Although there were plenty of seabirds passing Brandon Pt. today, all were at the usual medium to distant range, requiring a telescope for most sightings, and well beyond useful camera range.
However, at nearby Cappagh Beach - the entrance to Cloghane Estuary - it is often possible to see skuas and other seabirds up close, particularly at high tide. Some of the birds below came to with 20 metres.
Arctic Skua, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Arctic Skua, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Arctic Skua, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Bonxie, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Bonxie, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
One of five Bonxies that ventured into the estuary. Four went most of the way in before turning and heading out at speed with the following gale. One Bonxie was seen to gain height, and was last seen heading strongly towards the Conor Pass. This has been noted before at this location - Bonxies cutting across land and over a mountain pass... See this post HERE
Bonxie, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Three Bonxies and a Gannet, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Gannet, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Gannets were also coming right into the estuary, frequently diving for fish.
Gannet, Cappagh Beach, 19th September 2018 (M.O'Clery).
Great view of the exquisite spotting and patterning on a fresh juvenile Gannet.
