Hoopoe, Waterville

Hoopoe, Waterville, 30th March 2012 (Ed Carty). The 28th Kerry record, present since 25th March.

Iceland and Glaucous Gulls, Dingle

Second winter Iceland Gull, Dingle, 30th March 2012 (KerryBirding).

First-winter Glaucous Gull, Dingle, 30th March 2012 (KerryBirding).

White-tailed Eagle, Derrynane

Sub-adult White-tailed Eagle, Derrynane, 29th March 2012 (David O'Connor). Although virtually all the eagles from the re-introduction project have dispersed away from the release area in Killarney National Park, Derrynane is proving to be one of the more regular sites for these impressive raptors. This was one of two birds present, and up to four have been seen at Derrynane in the past weeks.

Hoopoe

Hoopoe Waterville, 29th March 2012 (David O'Connor).

Black Brant

Black Brant, Ventry, 28th March 2012 (Bob Ford).

Common Crossbill

Male Crossbill, Brosna, 25th March 2012 (Davey Farrar).

Kumlien's Gull

Adult Kumlien's Gull, Reenard 23rd March 2012 (David O'Connor).

Second winter Iceland Gull, Reenard, 23rd March 2012 (David O'Connor).

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.

Kumlien's Gull, Reenard

Adult Kumlien's Gull, Reenard Point, 4th March 2012 (Seamus Enright). This individual has been present at the pier at Reenard since 16th February. Nine Iceland Gulls were also present.

Second winter Kumlien's Gull

Second winter Kumlien's Gull, the Cashen estuary, 1st March 2012 (Davey Farrar). The second record for this site, both in the past week. Also present was an adult Ring-billed Gull, a first for the Cashen.