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

Loughs and Woods and lazy days

I took a lazy trip up through the Loughs and woods that cover an area between Corofin and Ennis north. I do this sort of drive regularly at this time of year but always take a new set of backroads and a different route.
I always start at Lough Atedaun though, probably becuase its your best bet on a rare bird. Next along the Lough line was a quick stop at Lough Cullen, always a peaceful lough with under rated views.

Lough Atedaun

Lough Cullen

Lough Cullen - views toward the Burren

A good count of 180 Whooper Swan were gracing the Turlough near Lough Cullen ,calling and being busy

I headed off from there and into the woods of Dromore to do a few woodland walks that I havent done and to check the lakes for ducks.
The wood was quiet, feeding on berries were Redwing and  Blackbirds and Robins being the most seen.
The joy of the wood though was my first sighting here in this wood of a Red squirrel and a large but small Beetle was found along the road