Quick birdwatch around Lahinch Bay

 A glassy sea within Lahinch bay gave an opportunity to see what was out there.

Viewing from the top car park an Eider Duck was alone , 5 Red throated Divers were also around the area with a few more out in deeper water with a juvenile Dolphin.

Across the bay the Common Scotor flock were back in their wintering area with a count of 40, small numbers of Razorbill were also scattered around the bay.

Later on in the day a Hen Harrier past by sandfield

Hen Harrier and Chiffchaffs at Loop

 Its October and every keen birder wants to find a rarity. News of rare birds from headlands and islands makes me get up early and head for Loop Head.

There wasnt much in the way of rare birds or birds for that matter anywhere between the lighthouse and Kilbaha gardens, Ill settle on female Hen Harrier which I found perched on a clump of mud at the west bank, but as soon as the camera was lifted the bird was on the wing and gliding past me.

The weather showed up for an hour and 2 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap were in Senis Garden with some Blue Tits, Great Tits and Goldfinches

Hen Harrier cruising Lickeen

I was making my way toward a local Hen Harrier roost for the evening with time to spare and being a little early I was cruising slowly upto the top of the (dodgy Kestrel) hill not far from home south of Lickeen lake when this Adult male Hen Harrier cruised across the bog road. I stopped the car got out and managed some good views.

An hour later at an undisclosed location  15 minutes north I had another 4 sightings of 2 more Males , one being a possible 3cy bird..

5 sightings 3 birds in 2 hours from home. plus a few Woodcock 

Hen Harrier at Clahane

It was the prelude of storm Lorenzo , I headed to the coast to see what was happening.

While watching the Gulls and Pipits at Clahane , they suddenly all went up...

I looked around and Hen Harrier came low over the seaweed was quickly picked up by the Rooks and bullied out , it suddenly came around the houses and across the flooded field where it went down into the Tussock.

I hung out , after 10 mins she re-appeared , I followed her along the coastline as she stayed ahead hunting the road and shoreline then the Rooks came again.

Hen Harrier - The food pass

 Hen Harrier The food pass.

At an undisclosed site at the required viewing distance and designated area

 The male carrying prey came calling to the female as he approached. The female flew up to meet the male and somersaulted upside down, and the food was passed from him her in mid-air .It all takes place in a blink, but a dream sight 

Moyasta creek - Hen Harrier

I was looking over Poulnasherry bay from Moyasta creek , not much wildfowl about, 2 Pintail were among a handful of Wigeon and Teal, 6 Little Egret were bunched up on the bank.

One Greenshank was on the mudbanks.

As I looked back to talk to my Dad a speedy Male Hen Harrier came over the bridge round the gardens over the creek and out west -- Gone!

Crappy records shots but Hey Nice bird.

A Bird around the Corofin Loughs

I was on childminding duty, a morning with the sun out seemed like a good time for a round up of birds around the loughs of Corofin, so two small children accompanied me for the drive.

The Loughs were low in wildfowl, with small groups of Wigeon and Teal in corners of Lough Atedaun. 

Tufted Ducks, Little Grebes and 4 Gadwall were up the top of Lough Inchiquin

Lough Cullen only had a Great crested Grebe on it ,the Whoopers were in the usual field up the road.

A Hen Harrier was approaching Toulles Lough but was strictly seen off by Crows'

A lone Drake Goldeneye was the only bird on Lough Bunny.

32 Greenland white fronted Geese were in there winter field near Tubber

Female Hen Harrier to roost

 A cold peaceful hour before dark high up on a Clare bog .

Not a typical light or interest for photos, just watch and listen to your surroundings waiting (hoping) for Hen Harriers to come to roost 

16:15 a Female type Hen Harrier lifted into view as a silhouette from the East, Long wings gliding across the open bog at the "southern gap" rising into the forestry tops and back again ,low and tight to the open bushes and out of sight to the North end.

Hen Harrier -East End

I was in Wexford for monday and as always I visit Tacumshin lake.

After a long walk around the lake and the heat upto 24` (we dont get that in Clare) I arrived back at the car park for a rest ,sandwich and drink.

It was in my mind that a Harrier could pass through, and sure enough this bird came gliding over the swamp and reed beds of the East end pond.

Hen Harrier - Moyasta

It was an afternoon with poor light , I was leaning on an old train looking through my scope when I picked her up a long way out over reeds making her way along the northside of Poulnasherry bay, she dropped out of sight.

A few Teal went up and a Hooded Crow gave the signal and she was making her way to the creek at Moyasta, as she lifted over the bridge Teal and Redshank went to the air as she cut back flying direct at me ..seeing me she banked and headed along the wetlands of Poulnasherry