More Lapland Buntings at Loop

I was back at Loop Head again today and there was still a flock of 17 Lapland Buntings feeding around the grounds of Loop Head Lighthouse. 2011 was the last time such good numbers were recorded in the country and at Loop. The southerly winds are probably holding these birds back from migrating south, but as soon as they shift direction, I'm sure these birds will be on the wing. Also no Merlin's have arrived yet on the headland and they usually scatter birds once they come down from Iceland.

 

 Lapland Buntings at Loop Head Lighthouse John N Murphy

Lapland Buntings at Loop

I got back for a run around the Loop Head peninsula this afternoon.  I walked much of the head and found at least 27 Lapland Buntings all throughout the headland. There were 10 in front of the lighthouse with a flock of 13 at the Fodry Hill and another four at least on lower edges of the cliffs at the Fodry.  This coincides with a large arrival further north where 84 were recorded earlier today on Tory Island in Donegal. There were also two Snow Buntings. 

 

Lapland Buntings at Loop Head John N Murphy

 Wheatear at Loop Head John N Murphy

 Chough at the Fodry,Loop Head John N Murphy