Spotted Sandpiper still present

Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper, Baile an Reannaigh, 16th September 2012 (David O'Connor).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Ballinskelligs Bay

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Reenroe beach, 14th September 2012 (Pat McDaid).

Spotted & Buff-breasted Sandpipers

Click on the main photos for a closer view

Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper, Baile an Reannaigh, 12th September 2012 (Ian Jones).

Juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Carrahane, 12th September 2012 (Ian Jones).

One of three present.

Grey Phalarope, Carrahane

Grey Phalarope, Carrahane, 13th September 2012 (David O'Connor).

Yellow-legged Gull, Black Rock

Adult Yellow-legged Gull, Black Rock, 11th September 2012 (David O'Connor).

Spotted Sandpiper, Baile An Rainnaigh

Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper, Baile An Reanniaigh, Smerwick Harbour, 11th September 2012.

Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper, Baile An Reanniaigh, Smerwick Harbour, 11th September 2012 (Pics & Video: Michael O'Clery).

Arctic Skua, Beal Strand

Juvenile Arctic Skua, Beal Strand, 9th September 2012, (Tom Tarpey).

Barn Owl

Many viewers of the Barn Owl nest box camera, based near Tralee, were dismayed to see the female chick returning to the nest box covered in oil on Tuesday night. It seems she dived into an oil container in which a rat had been struggling, though luckily for her, she was able to fly just enough to return to the box, otherwise she might not have been seen to be in trouble. She was rescued the next day, and it is hoped, will make a full recovery. You can read the full story HERE.

Badly oiled Barn Owl, near Tralee, 5th September (M.O'Clery). 

Badly oiled Barn Owl, near Tralee, 5th September (M.O'Clery). The wing and tail feathers cleaned up fairly well with the liberal application of warm water and detergent, however, the body feathers in particular were badly matted, and will need further cleaning. It is hoped the bird will recover sufficiently in the coming days to be returned to the nest box.

(Unfortunately the owl died on the 7th September despite making a good initial recovery. The cause of death was most likely ingestion of oil).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Carrahane

Juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Carrahane, 6th September 2012 (Ed Carty).

Juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Carrahane, 6th September 2012 (Ed Carty).

Buff-breasted Sandpiper still present

(Click on any of the main images for a closer view)

Juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Kilshannig, 5th September 2012 (Ed Carty).

Juvenile Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Kilshannig, 5th September 2012 (David O'Connor).

This bird has now been present for a week, frequenting the flooded grassy area and the sandy beach close to Kilshannig graveyard, often in the company of Dunlin.