Avocet

The symbol of RSPB 

Looking at the pictures in an Observer's book of birds in the 70`s, I  grew up drawing the black & white bird, watching them on Springwatch etc and for years my father and I have always talked about going to see the Avocets one day. 

Today I took an opportunity and went to Tacumshin in Wexford to catch up with 5 Avocets that had been around the lake over the Easter period. 

The birds kept moving around the lake most of the day, during the afternoon I got good views at Forgotten Corner

Lahinch beach - Storm Defence

After `The Storms` back in January 2014 which destroyed parts of Lahinch ....

The 2017 Lahinch storm defence is near complete

http://www.alifeattheshoreline.com/2014/01/lahinch-bay-destruction.html

 http://www.alifeattheshoreline.com/2014/01/lahinch-high-tide-storm-surge.html

Mistle Thrushes .

 Shes only the 1 chick left , the Magpies give her a torrid time in the woodland below my home, but every year they seem to have some success, this recent fledgling was quiet still and camouflaged till food arrived .

Grasshopper warbler over Lickeen

Its become an annual thing to head over the hill in April to Lickeen Lake to search for Grasshopper Warblers, I visit the area along the Ballymacken river, its rich in a variety of birdlife.

Willow Warblers, Groppers , Sedgys, Grey Wagtails, Reed Buntings, Skylarks and Mipits.

(no Cuckoo yet).

Its taken many years to be able to get consistant photos of Grasshopper Warblers, you really only get a week or two before they go quiet and into the Tussock Grass. I may get a chance later this week or toward July as some Males may sing again.