Juvenile Little Tern, Barrow Harbour

Juvenile Little Tern, Barrow Harbour, 30th July 2012 (David O'Connor).

Hen Harrier

 Hen Harrier, undisclosed site in Kerry, 26th July 2012 (Davey Farrar).

Co. Kerry Barn Owl nest - live web cam

The first live Barn Owl nest camera in Ireland started broadcasting today.

Screengrab from the Mooney Barn Owl Nest Camera, 24th July 2012. The adult male delivers a Bank Vole to the two chicks.

The nest is at a secret location near Tralee and contains two chicks. The nest box was originally installed in 2008 by the West Kerry Branch of BirdWatch Ireland, and the birds have bred there every year since. The camera can be accessed through the Derek Mooney page on the RTE website HERE. Click on the Barn Owl image on that page to see live footage of the owls. The oldest chick is about 40 days old, the youngest, about 34 days old. They should be taking their first flight in about two weeks time. The parents are roosting by day away from the nest and will return at dusk to start feeding the chicks.

Lots more info on Barn Owls in Kerry and Cork can be seen on the Duhallow Raptor Blog HERE.

Yellow-legged and 'Intermedius'-type gulls

Yellow-legged Gull, Carrahane, 20th June (Photo: David O'Connor).

Probable 'Intermedius'-type Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black Rock, 20th June (Photo: David O'Connor). This form of Lesser Black-backed Gull occurs along southern coasts of the North Sea (including Britain), though identification can be complicated by gradations between two other forms, fuscus and graellsii. If this bird proves to be intermedius, it would be only the second record for Co. Kerry.

Eider

First-Summer male Eider, Black Rock, 15th June 2012 (Bob Ford).

Long-eared Owl chick

Long-eared Owl chick, Duhallow area, 4th June 2012 (M.O'Clery).

This chick is about 16 to 18 days old and was ringed as part of the Duhallow Raptor Conservation Project, covering east Kerry and NW Cork. Video and photos of the ringing of this chick, and more info on Barn Owls, Kestrels and Long-eared Owls, can be seen on this website HERE.

Dipper, Killarney

Dipper, Killarney, 4th June 2012 (Ed Carty).

Although the race of Dipper occurring in Ireland is of the race Cinclus cinclus Hibernicus, and is often referred to as the 'Irish Dipper', it also occurs in Western Scotland and the Inner Hebrides.

Yellow Wagtail, Black Rock

Yellow Wagtail, Black Rock, 23rd May 2012 (David O'Connor).

Yellow Wagtail, Black Rock, 23rd May 2012 (David O'Connor)

Kerry Biodiversity Week

Kerry Biodiversity Week has a number of bird-related events, listed below. There's plenty more outings and talks on a range of other wild subjects, and you can download the information leaflet, at the bottom of this post (File size is about 2.4 Mb).

Monday, May 21st

White Tailed Sea Eagles of Kerry

Have you seen the famous White-tailed Sea Eagle? Take a boat ride on the Lower Lake of Killarney and see if you can spot this majestic bird in its natural habitat!

Time/Venue: 7pm-8/8.30pm. Meet at the Pier at Ross Castle, Killarney.

Leader: Dr Allan Mee, Project Manager, Irish White-tailed Sea Eagle Reintroduction Programme.

Booking Required: Yes, very limited places. Ring Cathy Fisher on 066 7183521 or email cathy.fisher@kerrycoco.ie, first come first served.

What to bring: Wear warm appropriate clothes and suit- able footwear for getting on and off a boat. All children to be accompanied by an adult.

Tuesday, May 22nd

A Beginners Guide to the Birds and Wildlife of Tarbert

Are you interested in finding out more about the birdlife and other natural wonders around Tarbert and the Shannon Estuary? No experience necessary just come along on the night.

Time/Venue: 7.30pm. Bridewell, Tarbert.

Leader: Geoff Hunt, BirdWatch Ireland Volunteer.

What to bring: Warm outdoor clothes, suitable footwear and binoculars (if you have them). All children to be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, May 23rd

Kerry’s Barn Owl Survey

Come along and find out more about the life of Barn Owls in Kerry.

Time/Venue: 7pm. Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre, Ballyard Road, Tralee

Leader: John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer, BirdWatch Ireland.

Saturday May 26th

Dawn Chorus

Get up early to listen to the birds of Tralee Bay in this bird walk for beginners. You can enjoy a well-earned cup of tea in the Lakeside Cafe after the morning chorus

Time/Venue: 6.30am. Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre, Ballyard Road, Tralee.

Trainer: Ed Carty, Ornithologist.

What to bring: Suitable outdoor clothes and footwear. (Walk is free but tea/coffee is not included!). All children to be accompanied by an adult.

Download the PDF of the Events leaflet, below, for full info...

Ring-billed Gull, Black Rock

First-summer Ring-billed Gull, Black Rock, 15th May 2012 (David O'Connor).

Greenland Wheatear, Black Rock, 15th May 2012 (David O'Connor).