Siberian Chiffchaff, near Bolus Head, 12th October 2014 (M.O'Clery).
Persistent calling (a slightly down-turned double note) allowed for a relatively easy identification of this individual. The lack of yellow tones to the head, mantle and breast, and bright green edges to the flight feathers were readily apparent, as was a faint pale wingbar. The sixth 'tristris' type Chiffchaff for Kerry.
Garden Warbler, near Bolus Head, 11th October 2014 (M.O'Clery).
One of the more unexpected migrants seen in the area this weekend was this Jay (below) which appeared near the tip of Bolus Head, and departed shortly after, heading south west. There was another seen about 5km to the north, flying over open moorland by the coast. Jays don't migrate as such, and there are no records of Irish Jays being recorded in Britain or elsewhere (or vice versa) so these are most likely young Irish birds dispersing. Whether they continued on out to sea is unknown but their generally weak flight wouldn't inspire confidence in a successful flight to Britain or France from Kerry.
Jay, Bolus Head, 12th October 2014 (M.O'Clery).
Jay, Bolus Head, 12th October 2014 (M.O'Clery).
Redpoll, near Finian's Bay, 12th October 2014 (M.O'Clery).
Plenty of finches have been on the move in the past few days, with small flocks of Redpolls, Chaffinches and Siskin appearing on headlands.
