November 28, 2022

Grey Phalarope up close

 As I was on the reef at Clahane I could see a Phal that was possibly photographable. As I approached and  observed up close it seemed unusually sluggish and slow and  I could have picked it up but ive stopped doing that since Bird Flu, now it may have been tired and justly so but it showed symptoms that Ive seen in many birds this year that maybe bird flu. Eventually the bird slowly walked off and sat in a puddle









Puddles of Phalarope

 As I came into Clahane I could see there were several Grey Phalarope feeding among the Black headed Gulls down in the puddles on a dropping tide , as I got there the council had turned up to clear the road of seaweed all with noisy Tractors with flashing lights and reverse warning noise. but after a few flighty moments I thought Id loose them to the ocean but they came together in and around the puddles for a count of 12.

 




November 6, 2022

Marsh Harrier - O`tooles lough

 I was cruising back toward Corofin , I hung out around O`tooles lough watching the the Fieldfares and Wigeon flocks around the Marsh . I walked further along the road chasing a Redpoll to a gate and caught sight of a male Marsh Harrier  but it was always downlight moving low beneath the tree line as it moved way at any height and it was mobbed by Crows.

 Through the binoculars it seemed to have a pale head and silvery parts through the upperwing and tail  as shown in photo 2 , but overall a dark bird. 






Fieldfares and Redwings in the Burren lowlands

 

I was around the lowland Burren areas from Corofin to Tubber and the shrubbery was packed in an explosion's of Fieldfares and Redwings that were feeding on the Berries of Mountain Ash , Yew Trees and every visible berry tree available, there certainly seems to be a good harvest out there and the winter thrushes are taken advantage.

The weather was generally warm, and Dragonflies were seen at lough Muchanagh,

 Yes winter thrush and draonflys did seem a bit off











November 4, 2022

Double Snow Bunting

If there is ever a bird that is always a delight to see it the Snow Bunting. 
These two where along the cliff road at Clahane busy foraging for any seeds between the cliffs and roadside.