The Black throated Divers of North Clare

There were days not long ago where you could see rafts of Black throated Divers along the North Clare coast between Black Head , Coolsiva, the Rhine of Ballyvaughn round to Finvarra. 

. I have to say spring is a better time to see these birds in numbers before they go north to breed and you could have often seen 60-100 birds offshore on a mild glassy day.

Stories from the older lads Id say had even larger numbers, but sadly those days are gone.

Yesterday I found  two BTD a long way out of Coolsiva harbour , same with one way out from Carnsafin.

I had come down to the rocks shelf at Black head to photo some Razorbills when all of a sudden 200 metres out five BTD were passing me heading into Galway bay quite quickly. To distant to photo I fought to get some precious video from the Phonescope.

Question is -  Are there anymore? and what year will produce a zero count.

 

Pacific Diver at Black Head

 No wind  but Very misty and due to lift was the weather prediction.

Early morning along Black Head before the coast road traffic and before the sun comes out would be my best opportunity to get decent views of the Pacific Diver, 

Feeding Common Dolhins and Porpoise drew my attention as I rounded Black Head, The Black Guillemots were spooked by the frenzy

I carried on along the coast road checking the Great northen Divers till one caught my eye close enough in at Carnsafin.

I need not go any further.

The Merlin at Black Head

 I was walking along coast of Black Head watching the sea for Divers, Black Guillemots etc , when this Falcon chasing Pipits started putting on a super fast aerial display close to shore
The Merlin came down on a rock above me for a short time before heading back into battle further along close to shore, a perfect hunting ground with tired small birds making their way to the headland off the open sea.

Always remember the dangers while birdwatching in and around Black Head.

• Dont fall into the sea while watching Seabirds
• Park carefully
• look out for falling rocks
• Never come here in the rain
• Watch out for traffic while viewing the sea
• Buses

Gleninagh Castle

A very scenic place to go Birdwatching , Gleninagh castle ,Blackhead.
All the birds you see here are offshore, on this day i found the Surf Scoter i was after among a small flock of Common Scoter.
This may also be the best place in Ireland to see Black throated Divers