, Tufted, Golden eye, Shelduck, Wigeon, and little Teal in their stunning plumage were all noted. Waders were mainly represented by Bar-tailed Godwit as they sheltered on the far shoreline. Our total count of Raptors for this splendid day was an amazing fifteen.
     

    Sat. 26th. Mar. 2011. The weather today, with it's bright warm sunshine, and gentle zephyr that barely moved any young shoots on the hedgerows, or the long ochre coloured dead grasses standing to attention to welcome the morning, belied the fact that it was still March, not June or July. .........On the Moville road at Clogherny a large count of Buzzard was recorded, with some perched on fir trees in the middle distance with others floating majestically in the sky over the Malin and Culdaff areas. ........ At Redford, one of our favourite stops, we had a very pleasant meander through the tree lined lane way, where on the right hand side, the deep valley floor was carpeted with the cheery white flowers of the Wood Anemone to the accompaniment of the little gurgling stream rushing to the shore hundreds of meters further on. This heavenly scene was further enhanced by the first appearance for this season of that great creation of beauty and fragility, the Peacock Butterfly, that fluttered over a large clump of Golden Saxifrage, before drifting off through the trees. When we reached the shore a Great Northern Diver was observed consuming a fish retrieved from the depths, while a pair of Eider Duck sailed serenely out of harms way, and Black Guillemot cruised off shore.......... After a well earned cup of tea at the Drumnagassan bridge where four Reed Buntings were noted we set off for the Falmore area. At the Lake a choir of Siskins augmented by a few Goldfinch, Redpoll, and Chaffinch was heard emanating from the tall cone laden pine trees near the waters edge. Here our second Butterfly of the day was noted, this time it was the equally beautiful Tortoiseshell. A little further along the road a lone Bumble Bee sipped the nectar from the emerging blossoms of a Flowering Currant bush....... Our last stop of this wonderful day was to the little overgrown road that leads to near Knockergrana, where a Hen Harrier was observed a few weeks past, but not today, in it's stead, the distinctive call of that harbinger of Spring the Chiff Chaff instilled in us the thoughts of what the Summer may hold.......... The total number of Raptors recorded today at nineteen even exceeded the great total of last week.

     
    Sat. 2nd. April. 2011. The Arrival of Spring is slowly encroaching on the countryside, with the Hawthorn Bushes showing off their new fresh green garments, while in the shelter of Lisnagrath Wood , our first stop of the outing, the Wood Anemone's pristine little flowers were slowly awakening in the pleasant morning sunshine, and where many Red Squirrels scampered fearlessly over the rich russet carpet of last Autumns Beech leaves to feed on the bounty of nuts contained in the clever little containers strategically placed for them, and when satisfied, racing skillfully up to the myriad of branches above. .....Large numbers of small birds, were also making constant visits to this great feeding facility........ Overhead Buzzards called as they circled in the freshening breeze, and a couple of Jays made their position known with a futile attempt at a musical rendition of their call. A little later harmony was restored with the welcome song of the Willow Warbler, not long arrived from it's Winter retreat in the warm temperatures of Africa. .........Later in the afternoon at the Birdstown area a further welcome home was extended to those other travelers , the Sand Martins, that were noted in good numbers, with a few Swallows flying in their midst......... In this area a large count of Buzzards was recorded as was a Sparrow Hawk, and fighting off any intruders in her airspace was a female Hen Harrier............. With the prospect of rain approaching in our direction, we decided to call a halt to our pleasurable pursuit.
     
    Sat. 9th. April 2011, It was a lovely spring morning as we headed for the high ground of the Illies in central Inishowen where in the shadow of  Slieve Snaght, blocks  of conifer  plantations now assume a  dominant role on the landscape. As anticipated Buzzards soared lazily in the thermal updrafts before spectacular sky dives over their chosen nest sites in the forests. Not to be outdone Mistle Thrushes, Blackbird, sang loudly from the treetops, while lower down in the canopy Willow Warblers ,Chiffchaffs, and other songsters joined in welcoming the warm sunshine. The mandatory tea and sandwiches where  consumed in the most pleasant circumstances and left all feeling at peace with the world, before moving on .
    With temperatures now rising to 18 degrees and reports of Holly Blues being numerous in other parts of the county it was decided to check out local sites for presence of these butterflies. So on to Foffnagh where numerous Holly trees indicate the remnants of a large holly wood on the banks of the Crana river with its tree connotations.
    This unique area with stones cleared to create small fertile fields, the stones used to build walls two metres high and  over a metre wide at base  indicates a labour  of love for this land. Blackthorn in full bloom, Whins, [Gorse] with  Primrose, and violets shyly peeping out from sheltered places added to the riot of colour, surely a magical place . Many orange tip, green veined whites, small tortoiseshell and occasional peacock butterfly  added to the charm of the place.  Despite the thrill of a sparrowhawk dashing through the bushes,  causing pandemonium among the birds. No holly blues were sighted. 
    Moving on through the sunlit countryside and while watching a pair of Buzzards when a third raptor with distinctive flight was observed, this bird was soon identified as a Red kite, flying high in a westerly direction, it was under observation for some four minutes....... The final stop of the day was in the Meentiagh glen area where our arrival spooked a Buzzard from a larch tree, however this was compensated for by a red  squirrel speedily climbing the tree to reach the sanctuary of a drey. This is a first sighting for the area and a good note to finish on...................    Thanks to club Chairman Dermot Mc Laughlin for todays contribution in the absence of our regular scribe.    
     

    Sat. 16th. April 2011. How temperatures can fluctuate from one Saturday to another was well illustrated, when after last weekends summer-like conditions with the mercury reaching 18 degrees Celsius in bright sunshine, and to today's, when a cold piercing south easterly breeze was added to by a grey sunless atmosphere. Such was our lot when we heard that most familiar birdcall of the Cuckoo at the Clochan, Glentogher, before we set off through Creehennan, and along the easterly side of our Peninsula. The number of birds recorded in this whole area was very low with the exception of seven Buzzards and a Kestrel. Also noted were Hooded Crow, Blackbird, Magpie, Pigeon, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, and Swallow, all in rather small numbers, but our spirits were lifted by the gentle and musical rendition of the great little bird, the Willow Warbler, that must have taken possession of nearly every bush, that we passed.......... The progress of Spring on this side of Inishowen seemed to have stuttered to a halt due to the cold of the last week, the only evidence to the contrary was the beautiful flowers of the Lesser Stitchwort, Wood-sorrel, and the colourful blend of Golden Saxifrage, the radiant blue of the sweet Violet, and the pale yellow of everyone's favourite, the Primrose. In the areas of dampness the delicately tinted Ladies Smock, awaits the arrival of the Orange Tip Butterfly that will avail of this food source, and lay it's eggs with security on the underside of it's leaves. A search for that little gem, namely the Green Hairstreak Butterfly at it's usual habitat proved non productive..... Bumble Bees were prominent, seeking sustenance from the deep pink flowers of the False Salmonberry bushes that are very prevelant in this part of the Peninsula. .......By late afternoon It was decided to call time on our outing, but to revisit this picturesque countryside in more favourable conditions when the flora and fauna will have availed of a warmer end to Spring.

     

    Sat. 23rd. April 2011. Perfectly sculptured waves rolling in on an ultramarine blue sea to fragment into shimmering surf on a sun-kissed beach, was natures welcome to us this morning at Tullagh Bay, where we stood in wonder at the beauty of the hour, and where Sandwich Terns, Shag, Great Northern Diver, Black-back, and Herring Gull, were observed from our position........ A short time later on the road between Tullagh and Rockstown in the shelter provided by the tall Reed Beds and Willow bushes from the morning breeze, and as last week, the aptly named Willow Warbler was uttering its welcome to the day, and in this perfect habitat large numbers of Butterflies were recorded, that included Orange Tip, male and female, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, and Peacock, with a confirmed report of a Red Admiral in Carndonagh yesterday......... On our arrival at the Rockstown Harbour in the increasing warmth of the day, taken to the wing were great numbers of the St Marks Fly, so named as they appear on or about the 28th April , the Saints Feast day. From the dense undergrowth near the pier, the unusual song of the little Grasshopper Warbler was heard, and as expected the bird was not seen, but along the far shore of the Bay, Great Northern Diver, Shag, and Eider Duck were enjoying the occasion in their own particular way....... Later at the old disused Military Fort of Lenan, Larks were soaring into a blue sky to conduct their vocal outbursts before gliding back to terra firma, while Wheatear were busy preparing for parenthood by checking the suitability of Rabbit Burrows for nesting, as were Lapwing seeking nesting sites at ground level. Back in the air Chough, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were recorded........... Our pursuit of perfect happiness concluded with a drive up the breathtakingly beautiful Mamore Gap, where a Buzzard was added to our list for today.

     

    Sat. 30th. April 2011. A Spring bonanza of wildlife delivered in blazing sunshine accompanied by a stiff easterly breeze this morning, unfolded at the Presbyterian Church at Lagg, Malin, where a family of Linnets twittered from the overhead telephone wires, and a couple of Great Northern Divers splashed playfully in the retreating tide. A lone Brent Goose foraged at the tide line in the company of a few Shelduck. Further along the road at the Lagg corner a Kestrel emerged from it's nest, cleverly hidden behind a curtain of ivy suspended over a shear rock face....... Across the road in the towering Sand Dunes System a beautiful example of a Cinnabar Moth clad in it's multi pixilated red and grey was admired. At the other side of the system seventeen Small Copper Butterflies were recorded in the company of Green-veined White, Tortoiseshell, and Orange Tip. Also here enjoying the brilliance of the day was a couple of Whitethroat in good voice, and as a protest to the presence of strangers in it's territory a Stone Chat sounded it's alarm call, while a Wheatear retained it's dignified silence. ...........The find of the day was at Knockamany when a host of those emerald gems, the Green Hairsteak Butterflies, were busy fluttering from Whin, and Bilberry Bushes................ At the White Strand Bay Malin Head, surprising flocks of Golden Plover, Dunlin, and a small number of Whimbrel, must surely at this time be prepared to leave our shores for their breeding grounds further North..........In the hillier area of Malin the snug little flowers of the Lousewort are making their claim for prominence, while at a lower level the not so common White Campion and the Marsh Marigold, imparted a warming glow in the early evening light.

     
    Sunday 1st May 2011. Photo on the right taken a few weeks past by our northern correspondent Liam Mc Laughlin, is of the two Little Egrets that have been in the Malin Town area of Trawbreaga Bay since the beginning of September and survived the very severe winter, quite an achievement for birds used to warmer climes. One of the birds was seen feeding this afternoon near the Parochial Hall.
     
    Sat. 7th. may 2011. Hedges bedecked with the many scented flowers of the mystical Hawthorn, and at a lower level the parasol shaped, newly flowered Cow Parsley with it's delicate white lacelike blossoms, tinged with a suggestion of light green emerging from an extravagant lush background of new undergrowth, that decorated both sides of the winding roads from Inch Lake to the Farland Bank, and Blanket Nook.......... At Inch Lake we were treated to the sight of a Black Swan performing it's flying routine of take offs, and landings which allowed a view of its white wing feathers against it's dark plumage.......On the far bank a small number of Greylag Geese were recorded intermingled with an equally small number of Whooper, and Mute Swans. Some of the Geese and Whooper's have been known to stay here for the Summer period. Also noted were Mallard, Wigeon, Shelduck, Tufted duck, Great Crested Grebe, Whimbrel and Lapwing ........... On the little islet on the southern end of the Lake as seen from the Farland Bank, Sandwich and Arctic Terns, as in previous years have been banished to the sandy shores that extend in an easterly and westerly direction by the thuggish little Black Headed Gulls that have commandeered all the prime real estate here........... Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Robin, Blackbird, and as expected willow Warbler were seen and heard on most bushes in the areas, as were the many Green-veined White, Orange Tip, and Speckled Wood Butterflies, that were fluttering over the new grasses, and the sparkling yellow Birds-foot-trefoil, and the amazingly beautiful miniscule Common Forget-me-not................ Later at Blanket Nook, as we checked for the whereabouts' of that old favourite The Kingfisher, a display of Red Campion with the foil of the perfect blue flowers of Columbine (Aquilegia Vulgaris) was the perfect stimulus to carry with us at the end of our outing.
     
    Sat. 14th. May 2011. Today, four weeks after the 16th April, when we last visited the eastern side of the Peninsula, then in cold miserable winter-like conditions, it was decided that a return call would be undertaken to this very scenic area, when it was thought that Spring would have matured to it's imagined warmth and charm. To a degree it has, with the fields carpeted with their rich verdant growth, the Trees fully clad in bountiful foliage, and the abundant Bilberry bushes flaunting their new found prominence, but with the absence of the shimmering iridescence of the little Green Hairstreak that find the bilberry their main food source. The only Butterfly recorded today was a lone Orange Tip, near Redcastle...... Nature as is usual compensated with it's presentation at Ballyargus of it's masterful creation, the Bogbean plant, with it's delicately constructed flower head of pristine white derived from its earlier opening with tints of pink, the petals are fringed with white hair-like features......... In the deep gorges at lower altitude the equally beautiful Lesser Stitchwort, Buttercup, Speedwell in it's many forms, Herb Robert, Bluebell, to mention just a few were evident...........The Bird life on this outing was low, due no doubt to the cold, the occasional heavy showers with strong wind that added to a complete absence of Raptors, but Wheatear, Crow, Cuckoo, Pigeon, Chaffinch, Robin, Thrush, Blackbird were recorded...... Later at the upper pier Moville, we were entertained by the antics of of the large number of Black Guillemot some of which sat nonchalantly on the back wall, with total disdain for the human proximity, while others flew to the waters below to swim around vigorously for a short while, then back to the wall again. .......With evening approaching so ended another day in the great outdoors.
     
    Wednesday 18th. May.... Cinnabar Moth, and Young Dipper photographed this week.
     
    Sat. 21st. May 2011. With a very bad weather forecast for the weekend it was no surprise that on arrival in the Illies this morning, that we were buffeted by strong gale force winds, laced with continuous heavy rain, that cast it's grey pall of gloom over the countryside....... The purpose of our visit was to pay homage to a very welcome dignitary, in the form of a great White-tailed Eagle, that has been reported in the region over the past few weeks, but on this occasion, like most other creatures it must have found solace in some shelter, to protected it from the elements..........Good fortune shone on us, when yesterday afternoon in bright sunshine, a number of club members had the privilege of observing this magnificent bird in the air and on the ground. The audience they were granted continued for over an hour, which compensated for the disappointment of today........ On our way through the middle Illies on this miserable day, a metaphoric beam of sunlight penetrated the gloom and shadows cast by the rain and archways of Sycamore Trees, when at the roadside, large clumps of Red Campion, Bluebell, Lady's Smock, Buttercup, and the diminutive Tormentil, transmitted a transient feeling of Spring.......... The only frenzied activity noticed in the area was near the Twin Bridges, when great numbers of Swallows were observed foraging for flies on the lee side of a long stretch of Fir Trees. These insects deserved to meet their doom for being out on a day like today. The other observation was a confrontation between a Cat and a very aggressive Magpie, with the winner being the Magpie..... Our Wildlife search for today was aborted in early afternoon, due to the inclement conditions.
     
    Sunday 22nd. May 2011. Club member Boyd Bryce, our eyes and ears on Inch Island, has reported a Water Rail there. It's been heard calling after dark on the island end of the roadway embankment of the Lake....... With a White Stork, that has been socialising with the children of the local national school in the area recently, one wonders, what next ?
     

    Sunday 29th. May 2011. Ensnared in a continuous Winter, the entire month of May was subjected to incessantly bitter cold gale force winds and heavy rain, that made our wildlife pursuit very unpleasant, to the point where we did not consider an outing yesterday. But with the menacing shadow of that Ogre, namely cabin fever looming, it was decided that we would chance a visit to Ards Park near Creeslough, where Bob Auldwell and David Nash from the Dublin Naturalists' Field Club, were giving a" Walk and Talk" to a gathering of Lepidoptera enthusiasts, starting at twelve noon......... On our arrival at the venue, the sun made an unexpected but welcomed appearance, and the showers of the morning ceased. How pleasurable it was to walk through the dappled shade of the great collection of the many species of mature trees and the even greater variety of wild flowers, that included the Yellow Pimpernel, Herb Bennet, the diminutive Bog Stichwort, the Blubell-like Bugle, Sanicle, the flowers of which lit up the shadows, Common Twayblade, and contrary to it's name, an unusual Orchid not easily found, large mounds of Common Field Speedwell, and the strong blue tone of the marvelous Milkwort.......... Further into this great woodland other life forms awaited our attention with the appearance of the Marsh Fritillary, the Wood White, and the diminutive Small Blue Butterfly. These we found very exciting as they have not been recorded in Inishowen as yet...........With the first shower of the afternoon threatening, our last find of the day was the unusual Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth, and the not too common Burnet Companion Moth.

     

    Sat. 4th. June 2011. With the glorious warm sunny weather of the last few days, a great sense of anticipation was engendered with the prospect of seeing the many species of Butterflies that would be on the wing at this time. On arrival at Craigawannia on the Isle of Doagh, known as a reliable source for these beautiful insects, and with a lush growth of suitable plant food on display, success seemed inevitable, but then life is not like that. The sunshine that we were enjoying up to this point, decided to have the day off, which may have contributed to the complete absence of any Butterflies, with the exception of thirty plus Small Heath, and three Cinnabar Moths. ........All the other sites on the Isle also proved negative, but as usual there were compensations, when we had close encounters with a number of Foxes, and a good close view of a Cuckoo perched on a fence post. Earlier this bird gave us a rendition of it's two note serenade....... Homeward bound, in the Craighnahorna area we had our only view today of a raptor, when a Buzzard floated gently along the ridge of a distant hill.

     
    Sat. 11th. June 2011. Today we experienced a respite from the winter-like cold and rain of the past number of weeks as we set off to the Malin area, with special emphases on Malin Head...... At Malin Town Bridge we stopped for a look at what might be seen out on the Bay. Some time was spent here as we wallowed in the warming rays of the morning sun before moving on to Lag..... Near the Presbyterian Church, where there will be celebrations in September to mark it's Three Hundredth Year Anniversary, an Otter entertained the group with a display of its piscatorial expertise in the fast flowing tide in Trawbreaga Bay...... A little further on, near another place of worship, the Catholic Church, we searched in the Dunes System for an expected bonanza of Butterflies, but as last week only Small Heaths, and Cinnabar Moths were found, and today the Sun was shining brightly, so why are none of the usual species appearing ? Again there were compensations with the recording of Buzzard, Chough, and those busy little birds the Sand Martins, that have been nesting unobtrusively in the clay banks of the little stream that gurgles it way from near the Chapel. Close by there was visual stimulation in the form of cheerful clumps of red and blue from the miniscule Cranes-bill, and the Common Speedwell, blended with the other primary colour of yellow, contributed by the Buttercup and little Tormentil........... At Knockamany a check was made on the foliage of the Devil's bit Scabious, for trace of the elusive Marsh Fritillery....Then, on to Port Caman, here we had the pleasure of recording a pair of Twite, and a few Linnet, and Kestrel....... On the last leg of our outing we stopped at the little lay-by at Esky Bay, and observed an Eider Duck at very close range with a family of Ducklings, become almost invisible among the rocks and seaweed with their perfect colouring, while far out to sea squadrons of Gannets flew in a westerly direction.
     
    Sunday 12th. June 2011. After many years of searching for the rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly in Inishowen where it was thought to be extinct. It is with great pleasure that we can publish this photograph submitted this evening by our authority on lepidoptera, George Mc Dermot who located the insect in the Buncrana area.
     

    Wed. 15th. June 2011. Over a month ago the White-tailed Sea Eagle reported at the Fullerton Dam in the Illies, has for the past number of weeks been joined by a companion, thought to be a female. Both birds have been well received by the locals, and the members of the local fishing club who act as custodians, and work in the birds interests. The thumbnail on the right when clicked will reveal a larger picture of the birds flying together over the Dam.

    Sat. 18th. June 2011. That old charmer "Lady Luck" held us in her welcomed embrace, when this morning in pleasant sunshine and a light wind we paid a visit to the Fullerton Dam in the Illies, to see if those avian giants, the White-tailed Sea Eagles would make their appearance. Dead on cue, as we set up our scopes they obliged by rising from the plantation at the northern end of the Dam to entertain their spellbound audience for a considerable period by cavorting about the great expanse of sky displaying their amazing flying skills, to eventually exit the stage by disappearing behind a stand of trees close to our viewing point.......Now well satisfied with what we had experience, a move to the Muff area was decided upon. While in transit in the Glentogher region, patches of roadside were endowed with beautiful drifts of Marsh, and Pyramid Orchids, and illuminating some hedges were the radiant flowers of the Dog Rose. ......In Muff Village, a turn to the left took the outing to the wooded area of Kilderry where a very enjoyable meander beneath the leaf-leaden branches of the tall sentinels standing guard on both sides of the road was used to examine the many wild plants and flowers, under the guidance of Anne, our expert in that field. Some of these included, the elegant Nipplewort, the little pink flower of Herb Robert, the similar looking Common Stork's-bill, the very invasive pest, but beautiful Himalayan Balsam, and on the verges of some pathways pools of rich red were created by swathes of Clover next to the yellow of the taller Common Hawkweed. Near the old Culmore Dump a Buzzard was observed circling and hovering no doubt watching the movement of a suitable prey below. .....Later a short time was spent in the peaceful Lisnagrath Wood, where the sound of silence seeped through this cathedral of stillness. What a refuge from a busy, noisy World.
     
    Sat. 25th. June 2011. The pastoral haven of peace and beauty that is Bogay, where this morning many Ringlet Butterflies fluttered busily over oceans of gently rolling grasslands, this together with the lush fresh vegetation that festooned the verges and hedges that had in its midst many variety's of Crane's-bill, and members of the Umbelliferae family, with their wonderful constructed lace-like flower heads, Forget me not, Red Campion, Digitalis, Buttercup, to mention just a few, and from the many trees, some wearing the look of Autumn due to the cold, and winds of the past month or so, a joyful chorus of bird song emanated from the power packed voices of Black Cap and the more subdued tones of the Chiffchaff, accompanied by some of their lesser talented feather friends, all of this experienced from the roadways of the Bogay House area. Perhaps it was a similar setting of tranquility that inspired Beethoven to compose his descriptive Sixth Symphony. ........ After our mandatory tea-break we set off to the Glentown Slate Quarry near St Johnstown, where more Ringlet and one Speckled Wood Butterfly made an appearance to enjoy the pleasant sunshine, but the question arose as to where all the other species are? especially the very common Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, etc.........On a brighter note the recording of the rare Lesser Butterfly Orchid, coexisting happily in the company of hundreds of Common Spotted, and Marsh Orchids, was a happy ending to our day beyond our peninsula's boundary.
     
    Sat. 2nd. July 2011. Today may hopefully be remembered as the day Summer arrived in Inishowen, when after a rather cool grey morning in the Sand Dune System at Culdaff, where again the absence of Butterflies, or Bird life generated a feeling of despair, but things changed later, while having our tea break at the lay-by near Dunmore Head. With the Sun slowly emerging to energise our outing and the temperature reaching 20 degrees plus, soon hosts of Butterflies that included Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, and to a lesser extent Green-veined White, and Small Heath, were fluttering joyfully over the many wonderful wildflowers unashamedly showing their beauty to the world from the security of the lush vegetation of ditches and hedgerows. At Croragh, a walk down an old disused road had the previously mentioned Butterflies in abundance, but added to this pleasant dander, was the call and sighting of Blackcap, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Redpoll, Grasshopper Warbler and Chiffchaff. Then at the snug Tramone Bay, on the golden sands of the beach at least nineteen Pied Wagtails were recorded, as was a Kestrel that was keeping a vigil from it vantage point on top of a telegraph pole some distance away, also in the area were three buzzards which brought our total for the day to seven. Out on the shimmering sea, to concluded our activities, Black Guillemot, Gannet, Common Gull, and Razor Bill, were noted.
     
    Sat. 9th. July 2011. A beautiful sunny morning draped in it's garb of summer colours with a prominence of yellow from the large areas of Birds-foot Trefoil, Lady's Bedstraw, Cats-ear, Hawkbit, and Tormental, countered with the purple of the great drifts of Wild Thyme, and the myriad of Pyramid Orchids in varying tones of purple. All of this added to by the large numbers of the stunningly beautiful Common Blue, and equally impressive Meadow Brown, Ringlet, and Green-veined White Butterflies , as they fluttered over the Sand Dunes at Binnion, Clonmany. While watching from high above a hovering Kestrel it's orange plumage glowing in the warm sunshine, perhaps selecting it's menu from the small flocks of Goldfinch, and Pipit flitting from one small bush to another, or maybe it's target was the Common Sandpiper that was calling and bobbing from it's perch on a fence post along the river that sauntered it's way to be consumed by the open sea waiting around the next corner........... After a relaxed tea break our next stop was at the Glen House, where we had a very pleasant walk through the beautiful tree-lined winding pathways, and over the gurgling stream close to which some family outings were sitting at a variety of wonderfully prepared and sited picnic facilities. What a place of peace and tranquility? Then onwards and upwards until the final corner was turned to reveal the great spectacle of the mighty waterfall with it's forty foot drop cascading with great thundering authority to the dark pool below that it has prepared for itself......... A most satisfying day concluded with a short visit to Rockstown Bay, where a number of Red-breasted Merganser, Eider Duck, and further out a great cloud of Gulls were involved in what must have been a feeding frenzy on some available food source.
     
    Tuesday 12th. July 2011. This was one of our midsummer evening outings that was undertaken in glorious warm sunshine and a gentle wafting zephyr...... At 7.00.p.m. a good number of members set off for the Coill and Cashel area on the Carndonagh side of the Malin parish, in search of Long-eared Owls. No Owls, but in their stead we had quite a few Buzzards, mostly young birds flying from tree to tree. At Coill a very pleasant walk was had on a little road that led to fields on one side and turf cutting on the other. Both sides were decorated with a cornucopia of wild flowers and grasses with masses of Hedge Parsley and Angelica, with their colour variations of pale pink mixed with the white of the expertly designed crochet-like umbels, then the extravagant beauty and alluring fragrance of the Meadowsweet. Perhaps less obvious but none the less beautiful was the Bog Asphodel, Yellow Rattle, Self-heal and Rosebay Willowherb, to name just a few ......Enjoying the bonanza of seed heads to be had in the adjacent pastures were large flocks of Goldfinch, together with good numbers of Redpoll. In the taller vegetation Reed Warbler, Sage Warbler and Willow Warbler were evident, ............. A trip to Malin Head to listen for the Corncrake, produced a blank, with a very disappointing number recorded in the area this year........Our homeward journey was over the most spectacular Knockamany Bens, and from where we watched with awe, the dying embers of a beautiful summers day slowly extinguished as they slid reluctantly into a shimmering sea of crimson.
     
    Sat. 16th. July 2011. A constant Staccato from the heavy rainfall beat its rhythm on our cars, and rivulets of water rushed headlong off the road for any exit points in the ditches, this set the scene as we set off for the Inch Lake and surrounding district this morning in these very unpleasant conditions. But sometimes miracles do happen, as illustrated by shafts of sunlight as they started to focus their intensity on the countryside when we approached our destination. .......From the viewing platform at the Lake, great flocks of Duck, mostly Mallard became almost invisible as they blended perfectly with the background of grass and rushes, while close by a pair of Black Swans drifted toward cover near the little islets on the northern end of the Lake. Further to the south and far removed from the shoreline and danger, as they will be now in molt, large numbers of Mute Swans were assembled in a great flotilla, with a few Whopper enjoying their company. ............Black-headed Gull are still using their bullying tactics on the Island in the middle of the Lake to the annoyance of the Arctic, and Sandwich Terns trying to raise their families in readiness for their great world travels. ..........It was nice to see the Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, and Common Blue Butterflies pursuing their business over the masses of vegetation, including many varieties of the Apiaceae family, and also Birds-foot-trefoil, Cats-ear, Crane's bill, Fat Hen, Forget-me-not, Hawkbit, Knapweed, Speedwell, and the colourful Tufted Vetch. .....In the adjoining trees and bushes many Warblers were present, especially The Willow, and Chiffchaff. ..............Later at Blanket Nook Great-crested Grebe were nesting on large stones near the shore, and were lovingly being attended to by the diligent males. ........The tick of the day was had, when homeward bound not far from the Nook, a small flock of those rarities, The Yellow Hammer were recorded, glistening in their twenty four carat gold plumage, and at least one male was in full song.
     
    The beautiful Oak Wood close to Lough Eske where Red Squirrels and Jays are to be seen. The colourful Hemp Nettle pictured at the Lay-by at the northern end of Barnsmore Gap.

    Sat. 23rd. July 2011. This morning we stepped out of a sun-drenched Inishowen, and into the enchanting wonderland area in the vicinity of Lough Eske, near Donegal Town... Our first stop was at the rest site on the northern end of Barnesmore Gap that offered a perfect view of this steep sided valley engineered by the ice age many millions of years past. During our brief stay here a host of beautiful wildflowers were noticed, with the Hemp Nettle, it's yellow, cream, and blue coloured flowers sparkling in the morning sunlight holding pride of place....... Then on through the stunning scenic drive to Ardnamona, where a very enjoyable and relaxed alfresco lunch was had with a display of Silver-washed Fritillary Butterflies as they wafted over the grasses and wildflowers in the company of Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, and the chocolate brown Ringlet. A short distance away Dragonflies, like little biplanes carried out their patrols....... Further along this tree lined roadway we enjoyed a most pleasurable stroll through the old oak wood near the Lake shore. The wood with it's many winding pathways, and great carpets of the lovely golden yellow Common Cow-wheat, is very well maintained by the Parks and Wildlife Service, and here Red Squirrel are known to abound as do Jays. Again the Silver-washed Fritillary and the previously mentioned Butterflies were evident. Another short tea break was had at the lovely Harveys Point Hotel, after which it was decided to make our final stop near to where our adventure started, this was at a special place of conservation that has a wooden walkway extending over a very exceptionally wet bogland. We expected to see here, as on a previous visit the rare Large Heath Butterfly, but not today. The Tortoiseshell Butterfly was recorded as was a good number of the carnivorous plant, the Sundew, also Bog Aspedal and Bogbean. And so concluded a perfect day in the company of like minded colleagues.

     
    Sunday 24th. July 2011. There was a great fluttering of Butterflies in the bright warm sunlight this afternoon at the Lagg Sand Dunes Malin, with large numbers of Grayling, and larger numbers of Dark Green Fritillary, but lesser Common Blue, Ringlet, Green-veined White and Meadow Brown. As is usual here the ubiquitous Burnet was busy nectoring on the plentiful Ragwort. All were availing of the amazing multicoloured carpet of wildflowers that was spread over large areas of the system.
     
    Sat 30th. July 2011. The group assembled at the start of the Isle of Doagh road on a pleasantly warm day to view the treasures the area would hold in store. We had not long to wait as immediately over head flew a party of Goldfinches, joining the Swallows, a pair of Sedge warbler peeped out of a gently swaying  reed bed, a  pristine Dark Green Fritillary basked on a Thistle beside the cars, not a bad start to the morning .........  Moving to  Craigawannia where hosts of Dark green Fritillaries fluttered over the dunes joined by Meadow Browns, Green veined Whites, small  numbers of  Common Blues, Small Tortoiseshells, and a single Grayling completed the butterflies. Large numbers of Burnet and micro moths completed the large order of Lepidoptera.The  unique plant life of this machair and sand dune habitat provided a rich tapestry of colour to attract the large numbers of insects. Vivid Blue Harebells, Yellow Ladies Bedstraw, Red Clovers, and other plants provided a rich tapestry of colour........ Starlings, and Wagtails busied themselves feeding, while wheatears and a pair of Twites sat on fence lines. A  young Fox had its midday snooze rudely interrupted when we tramped through the bent grass.......... After a welcome cup of tea it was on to Carrickabrackey where a large raft of Eider duck patrolled the coast line while Oyster Catchers guarded the shore. On Glashedy Island Cormorants, Shags, Gulls, Terns, sat and surveyed a placid sea on a calm afternoon. With the sky darkening , a quick tour of the island completed, it was on to give moral support to the County football team. ........ Thanks to Dermot Mc Laughlin for today's report in the absence of our regular contributor.
     
    Sat. 6th. Aug. 2011. In defiance of a rather dismal weather prediction for today, with very heavy continuous rain to be our lot. But underterred by such mischievous rumors we set off in rather pleasant, if surprising conditions with occasional glimpse of warm sunshine to our destination, that was once more the woodland areas of Muff, where in a little backwater bay near Culmore, Redshank, Greenshank, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Black-headed and herring Gull were recorded..........At Kilderry, a meander through a lovely small wooded area, and then on to a tree lined roadway that led to a peaceful pastrol setting, where under the guiding eye of our Flora expert Anne, we discovered the many jewels to be admired on an outing like this. .......It was about now that very light rain began to fall, so it was suggested that perhaps a tea break at Lisnagrath Wood might at least cast a Metaphoric shaft of sunlight on the proceedings, which it did, to be soon replaced by the literal equivalent which saw us set off for the dizzy heights of Glackmore Hill, with it's towering Wind turbine, and where a large bird of prey had been reported, but today nothing positive was to be seen. It was then back to a lower altitude at Gortin near Aught, where Green-veined White, large White and Ringlet Butterflies performed their fluttering choreography in the now warm sunshine, while out from the nearby forest a pair of Buzzards floated high in the warm uplifting air. Shortly after, a lone Sparrowhawk darted in a easterly direction above the tree line. ......With late afternoon fast approaching , it was decided to call a halt to a very enjoyable day with the Flora and Fauna in this part of Inishowen.
     
    Anne in the Flower Garden. Flower in the Lilly Pond. The Nympthaeum. Way to the Walled Garden.
    Sat. 13th. Aug. 2011. In somewhat of a deviation from our usual activities on Saturdays a visit was paid to the enchanting Woodlands, Flower Gardens and Lakes of the Oakfield Park near the town of Raphoe. The development of this amazing Park is the work of Sir Jerry Robinson. What a benefactor to have in your area! ........On arrival here in less than perfect weather, we were fortunate to be greeted by two friendly and well informed staff members, Anthony and Ciarn, who suggested that perhaps to walk the very short distance to the Upper Gardens might be fitting.......... This had the magical effect of having the rain stopping, to be replaced by brilliant warm sunshine, that had many clusters of Butterflies, mainly Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, and Large White, flitting excitedly over the dense vegetation kept in check by the pathway with it's edges emblazoned with glistening cobble stones. A little further on the eye was treated to the picture of a perfectly manicured and very large lawn that curved gracefully to the still dark waters of a circular lake that reflected, straight out of Greek Mythology the image of the Nymphaeum, but no Narcissus and even worse no Nymphs. .............Then onwards and upwards admiring the extravagance of towering giant trees, that took us to the 18th. Century Georgian House that has a modern and luxurious extension very tastefully and discretely added from the general view. The Walled Garden rests snugly to the north of the house where a brilliant palette of colours has a definite stimulating effect on the senses, a perfect place to sit and perhaps contemplate life, while the many colourful Carp ripple the surface of the Lilly Pond with the pristine flowers floating on the serene water........... Back down in the Lower Gardens it was "All aboard " the Little Train for a journey of discovery around the more than 4km perimeter of these lower gardens, with the large Lake, that has a Castle, Bird Hide, Boat House and more, nestled on it's shore line..........The one down side to the visit was the fact that Squirrels exist here, not the Red variety but the verminous Grey. To end on a brighter note, the colourful Jay are to be seen and heard in the park as are Buzzards and lots of the common small birds, also Badgers and Foxes.
     
    Assembly at the Visitor Centre
    Looking at the Waterfall
    Silver-washed Fritillary
    The stairway to valley floor

    20th. Aug. 2011. Our wildlife involvement today was in the search of the Holy Grail for every Lepidopterist, namely the elusive Purple Hairstreak, the very rare Butterfly of the Oak Woodlands that spends most of it's arboreal existence high up in the tree canopy, with very occasional visits to the forest floor. With reports of the species in the Ness Country Park not many miles from Derry City, a good number of club members joined up with like-minded enthusiasts from many parts of Northern Ireland led by Butterfly Recorder Ian Rippey,............After a short time spent with everyone becoming aquatinted, we set off from our assembly point at the Vistitor Centre to the area of the Ness Waterfall, where precipitous winding paths in dappled shade, took us through the fantastic wonderland of great Oakes who's mighty arms reached far across the gaping chasm, and towering Beech and Ash intermingled harmoniously in their surroundings. Soon the stillness of the afternoon was interrupted by the thundering of the Burntollet river knowen locally as the Ness Waterfall, as it crashed with great anger it's way over the many outcrops of stubborn rocks projecting from the valley wall to form the fast flowing river far below. Here Dippers foraged in the dark water that slowly lost it's ferocity as it made it's way to the verdant meadows adjoining the well maintained pathways that led some of us back to the Visitor Centre again, and where many Buzzard floated gracefully high over the landscape..........Our main objective for the day was not achieved but we did record Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Small Copper, Peacock and Speckled Wood to end a day of satisfaction and enjoyment.

    PS. We have been informed by Dennis Mc Bride of the Glenarm Wildlife Group, that those unfortunate to leave late afternoon missed the reward of seeing the elusive Purple Hairstreak that was sighted in the trees near the Waterfall shortly after six p.m. Thanks Dennis

     
    Sat. 27th Aug. 2011. The Gods were in a very benevolent mood this morning when we arrived at the Inch Lake car park in wonderful warm sunshine that highlighted the stunning gems of nature that were everywhere to be seen, these included the exotic colourful patterns of the many Peacock, together with the bright sparkle of Large White, Green-veined White, and the intriguing Speckled Wood Butterflies, as they investigated the great drifts of the crimson flowers of Knapweed, the bright yellow of the tall Nipplewort, the many colour variations of Bramble, and all the different Grasses. This was before we walked the very short distance from our cars to the viewing platform, from where in the excellent morning light even the rather drab plumage of Gadwall Duck showed a little sparkle as did the Shoveler, Teal, and Mallard, that inhabit most areas of the Lake. The regular Black Swans were very prominent with their white trim and dark red beaks as they floated majestically on the calm silvered surface of the Lake ....Further from our viewing position great numbers of Mute Swan, Canada and Greylag geese mingled in a carefree manner in the water and on the far bank. A little bit less obvious were the Black-tailed Godwit, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Coot, and Grey Heron...........From the upper hide more of the same were recorded together with a number of Ruff..........Later at Blanket Nook the absence of the Kingfisher is most noticeable since the extreme cold and ice of last winter, that would have left the great little bird unable to fish, with the fatal consequences. ...........We finished off with a drive to Manorcunningham to view what might be seen from our elevated site of Lough Swilly, but due to the very low tide the birds were far removed from our view ......... We were pleased to have in our company today Christine Cassidy from Derry, a lady well versed in the pursuits of Birdwatching, and Lepidoptera.
     
    Special Notice

    We have been informed by club member Peter White, that Coast Watch Ireland are organising a talk and walk on Seashore Ecology at Inch Island. It is scheduled for Sunday 11th. September at 9.45.am. The venue is Inch House. The schedule is as follows.

    9.45.am. Meet at Inch House for tea or coffee. ......10.00 to10.30am. Three ten minute talks on Seashore. ......10.30 to 11.15am. Walk and talk on Seashore. ........11.15am.12.00pm. Discussion and finish.

    The main person involved will be Karin Dubsky of Trinity College Dublin, with also a Marine Biologist from Italy giving a talk, and our own luminary Peter, will contribute with a ten minute talk about the Seashore, and the Birds you might find there.

    Everyone Welcome.

     
    Sat. 3rd. Sept. 2011.   With light drizzle and cloud on the hills it was off to the meeting  point at Lisnagra Wood for this weeks outing. However with forest management works ongoing it was decided to move elsewhere. With the day brightening and Swallows and occasional House Martins soaring overhead it was decided to go to Birdstown. First stop here produced a Buzzard perched on a tree surveying the countryside. A movement on a sloping field behind it, betrayed a handsome dog fox who proceeded to walk slowly across and vanish into a small copse after he decided we did not pose a threat. The Buzzard took to the air and soared high into the sky........The tea break was indulged in under Chestnut trees, which are already displaying autumnal colour tints in their crowns. Moving on to the Inch Lake where water levels are low, as were wader numbers low, a small party of Black-tailed Godwits the most noticeable, Mute Swans packed into a number of compact groups, Greylag Geese, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coots, Grey Heron, a group of Whooper, and two Black Swans, Gulls, etc. also present........ Our final visit was to Blanket Nook sanctuary which was much more productive, with many species present. A big flock of Lapwing, a variety of waders including Redshank, Godwit, Ruff, Greenshank, Oyster Catchers, Curlew, as well as Mallard and other Duck. A large flock of Greylag noisily arrived on the Lake to preen and rest after feeding on the barley stubbles. ...... Good views were had of a flock of Goldfinch who displayed their charms on fences close by. ........ On this warm afternoon Red Admirals, Large Whites, were outnumbered by a score of Peacock Butterflies, who put in a welcome appearance. A large hare decided that we were approaching to close and changed her resting place. A sighting of an Otter in a canal was a good note to finish on, so a halt was called to the days satisfactory proceedings...........Sorry for the delay in posting this report which was caused by a technical fault, and a special thanks to our chairman Dermot, for submitting this summary in the absence of our regular scribe.
     
    Sunday 4th. Sept. 2011. The pair of Little Egrets recorded on the second of September 2010, have commenced their second year residing in Trawbreaga Bay and are usually seen near Malin Town .
     
    Sat. 10th. Sept. 2011. The realization that the "Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness" was upon us again, with a warm southerly breeze that unfolded the scarves of light mist from around some of the higher hills, and eased the approaching foreboding gloom that then slowly dissipated to reveal the beautiful autumnal tones of our wonderful countryside, this was before arriving at our first stop, The Pier Buncrana, where a start would be made on the Winter counts for the 2011 / 2012 season, at our allotted section of Lough Swilly, carried out on behalf of Bird Watch Ireland. On arrival at the pier, and in improving conditions we were treated to a bonanza of bird life that had flocks of Ringed Plover and Sanderling resting on the rocks and sandy beach, while further out great numbers of Gannet plunged like speeding arrows into, what must have been a large shoal of fish. Also engaged in this feeding frenzy were Razorbill, Kittywake, Common, Herring, and Black-backed Gull, and a rather unusual visitor in the form of an Arctic Skua that would consume anything on the menue.......With a stop at Lisfannon, and the area around the Marina at Fahan, we later rested at an elevated position near the Causeway Road to Inch Island, and availed of the pleasure to be derived from a cup of hot tea and a sandwich. ...........After our short respite we recommenced the count of the shoreline of Inch, where many more numbers were added to our growing list, with the special addition of a Peregrine, Sparrow hawk, and a collection of Butterflies that included Peacock, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, and Green-veined White.. ..........But the highlight of our day was to see the great army of volunteers, that included the many skilled craftsmen, and helpers that were rebuilding a large farm building from the ground up, that had been completely destroyed in a fire that consumed all of the farm machinery, including a new tractor, quad, van, and other equipment necessary to pursue the farming business. The owner of this farm building is our good friend Boyd Bryce and his wife Bridie, both are valued members of our wildlife club......Our day concluded with a short visit to Inch Lake to have a look at all the species to be seen there.
     
    Sat. 17th. Sept. 2011. No Club outing today due to other commitments by a majority of our members.
     
    Listening to George.
    One of the wood sculptures.
    Part of the dense Woodland.
    Admiring the setting.

    Sat. 24th. Sept. 2011. Today may be the start of the long awaited Indian Summer, indicated by the pleasant sunshine and light breeze that awaited our visit to the Woodlands of Prehen Park, situated on the south eastern edge of Derry City. A venue suggested by our new member Christine Cassidy, who also had that well known font of historical and wildlife knowledge George Mc Laughlin on hand to make our visit more enjoyable. George and Christine are both resident in this area, and have an intimate attachment to the Wood, and family seat of the Knoxes, Prehen House, that can be traced back to an original building on the site in the fifteen century, but the woodland supersedes that by perhaps thousands of years. Here in this oasis of peace and beauty the call of the Buzzard was a welcoming sound as we moved through dappled shadowed pathways with the occasional stops for the gems of knowledge from our guide George, and to admire the diversity of flora, with the prominence of Oak, Ash, Hazel, Birch, Holly, Chestnut, some entwined with great tentacles of Ivy, while at ground level a lush carpet of Wood Sorrel, Silverweed, Grasses, Fungi, and Ivy, contrasted with the rich reds and browns of Autumn leaves interspersed to infinity in the wood. Butterflies were seen fluttering where the sun had uninterrupted access to the forest floor, these were Speckled Wood, Large, and Green-veined White. Red Squirrel were recorded scampering through the more sturdy branches, as unfortunately were a few Grey's. The birds noted included Magpie, Blue tit, Chaffinch, and Bullfinch with a late family. From deeper in the wood the raucous call of the Jay disclosed its position to allow us a brief view, before disappearing. After a visit to the Prehen House, with George giving a comprehensive talk on it's past, and the present, which was well received by all of our members. With a thank you to George and Christine and late Afternoon approaching it was time to leave for home.

     

    Sat. 1st. Oct. 2011. Gentle Autumn rain fell for a short time this morning on the harbour of peace and tranquility that is Bogay, sheltering in a great bowl of bucolic beauty, where the soothing sound of silence was only interrupted by the call of the Jay, and the cat-like mewing call of the Buzzards circling high over the seasonal rust stained foliage soon to be dislodged from the many great Oak, Ash and the most colourful of all the Chestnut. Near by a Red Squirrel was observed before disappearing into the maze of tangled branches, no doubt watched from on high by a Sparrowhawk as it searched for it's mid morning snack. After some time enjoying a pleasant saunter through this wonderland we set off for the Glentown area near St.Johnstwn, where after our welcomed cup of nectar, a large flock of approximately sixty Linnets were recorded. as were Bullfinch, Redpoll, Pheasant, and then a large hare was raised from it's slumbers close to where some members were walking. After driving over Dooish Mountain, the spectacular vista of Lough Swilly, and its hinterland unfolded before us. Then through Newtowncunningham, and on to Blanket Nook, with its well populated flocks of Greylag Geese, Duck, Godwit, and to a lesser degree Lapwing, Mute Swan, Golden Plover, Redshank, Curlew and a lone Canada Goose. On the surrounding Bushes large numbers of Goldfinch found difficulty in settling down, but not so a Buzzard that displayed great interest in what we were doing , this was the fourth Buzzard recorded today together with four Sparrow hawks, and a Kestrel. Some of the Flora noted during our outing was the sparkeling goldplated Perennial Sow-thistle, the crimson flowered Knapweed, Bush Vetch, Silverweed, Meadowsweet, and Scabious, all of which have lost their allure at this time of the year, all but the Montbretia that was setting some roadsides alight with it's glowing pyrotechnic like displays, that will help us all as we face into the month of October.

     
    Sat. 8th. Oct. 2011. It was through a super saturated countryside, caused by the incessant heavy overnight rain, and now with visibility greatly reduced with the hills and lowlands ensnared in a depressing grey mist, that members reached our assembly point on the Causeway road at Inch Island. On our arrival there a happening like some great biblical story involving Moses and the Red Sea, as portrayed by Charlton Heston in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments" occurred. On this occasion the miracle was the way the oppressive murkiness of the morning suddenly parted to reveal a beautiful blue sky and a comforting bright warm sun, that in turn exposed a great bonanza of wildlife. On the Lake many hundreds of Geese, mostly Greylag, Canada, and lesser numbers of the beautiful White-fronted, all involved in consuming the lush vegetation available on the menu. also enjoying this banquet were the newly arrived Whooper's, as they renewed their acquaintance with the large numbers of Mute, and those two very independent Black Swans. Further along the Lakeside great flocks of Golden Plover, Godwit, and Lapwing performed their amazing aerobatic manoeuvres high above the water and then occasionally land for a short rest on the newly trimmed green pasture specially prepared for the wildlife of the area. Added to all of this were the thousands of Duck that included Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted, Pochard, and a few Shoveler. A short visit was made to The Farland Bank where Great-crested Grebe were added to those seen earlier. But the surprise here was a small number of Sandwich Terns observed feeding over the surface of Lake. Later at Blanket Nook a few more Terns were recorded. The number of birds at the Nook today was greater than we had seen for some years, perhaps seeking the peace to be had here from the warfare of a Saturday morning during the Shooting season at Inch Lake, but even in this sanctuary a few shots were fired , that caused a great eruption of birds from the adjoining fields. Now with the Red Sea showing signs of closing over again it was time for home.
     

    Sat. 14th. Oct. 2011. Our expections were very low as we assembled with a depleted number of members in the incessant Drizzle on our way to the Isle of Doagh. The gloom was lifted however when we emerged from the damp cascade to the welcome sight of 44 Brent Geese and 65 Bar Tailed Godwits feeding on the mudflat's near a small beach. On closer inspection of of the Geese we noticed that 18 of them were young birds, as they had pale stripes on their wings and lacked the white patch of the adults on their necks. These Geese travel further than other geese which come to our shores like a great black and white echelon of fighter pilots for the winter, from their breeding grounds in Northern Canada. A few of our members spotted a Grey Seal as it made it's way against the strong current in search of it's breakfast. Other birds seen on the Isle were, Grey Heron, Sanderling,(15), Redshank, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Rock Pipit, Curlew, and Bullfinch. Our next stop was at Glasha, where we had a welcome cup of tea, before scanning the shoreline and nearby fields with our binoculars which needed wipers! here we found Mallard, Curlew, Brent Geese, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a sad looking Grey Heron which looked as if it was sulking perched and drenched on a Sitka Spruce tree near the shoreline. We saw two Buzzards in the fields, one sat on a telegraph pole 'still hunting" the ground below for some unfortunate rodent or bird. Also noticed was a pair of Ravens doing their out of season acrobatics, as were Dunnock, Chaffinch, and a Reed Bunting. After a brief but fruitful days Bird watching and as the rain showed no sign of stopping we called a halt, and headed home to the warmth of the great indoors......... Thanks to Martin Moloney  for today's contribution.

    Martin also reported a flock of Snow Buntings, and Golden Plover in the Aught area of Ture, on Thursday the 13th.inst.

     

    Sat. 22nd. Oct. 2011. Our second monthly winter count of the Birds on Lough Swilly, was carried out at our allotted sections in atrocious weather. Starting as is usual at Buncrana Pier where extremely strong rain-laced winds made the use of scopes impossible, even when employing whatever shelter that was to be derived from the large enclosed trailers, or the high-sided fishing boats out of the water for the Winter. These conditions were added to by the poor light due to the smothering poll of mist bearing down on us from a south easterly direction. Undeterred we continued our task here, and then along the Lisfannon shore line that led to the Fahan Creek area starting at the Marina. With the weather showing no signs of improving, an earlier than usual tea break was enjoyed at the super new Phoenix that has arisen from the ashes of the former farm building and contents, consumed in their entirety by fire not many weeks past. After our repast and a short chat with our welcoming hosts Boyd and Bridie, it was back to the count, that was concluded to our satisfaction a few hours later. Now with the rain continuing it's unrelenting deluge we called a halt, and set off for home.

     

    Sat. 29th. Oct. 2011. No Club outing today due to other commitments.

    One of our members while in the Malin area this afternoon, reported seeing one of the Little Egrets, that have been resident in the vicinity of Malin Town for a considerable time, while a short time later he reported fifty plus Barnacle Geese grazing in a field out the Lagg Road, then at Ballyhillion, Malin Head, two large flocks of Barnacle were recorded totaling over eight hundred birds.

     
    Sat. 5th. Nov. 2011. A morning of unimaginable beauty was our experience today, with the call of the Jay, a sound not known for it's musical quality even sounded a little melodious to the ear in the Autumnal extravaganza of colourful foliage, some still attached to the parent trees that included Beech, Oak, and Ash, many more carpeted the woodlands, and roadsides of the Kilderry area of Muff, an effect that was further augmented by the stillness of this sun enhanced wonderland. In such circumstances it was nice to welcome back to our ranks Dermot Mc Laughlin our chairman who has made a rapid recovery from a short spell in hospital. After a very pleasurable meander in this heavenly place we moved a few hundred yards across the border to the Culmore side from where we had a perfect view of the great number of birds feeding on the mudflat's of a little bay that forms part of Lough Foyle. Here we recorded good numbers of Brent Geese, Black, and Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Greenshank, Redshank, Grey Heron, Wigeon, and Shelduck, Great black-backed, Herring, and Common Gull, but the surprise of the morning was to watch a Little Egret feeding contently among the other birds, before the harmony was disrupted by the appearance of one of the two Buzzards and Sparrowhawk that passed over the area during our visit. A tea break was enjoyed while basking in the warmth of the midday sun, after which a short drive north took us to the townland of Aught, and the summit of Glackmore Hill, with it's gigantic Wind Turbine revolving quietly in the gentle breeze. From this great elevation, a panoramic view was had of the Counties of Derry, Tyrone and Antrim. Later back down to a lower altitude at Gortin where the final observations of the outing were made when Buzzards, Ravens and Rooks were noted floating effortlessly on the warm uplifting air against a sky of cobalt blue.
     
    Sat.12th. Nov. 2011. The Gods, for the second week in succession lavished on us their great bounty of benevolence, with comforting above normal temperatures, and bright sunlight that made our birding experience most pleasurable. With a first stop at Malin Town Bridge where with a retreating tide, many birds including Curlew, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Black-back, Herring, and Common Gull, then Mallard, Teal, and Wigeon , were busily feasting on the abundance of worm casts and other desirable tit bits concealed in the rich mud recently exposed. Out the Lagg Road a flock of one hundred and fifty plus Barnacle Geese grazed on the rich pasture near the shore line. Next it was on to the Estuary of the Culdaff River, where an amazing number of Mallard, Teal, and Wigeon with their iridescent Greens and Blues flashing in the strong light, while further down stream a flock of Ringed Plover and Dunlin checked an exposed sandbank. An occurrence similar to last weeks happened when two Buzzards flying overhead scattered flocks of birds, but things returned to normal quiet quickly as the birds mostly duck, slid gracefully to a stop on the silvered surface of the river. After lunch some members had to retire to attend other fixtures, the remainder decided to have a look at the population of Barnacle at Malin Head. On the way there driving through the corridor of Fir and Birch trees at Cashel, the road sides were decorated with unending lines of Rosebay Willowherb, long past their reign of crimson glory, now with their redundant wispy grey seed heads accompanied by many of the skeletal remains of the perfectly engineered umbelliferous plants, standing as sentinels to the inevitable forthcoming winter storms. At Ballyhillion, Malin Head, a flock of at least three hundred and fifty Barnacle were added to our list to complete a wonderful day in Summer-like conditions.
     
    Sat. 19th. Nov. 2011. At Buncrana Pier this morning in mild but rather grey conditions, we assembled to start our portion of the "Bird Watch Ireland"count of the birds on Lough Swilly for the month of November 2011. With very encouraging numbers recorded for the Lisfannon section we moved to our next segment referred to as Fahan Creek, where with the temperature in the teens, a high tide, but with the absence of sunshine, a very satisfactory score was obtained. The additional recording of Buzzard, Goshawk, and Jay added that little extra to an enjoyable task. The day concluded with a visit to Inch Lake, where we witnessed a great variety of species in their thousands. A big thanks to all members that participated in today's activities.
     
    Squirrels showing their total disregards for our close proximity at Lisnagrath Wood today.
    Sat 26th Nov. 2011. A most extraordinary day was experienced on the Nature Trail that started at Lisnagrath Wood this rather dark, damp, windy morning, where we were entertained by a troop of Red Squirrels rushing to and fro to collect the nuts and other tit bits from the feeders that were only hanging at arms length from we were standing. These athletic little animals showed utter contempt for the close proximity of their amazed audience. A very large flock of Coal Tits flitting like a swarm of bees around a pot of honey, as they also enjoyed the rich pickings from this festive bonanza, all performed in perfect harmony with the Squirrels. On the other side of the road a Treecreeper was observed performing as a child would do on a fairground Helter-Skelter only in reverse, as it made it's way to the top of the tree. As usual here, a Jay called from deep within the Wood. The next stop was at Cloney Road, Culmore, where the Little Egret, as on our last visit was again present, together with good numbers of Brent Geese, Wigeon and Mallard Duck, Redshank, Grey Heron, and a lone Snipe, further along the road a flock of over one hundred and fifty Whooper Swans were recorded in a stubble field. Now with the weather deteriorating it was decided to set off for the Inch Lake Area. Here seeking the shelter provided in the fields, were very many more Whooper and Geese, the estimated number of Whooper Swans for the day was in excess of two thousand, with the estimate of Geese mostly Greylag in the same bracket. A confrontation between a Kestrel and Hooded Crow was watched with great interest as the much smaller Kestrel eventually chased off the bullying tactics of the Crow. Now with the rain getting heavier and the light fading it was time to head for home.
     
    Sat. 3rd. Dec. 2011. The gentle softness of Autumn has spawned the harsh reality of Winter, this was well illustrated when this morning on a visit to the haven of serenity and beauty namely Bogay, we stopped on the brow of Hollywell Hill, that overlooks the beautiful expanding valley far below, but on this elevated site we were subjected to a very cold piercing wind, laced with what might be described as a penitential type of driving rain, but our perseverance was rewarded when a pair of Buzzard floated overhead, followed a short time later by a Peregrine Falcon, that had a very large flock of Pigeon in a state of panic. When we arrived at the road near Bogay House we set off for a short walk, here the pleasure was palpable, with a warming sun and complete calmness. The expression " When Winter comes can Spring be far behind " was exemplified by the exhilarating presence of Buttercups, their gleaming pale lemon faces peeping from the shelter of some ditches. Not to be outdone a lone Salmon-berry bush flaunted a few Cerise blossoms to brighten our day. A little later while having our cup of tea here, a Sparrowhawk nonchalantly circled a nearby field in search of it's midday snack. Further along the road a number of the very colourful Jays were recorded, some perched on fence posts, while a Tree creeper was watched adoringly as it climbed a rather tall tree only to fly to the bottom and commence the assault again. Next we set off for Manorcunningham, where between some heavy showers an incredible number of birds were recorded in the fields, and on the shoreline of the Big Isle, that included hundreds of White-fronted and Greylag Geese, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Mallard and Shelduck, and considerable numbers of Redshank. A quick stop when homeward bound at the viewing platform, and lower hide at Inch Lake revealed a very high concentration of bird life, and exceptionally high water. The count of Raptors today was six Buzzards, two Peregrine Falcons, and two Sparrowhawks.
     
    Little Egrets At Malin Town last Sunday the 4th Dec. by Liam Mc Laughlin with his caption "Not Talkinging to You"  
     

    Sat. 10th. Dec. 2011. After the gales of the past week, this morning promised better things, with it's dry, bright, calm conditions, that had our outing rushing with great anticipation to Glasha, on the southern shore of Trawbreaga Bay, only to find that someone must have removed the stopper from the plug hole and let nearly all the water out of the Bay, to reveal a landscape of dark sand and weed bedecked rocks and stones, with the bird life out of range of our powerful scopes. Added to our disappointment a rather cold breeze started to blow from a south easterly direction. A move to the Malin Town area proved more promising when a pair of Whooper Swans and one of our old reliable Little Egrets were observed feeding and preening on a grassy bank at the mouth of the Glennagannon River. A short time later a large flock of Brent Geese were recorded as they grazed contently in the front field at Connolly's farm on the Lagg Road, while overhead a party of Barnacle noisily made their way to a destination on the Ballyliffin side of the Bay. Further on towards the Presbyterian Church, an Otter was watched as it busied itself in search of some tasty tit bits, a large number of Red-breasted Mergansers, shags, and a Great Northern Diver, followed it's example by diving for their sustenance. Further out on a sandbank in the middle of the Bay a further flock of Brent Geese brought our total for this area to over Two hundred and fifty. At the Lagg Catholic Church a number of Chough were observed sitting on the Graveyard wall, while we were enjoying our welcomed cup of tea. On the way to Malin Head over the stunningly beautiful Knockamany Bens a Buzzard and a kestrel were added to our growing list, and at Ballyhillin, Irelands most northerly point, a skein of Barnacle flew low, in from over the Ocean. In the surrounding fields many Curlew and Oystercatcher were resting up after their arrival from colder regions to spend the Winter here. At the pier many rafts of Eider Duck kept appearing and disappearing in the heaving grey Atlantic swell Then a short time after, our outing concluded with the recording of a Peregrine Falcon as it flew towards Bulbinbeg in the fading crepuscular light.

     

    Sat.17th. Dec. 2011. The Winter monthly count of our section of Lough Swilly was completed to a satisfactory level today, thanks to the contributions of a reliable number of club members, undertaken in very trying weather conditions, generated by a strong Arctic wind with associated showers, and with the added hindrance of a high tide that had a lot of birds sheltering in the pastures adjacent to the shore line. In the afternoon things improved with large areas of mudflat's being exposed by the retreating tide to facilitate feeding for the by now hungry waders. With our task completed and the daylight on the wane, the idea of a warm snug abode was just too hard to resist.

    There will be no club outing next Saturday the 24th. due to the proximity of Christmas Day, but our Annual Christmas Outing will be held on Tuesday 27th. at 10.30 am. assembly on the Inch Causeway Road. Everyone welcome. Finally a very Happy Christmas, and New Year, to all our members and friends, and those people from other clubs that we have had the pleasure of meeting, or corresponding with over the past twelve months.

     

    Tuesday 27th. Dec. 2011. It was very pleasurable to report this morning, on the occasion of our Annual Christmas Outing, that the good turnout of members and friends that assembled on the Inch Causeway Road, had survived the excesses of the festive season and were now eager to seek the avian treasures that awaited discovery on the Lake and adjoining field, after which, with the light improving and the complete absence of rain, we paid a visit to the Farland Bank, where our species count continued. Then after our much longed for lunch break, we set off at a leisurely pace to Blanket Nook. While on the way the highlight of the day was the sighting and recording of a number of that rare little species namely the Yellow Hammer. At the Nook, as at the lake, many Greylag and Canada Geese, very large numbers of Mallard, Wigeon, Teal, tufted, and a small number of Golden eye Duck, also Red-breasted Merganser, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, flocks of Lapwing in the air and on the ground, Grey Heron, Mute and Whooper Swans, and as expected the two Black Swans, Buzzard, and Sparrowhawk. All the little birds too many to mention here, completed a very satisfactory species count and a very enjoyable day.

     
    Sat. 31st. Dec. 2011. A morning wrapped in a cloak of grey mist left the prospect of a good days birding somewhat on the bleak side. But on arrival at the Isle of Doagh Road, the point of assembly for the outing, a metaphorical shaft of light of biblical proportions shone on the disciples gathered there, when from the direction of the Ballyliffin Golf Club in a great cacophony of honking, a large host of Barnacle Geese estimated at over one thousand flew over the heads of the assembled group in an easterly direction. What a start to the day!! On the way to Malin the same flock was encountered at Glasha with other smaller flocks recorded in fields between there and the Isle Road. A cup of the old beverage (tea), and a few slices of manna was consumed in the comfort of the Bird Hide at Malin Town Bridge, before checking on the Little Egrets that were conviently sited, to be watched, and photographed at close rang near the Parochial Hall. In the same vicinity large numbers of duck, mostly Mallard, Wigeon, and Teal, as were Curlew, Lapwing, and Oystercatcher were noted. On our way out the Lagg road a large flock of Brent Geese were seen flying along the edge of the Bay before settling on the shore line, their numbers brought our total of Brent for the day to over two hundred. A short time later a Kestrel flew low over our cars, and further on towards Lagg corner a Buzzard did a fly past. At this stage a weak sun shone through a pale translucent cloud cover, that further enhanced the euphoria engendered by the great show of birds noted since the morning. To finish the outing we set off for Malin Head and at Ballyhillin more Barnacle Geese were added to our list to give a total well in excess of fifteen hundred. At the Esky Bay lay-by, many rafts of Eider Duck rose and fell to the rhythm of the Atlantic swell, while nearer the shore Redshank and Turnstone scurried between the rocks and sea weed. So, at this point the curtain came down on the last days birding for the year 2011.