Views from a Burren Peak

  Stunning views from Cappnawalla overlooking Ballyvaughan bay, a Quiet high up area of  Burren North Clare .

Snowy Owl - Burren ,County Clare

Snowy Owl

 There had been occasional sightings and reports of a Snowy Owl by Burren walkers over the past year. Saturday there was a sighting again

I couldnt let it lie. So I geared up and set out in search of the needle in the haystack.

I got to  the peak of Cappnawalla mountain overlooking Ballyvaughan

Through my binoculars a white shape moved from behind a slate , my heart pumped. I grounded myself behind a wall , what to do?

I came round a small ridge to get a bit closer and so the light was behind me."The bird was watching me".

The Snowy Owl was taking shade behind the slate from the hot day

The climb ,the exploration, the environment I was in , the reason I was here ,a life time dream was taking place.

my 1st sighting

Burren Wildlife on the way to Cappnawalla

On my way to the hill tops I came across much wildlife.

Animals such as Irish Hare and  Viviparous lizard.

  Butterflies such as Peacock and Orange tip  , Emperor Moth ,a Leech in a stream.

Birds included Ravens,Skylarks and Wheatear.

 Early wildflowers like  Dog Violets and the Burren special Spring Gentian made up the best of it.

But the best was yet to come!

Emperor Moth

Leech

Spring Gentian

Wheatear

Peacock

The views from Cappnawalla -The Burren

I headed off on a walk from the Caher valley over and through Gleninagh south to the peak of Cappnawalla .

The weather was amazing ...but could I find what widlife I was looking for ?

The track through Gleninagh south

Looking back to Caher valley and Slieve Elva beyond

Ballyvaughan bay and Bishops quarter beach

Ballyvaughan Bay

Martello Tower -Finvarra