Snow Bunting, Valentia

First-winter female Snow Bunting, Bray Head, Valentia Island, 19th March 2012 (Pat McDaid).

A Malleon, or a Wigeard?

Hybrid Mallard x Wigeon, The Cashen, 20th March 2012 (Davey Farrar). This bird was originally seen at Lough Gill in early winter 2011, but has been at the Cashen for the past two months or so. Although at first glance, it appears somewhat 'American Wigeon-like', the second glance should dispel any such notion. The size, shape and plumage are all in keeping with a mixed Mallard and Wigeon parentage.

First migrants appear

Adult Sandwich Tern, Cromane, 17th March 2012 (Seamus Enright). The first summer migrants have appeared, with two Sandwich Terns at Cromane, two more at Ballinskelligs Beach (Pat McDaid), and a Sand Martin at Waterville (M.O'Clery).

Comparison of Kumlien's and Iceland gulls

Adult Kumlien's Gull (left) and adult Iceland Gull, Knightstown, Valentia Island, 11th March (Seamus Enright). The Kumlien's has been present since 16th February (see older posts HERE).

Iceland Gull, Cromane

Second winter Iceland Gull, Cromane, 13th March 2012 (Seamus Enright). An adult was also present.

Yellow-legged Gull & Black Brant

Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Portmagee, 11th March 2012 (Graham Smith).

Adult Black Brant, Dingle Harbour, 9th March 2012 (Graham Smith).

Gulls at Blennerville

Adult Ring-billed Gull, Blennerville, 11th March 2012 (Ed Carty).

First-winter Ring-billed Gull, Blennerville, 11th March 2012 (Ed Carty).

Second winter Iceland Gull, Blennerville, 11th March 2012 (Ed Carty).

Dark-bellied Brent, Black Rock

 

 

Dark-bellied Brent at Black Rock, 9th February 2012 (David O'Connor).

Spoonbill, Cromane

Spoonbill, Cromane, 8th March 2012 (Ed Carty). This bird has now survived its fifth winter at Cromane and usually departs in mid or late March.

Invasive species in Kerry

Karen Brady is a research student in Biology and Environmental Science in UCD and is conducting a survey on invasive species in south Kerry. If you have a minute or two, please take the time to fill out her online survey.

"The purpose of this survey is to gather public opinion about the threat of invasive species in south Kerry. Invasive species are defined as animals and plants that spread beyond their home range. Invasive species threaten native wildlife and impact on ecosystem function."

This link HERE will take you to her web page.