Unusual hybrid, Killarney

Hybrid passerine, Killarney National Park, 1st April 2012 (A. Prilfule). Although hybrids in the tit family are rare, they have been occasionally recorded, notably between Blue Tit and Azure Tit in eastern Europe. This bird, photographed near Torc Mountain, would seem to be a cross between Coal Tit and Spotted Flycatcher, the first such hybrid recorded in Kerry.

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.