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Tuesday 29 December 2015

American Wigeon and Black-necked Grebe

Male American Wigeon, Inny Estuary 16th December 2015 (Chris Nelms, via Pat McDaid).

This bird was seen briefly at the Inny Estuary on 13th December last, but unfortunately the observer, Pat McDaid, had no camera to hand and was unable to return in subsequent days. Fortunately Pat had tipped off Chris Nelms, who managed photos of the Wigeon flock on 16th December, and the results showed this fine male American Wigeon.

American Wigeon occurrences have declined in Ireland over the past decade, and this is the first in Kerry since an adult male was seen with the large Wigeon flock at Inch, on 15th October 2009.

Black-necked Grebe, Reen Pier, Ballinskelligs Bay, 28th December 2015 (Pat McDaid).

There's every chance this is a returning bird, as one frequented this very spot for several months last winter - see e.g., this post HERE