Inishowen Wildlife Club

Inishowen Wildlife Club

Views and News

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Sat. 7th. Jan. 2012. The first outing of 2012 started in mainly rain free, but rather grey and cool conditions but the joy of the great outdoors more than compensate for these little setbacks. As the day progressed the light improved, and with our first stop at the Cloney Road on the Culmore side of the border a very large flock of Bar-tailed Godwit were observed as it landed on the, by now tide free beach behind the Kilderry Estate at Muff. The number of birds in this area today was not as high as usual, but good numbers of Duck, mostly Mallard, and Wigeon, and in the sky small flocks of Lapwing fluttered with gay abandon. A flock of Ringed Plover and Dunlin made a quick fly past before disappearing around the headland to the east of our position. An incursion onto the lough shore was made at several points as we made our way North, and at one of these points a Little Egret was recorded, as were more flocks of Duck floating leisurely on the Lough's serene, silvery surface, while many Oystercatcher, Curlew, Greenshank, Lapwing, Gull and again Godwit, availed of the retreating tide to forage between the rocks and weed. At Drung a few Eider Duck, Greenshank and Oystercatcher were observed. Finally at Moville's Upper Pier, our second Flock of Brent Geese was recorded

Sat. 14th. Jan. 2012. The pleasure of Bird Watching was greatly enhanced when this morning in the calm of a glorious sunny day, we embarked on the task of performing our monthly winter count of the birds on Lough Swilly. Commencing at Buncrana Pier where a very high tide had driven most of the birds from the sandy beach on to the protective bastion of stonework at the rear of the pier, and the adjacent rocks where very large numbers of waders were recorded. Across at Lisfannon, the complete absence of birdlife was contributed to by the high tide and the large number of people walking on the beach with even greater numbers of dogs, all no doubt were enjoying the Spring like conditions denied to us since before Christmas, when heavy rain and hurricane force winds were the norm. Next it was on to the Marina at Fahan, where a better response was obtained. Then with a short stop at an elevated position overlooking the Lough from near the Causay Road to Inch Island, where the tide again was not favourable for birds. Across on the Island, a trip was made to the sheltered little bay on the northern side of the land that projects into the Lough at Moress. Here the now fast ebbing tide was offering feeding opportunities to very many species and numbers of birds that included Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, and Shelduck. Duly fortified by our tea break we concluded our task with diligence to a satisfactory level with a check of the northern shore line of the Island. Thanks to all the members who contributed to an enjoyable outing.

Sat. 21st. Jan. 2012. The long cold gnarled hands of winter had today's outing securely grasped in it's death like grip, with the very low temperature, assisted by the biting gale force wind that was laced with frequently occurring showers of rain and hail. On the odd occasion that a shaft of sunlight managed to breach the scurrying cloud cover, it would have a flurry of small birds in their hundreds descend from all directions like petals from a cherry blossom tree in late spring, to the Feeding station at the wonderland of Lisnagrath Wood. These in turn were joined by the many Red Squirrels that were enjoying this cornucopia of palatable delights. Quite some time was spent in this area with leisurely walks along the road, while others wandered through the wood. The next stop was in the Gortcormigan district where in one of the many little lakes large numbers of Duck mostly Mallard and Teal, were recorded with the addition of Moorehen, Little Grebe, and a Cormorant. At this stage a change of direction was decided on, so off we went to that other haven of beauty and tranquility that is Bogay, where a couple of Buzzards were added to the pair recorded earlier in the day. Here the slow emergence of Spring was manifest by the show of the fresh foliage that will soon produce the colourful Celandine flower, also emerging was the Wood Sorrel, and the Wood Anemone. In mid afternoon, with the wind and cold intensifying we set off for home over Grianan Hill, from where we were treated to the breath taking panorama of Inch Island and the great expanse of Lough Swilly, with the Fanad Peninsula now fading to infinity in the far distance. What an end to our day?

Sat. 28th. Jan. 2012. A leaden Sky was the harbinger of the damp conditions that the persistent light rain inflicted on us as we were about to start our intended activities in the Urris area. After assembly at the Square in Clonmany it was decided that due to the weather that did continue wet all day, the Carndonagh and Malin areas might be a better option. When on our way to the first stop at Glasha, a large flock of five hundred plus Barnacle Geese were recorded at Belloor on the Isle of Doagh, as seen from Strath on the Carndonagh Road. On arrival at Glasha, the smooth silken surfaced water of Trawbreaga was silently easing it's way from the shore, to reveal the gastronomic treats eagerly awaited by large numbers of Brent Geese, Mallard and Wigeon Duck placed randomly on the calm grey surface. A short time later a brief stop at Malin Town Bridge was had before a hasty drive out the Lagg Road, to check on the Barnacle reported in this area by a club member, but as we approached the site, a photographer stood on top of the ditch, that had the expected consequence of the Geese taking to the wing. Perhaps the small party of Pink-footed Geese recorded here on the day before yesterday had joined the mass exodus. Further on towards Lagg, Red-breasted Merganser were very active in the fast flowing current, while over on the Doaghmore Point a large flock of Shag were resting up awaiting developments. North of our position Mallard, Wigeon, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-back, Herring, and Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Curlew, and a few Redshank, could wait no longer and had started their repast. This action by the birds seamed to have an influence on our members who then had to have the tea-break. After this most important and civilised ritual, some members left to attend another function elsewhere. The remainder continued on to Malin Head with the sole intention of recording any Barnacle that might be there, unfortunately none were to be seen. On the return journey it was nice to report the presence of the Little Egrets at Malin Town. After their long period of residence here they may have by now acquired their Irish citizenship.

Sat. 4th. Feb. 2012. A day of contrasts was our lot for the outing to the Inch Lake area. On our way there a foreboding gloom hung over the countryside that was added to, by a light rainfall secreted from the ominous dark grey cloud formations that were emerging from the murkiness of the morning in our direction, and that were soon to deposit their super saturated contents of torrential rainfall on the outing. Another effect of this was the very poor visibility that reduced bird watching to a minimum. But we were not to be denied, as a small number of those rather rare visitors namely Bean Geese together with one Pink-footed, were recorded in a field in the vicinity of the Lake, also here were twelve Mute Swans and approximately twenty five Curlew. A few fields further on a very bedraggled Buzzard showing a look of disgust, was perched on a stunted tree near the road. Earlier in the morning before the arrival of this monsoon type of weather, a large flock of fifty plus Linnets were recorded near Buncrana. After our tea and sandwiches were consumed in the warmth and shelter of our cars, it was decided to call a halt to the proceedings and head for home. As is often the case, late afternoon saw a complete transformation with the rain stopping, and the Sun appearing, to further enhance the beauty of our Inishowen Peninsula.

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Home Sea Coast Raptors Inch Lake Wildlife Habitat Views & News Contact Us

Sat. 7th. Jan. 2012. The first outing of 2012 started in mainly rain free, but rather grey and cool conditions but the joy of the great outdoors more than compensate for these little setbacks. As the day progressed the light improved, and with our first stop at the Cloney Road on the Culmore side of the border a very large flock of Bar-tailed Godwit were observed as it landed on the, by now tide free beach behind the Kilderry Estate at Muff. The number of birds in this area today was not as high as usual, but good numbers of Duck, mostly Mallard, and Wigeon, and in the sky small flocks of Lapwing fluttered with gay abandon. A flock of Ringed Plover and Dunlin made a quick fly past before disappearing around the headland to the east of our position. An incursion onto the lough shore was made at several points as we made our way North, and at one of these points a Little Egret was recorded, as were more flocks of Duck floating leisurely on the Lough's serene, silvery surface, while many Oystercatcher, Curlew, Greenshank, Lapwing, Gull and again Godwit, availed of the retreating tide to forage between the rocks and weed. At Drung a few Eider Duck, Greenshank and Oystercatcher were observed. Finally at Moville's Upper Pier, our second Flock of Brent Geese was recorded

Sat. 14th. Jan. 2012. The pleasure of Bird Watching was greatly enhanced when this morning in the calm of a glorious sunny day, we embarked on the task of performing our monthly winter count of the birds on Lough Swilly. Commencing at Buncrana Pier where a very high tide had driven most of the birds from the sandy beach on to the protective bastion of stonework at the rear of the pier, and the adjacent rocks where very large numbers of waders were recorded. Across at Lisfannon, the complete absence of birdlife was contributed to by the high tide and the large number of people walking on the beach with even greater numbers of dogs, all no doubt were enjoying the Spring like conditions denied to us since before Christmas, when heavy rain and hurricane force winds were the norm. Next it was on to the Marina at Fahan, where a better response was obtained. Then with a short stop at an elevated position overlooking the Lough from near the Causay Road to Inch Island, where the tide again was not favourable for birds. Across on the Island, a trip was made to the sheltered little bay on the northern side of the land that projects into the Lough at Moress. Here the now fast ebbing tide was offering feeding opportunities to very many species and numbers of birds that included Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, and Shelduck. Duly fortified by our tea break we concluded our task with diligence to a satisfactory level with a check of the northern shore line of the Island. Thanks to all the members who contributed to an enjoyable outing.

Sat. 21st. Jan. 2012. The long cold gnarled hands of winter had today's outing securely grasped in it's death like grip, with the very low temperature, assisted by the biting gale force wind that was laced with frequently occurring showers of rain and hail. On the odd occasion that a shaft of sunlight managed to breach the scurrying cloud cover, it would have a flurry of small birds in their hundreds descend from all directions like petals from a cherry blossom tree in late spring, to the Feeding station at the wonderland of Lisnagrath Wood. These in turn were joined by the many Red Squirrels that were enjoying this cornucopia of palatable delights. Quite some time was spent in this area with leisurely walks along the road, while others wandered through the wood. The next stop was in the Gortcormigan district where in one of the many little lakes large numbers of Duck mostly Mallard and Teal, were recorded with the addition of Moorehen, Little Grebe, and a Cormorant. At this stage a change of direction was decided on, so off we went to that other haven of beauty and tranquility that is Bogay, where a couple of Buzzards were added to the pair recorded earlier in the day. Here the slow emergence of Spring was manifest by the show of the fresh foliage that will soon produce the colourful Celandine flower, also emerging was the Wood Sorrel, and the Wood Anemone. In mid afternoon, with the wind and cold intensifying we set off for home over Grianan Hill, from where we were treated to the breath taking panorama of Inch Island and the great expanse of Lough Swilly, with the Fanad Peninsula now fading to infinity in the far distance. What an end to our day?

Sat. 28th. Jan. 2012. A leaden Sky was the harbinger of the damp conditions that the persistent light rain inflicted on us as we were about to start our intended activities in the Urris area. After assembly at the Square in Clonmany it was decided that due to the weather that did continue wet all day, the Carndonagh and Malin areas might be a better option. When on our way to the first stop at Glasha, a large flock of five hundred plus Barnacle Geese were recorded at Belloor on the Isle of Doagh, as seen from Strath on the Carndonagh Road. On arrival at Glasha, the smooth silken surfaced water of Trawbreaga was silently easing it's way from the shore, to reveal the gastronomic treats eagerly awaited by large numbers of Brent Geese, Mallard and Wigeon Duck placed randomly on the calm grey surface. A short time later a brief stop at Malin Town Bridge was had before a hasty drive out the Lagg Road, to check on the Barnacle reported in this area by a club member, but as we approached the site, a photographer stood on top of the ditch, that had the expected consequence of the Geese taking to the wing. Perhaps the small party of Pink-footed Geese recorded here on the day before yesterday had joined the mass exodus. Further on towards Lagg, Red-breasted Merganser were very active in the fast flowing current, while over on the Doaghmore Point a large flock of Shag were resting up awaiting developments. North of our position Mallard, Wigeon, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-back, Herring, and Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, Curlew, and a few Redshank, could wait no longer and had started their repast. This action by the birds seamed to have an influence on our members who then had to have the tea-break. After this most important and civilised ritual, some members left to attend another function elsewhere. The remainder continued on to Malin Head with the sole intention of recording any Barnacle that might be there, unfortunately none were to be seen. On the return journey it was nice to report the presence of the Little Egrets at Malin Town. After their long period of residence here they may have by now acquired their Irish citizenship.

Sat. 4th. Feb. 2012. A day of contrasts was our lot for the outing to the Inch Lake area. On our way there a foreboding gloom hung over the countryside that was added to, by a light rainfall secreted from the ominous dark grey cloud formations that were emerging from the murkiness of the morning in our direction, and that were soon to deposit their super saturated contents of torrential rainfall on the outing. Another effect of this was the very poor visibility that reduced bird watching to a minimum. But we were not to be denied, as a small number of those rather rare visitors namely Bean Geese together with one Pink-footed, were recorded in a field in the vicinity of the Lake, also here were twelve Mute Swans and approximately twenty five Curlew. A few fields further on a very bedraggled Buzzard showing a look of disgust, was perched on a stunted tree near the road. Earlier in the morning before the arrival of this monsoon type of weather, a large flock of fifty plus Linnets were recorded near Buncrana. After our tea and sandwiches were consumed in the warmth and shelter of our cars, it was decided to call a halt to the proceedings and head for home. As is often the case, late afternoon saw a complete transformation with the rain stopping, and the Sun appearing, to further enhance the beauty of our Inishowen Peninsula.

To Top

Home Sea Coast Raptors Inch Lake Wildlife Habitat Views & News Contact Us