Some good birds were around today, with perfect blue skies, sunshine and calm conditions allowing a good sweep of the county for some Year List goodies.
Adult male Black Scoter, Rossbeigh, 3rd January 2017 (D.Farrar).
Although not seen for some weeks, it might be more a case that people aren't looking for this, still the only record for the species in Ireland.
Long-tailed Ducks, Scraggane, 3rd January 2017 (M.O'Clery).
Six were present in this area.
Adult male Snow Bunting, Rough Point, 3rd January 2017 (M.O'Clery).
Although Snow Buntings are often noted for their tameness, this individual was unusually wary.
Adult male Snow Bunting, Rough Point, 3rd January 2017 (M.O'Clery).
First calendar-year male Surf Scoter, Gowlane, Brandon Bay, 3rd January 2017 (M.O'Clery).
Two immature males and a female/immature Surf Scoter were present with the Common Scoter in Brandon Bay today. Two Surf Scoters had been seen at this site back in December, but one at least was an adult male, so these two males, and possibly the female, are new. An immature male Eider was also present.
First-winter Ring-billed Gull, TBWC Tralee, 2nd January 2017 (M.O'Clery).
Adult Ring-billed Gull, TBWC Tralee, 2nd January 2017 (M.O'Clery).
And, below, an older sighting which got 'missed in the Christmas post' - Thanks Hubert.
Second year Iceland Gull, Black Rock, 28th Decembe 2016 (Hubert Servignat).
