Ibis and a show

On my last trip to see the Isabelline Shrike with M.P. a quick visit was paid to tacumshin in the hopes of finding the Glossy Ibis that had been spotted recently. Time was a factor that day and unfortunately we missed it. Seeing news that it was still frequenting the east-end area we decided to take another spin down for a better look. We didn't have to wait long as just as we left the car at the high carpark the Ibis flew in. It was kind enough to let us set up the scope and get a few pics on the ground then a few nice, morning sun lit, shots before flying off towards the east-end pool.

We then left and crossed the lake and by the time we got back to the east end pool area the ibis had returned giving us a chance for a few more quick pics.

 

We then headed for the Forgotten Corner where we picked up a Kestrel, a Buzzard and a Hen Harrier. On our way back we stopped off at the monument for a snack where we witnessed an incredible performance from a peregrine hunting a blackwit. From its initial chase past us at the monument to its stoop and aerial manoeuvers high above us to the godwit finally ditching itself in the lake it truly was breath-taking.

 

 

W.W.R.

Had some time to kill so I took my first trip of the autumn to the wildfowl reserve today. thought a species list might be interesting so here it is!

Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Gadwall, Shelduck, Red-breasted Merganser, Shoveler.
Coot, Moorhen. Little Egret, Heron. Great Northern Diver, Cormorant.
Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe. Sparrowhawk, Hen Harrier.
Great Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull.
Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Blackbird, Sparrow.
Hooded Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Magpie. Starling. Wood Pigeon. Pheasant
Lapwing, Golden Plover, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Snipe.
White-fronted Goose, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Brent Goose. Mute Swan.

49 Species in all, not too bad!

Shoveler

Hen Harrier

Another day, another tick

Mega news this week with the arrival of an Isabelline Shrike at Rostonstown in Wexford, only the fifth Irish record. Didn't make it out on Sunday but thankfully the little beauty decided to stay for a second day so myself and M.P. went down to try our luck. It had been frequenting the yard and horse paddock but wasn't showing. A number of other twitchers there thought it had moved slightly further north and it was picked up again, preening in the gorse opposite the farm. Thanks to Dave Daly who found it at its new location and allowed us use of his scope as it was quite distant. Other sightings on the day included a Kestrel and a Buzzard at Ladys Island and a female Hen-harrier  at Tacumshin.

Canon sx50

I recently purchased the sx50 from Canon after much deliberation. I was looking for a bridge camera to give me a bit more reach than my 300mm dslr. I wont be casting the nikon away just yet but the sx50 is a nice little camera with superb zoom and should come in handy for distant birds. Heres a couple of shots from a quick walk to bannow bay today which gave my first ever green sandpiper.