Yellow-browed Warbler

I was in Dungarvan early this morning with my colleague Shane Cully. We managed to get into Springfield before too many walkers got out with their dogs. We caught up with the Yellow-browed Warbler that was found here a few weeks back by local birder Fran O'Connell.  The bird was hanging out with a Common Chiffchaff and a Goldcrest and spent much of his time singing and moving actively along a small stream.

Male Yellow-browed Warbler at Dungarvan John N Murphy

Black-necked Grebes

I was back in Dungarvan yesterday on a wet wand windy day. Once my work was completed, I travelled across the bay to the Gold Coast, and on to Ballynacourty Pier in search of Slavonian Grebe for my year list.  The Slav did not appear, but the two Black-necked Grebes that I saw a week ago, were still present, and came in close to the shore to take shelter from the strong south easterlies.

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Black-necked Grebes at Ballynacourty Pier John N Murphy

Spotted Sandpiper

I was in Dungarvan County Waterford today and before I left to come home to Clare, I stopped off at the Brickey River, on the main road from Dungarvan to Cork, As I pulled the car up close to the small wetland off the main road I observed this Spotted Sandpiper washing in a small creek. The bird vanished for a short while before returning to the creek and began feeding out in the open mud flats.  I believe this is the fourth county record for Waterford of this rare North American wader.

 

 

 

 Spotted Sandpiper 2CY at Dungarvan John N Murphy

Kittiwake

I was at Creadan Point in Waterford this morning at 7.00am to see the Hoopoe that has been there for the last week or so.  As soon as I arrived I found the bird in the exact spot in a little garden where it has been regularly turning up.  Afterwards I headed to Brownstown Head where there was a female Blackcap three Chiffchaffs and four Willow Warblers.  On my way through Dunmore East I got a few snaps of the Kittiwakes in the harbour before heading home for work.

Kittiwakes feeding in the surf © John N Murphy

Gulls galore

There were thousands of Gulls in Waterford and Wexford over the weekend.  Sprat are still running off Hook Head and are attracting Fin Whales, hundreds of Bottle-nosed Dolphins and a large mix of gulls. the shots below were taken in Duncannon Harbour.  The photos of Iceland and Little Gulls were taken in Dunmore East harbour along with the view of Hook Head.

 Adult Mediterranean Gulls at Duncannon, Wexford © John N Murphy

 Adult Kittiwake at Duncannon, Wexford © John N Murphy

  First-winter Great Black-backed Gull at Duncannon Harbour wearing a blue ring © John N Murphy

  Little Gull first-winter bird at Dunmore East © John N Murphy

 Third-winter Iceland Gull at Dunmore East © John N Murphy

 A view of Hook Head in Wexford from Dunmore East, Waterford, see dolphins in foreground © John N Murphy

Waders

While in Dungarvan in mid September I came across many godwits, including some colour ringed birds in the middle of the town.

 Bar-tailed Godwit, Dungarvan © John N Murphy

Colour ringed Black-tailed Godwits, Dungarvan © John N Murphy

White Wagtail

These White Wagtails were also photographed at Clonea Strand, Waterford.

White Wagtails at Clonea Strand, Waterford © John N Murphy

Red Knot

Just a few shots of a Red Knot in winter plumage from Clonea Strand, Waterford a few weeks ago.

Red Knot, Clonea Strand © John N Murphy

Bluethroat

Had a great days birding in Waterford yesterday 17th December 2011. Got the Bluethroat again as you can see from the attached photos. Also managed to clock up for the day; Buff-bellied Pipit, 5 Black Redstarts, two Velvets Scoters, a Spoonbill, the Black Brant Goose, one Black-necked Grebe, a Slavonian Grebe, Hen Harrier and two Short-eared Owls. Excellent day, excellent birds and a beautiful part of Ireland for a days bird watching.