Bird Report 1996 – 2004

Juvenile Red-backed Shrike – Robert Vaughan

Compiled and edited by:

Ciarán Cronin, Colin Barton, Harry Hussey and Mark Carmody

Published by Cork Bird Report Editorial Team © 2006 Cork Bird Report Editorial Team ISBN: 0-9553547-0-6 978-0-9553547-0-0

Front Cover: Little Egrets – Phil Davies

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 1 Contents

Table of Contents

History of the Cork Bird Report...... 3 Rare Bird Data...... 4 Acknowledgements...... 6 Contributing Records...... 7 Weather Review...... 8 Systematic List...... 19 Ringing Report 1996-2003...... 263 The status of Birds of Prey and Owls in County Cork...... 285 : habitat change & loss of wetland avian biodiversity, 1970-2004....309 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour: 1994/95 - 2002/03...... 319 Current Ornithological Teaching & Research at University College Cork...... 340 Swallows fostering young House Martins and other Swallows...... 362 What’s a bloody Englishman doing in Cork?...... 363

Little Ringed Plover – Barry Ryan

2 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Editorial

History of the Cork Bird Report

The initial series of Cork Bird Reports began when Liam O Flynn produced the first in 1963, and this series lasted until 1969, when financial factors forced an end to the project. From 1969 to 1975 no reports were produced, although private reports for 1970 and 1971 were circulated.

The second series began when Sean Fleming edited a report for 1976. Reports were then annual (apart from a combined issue in 1987 and 1988) until 1995, when publication stopped again.

Since then, plans to revive an annual Cork Bird Report have been spoken about, but none of these plans ever quite got off the ground. As the years since the last published report have increased, general levels in submitting records have decreased, and the whole task has become more difficult.

Since the idea of a bumper issue of the CBR covering 1996 to 2003 was first mooted by Ciarán Cronin in 2003, we have been working flat out (apart from during migration season, obviously) to produce a report that would do justice to the great birding that exists in County Cork. Some data for the county was available at the start, but much had been lost during a previous ill-fated attempt to produce a report, which resulted in us having to appeal to birders for records that they’d already submitted once. Although not complete, by any means, the resulting number of spreadsheets that arrived was encouraging. This, together with data from other sources such as BINS, webpages and the Irish Bird Report, allowed us to compile a fairly comprehensive dataset, for most species anyway, for the period.

Then, towards the end of 2004 we discovered that in order to qualify for a Heritage Council publication grant we needed to have a draft document ready by the end of November. The problem was, we hadn’t started writing it yet. In addition, the new system of recording rarities announced by the IRBC looked likely to result in substantially increased numbers of scarce and rare birds being recorded from 2005 onwards. These two factors led to our decision to include 2004 in this report, so that the periods before and after the new IRBC rules would be recorded in separate reports. As the old song goes “What’s another year?…”

We are now in June 2006 and the final editorial changes are being made to the report. We have a Cork Bird Report for 1996 to 2004. We also have a considerable database of bird records for the county that will be added to as the years go on. We will be looking at ways to incorporate this into a Biological Records Centre together with other county and national datasets.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 3 Editorial

In the years since the last published CBR it is inevitable that many records have been lost, and this is a great loss to our knowledge of birds in the county. However, with records for 2005 already coming in, we are in a good position not to let this happen again.

We sincerely hope that this report has put to rest the fears of any who doubted our commitment. It has entailed an enormous amount of work from the editorial team, far greater than we ever imagined would be required. We are just as committed to producing future reports, and have already started planning the 2005/2006 CBR – its going to be a cracker!

Finally, a plea to all out there who have not yet got round to submitting their records for 2005 and 2006. We are here to stay. Remember the dark days of no Cork Bird Report ! Send us your records at the end of the year, month by month, digitally or on paper, we don’t care – just send them in !!

To those of you who helped in so many ways, and especially to those of you who took time to compile and send in records – We hope you enjoy the deserved fruits of your labours, read and ENJOY ! Thank you all. Rare Bird Data

There have been many problems over the years with the submission of records of rare birds to the appropriate authority, the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC). For various reasons, some observers have not submitted their sightings to this committee. In addition, a small number of rare birds have not had descriptions sent in, despite being seen and identified by many observers. This means that the records never appeared in the relevant publications, and were lost. In 2005, the IRBC tackled this problem by drastically reducing the number of species requiring written descriptions, allowing photographic evidence, or consensus among reputable birdwatchers to support the validity of the record. This is based on the fact that the birdwatching community in is relatively small, and, for the most part, Irish birdwatchers have proved themselves thorough and reliable. Full details of this procedural review are available at : http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/bwi/irbc/irbc_announcements.html

During the period covered by our report however, these new rules were not in place, and as such we were left with a dilemma – should we only include records accepted by IRBC, or should we also include the large number of records which were never submitted to them? Our decision in the end was to include in this report ALL records sent to us where ANY of the following criteria applied :

4 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Editorial

• the record was accepted by IRBC (*) • the record was submitted to IRBC, but is still under consideration by them (^) • the record is not known to have been submitted to IRBC, but the record comes from a known observer (name suffixed) • the record comes from an external source, such as one of the bird news services, and we do not know who saw the bird (‘BINS’)

This effectively includes all records known to us, but we felt that this allowed readers using the information in the report to make their own decisions regarding the validity of the records contained in it.

In order to maintain the integrity of the sightings however, we have suffixed all records accepted to date (January 06) with an asterisk (*), where this is known. The asterisk indicates that ‘a’ record of the bird has been accepted by IRBC, but not necessarily exactly as shown in this report. We have often received additional information on the record, which was never sent to the IRBC, such as the original finder, other observers, earlier or later dates etc. This information is included in the record in this report for the sake of completeness. Records that have been submitted to the IRBC but not yet accepted have been marked as follows (^). Records that are not known to have been submitted or accepted by the IRBC are described as reports throughout this publication.

The primary source for records of rare birds remains the ‘Irish Bird Report’, presented by the IRBC in the journal ‘Irish Birds’.

Records accepted by the IRBC are the only records considered acceptable for inclusion on the official record of what has been recorded in Ireland as a whole. Records accepted by the IRBC are also the only ones considered by us when appending notes to species (e.g. ‘the 2nd county record, and 4th Irish record).

In future reports, it is hoped that the new IRBC system will result in the vast majority of rare birds being verified very quickly. Only a handful of records will need to be described and go through the acceptance procedure. This should drastically reduce problems of records not being submitted and therefore should reduce the numbers of unsubmitted records reaching us. Indeed, any records that do reach us that the IRBC have not received will be passed on to them, thus closing the “loophole” on unsubmitted records.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 5 Editorial

Acknowledgements

This report is the fruit of many labours, some more obvious than others, but all of great importance to us. The first acknowledgement must go to the many observers who sent us records – many, many thanks to you all. Of particular note in this regard must be Paul Milne of the IRBC who gave much time and effort, especially in the early stages, and has provided continuous updates as the report progressed. Annual reports from , sent by Derek A Scott, Kieran Grace, and Tony Lancaster have been invaluable. Margaret Ridgeway at Kilcolman Wildfowl Refuge also kindly sent annual reports. Paul Walsh and Mary A Duggan sent plentiful records of common birds from the farthest flung reaches of the county – you had us all guessing for a long time!

Pat Smiddy has provided support at many levels, from records and papers, to proof reading and general encouragement. His knowledge of the birds of Cork has been invaluable. Kevin Cronin also proof read a draft of the document, providing valuable comments.

Claire Pollock has been an incredible benefit by maintaining the records database.

Tony Nagle, Tom Gittings, Tom Kelly, John O’Halloran and Graham Gordon all put a lot of effort into their papers, which are a great bonus for this publication.

Mark Shorten provided lots of information, and his work as county recorder and previous editor of the report cannot go unacknowledged. We sincerely hope we have lived up to the high standards set by the many previous editors of the Cork Bird Report.

Steve Wing and Mary Gade at Cape Clear Bird Observatory gave friendship, encouragement, and free access to the observatory logs. Oran O’Sullivan at BirdWatch Ireland (www.birdwatchireland.ie) provided plentiful advice and assistance in many forms.

Met Eireann sent monthly weather reports for the period, and Cork City Library allowed free internet access in the early stages.

Ciarán Cronin thanks Ann Lotti for shelter, food, and the kindest harrassment, Jim Wilson for ALL the help and advice, and Sandra Saabye for being the best!

Colin Barton thanks Claire for all her help and support with the project and also the migs for turning up in the first place.

6 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Editorial

Mark Carmody thanks Jim “Uncle Jim” Wilson for his encouragement and for getting me into the crazy world of birdwatching when I was a kid, John O’Halloran for the encouragement and the scientific abstracts, and my fellow editors for keeping me going while I am in Japan.

Harry Hussey thanks his family for putting up with his birding for so long, the rest of the editorial team for letting him get involved and anyone who may have encouraged him along the way.

Contributing Records

Records of birds in county Cork can be sent to us on an annual basis, or periodically throught the year. It would be of great assistance to us if records can be sent as soon as possible after the years end, but the end of March is the deadline for submissions. In this regard, periodic (eg 2-monthly) submissions would help all concerned. Records can be sent on paper, but if possible, an electronic spreadsheet such as Excel is preferred.

Requests for a sample spreadsheet and instructions on filling it in, as well as all submissions (records, papers, photos, sketches) for the next report should be sent to: Colin Barton, Long Strand, , , Co. Cork. E-mail: [email protected]

Blackcap – Barry Ryan

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 7 Weather Review 1996-2004

Weather Review

We are very grateful to Met Eireann for provision of the original weather data. We have however, substantially edited this data, for reasons of space and relevance to birds, and any errors contained within are entirely due to our interpretation of the original data.

Met Eireann provide up to date weather information at: www.meteireann.ie

1996 January South to south-easterly winds prevailed during the first half, in what was generally a mild and very wet month with some severe flooding in the south. A major change from 20th saw winds backing easterly or north-easterly, introducing very cold continental air, with freezing conditions, snow and rain. February Mostly settled and sunny, though cold and with some heavy rain between 5th and 11th. Cold north-westerly winds reached storm force on 17th and 18th, and it remained cold thereafter, with snow showers and freezing fog in places. Exceptionally sunny in many places, and also exceptionally cold. March Dry, settled weather at the beginning and end of the month, with some very wet weather in between. Generally dull weather throughout the month. Light northerly winds at the beginning of the month turned south-easterly by 8th, then increased to gale force by 13th and 14th. Snow showers occurred around this time, and rainfall was heavy. Cold south-easterlies predominated until the end of the month when more settled conditions returned. April Dry and sunny weather at the beginning, with winds picking up from the south-east between 4th and 6th. A cold front crossing from the west on 9th brought unsettled weather, with winds turning south to south- westerly, sometimes strong. Heavy rain and strong winds on 21st marked the passage of the low pressure system northwards, and gave way to north-westerly winds and showery conditions for the remainder of the month. May Mainly cool but dry and sunny for first 2 thirds, with much milder and wetter conditions towards end. Coldest May on record in many areas. Strong to gale force north- easterlies at the beginning, eased to mainly moderate northerly and easterly winds until 20th, with temperatures remaining low throughout, and rain in the south-west on 13th. Strengthening north-easteries from 15th brought some heavy rain on 16thand 18th. From 19th a low pressure centred to the north-west brought occasionally strong south-west winds, with rain and showers most days to the end of the month. June Sunny and dry in most parts except the south-west. Showery with occasionally strong north-westerlies until 11th, when high pressure again dominated, bringing settled weather to all parts, and light south-easterlies until 18th, when light northerly winds brought cooler weather to all areas. As the high pressure declined from 25th more unsettled conditions arrived. July Cool and showery in the first week, with moderate westerly winds, occasionally gale force, and patches of hail and thunder. High pressure built from 7th brought more settled

8 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Weather Review 1996-2004 conditions, dry but cloudy with light west or north-west breezes. Sea level pressure of 1035 hPa on 15th and 16th was the highest in many areas since 1971. Light easterlies were associated with this high, but frontal systems from 21st brought mainly west or south-westerly winds and some heavy rainfall for the rest of the month. August Cool westerly winds with showery weather started the month, while finer weather on 3rd and 4th soon gave way to heavy rain over the next few days, with strong southerly winds. A report of 4 cm long minnows falling in Dunlavin, Co.Wicklow was extraordinary! Dry and settled weather from 11th, with winds mostly light south-easterlies. These winds strengthened from 17th, bringing rain, and veered north to north-west from 22nd, slackening at the end of the month. September A very dry month in general, with increased sunshine and temperatures giving summery weather for much of the time. Winds settled into an easterly or north-easterly direction from 3rd to 7th, bringing dry weather and extensive sea fog. A fresh northerly airstream from 9th to 12th soon gave way to lighter winds from 13th, with warm and dry conditions everywhere. Freshening south-easterlies from 17th with a cold front bringing heavy rain to the west and south-west from 23rd. South-westerly winds from a fast moving depression became strong from 28th, when gales were reported in many places. October Strong south-westerly winds and rain at the beginning, milder from 5th to 10th. Very wet conditions, and southerly winds from 11th gave way to cool and showery weather in strong westerly winds on 15th. Milder weather on 17th with winds turning southerly, with a few thunderstorms. A series of depressions brought very disturbed conditions from 26th, with strong winds in the south-west. November A return to colder weather with some sleet and snow showers. South-westerly gales and rain at the beginning of the month became storm force on 5th and 6th. On 6th winds veered north-westerly, with thunder and heavy rain, but slackened on 7th, when frost became widespread. Dry and sunny mid month, with easterly winds turning to slack north-westerlies from 14th to 17th. Easterly gales in the south-west from 18th, with rain, sleet and snow. Winds turned to strong south-westerlies from 24th with showery weather to the end of the month. December Showers and heavy rain at start, turning to snow in a cold north westerly airstream. Severe frosts on 5th and 6th in north and east. Milder air from 7th in southerly winds gave way to cold spells mid month, and from 20th a pattern of cold easterlies brought dry and sunny conditions on many days.

1997 January Bitterly cold easterlies in the first week with moderate snowfalls, were replaced by southerly winds and milder conditions for rest of the month. Some heavy rain showers on 17th and 18th. February A succession of Atlantic depressions resulted in a wet and frequently stormy month in most places, although the prevailing south-westerly winds kept temperatures mild. March A brief continuation of the wet and stormy weather at the beginning of the month, but thereafter was mostly dry with lighter than normal winds, mostly from the south- west. April Dominated by anticyclones, with associated dry conditions and light

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 9 Weather Review 1996-2004 south-westerly winds. This even resulted in drought conditions in the south and east. This ended with the passing of Atlantic rainbelts from 24th, bringing freshening south-westerlies and westerlies, and some heavy rain. The month ended with scattered showers on light southerly winds. May Mild and sunny with south- easterly and southerly winds in the first few days. This turned colder with northerly winds on the 5th, with westerlies in cold and showery weather from 6th to 13th. From 14th better conditions developed, with south-easterlies and north- easterlies for the rest of the month, and occasional showers. June Settled conditions continued for the beginning of the month, but some heavy rain on 5th was followed by variable gale force winds in many areas. Fresh northerly and north-easterly winds throughout the second half brought occasional heavy rain. July Cold northerly winds and rain at the start of the month, ameliorated to light south-westerlies and occasional thunderstorms from 7th to mid month. Dry, sunny weather from 17th to 22nd became more unsettled and variable for the rest of the month. August Exceptionally heavy rainfalls in the first week saw some extensive flooding, the same low pressure area off the south coast also gave moderate north-easterly winds. These turned southerly and brought very humid conditions mid month. A small depression over the south on 23rd brought some heavy rainfall, with another low bringing heavier rainfalls and southerly gales to the south coast on 27th. The month ended with blustery and showery conditions over most areas. September Strong south-westerly winds and rain from 2nd to 6th gave way to a dominating high pressure area from 7th to 10th and associated mild weather. Cool showery weather from 11th to 16th, with north-westerly winds backing to the south-west and increasing to gale force later. Mostly mild with light south-easterlies for the remainder, though occasional weak fronts brought some showers. October Calm and mild at the start, but an approaching depression brought rain from 6th. A series of wave depressions between 8th and 11th brought heavier rain with fresh south-westerly winds throughout the second week. Winds backed south-easterly on 18th and weather remained dry to the end. Easterly winds on 21st and 22nd returned south-easterly from 23rd and freshened from 28th bringing some heavy rain to the south. Humid southerly winds with some rain on 30th and 31st. November South-easterly winds strengthened on 4th as a depression approached from the west bringing heavy rain. Similar weather continued to 10th. From 13th winds turned south-westerly, and more heavy rain brought flooding to many areas, and strong south-westerlies continued up to 20th. Rain and mild southerly winds up to 29th gave way to north-westerly winds and showers at the end of the month. December Beginning very cold in northerly winds for first couple of days, but milder southerly and south-westerly winds with some rain lasted until mid month. Heavy rain from 16th caused some flooding, and unsettled weather dominated the rest of the month. A vigorous Atlantic depression crossed the country on Christmas Eve, bringing violent storms and hurricane force winds to most areas, and causing severe damage in the south. A gust of 88 knots (101 mph) at Valentia equalled its previous highest record in 1961.

10 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Weather Review 1996-2004

1998 January Rain and strong winds, occasionally storm force in the south, were fed by a series of Atlantic depressions in the first week. Milder conditions from 6th, though with much rain, occasionally heavy, and a tornado in Wexford damaged some buildings. Frosty from mid month with occasional snow showers. Dry and settled weather with light winds from 23rd to the of the month. February The mildest February on record, despite short cold spells at beginning and end. South to south-westerly winds prevailed for most of the month, and conditions were mostly dry. March Wintry weather during the first week, followed by a prolonged spell of dry and mild weather around the middle of the month. Very mild south-westerlies brought wet weather in the final week. April Exceptionally wet in the east and south. Freshening south-easterlies from 3rd brought some heavy and thundery showers. Temperatures fell sharply from 9th as gale force north- easterlies brought snow to many places, this airstream continuing to 17th. The 18th brought milder south-westerlies, with associated heavy rain in the south and south- west, continuing to the end of the month. May Settled in the early part, with light northerly winds backing south-west on 5th with some rain. These winds freshened from 5th to 7th, but became north-easterly from 11th. High pressure developed mid month until 25th, with winds settling into light northerlies. North or north-easterly winds then freshened, bringing cooler weather with some heavy rain showers in the south. June Dominated by areas of low pressure and unsettled conditions throughout, with heavy downpours on a number of days. Another tornado, near Dungarvan in Waterford injured 9 people on 1st. Gales were recorded between 9th and 11th. July Dull and relatively cool, with an unusual number of depressions passing over the country bringing some heavy rain and strong winds, strongest on 12th from the north-west. August Fresh south-westerlies brought rain at the start of the month, with light winds and dry sunny weather from 4th to 10th. Frontal troughs from 11th saw winds freshening from the west, often bringing showers, and remaining westerly until 26th, when they veered to light northerlies. September Mild at the start with some heavy rain, but a front crossing north-eastwards on 4th brought freshening south-easterly winds in advance of the tail end of Hurricane ‘Danielle’ on 5th. This brought strong southerly winds on 6th and 7th, south- westerly on 8th, and north-westerly by 10th, remaining this way to 16th with some heavy showers. Light south-easterlies from then to 23rd with dry and sunny conditions apart from some rain on 17th and 18th, and extensive fog throughout. Thundery weather in slack easterlies from 24th. October Dry and settled in first half, with winds mainly north-easterly to 10th, when they veered gradually westerly. Scattered showers throughout. Stormy weather developed from 16th with severe winds, especially in the north. Colder weather followed as the cold front passed on 18th and milder south-westerlies and some heavy rain followed from 20th. Violent north-westerly winds damaged property on 24th, but moderated to westerlies with heavy rain and showers from 25th. November Wet but fairly sunny in most places. Winds from between a southerly and westerly direction for most of the time made it a mild month everywhere with infrequent frost. Very wet

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 11 Weather Review 1996-2004 and windy on 6th and 7th as the former Hurricane ‘Mitch’ arrived. December Some short cold spells, but weather generally mild. For the second year running storm to hurricane force winds hit the country over the Christmas period, with southerly winds and heavy rain worst on 26th. Some severe flooding especially along the river Blackwater valley on 29th.

1999 January Strong to gale force south-westerlies in first week, with some heavy rain and some snow. Especially cold in northerly winds from 8th to 12th with widespread frost. Unsettled with some strong winds and rain for rest of month. February Characterised by mild temperatures, and relatively dry conditions. Occasional gales with patchy rain throughout the month. March Mild weather was again the strongest character, with temperatures above normal in most places, despite some cold and windy weather at the start of the month. Winds mostly northerly in first half, turning south-westerly on 11th, and remaining this way until about 25th when winds turned to light north-westerlies. April Southerly winds began the month with some heavy showers associated. A low pressure established to the east of the country from 12th to 19th brought some strong north and north- easterly gales, with wintry showers and even spells of sleet and snow. Freshening south-easterlies on 19th brought rain and even a tornado in County Sligo. As the centre of the depression crossed, winds became south-westerly and gale force on 20th, and bringing heavy rain. North-easterly winds from 25th to the end of the month. May Sunny with easterly winds at beginning, turning southerly with some heavy showers by 7th. Very unsettled from 8th to 12th, with another small tornado, this time in Galway, and winds primarily south-easterly and occasionally gale force. Dry with northerly winds from 14th to 20th, but westerly gales and rain from 21st, backing south-easterly again with showers from 27th . June Cooler than normal, with ground frost recorded up to 29th, and temperatures rarely above 20˚C. High pressure to west/south-west for much of month. Winds south-westerly with some gales on 4th, veering and remaining generally northerly from 5th to 19th. Rain and strong south-westerlies on 20th, becoming summery in light winds on 24th, then thundery with showers from 26th. July Generally dull but warm, but bright and sunny in last week, and rainfall well below normal everywhere, especially southern areas. Winds were generally light but there were fresh westerly winds with showers from 13th to 16th, and showery north-westerlies on 21st. August Thundery rain was heavy in south-easterly winds in first week. Tornadoes reported again this month, in Sligo, Ballina, Portumna and Balbriggan. Winds backed north-easterly on 8th becoming north-westerly by 14th with some heavy rain. Golfball sized hail in Wexford on 18th knocked out power supplies! Quieter with sunshine from 19th to 21st, but another depression off the south-west coast on 22nd brought very heavy rain to Cork, clearing to showers by 27th. September Exceptionally wet in east and south-west this month, the wettest in over a century at Valentia, in a month dominated by Atlantic depressions. The first of these arrived on 8th bringing gales to western coasts, the next on 14th bringing fresh south-westerlies. These

12 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Weather Review 1996-2004 strengthened considerably on 17th in a low of 951 hPa. Depressions from 26th brought heavy rain and strong winds to the end of the month. October Unsettled at beginning and end but dominated mostly by high pressure with clear weather and slack winds. Gale force westerlies in first 3 days had associated heavy rain. Some rain from 6th to 10th as a series of fronts passed, bringing humid south- westerlies. Fresh south-easterlies on 15th, slacking and backing easterly by 20th. These dry winds originated over eastern Europe. Showery north-westerlies on 24th and 25th strengthened to southerlies with showers from 29th reached storm force by 30th. November Strong south to south-westerly winds with showers until 6th, when winds slackened everywhere and became mostly dry and cloudy in a high of 1046 hPa – the highest November value ever recorded in Ireland. On 15th winds became north-westerly, with showers and cloudy skies obscuring the Leonid meteor shower on 18th. Strengthening south-westerlies and some rain on 22nd marked the arrival of unsettled conditions for the remainder of the month with some strong winds and heavy rain. December Wet everywhere, and often with strong winds, especially over the Christmas period when, for the third year running, power supplies were disrupted in many parts.

2000 January Mild weather at beginning and end, although there were some cold spells mid month. February Mild south-westerly winds during much of the month brought wet but generally mild conditions. Some very windy weather mid month with the north and west suffering gusts of up to 94mph from 6th to 10th. March Dry and settled weather in a dominating high for most of the month. Frost fairly widespread in first and last weeks. Mean windspeeds were the lowest on record in the south and south-west. Winds south or south-west for first 2 weeks, becoming north-westerly on 14th and north-easterly at the end of the month. April An unusually cold April due to the northerly and north-easterly winds which prevailed for most of the month. Dry weather early in month but wetter than normal in final week. Fresh south-easterlies developed from 19th turning southerly over the next few days, backing easterly on 24th, then north-easterly on 25th, with showers throughout. May A dominating high for first 2 weeks gave sunny and warm conditions and northerly or easterly winds. The 16th brought a change to cooler and more unsettled weather, with winds settling into a westerly direction, veering north-westerly on 18th, to strong south-westerlies on 22nd, and westerly again from 24th. Showery weather prevalent from 16th, with thundery rain and hail occasional from 24th. June Overall warm and mostly dry, although a little cooler and more unsettled at times. North-west and westerly winds up to 10th, became south- westerly from then, and light southerly from 16th to 19th. Freshening south- westerlies from 21st, turning northerly on 24th, veering south-easterly by the end of the month. July The first half was relatively cool with showery weather, but heavy thunderstorms on 4th and 5th caused some damage in the south. Cold north- westerly and westerly winds from 6th to 11th, becoming south-westerly on 12th, all with little rain. High pressure established from 16th to 24th brought dry weather

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 13 Weather Review 1996-2004 with light winds becoming north-easterly by end, and turning to some heavy showers from 27th. August North-westerlies and rain began the month, these moderating to south-westerlies and patchy rain occasionally heavy from 4th to 13th. A series of cold fronts from 14th to 16th brought some heavy rain, and a shallow low dominated until 21st, with frequent thundery showers. Warm and sunny on 23rd with light north-easterlies, but with thunderstorms from Biscay on 25th, the last week was unsettled. September Generally unsettled, and dominated by Atlantic depressions. Winds freshened from the south on 4th reaching gale force in the north on 6th, and bringing patchy rain to the south. Generally dry and warm in south but heavier showers from 13th and occasional rain for rest of month. Light and variable winds from the second week, but south-westerly gales again in the north on 27th. October Another very unsettled month. Strong southerlies and rain on 1st, veering to westerly gales with heavy rain on 2nd. Gale force southerlies on 3rd were the result of the former Hurricane ‘Isaac’, but the weather calmed from 5th to 7th. From 10th to 13th there was a cold north-westerly airstream, with some heavy rain especially on 14th as milder south-westerlies arrived. Strong southerlies with heavy rain from 17th to 23rd broken by a calm day on 21st, settling into strong westerlies from then to the end of the month. November Another very wet month, with some high winds. Continuing strong westerlies at the beginning, easing on 4th, but increasing to gale and storm force easterlies from 5th with heavy rainfall causing flooding in many areas. Winds backed to cold and showery northerlies, and moderated from 8th. Unsettled wet and windy weather for most of rest of month, with southerly gales on 25th and 30th. December Very mild in first half with winds mostly southerly and strong. It turned colder from 14th as winds veered northerly, then returned southerly on 18th bringing milder conditions. An anticyclone over central Europe dominated from 21st, reducing temperatures to end of month, with some snowfalls.

2001 January Drier and sunnier, but colder than normal, with widespread frosts from 10th as an anticyclone established itself to the north, bringing strong easterlies to many parts. An approaching Atlantic low on 20th brought heavy rain and strong southerly winds turning westerly from 24th, and easing on 27th. February Wet and windy in early part, but high pressure mid-month brought dry and fairly calm conditions with widespread frost. Very cold northerlies in final week brought some heavy snowfalls. March The coldest March since mid-1980’s in many places. Very cold with some heavy snow from 1st to 5th, and southerly winds from 6th to 16th brought milder, wetter weather. Strong and cold easterlies from 17th moderated with milder weather from 22nd to 25th. Moderate south-westerlies with rain from 26th. April Unsettled with some strong westerly and south-westerly winds and heavy rain on 2nd and 5th. Light and variable winds with dry weather from 10th, turned northerly and strengthened from 15th. Unsettled from 21st turning to heavy rain and light northerlies from 25th onwards. May Long spells of dry and warm weather but some days of rain. Light northerlies at beginning had

14 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Weather Review 1996-2004 veered easterly by 12th, and the early cold snap had ameliorated by 9th. Winds backed north-westerly from 13th, and brought some heavy rain on 15th and 16th. Mainly southerly winds from 19th to 24th turned unsettled from 25th with showers and south-westerly winds backing to north-west by the 29th. June Cooler than normal with ground frost inland early in the month, but warmer at the end. Rain from 6th to 9th, 14th to 20th, and thundery from 26th. Light winds mid month had turned southerly by 21st. July Warm overall despite cool period from 9th to 16th. August Disturbed weather from 1st to 10th, with thundery downpours and flooding in the south on 2nd. Warm south-westerlies at first became cooler north-westerlies from 3rd. Strong winds and heavy rain on 21st were associated with deep depressions passing close offshore, though light south-westerlies and increasingly sunny conditions from 22nd were the result of the Azores anticyclone again dominating. Showery north-westerlies from 29th. September South-west to north-west winds and dry conditions from 1st to 11th gave way to gale force north- westerlies and bands of rain from 12th to 14th. Cold but dry with sunny weather in light north-easterlies from 15th. Thundery showers and some strong southerly winds from 24th to the end of the month. October Deep depressions at the beginning of the month brought heavy rain during 4th and 7th, and fresh to strong southerly and westerly winds, these reaching gale force on 1st and 6th in all areas. Drier and calmer from 9th to 13th, with more wet and windy weather from 14th. Generally dry and sunny again from 27th. November Mild and light south- westerlies from 1st to 5th, increasing and veering to gale force northerlies with rain by 7th. Generally very light winds and mostly dry from 9th to 19th, becoming mild south-westerlies from 20th. December A spell of wet and windy weather early in the month gave way to dominant anticyclones from 8th. These brought mostly dry and clear conditions, with light to moderate winds and cold temperatures. Frosts from mid month became severe from 28th.

2002 January Between 2˚ C and 3˚ C higher than normal in many places and the warmest January in over a century at Valentia. Wet and windy from 13th, with storms affecting the north and west on 28th. February Very unsettled with Atlantic depressions bringing frequent rain and gales, apart from a short dry spell mid month. Severe coastal flooding on 1st was a result of heavy rain, gale force winds, and a low of 930 hPa to the north-west. March Mild and dry, sunny in most places. Strong south-westerly winds on 10th turned north-easterly by 11th reducing temperatures everywhere. Light and variable southerlies with showers from 15th to 20th, becoming dry and sunny from 21st to 29th. Some late rain and drizzle at the end of the month. April Some heavy showers with south to south- westerly winds gusting gale force from 1st to 3rd. High pressure dominating from 4th to 15th introduced easterly winds sometimes strong at beginning, and these turned southerly on 16th with some heavy showers. Dry and warm from 22nd to 24th, with light winds, but from 25th a series of Atlantic depressions brought westerly gales and thundery showers with hail. May Cool west to north-west

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 15 Weather Review 1996-2004 winds with thundery showers at first, but a large anticyclone to the west established itself on 3rd, bringing dry and sunny weather with light winds either north-westerly or variable until 11th. From 12th to 31st a series of Atlantic depressions brought daily rain, sometimes heavy, with strong winds mainly south to south-westerly in direction, gusting gale force on occasion. June Cool and wet for most of the month. On no day was it dry everywhere. Moderate to strong south to south- westerly winds for most of month, turning north-westerly at the very end. July Cool and wet again in most places, but drier and warmer with light winds from 13th to 18th. Thunderstorms on many days with hail reported on 9th and 10th. August Some heavy rain from 1st to 5th, with showers continuing to 14th, but very dry from 15th onwards. Light winds strengthened from 11th to 14th, with gale gusts on 17th in most areas. September Light winds through most of the month. High pressure centred to the east gave light south-easterly winds and sunny conditions between 1st and 4th. Wet and sometimes windy conditions from 5th to 11th were due to a slow moving depression, but from 12th to 28th a large high over Ireland maintained dry and calm conditions throughout. Showery rain in a light southerly airstream from 29th. October Light southerly winds with rain and showers continued from 1st, becoming drier with light variable winds from 3rd to 6th. Slow moving fronts from 7th to 12th brought some heavy rain over Munster, and from 13th to 19th a low to the east brought a cool north to north-easterly airflow over the country, with little rain in the south. Wet and windy weather from 20th saw some exceptionally heavy rainfalls, bringing flooding to many areas, while storm force winds were experienced on 27th. November Exceptionally heavy rainfalls over Munster caused some severe flooding. South-westerly winds reached gale force on 2nd and 3rd and continued strong to 15th. Winds turned light northerly on 16th, moderating to mild south to south-easterlies from 18th. Heavy rain and showers continued all month. December Westerly gales and heavy rain at the start, turned to strong easterlies from 5th, becoming lighter by 12th. Moderate south to south-westerly winds arrived on 20th, with gales on 23rd and 31st. Heavy rain gave way to drier conditions from 5th to 19th, with heavier falls again regular from the 20th. Cold from 5th to 19th but otherwise mild.

2003 January Dry, sunny and mild overall but cold spells from 3rd to 11th and from 28th onwards. Strong winds in the first week died off by 10th, becoming milder from the south-west on 12th and remaining so until 28th when winds became cold north- westerlies and increased to strong gale force in many areas. February Cold with wintry showers and some snow at first in northerly winds, but turning milder from 6th as winds went south-westerly. A large anticyclone to the east dominated much of the months weather from 11th, giving mostly dry and sunny conditions. March Unsettled, with thunderstorms, rain and strong to gale force south-westerlies from 1st to 11th. An anticyclone over the North Sea from 12th onwards brought sunshine and light south-easterlies for most of the time, with many places recording their sunniest March in over twenty years. April A spell of rain in a cool north-

16 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Weather Review 1996-2004 westerly airstream opened the month, but returned to settled weather and light winds by 3rd, with little rain and lots of sunshine. Heavy rain on 13th and 14th, turning dry and sunny again, in moderate easterly winds from 15th to 20th. Low pressure areas dominated from 21st onwards, bringing widespread rain and showers, and mainly south-westerly winds. May Heavy rain in the southern half in the first few days, becoming showery in a strong south-west to westerly airflow from 5th to 14th. Sunny but cool. From 15th to 23rd a succession of Atlantic depressions tracked close to the north, bringing some heavy rain and strong south- westerlies. On 24th winds turned to light south-easterlies, resulting in drier weather and increasingly warm temperatures. June A warm month everywhere. Winds moderate south to south-westerly in first half, with some heavy rain or showers. From 13th drier weather with light winds dominated. Rain and showers in all areas from 26th were heaviest in the south on 29th. July Dry but cloudy in a light north- westerly airstream from 1st to 6th, becoming humid south-westerlies with light rain or drizzle from 7th. Warm, with thundery rain between 14th and 16th, becoming unsettled from 17th with south-westerly winds strong at times, with associated showers. August Warm and mainly dry, with light south-westerly winds at beginning, becoming variable with very warm and humid conditions from 4th to 8th, and temperatures above 25˚ C in many places. An east moving cold front on 9th brought colder, sunny weather. Light and variable winds continued to 26th, when moderate easterly winds later backing northerly, brought temperatures close to freezing at inland sites. Occasional showers turned to rain on 26th. September Mild and dry with light winds at the start, becoming more showery from 5th, and southerly winds increasing, with gale gusts on 11th and 12th. High pressure to the east introduced a warm southerly airflow on 13th, with bands of heavy rain at times from 18th, and a cold front turned winds to strong north-westerlies on 22nd. Dry again, but cool with light westerlies from 23rd onwards. October Mild, dry and dull with weak fronts bringing light rain in first half. Westerly winds throughout touched gale force on Atlantic coasts between 5th and 9th. Dry and sunny weather in moderate easterly winds from 15th onwards, apart from some heavy rain in last 2 days. November Mild and sunny everywhere, especially in the first half, but very wet in the south-west. Moderate to strong south-westerlies in the beginning, brought showers which were heavy on 1st and 5th. A deep depression crossing mid month brought some heavy rain ahead of it and stormy conditions in the south-west on 14th. December As in most months this year, December was drier, warmer and sunnier than normal. Light winds for most of the month apart from a brief period of strong north-westerlies around 20th, and southerly gales on 31st. A distinct drop in temperature from 27th saw wintry showers and some snow.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 17 Weather Review 1996-2004

2004 January Higher than normal temperatures throughout most of the month, though some very cold and frosty spells towards the end. Mild at the beginning, with winds predominantly from south and west, and occasional gales mid month giving way to dry and calm periods from 16th to 22nd. Cold northerly winds from 24th became strong and south-westerly by the end of the month. February Temperatures above normal in first half, but colder in latter half with occasional snow showers. Thundery showers in first week, with gale force south-westerlies and north-westerlies. Mild south-easterlies from 8th to 16th gave way to colder north-easterlies from 16th to 23rd, then very cold northerlies with some heavy snow in last week. March Calm and mostly fair in the first week. Strengthening south- easterlies from the second week veered to south-westerlies, then calmed from 23rd as a high pressure system took over. April Lower than normal rainfall. Westerly gales in the first week gave way to light north-westerlies. West or south-west gales in the third week. A warm southerly airstream from 22nd became north-easterly from 26th. May Mostly dry with light winds, though unsettled during first and last weeks. A deep depression between 3rd and 6th brought westerly gales to many places, and occasional thundery spells. June High pressure over first half of the month brought fair weather and light winds. Unsettled in latter half with some strong winds. July Strong westerly winds and rain in the first week, moderating briefly on 8th. South to south-west winds and showers until 20th, gave way to a dominating anticyclone, with lighter winds and higher temperatures to end of month. August South to south-westerly winds with scattered showers and sunny spells for the first week. From 8th, the tail end of Hurricane ‘Charley’ brought many gales, heavy rain and even thunderstorms, especially to the south-west. Mild temperatures gave frequent sea fog at coastal locations. From 18th to 29th low pressure remained dominant, bringing mainly westerly winds and lower temperatures, with bands of heavy rain on 18th and 19th and 22nd and 23rd. High pressure from 30th brought dry and sunny weather, with light north-westerly winds. September High pressure continued to dominate, bringing sunny conditions, and light south-westerly winds, backing easterly. Very unsettled from 10th to 20th due to a series of deep Atlantic depressions passing to the west. Strong to gale force, mostly westerly winds, and heavy rain on many days. Winds then veered north- westerly for a time, but became humid south-westerlies from 25th, with some light rain, heavier at end. October Deep Atlantic depressions in first week brought rain and mild south-westerly winds, occasionally gusting gale force. Drier and milder from 8th to 12th, with winds turning easterly for a time. Unsettled and wet from 13th, with winds turning northerly and temperatures becoming cold. Very disturbed weather from 19th with south-easterly gales and heavy rain causing severe flooding on the south coast. Rising pressure with dry, cool, and calm weather from 30th. November High pressure dominated the first half of the month, giving dry and settled weather with light winds. From 17th this anticyclone declined allowing a north to north-westerly airstream to bring colder air and some heavy rain. High pressure re-established from 21st, giving light south to south-

18 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Weather Review 1996-2004 westerly winds, and mostly dry conditions, with occasional frosts towards months end. December Apart from a brief cold spell in northerly winds for the first couple of days, winds in the first half were generally moderate and mild south- westerlies, with spells of light rain. From 14th a series of depressions to the north brought mainly westerly winds, some gale force, with heavy rain associated. Much colder from 24th, with snow and sleet everywhere in strong northerly winds, becoming milder from 27th. Systematic List

The sequence and nomenclature used in this list follows Voous K.H. 1973-77. List of Recent Holartic Bird Species (IBIS 115: 612-638, 119: 223-250, 376-406). It also includes most of the recommendations of the British Ornithologists Union Taxonomic Sub-committee (IBIS. Vol 144(4): 707, Vol 146(1): 153, Vol 147(4): 821). Virtually all of these recommendations have been adopted in this report, following consultation with the IRBC, in advance of formal decisions by them.

The following are the primary differences from the BOU recommendations: • Bewick’s Swan Cygnus bewickii is retained as such, not changed to the recommended Tundra Swan, as the change seems unnecessary and confusing. • Little Shearwater Puffinus boydi is also retained for the time being, instead of the recommended change to Macronesian Shearwater.

Most of the records from Cape Clear have been extracted from the observatory annual logs, with the kind permission of the warden and BirdWatch Ireland. These records have been included in order to produce as full an overview as possible of the occurrence of birds in the county, and are credited to ‘CCBO’. In many cases they have been abbreviated for editorial purposes, and to avoid duplication with the Cape Clear Bird Report, which is expected to be published in the near future.

Space restrictions have prevented us from including the complete reports from Dursey Island and Kilcolman Wildfowl Refuge as separate papers. These records are therefore incorporated into the main body of the report. Records from Dursey have been credited to the individual observers, while records from Kilcolman are credited to the Kilcolman Annual Report (as ‘KAR’). Records from the log book at Lough Beg are credited as LBLB. Records of rare breeding birds from the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel (IRBBP) are also included, where available.

Records of rare and scarce birds are accredited to the finder first, when known, otherwise as listed by IRBC. Other records, high counts, out of season occurrences, or otherwise particularly interesting records are credited to the observer who submitted them.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 19 Systematic List

Mute Swan Cygnus olor Common throughout the region. Mainly sedentary, with some grouping of non breeding birds in summer, and some immigration in winter. No counts were received of the larger groups known to be in the county (e.g. The Lough, ).

1996 All reports were from , with the peak count there being 32 on 19th April.

1998 The only report received was of 2 birds on Kilmurry Lake on 7th February.

2000 Ring Marsh held 26 on 18th March, with 7 at Lough Beg on 24th April and 2 there on 20th May.

2001 The only record submitted was 7 at Lissagriffin Lake on 2nd September.

2002 The only record received was 12 at Marsh on 14th May.

2004 Two at Cuskinny on 16th May, 12 at Ring on 26th June, 2 adults and 7 juveniles at Cuskinny on 5th July and 1 at Donemark, on 1st August were the only records received.

Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus Winter visitor, mainly to the east of the county. Scarcer since the mid 1990s, when the flocks diminished (see page 317).

1996 A flock of 30 at on 7th January, increased to 50 by 28th January. Kilcolman NNR held 3 birds on 3rd February. A count of 32 at Ballymaloe on 8th December, with the same or another flock of 50 recorded at Ballycotton on 15th December. Rostellan Lake held 18 birds on 26th December.

1997 Kilcolman NNR held 3 birds on 3rd January, while 2 at Rostellan Lake on 5th January increased to 51 by 1st February. A flock of 11 flew over on 20th December.

1998 The only record submitted was of 2 at Kilcolman NNR on 5th January.

1999 Once again the only record submitted was of 2 birds at Kilcolman NNR, possibly a returning pair, from 29th December into 2000.

2000 The 2 birds at Kilcolman NNR stayed on from December 1999 into January, increasing to 3 by 21st January.

20 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2001 Six at Twomile Inn on 11th February and 4 at Rostellan Lake on 30th October were the only records received.

2002 In January, 2 were at Rostellan Lake on 4th, with 2 at Kilcolman NNR on 13th. Two were at Rostellan Lake on 17th December.

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Winter visitor, with most seen between October and March. Widespread, but largest flocks mainly in the east. There has been a similar decline in east Cork to Bewick’s, but for different reasons (see page 317).

1996 A peak count of 32 at Cloyne on 7th January had decreased to 2 by 28th January. There were 14 at Warrenscourt Lake on 14th February, 7 at Manch Bridge on 14th March, and a peak of 22 birds at Rostellan Lake on 26th December.

1997 New Year’s Day produced 2 at Castlelack Lake while numbers at Rostellan Lake fell to 18 on 1st February. The highest count received was a flock of 61 at The Gearagh on 30th January with 1 remaining there until 16th May. One was near on 24th July. Twelve at Rostellan Lake on 13th October, 8 at Harper’s Island on 12th November falling to 1 there on 12th December. One was noted at Rosscarbery on 22nd November and 7 were on Warrenscourt Lake on 4th December.

1998 Few records were received for this year with 2 on Kilmurry Lake on 7th February, 50 at Kilcolman NNR on 8th March, 1 at Rostellan Lake on 29th November and 20 at The Gearagh on 5th December.

2000 An unusual record of a single bird at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 30th January was notable. Peak counts of 45 at The Gearagh on 8th March and 4 at Rostellan Lake on 19th November.

2001 Two birds at Twomile Inn on 11th February was the only spring record submitted. Winter records of a single individual at Timoleague on 28th October, a peak of 13 at Rostellan Lake on 17th November falling to 10 by 27th December and 2 at Kilkeran Lake on 17th November.

2002 Two at Rostellan Lake was the only New Year record on 4th January. Five at Dursey Sound on 19th October were the first island record (K Grace, AAK Lancaster). Elsewhere, 5 were at Pilmore on 21st October, 2 at Ballydonegan on 24th October, 1 at the Old Head of on 27th October and a peak count of 30 birds at Rostellan Lake on 28th October. November produced 5 at Slatty’s Bridge on 17th and 1 at Rosscarbery on 30th.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 21 Systematic List

2003 A single individual was at Rosscarbery on 17th March. Eight at Dursey on 3rd November was only the second island record, and 21 were at Rostellan Lake on 28th November.

2004 Two adults and 3 juveniles were at Mallow and 20 were at Rostellan on 3rd January. In October, an adult was at Ballycotton on 8th, with 5 at Rostellan on 14th and 3 there on 16th, when 2 were at Saleen. Six were on Dursey on 19th.

Bean Goose Anser fabalis Rare vagrant.

2002 An adult bird of the taiga race (A. f. fabalis) was recorded at The Gearagh from 28th October to 3rd November (J Lynch, I Hill, H Hussey).

Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus Rare winter visitor.

1997 One was at Lissagriffin Lake on 12th October (M Shorten).

1999 Four flew over Ballycotton on 10th October (D O’Sullivan).

2000 One was at Brown Island on 18th November (I Hill).

2003 An adult was at The Gearagh from 11th to 19th January (H Hussey, C Barton), and 1 was at Kilcolman NNR on 31st January (KAR). The 16th and 17th county records.

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Regular in small numbers at Kilcolman NNR, though otherwise scarce winter visitor. All records refer to the Greenland race A .a. flavirostris unless otherwise stated. The European race ‘albifrons’ is an occasional winter visitor.

1996 A peak count of 6 at Kilcolman NNR on 30th December was the only record of note.

1997 The party of 6 remained at Kilcolman NNR until 3rd January. A single bird noted there on 29th November was joined by 7 ‘albifrons’ on 19th December.

1998 The 7 ‘albifrons’ from 1997 remained at Kilcolman NNR to 8th March. There was only 1 other record received, a single bird at Kilcolman NNR on 4th November.

22 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1999 The latest spring record was of 2 birds at Kilcolman NNR on 7th March. The latest winter records for the year were 2 at Kilcolman NNR and 2 at Lake on 21st November.

2000 The only records received were of a single bird at Ballycotton on 3rd January and 2 at Kilcolman NNR on 14th January and 2 there again on 16th November.

2001 Two at Kilcolman NNR on 1st January, with 1 there on 9th January and 3 in November. The only other record was of 3 birds at Rostellan Lake on 7th March.

2002 The 3 birds wintering at Kilcolman NNR were last seen on 1st January. 5 on 18th October at the was a notable record, decreasing to a single bird there on 23rd. A single ‘albifrons’ was noted at The Gearagh on 31st October. Three were at Kilcolman NNR from 25th November into 2003.

2003 Once again the Kilcolman NNR birds remained into the New Year. The ‘albifrons’ wintering at The Gearagh was recorded on 11th and 19th January.

2004 An adult ‘albifrons’ was at Garretstown on 14th September.

Greylag Goose Anser anser Wild birds are probably best considered as scarce winter visitors, but the lack of submitted sightings may in part be due to the mobile flocks of feral birds in the region.

1997 The only records submitted were 5 at Lough Gal on 7th February, 61 at The Gearagh on 24th August and 2 at Inch Strand on 23rd October, which were most likely wild. The flock at the Gearagh are known feral birds.

1998 The only observation received was of a single bird at Lough Allua on 24th January.

2000 A single bird was at Brown Island on 18th November.

2001 Two were at Slatty’s Bridge from 28th-30th December.

2002 The Slatty’s Bridge birds moved to the North Channel, on 21st January. The peak count at The Gearagh was 35 on 19th January.

2003 A single individual was at on 24th January.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 23 Systematic List

2004 In January, a flock of 38 were at The Gearagh on 9th, with 35 there on 16th.

Greater Canada Goose Branta canadensis Feral populations, especially those from The Lough, are very mobile, and again cloud the status of the species. Genuinely wild birds are rare vagrants to the county.

1996 One at Kilcolman NNR on 27th July was only the second record for the reserve. The only other record received was of 25 at Rostellan Lake on 17th November.

1997 Two at Dooniskey on 30th April stayed until 26th May. 17 at Lough Mahon on 21st July and 3 on Douglas Estuary on 15th August were the only other submitted sightings.

1999 A bird at The Lough, Cork City on 26th December showed characteristics of one of the ‘small’ races but was subsequently accepted as a likely escape. It stayed into 2000.

2000 The ‘small’ race bird at The Lough remained until 8th March.

2002 A ‘large’ race of B. canadensis was noted flying west out to sea at Dursey on 25th June. This was a new species for the island (DA Scott).

2003 A ‘large’ race of B. canadensis was noted at The Gearagh on 24th January.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis Scarce winter visitor, with most records being of birds flying over coastal locations during the late autumn arrival period. Wintering birds are scarce.

1996 A single bird at Dursey on 13th October was joined by 3 others on 21st October.

1997 A very unusual record of a bird at Cape Clear on 18th May (CCBO). In the autumn there was a single bird at Dursey on 12th October, and 2 on Cape Clear on 13th.

1998 A single bird at Kilcolman NNR on 1st April remained until 5th. Four were seen over Cape Clear on 1st October (CCBO).

1999 Eleven flew over Cape Clear on 4th October (CCBO).

24 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2000 A single bird at Ballycotton on 16th November remained to the year end.

2001 The wintering bird at Ballycotton remained until 21st January.

2002 A high count of 44 birds was noted at Dursey on 17th October.

2003 Records of single birds from Dursey and Firkeel on 5th October possibly relate to the same individual.

2004 Three were on Cape Clear on 6th October (CCBO).

Brent Goose Branta bernicla Since the early 1990s this species has become more regular in the county and is now commonly seen in winter at a number of locations. It remains unusual away from the east Cork strongholds. All records refer to the pale-bellied form (B. b. hrota) unless otherwise stated. The ‘dark-bellied’ race ‘B. b. bernicla’ is an occasional visitor.

1996 Seven at Ballycotton on 11th February increased to 53 by 21st April. Three at Dursey on 2nd November was the only other submitted record.

1997 The peak count at Ballycotton was 37 on 29th March. A single dark- bellied bird at Ballycotton on 26th October (D O’Sullivan) was the only autumn record.

1998 Eleven were at Pilmore on 1st February and 2 at Dooniskey on 8th February was a good inland record. 50 were at Pilmore on 14th March, and 30 were at Ballycotton on 13th April. Single birds at Kilbrittan on 26th May and Ballycotton on 1st June were the latest spring records. Six at Ballymacoda on 22nd November remained until 12th December, when 20 were also at Pilmore.

1999 Numbers of pale-bellied birds began to increase at Ballycotton in January, with 12 birds on 9th building to a peak of 60 on 14th February, then decreasing to 48 on 20th March, with 3 remaining until 3rd April. A single adult dark-bellied ‘B. b. bernicla’ was noted at Ballycotton on 13th March (H Hussey), with 2 birds seen there from 17th to 27th March (H Hussey) and 1 remaining until 4th April (H Hussey, D O’Sullivan).

2000 A count of 59 at Ballycotton on 14th March was bettered by a very high count of 102 at Pilmore on 7th April. Later in the year, 3 at Ballycotton on 17th September increased to 20 by 31st December.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 25 Systematic List

2001 Six were at Whitegate on 11th February, 6 at Broadstrand on 18th February, 12 at Ballycotton on 13th April increasing to 50 on 20th with 65 at Pilmore on 22nd. A single bird was observed at , Cork Harbour on 27th December. A single dark-bellied bird at Ballycotton on 18th March (BINS) was the only record of this race.

2002 150 at Pilmore on 6th January and 12 at Ballycotton on 28th February were the only records submitted.

2003 In January, 15 were at Ballycotton on 2nd and 2 were at Garrettstown on 12th. 91 were at Pilmore on 23rd March, 1 was at Ballydonegan on 10th October, 80 at Pilmore on 18th December, with 7 at Whitegate on 28th December.

2004 Peak counts from East Cork were 9 at Ballycotton on 3rd January, with 63 there and 22 at Pilmore on 14th March, 3 at Ballycotton and 120 at Pilmore on 25th March and 12 at Ballycotton on 1st May. Elsewhere, 1 was at Rosscarbery on 31st January, with 2 at the same day. Four were at Whitegate on 4th April, with 7 there on 18th November. One was at Pilmore on 8th October.

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Common throughout the region, breeding in small numbers in many areas. Large flocks are found in the Cork Harbour area in winter.

1996 Highest counts received were 467 at on 11th January, 551 there on 19th January, 487 on 16th February and 518 on 24th February. 17 were at Kilbrittan on 6th June and 67 at Timoleague on the same date. 100 were at Rathcoursey on 31st December.

1997 183 were at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 219 at Slatty Water on 19th January, 173 at Douglas Estuary on 4th February, 272 at Slatty Water on 17th February, 102 at Saleen on 22nd February and 3 at the Upper Lee Reservoir on 19th November.

1998 246 were at Slatty Water on 25th January, with 204 there on 22nd February and 172 on 18th November. 140 were recorded at Brown Island on 12th December.

1999 161 were at Slatty Water on 10th January, with 133 on 27th February and 255 on 19th December. The only other record received was of 107 at Brown Island on 19th December.

2000 320 were at Slatty Water on 16th January, 48 at Lough Beg on 5th February and 233 at Slatty Water on 27th February. Two at Dursey on 8th May was the first island record (DA Scott).

26 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2001 120 were at Douglas on 14th January and 254 were at Lough Beg on 6th February.

2002 The only records submitted were of 145 birds at Lough Beg on 10th February and 29th December.

2003 219 were at Douglas Estuary on 12th January, with 370 there on 22nd February, 13 on 21st May and 10 on 7th June. The only other record received was 6 at Dursey on 30th December, only the second island record (DA Scott).

2004 The only records received were 450 at Rossleague on 8th February, 30 at on 29th April, 4 at Cuskinny on 16th May and 32 at the Douglas Estuary on 15th June.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope Common winter visitor, very scarce in summer. Not known to breed.

1996 In January 250 were at The Gearagh on 1st, with 80 at Cloyne on 7th, 368 at Tourig Estuary on the county border on 18th and 600 at Cloyne on 28th. The only autumn count received was 6 on Dursey on 13th October.

1997 The only count received was 350 on Brown Island on 13th December.

1998 600 on Brown Island on 24th November was the only submitted record.

1999 514 were on Brown Island on 19th December. No other records were received.

2000 The only counts received were of 32 at Lough Beg on 5th February, 1 at Ballycotton on 10th May and 400 at Brown Island on 18th November.

2001 250 were at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 35 at Lough Beg on 3rd February, 420 at Brown Island on 15th November and 45 at Lough Beg on 27th December. No other records were submitted.

2002 The highest count received was of 436 at Brown Island on 16th November.

2003 The only counts received were 325 at Douglas on 12th January, a minimum of 500 at Inchydoney on 1st February and 597 at Brown Island on 14th December.

2004 In January, 18 were at Cuskinny on 2nd, and 300 were at The Gearagh on 9th, with 150 there on 16th. A flock of 120 were at Glounthaune on 5th February,

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 27 Systematic List and 25 were at Ballycotton on 14th March. In autumn, 45 were at Ballycotton on 8th October with 5 at Long Strand and 310 at Douglas Estuary on 21st November.

American Wigeon Anas americana Very scarce winter visitor, rarely in small groups. Records are mostly of males, probably due to the difficulty of identifying females.

1996 A good year with single males at Charleville Lagoons on 2nd January (D O’Sullivan), Clonakilty on 7th January (CD Hutchinson), Kilcolman NNR 18th to 29th January (KAR - the second record for the reserve) and Lee Reservoir on 21st January (CD Hutchinson)*. An adult pair were at Reendonegan Lake on 21st January (CD Hutchinson et al)*. A male was at Ballintubbrid from 29th January until March (P Smiddy). A male was at Rostellan Lake on 27th October, with 2 adult males and a 1st w male there (P Moore, JN Murphy, P Smiddy)* from 17th November to 24th December and a single bird remaining on 26th December (D O’Sullivan).

1997 Single males were recorded on Rostellan Lake between 5th January and 23rd March (D O’Sullivan et al), Charleville Lagoons on 12th January (T Mee)*, 2 different birds at Ballycotton from the 29th March to 1st April (D O’Sullivan et al), and Rostellan Lake again on 9th November (D O’Sullivan).

1998 First winter males were at Douglas Estuary from 1st February to 30th March (BINS, B Ryan)* and Rostellan Lake from 9th February to 30th March (P Moore et al)*. An adult male was at Ballycotton from 13th November to 12th December (P Moore et al)*.

1999 The only report received was of a male at Kinsale Marsh on 16th October (BINS).

2001 A male was reported at Clonakilty on 15th January (BINS), with one at Charleville Lagoons from 12th February to 6th March (G Hunt et al)*, and an immature male reported at Ballycotton 14th to 21st October (BINS).

2002 Two males were reported at Timoleague from 11th January to 17th March (H Hussey et al). A male there on 12 February (C Batty et al)* was joined by a female on 17th February (C Batty)*. A male at Inchydoney remained from 28th September into 2003 (JA Coveney, PM Walsh et al)*. Single males were at from 28th October to 9th February (K Grace, AAK Lancaster et al)* and Timoleague from 12th December into early 2003 (P Wolstenholme et al)*, with another reported at Courtmacsherry on 16th November (BINS)

28 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 Males were reported at Ballycotton on 1st January (BINS), Timoleague (from 2002) to at least 5th February (C Barton et al), Clogheen Marsh on 4th and 7th January (C Barton et al), Clonakilty Bay on 9th February (T Nagle), and Ballycotton on 13th and 27th February (I Hill, M Cowming et al). A female was also at Timoleague on 21 February, paired to a male, both birds presumed returning from February 2002 (C Batty)*. Males were at Adrigole on 28th October (K Grace), Timoleague from 26th October to end December (BINS, C Cronin et al), Courtmacsherry on 7th December (BINS), and Adrigole on 21st December (BINS).

2004 In January, 1 was reported at Lee Reservoir on 4th (BINS), and 2 males were reported at Courtmacsherry on 19th (BINS), when 1 was also reported at (BINS). An adult male was at Courtmacsherry on 31st January (H Hussey). Three were at Dooniskey on 15th February (H Hussey), with 1 reported there on 21st (BINS) and 1 was at Timoleague on 10th March. Singles were reported at Ballycotton on 2nd September (BINS) and Timoleague on 15th October (BINS).

Previous record: 1994 An adult male was at on 20th and 21st November (E. Archer)*

Gadwall Anas strepera Scarce winter visitor away from the east Cork strongholds, where it is uncommon. Rare in summer. Has been known to breed.

1996 Six were at Warrenscourt Lake on 15th February, with 2 at Ballycotton on 24th April, 59 at Lough Aderra on 1st November and 20 at Ballyhonack Lake on 25th December.

1997 The only records submitted were 2 at Warrenscourt Lake on 15th February and a single bird at Pilmore on 4th May.

1998 Four were at Warrenscourt Lake on 24th January, with 13 at Ballyhonack Lake on 13th April and 8 at Warrenscourt Lake on 17th November.

1999 The only records received were of single birds at Rostellan Lake on 9th January and Pilmore on 11th April.

2000 75 were at Lough Aderra on 8th November with 60 there on 10th December. The only other record received was 1 at on 12 November.

2001 One was at on 28th April, with 4 at The Gearagh on 7th September and 1 at Rosscarbery on 6th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 29 Systematic List

2002 The only counts received were 10 at The Gearagh on 3rd January, 32 at Lough Aderra on 20th December, and 1 at Muckross Strand on 28th December.

2003 20 were at Lough Aderra on 2nd January, with 4 at Inchydoney on 1st February, 1 at Pilmore on 17th April, 2 at Shanagarry on 27th April, 9 at Whitegate on 28th December and 20 at Ballyhonack Lake on 31st December.

2004 Fourteen were at Pilmore on 25th March, and a pair was on Cape Clear on 9th and 14th April, and 26th May. One was at Cuskinny on 21st November and 34 at Lough Aderra on 29th December.

Eurasian Teal Anas crecca Common winter visitor throughout the area, scarce in summer. Rare breeder, apparently declining.

1996 Peak January counts were 250 at Tourig Estuary on 18th, 977 at Slatty Water on 24th and 450 at Cloyne on 28th. No other counts were received.

1997 540 were at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, with 1 at Pilmore on 4th May and 571 at Slatty Water on 14th December.

1998 The only record submitted was of 24 at Kilmurry Lake on 7th February.

1999 126 at Brown Island and 519 at Slatty Water on 19th December were the only records submitted.

2000 25 at Lough Beg on 5th February with 4 there on 29th April and 2 at Slatty Water on 1st May. The only winter record received was 78 at Brown Island on 18th November.

2001 74 at Lough Beg on 3rd February, 35 at Ballycotton on 14th September and 85 at Brown Island on 23rd December were the only records received.

2002 200 were at Pier on 25th January, while at Lough Beg there were 110 on 17th February, 2 on 28th April and 120 on 28th September. 115 at Brown Island on 16th November.

2003 282 at Douglas Estuary on 12th January was the only record received.

2004 In January, 60 were at Lee Reservoirs with 50 at The Gearagh on 16th, and 150 at Mallow on 30th. A flock of 150 was at Glounthaune on 5th February, 60 were at Ballycotton on 14th March, and 2 were at Lough Beg on 14th July.

30 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Ballycotton held 30 on 8th October and 150 were at Douglas Estuary on 21st November.

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis Extremely scarce, with all records of males, virtually all in winter. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1999. Before 1st January 2001, this species was considered to be the American race of Eurasian Teal, but is now treated as a distinct species.

1996 One was reported at Leap in February (BINS), and 1 was at Ballycotton between 7th November and 20th December, with a second there on 20th December (P Smiddy)*. One at Kilcolman NNR from 20th November to 19th December was joined by a second bird on 9th December (KAR). Singles were at Rosscarbery on 1st December (CD Hutchinson et al)* and Ballymacoda on 26th December (P Smiddy)*.

1997 Single birds were at Kilcolman NNR from 15th to 27th January (KAR), Ballycotton on 18th and 19th January (A Jeffery et al)*, The Gearagh on 26th January, Ballintubbrid and Saleen from 1st to 28th February (P Moore)*, Charleville Lagoons on 6th April, returning there on 31st December (T Mee)*, Douglas Estuary on 16th April (J Diggin)*, Kilcolman NNR from 2nd to 31st December (KAR), and Ballycotton from 14th to 21st December (D O’Sullivan).

1998 Single birds were seen at the Lee Reservoir from 18th January to 13th February (N Linehan et al)*, The Gearagh on 24th January (BINS), Ballycotton from 22nd November to 27th December (P Moore, BINS) and Kilcolman NNR from 7th-16th December (KAR).

1999 One was at Ballycotton on 13th-14th November (I Hill, D O’Sullivan et al) and 1 was at Kilcolman NNR from 3rd-15th December (C Bentley, KAR)*.

2000 Single birds were at Ballycotton on 3rd January, Aghada on 4th January, Dooniskey on 16th January, Womanagh River on 7th February, Liss Ard on 26th February, and Rochestown in December.

2001 Singles were at Clogheen Marsh on 1st January, Douglas Estuary from 1st January to 25th February, and Kilcolman NNR from 24th April to 1st May. What was presumably a returning bird from earlier in the year was seen again on the Douglas Estuary from 23rd November to 24th December.

2002 One at Douglas Estuary from 1st to 13th January (from 2001), with singles at Lough Beg from 16th March to 4th May, and Lough Aderra on 16th November.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 31 Systematic List

2003 The only record was of 1 at Lough Beg on 27th April.

2004 One report of a single bird at Ballymacoda on 21st February to 31st March (Per C Cullen).

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common resident breeding species, found on most waterways.

1997 220 at Douglas Estuary on 20th August was the only count received.

1998 Seven at Kilmurry Lake was the only record submitted.

1999 The only count received was 2 on on 12th October with 14 there on 16th.

2000 95 at Brown Island on 23rd January and 67 at Lough Beg on 9th August were the only counts received.

2001 The first record in 20 years for the Dursey/Firkeel area was at Firkeel Glen on 2nd October. Elsewhere, 80 at Knockadoon Head on 14th October was the only other record submitted.

2002 44 at Lough Beg on 10th February with 60 there on 17th August were the only counts received.

2004 The only counts submitted were 4 on Cape Clear on 9th April, 12 with 4 ducklings at Cuskinny on 16th May, 25 at Donemark on 20th August and 95 at Kilkeran Lake on 24th August.

American Black Duck Anas rubripes Rare vagrant.

1999 A male at Harpers Island on 31st October (J Wilson, M Carmody)* was the 3rd county record.

Previous records: 1993 The bird present at Lough Aderra in January/February remained until 5th March (J Diggin)*. The 1st county record. 1994 A male was at Kinsale Marsh on 13th March (J Diggin)*. This now becomes the 2nd county record, and is likely to be the same bird which returned there in 1995.

32 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Northern Pintail Anas acuta Localised and generally uncommon winter visitor, most found in Cork Harbour.

1996 Four at The Gearagh on 1st January, with 71 at Cloyne on 21st January falling to 40 on 28th, 32 at Belvelly on 24th February, 40 at Rostellan on 25th February and 1 there on 27th April.

1997 The only records submitted were 1 at Warrenscourt Lake on 15th February and 2 near Courtmacsherry on 28th October.

1998 One at Slatty Water on 18th November, 21 at Rossleague on 20th December and 1 at Ballycotton on 31st December were the only records received.

1999 Two at Rostellan on 1st January, 32 at Whitegate on 30th January, 3 at Kilcolman NNR on 7th February, 1 at White’s Marsh on 29th August and 20 at Rossleague on 26th December.

2001 12 were at Rossleague on 5th January with 20 there on 18th February and a single bird at The Gearagh on 7th September.

2002 A peak of 60 at Rossleague on 21st January, 1 at Rostellan Lake on 28th February, 2 at Ballymacoda on 21st September, 2 at Ballycotton on 29th September and 1 at Rostellan Lake on 28th November.

2003 20 were at Rossleague on 4th January, with 1 at The Gearagh on 24th January, 23 at Rossleague on 23rd February and 1 at White’s Marsh on 29th October.

2004 In January, 18 were at Rossleague on 2nd, with 35 there on 10th. Four were at Glounthaune on 5th February. A male was at Ballycotton on 8th October and 10 were at The Gearagh on 26th November.

Garganey Anas querquedula Scarce passage migrant in spring, rarer in autumn. A few winter records in recent years, reflecting a national trend.

1996 Males were at Rostellan Lake on 22nd April, Pilmore Strand on 23rd May and 2nd June.

1997 A male between 9th to 17th April and a female between 6th October and 10th December at Kilcolman NNR were the only records submitted.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 33 Systematic List

1998 A male at Kilcolman NNR between 19th January to 22nd February was followed by females there on 10th February, 30th April, 20th to 29th August and 27th October. The only other record received was of a female at The Lough on 8th March.

1999 A female was at Kinsale Marsh on 10th January and probably the same bird was seen there again on 30th January. One was at Lough Aderra in mid May.

2000 A male on 21st May at Pilmore, was joined by a female and another male on 28th.

2001 The only record received was of a female at Kilcolman NNR on 23rd April.

2002 A male was at Cullahilly Lake on 5th and 6th May, with a male at Unionhall on 6th May, a female at The Gearagh on 8th September and a female at Kilcolman NNR on 6th and 7th November.

2003 A male was at Pilmore 13th to 15th April, with 1 at Kilcolman NNR from 21st May to 2nd June and a female at , Beara in August.

2004 A male flying past Dursey in a flock of guillemots and razorbills on 25th April was the first record for the island (DA Scott). Elsewhere, an adult male was at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 2nd and 3rd May, with 2 there on 8th May. A male in eclipse was at Douglas Estuary from 16th to 21st August, and a male and female were at Ballycotton from 18th to 20th August.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Rare vagrant.

1999 A 1st year male was present at between 3rd and 17th October (D Astins, P Moore, T Nagle et al)*. The 13th county record.

2003 One was reported at The Gearagh in mid October (A Duggan).

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Locally common in winter, scarce in summer. Has bred occasionally at Ballycotton & Kilcolman but never regularly (last breeding 1993, 1985).

1996 On 1st January, 15 were at The Gearagh, with 60 at Rostellan on 25th February, 20 at Charleville on 10th March, 4 at Ballymaloe on 24th April, 2 at Rostellan Lake on 29th May and 37 at Slatty Water on 19th December.

34 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1997 Four were at Castlelack Lake on 1st January, with 16 at Slatty Water on 19th January, 30 at Harpers Island on 21st January, 25 at Slatty Water on 17th February, 10 at Harpers Island on 16th March and 11 at Slatty Water on 26th October.

1998 60 at Whitegate on 30th January and 6 on the near Cork City on 23rd February were the only records submitted.

1999 53 were at Whitegate on 30th January, a minimum of 26 were there on 31st October and 12 were on Rostellan Lake on 26th December.

2000 The only record received was 2 at Lough Beg on 5th February.

2001 Seven were at Lough Beg on 21st January, with 11 there on 3rd February, 30 at Rostellan Lake on 18th February and 12 at Lough Beg on 27th December.

2002 Two were at Lough Beg on 1st January, 5 at Whitegate on 4th January, 3 at Lough Beg from 17th to 24th February and 20 at Whitegate on 13th December.

2003 Seven were on the Douglas Estuary on 12th January, with 9 at Ballycotton on 9th February, 70 at The Lough on 20th February, 3 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th July and 2 at Ballyhonack Lake on 31st December.

2004 In January, 8 were at Rossleague on 2nd, with 6 at Whitegate on 3rd, 3 at The Gearagh on 16th and 5 at Douglas Estuary on 18th. Twelve were at Pilmore on 25th March.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Rare migrant. The species is a regular escape from captive collections, thus clouding its’ true status (see page 257).

1996 A female present at Rostellan Lake from 27th-30th October (D O’Sullivan, P Moore, P Smiddy)* was the 3rd county record.

2000 A male was reported at Lough Atlis near Dunmanway on 2nd April.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 35 Systematic List

Common Pochard Aythya farina Locally common in winter. Has bred at Ballycotton. Last breeding records in 1994 and 1995.

1996 Thirty at Classis Gravel Pit on 1st January, 50 at Warrenscourt Lake on 15th February and 70 at Rostellan Lake on 3rd March were the only records submitted.

1997 Ten were at Kilkeran Lake on 1st January, with 4 at Rochestown on 5th January increasing to 19 on 9th, 110 at Rostellan Lake on 21st January, 30 at Warrenscourt Lake on 15th February and 50 at Rostellan Lake on 22nd February.

1998 The only record submitted was 30 at Rostellan Lake on 10th October.

1999 Ten at Rostellan Lake on 12th December was the only count submitted

2001 The only record received was 7 at Rostellan Lake on 17th November.

2003 Twenty at Rostellan Lake on 2nd January increased to 28 by 27th.

2004 A male was at Cuskinny on 2nd and 10th January. No other records received.

Redhead Aythya americana Rare vagrant

2003 An adult male was seen on Cape Clear from 12th to 15th July (SJ Wing et al)*. This is the first Irish record of this North American duck.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Occasional autumn and winter vagrant, with birds sometimes remaining until spring.

1997 A male at The Gearagh on 30th January (D O’Sullivan) was the only record received.

1998 The only record submitted was a male at The Gearagh between 3rd and 13th December (ID Barthorpe, D O’Sullivan et al)*.

1999 A male was at Lough Aderra between 8th January and 14th April (D O’Sullivan, P Moore et al)* and a female/immature at Kilcolman NNR on 3rd October (C Bentley)* was the first record for the reserve.

36 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2000 Males were at The Gearagh on 16th January (BINS) and 8th and 9th March (M Shorten) with another at Lough Aderra on 26th March (D O’Sullivan).

2001 A female was at Unionhall on 17th December (BINS) with a male at Rostellan Lake from 27th to 31st December (M Shorten).

2002 A male at Lough Aderra from 6th January to 21st April was also regularly seen at Rostellan Lake (I Hill et al). A male was at The Lough from 13th to 15th January (J Diggin et al)*. Another was at The Gearagh from 26th January to 13th February when it was joined by a second male, with 1 bird seen again between 25th March and 12th April (A Jeffery et al). A male was at Lough More near Adrigole on 4th to 6th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster et al)*. A pair were at The Gearagh on 30th October (D Breen) and 12th November (H Hussey). On 15th November, males were at Lough Aderra (BINS) and Rostellan Lake (J Diggin)* and a female was seen at The Gearagh on 8th December (BINS) with another at Rostellan Lake on 30th December (I Hill).

2003 A male was seen regularly at Rostellan Lake between 1st January and 10th April (M Cowming et al), with probably the same bird visiting Lough Aderra on 2nd January (C Barton, C Cronin)*. The wintering female was still present at The Gearagh on 11th and 19th January (H Hussey, C Barton), with another female at Ballyhonack Lake from 16th December (M Cowming) to the years end.

2004 The female at Ballyhonack Lake was seen on 1st and 3rd January (H Hussey, C Barton et al), with an adult male at Doonsiskey from 4th January to 14th February (H Hussey, M Cowming et al). An adult male was at Rostellan Lake on 25th March (H Hussey, C Cronin, I Hill). In December, 1 was at the Lee Reservoirs on 5th and 19th (BINS).

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Rare vagrant. Most records are presumed to refer to the same bird returning to Kilcolman NNR from 1991 to spring 1999. The records from autumn 1999 and summer 2001 probably refer to new birds.

1996 A male at Kilcolman NNR from 4th January to 1st April and from 10th November to 18th December (KAR).

1997 Again, a male at Kilcolman NNR from 12th January to 20th March and from 12th to 21st December (KAR).

1998 The male was seen at Kilcolman NNR from 9th January to 30th March (KAR, H Hussey, F O’Duffy et al)* and from 17th November to 31st December (KAR).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 37 Systematic List

1999 At Kilcolman, the presumed returning male continued to be seen from 1st January to 17th March (KAR), and either this or a different male was there on 8th October (KAR, T Nagle).

2001 An adult male was at Kilcolman NNR on 1st May (G Garner et al)*.

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Common winter visitor, scarce breeder.

1996 The only count received was of 29 birds at Rochestown on 7th December, increasing to 36 on 28th December.

1997 The only counts received were 90 at Rochestown on 5th January, 28 at Warrenscourt Lake and 45 at Rochestown on 15th February and 38 at The Gearagh on 29th June.

1998 Sixty at Warrenscourt Lake on 24th January and 9 at Kilmurry Lake on 7th February were the only records submitted.

2001 The only record received was 6 at Rostellan Lake on 17th November.

2002 The only counts submitted were 34 at Lough Aderra on 28th February and 9 at Rostellan Lake on 17th December.

2003 25 at Douglas Estuary on 12th January and 20 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 25th May were the only counts submitted.

2004 The only records received were 40 at Lee reservoir on 9th January, 14 at Douglas Estuary on 29th January, 5 at Rostellan on 25th March and 10 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 17th August. One was at Kilkeran Lake briefly in November.

Greater Scaup Aythya marila Scarce winter visitor.

1996 Three were at Aghada and 3 at Rochestown on 1st January, 3 at Rostellan Lake on 28th April, 1 at Castlelack Lake on 8th October, 1 at Rochestown on 17th November with 2 there on 7th December.

1997 Six at Rathcoursey on 19th January and 1 at Nohoval Lake on 18th October were the only records submitted.

38 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 Five at Great Island on 10th January, with single birds at The Lough on 4th February, and Rostellan Lake on 22nd and 27th November. One at Kilcolman NNR on 25th November was only the 7th record for the reserve.

1999 Two were at Rostellan Lake on 1st and 23rd January, while 1 at Kilcolman NNR from 21st January to 3rd February was possibly the 1998 bird. Two were on the Douglas Estuary on 13th and 14th February and 2 were at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 30th October.

2000 Singles were at The Gearagh on 8th January and at Kilcolman NNR on 19th March, 24th November and 22nd December.

2001 Two at Kilcolman NNR on 24th and 1 at The Gearagh on 27th January were the only records submitted.

2002 Single birds at Rostellan Lake on 16th January and 15th December were the only records submitted.

2003 One at The Gearagh on 19th January was the only record submitted.

2004 In January, a first winter male was at Dooniskey on 8th, with a female there on 9th, 2 adult males on 16th, and 3 first winter females on 25th. Three birds were present there on 15th February. Two males were on Kilkeran Lake on 3rd May, with 2 females there on 29th and 30th October, and 3rd November. A male and female were at Dooniskey on 26th November.

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Rare vagrant.

2004 A first winter male at Dooniskey from 4th to at least 25th January (BINS) was the 9th Irish record and the first for the county (J Lynch et al). A description has not been submitted to the IRBC. An adult male reported at Dooniskey on 5th December (BINS) may have been this bird returning.

Common Eider Somateria mollissima Very scarce but almost annual winter visitor.

1996 A female and a first year male were at Ballycotton from 11th to 18th February (D O’Sullivan) with the male remaining to 3rd March.

1999 The only record received was 2 off Long Island, on 25th January (T Nagle).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 39 Systematic List

2000 A first year male was at Ballycotton on 17th and 18th November (I Hill, H Hussey, AG Kelly).

2001 A first year male was at Aghada on 7th March (D Breen, A O’Donnell), 1 was at Knockadoon Harbour on 24th and 31st March (T Nagle, I Hill) and a first year male was at Pilmore on 10th November (H Hussey).

2002 Eight flew west off Galley Head on 24th November (C Barton).

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Very scarce winter visitor, with most seen at coastal locations. Records of this species have become less frequent in recent years.

1996 One at Classis Gravel Pit on 1st January was an unusual inland record.

1997 One at Inchydoney on 22nd November.

1998 One was at Aghada on 7th February.

1999 One was at Great Island on 9th January.

2000 A single bird at The Gearagh on 8th January was unusual so far inland. One at White’s Marsh on 23rd July was Long-tailed Duck – Andre Robinson very unseasonal.

2001 Three were off Owenahincha on 17th November.

2002 Two off Dursey on 18th October was the first island record. Elsewhere, singles were at Garrettstown on 15th December and Ballintubbrid on 22nd December.

2003 Singles were at Ballintubbrid on 5th January, Roches Point on 22nd March, Owenahincha on 28th October and Courtmacsherry from 4th to 8th November.

2004 One was at Knockadoon Head on 31st October.

40 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra Small groups are regular on passage at sea in late summer and autumn. Scarce in winter.

1996 In February, 23 were at Ballycotton on 11th. Summer records included 18 off Galley Head on 2nd June, 823 off Dursey between 3rd June and 31st August (DA Scott), and 98 off Galley Head on 28th July, with 18 there on 8th August and 14 on 19th August. In October, 2 were at Aghada on 27th, with 100 off Dursey between 2nd and 17th October and 10 there on 29th October. Four were off Inch on 17th November.

1997 Nine were off Dursey on 12th and 13th October with 1 there on 25th October, and 1 in Rostellan Bay on 31st December.

1998 In January, 18 were at Inch on 25th, with 12 off Dursey on 5th June, 48 off Galley Head on 19th July, 4 off Dursey on 1st September, 2 at Aghada on 8th November and 4 off Aghada on 22nd November.

1999 One was off Dursey on 27th January, with 4 off Galley Head on 29th August and 2 off Aghada Pier on 14th November.

2000 Two were at Rosscarbery on 19th March, with 218 off Dursey between 25th May and 10th June and 3 off Galley Head on 18th November.

2001 In summer, 61 were off Dursey between 5th June and 28th July, with 36 there between August and December. Two were off Aghada Pier and 2 were at Whitegate on 16th December.

2002 One was off Dursey on 15th February, with 3 off Galley Head on 11th September, 16 off Dursey on 31st October and 1 off Garrettstown on 15th December.

2003 One was at Inch on 21st April. In July, 34 were off the Old Head of Kinsale and 7 off Power Head on 10th, numbers peaked off Dursey with 35 on 14th, and 14 were off Galley Head on 29th. Two were off Galley Head on 13th September, with 1 off Aghada Pier on 19th December and 1 at Whitegate on 28th December.

2004 In January, 1 was off Aghada on 3rd, 2 were off Long Strand on 6th, and 1 was off Whitegate on 25th. Birds were recorded from Dursey between March and August, with 13 on 28th March, 35 there on 27th May, 32 on 12th June, 59 on 19th July, 63 on 24th July and 3 on 23rd August. Elsewhere, 25 passed Cape Clear on 10th April, with 3 there on 13th, 45 passed Galley Head on 22nd July, with 50 passing there on 28th and 29th July. A further 17 passed the Old Head of Kinsale on

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 41 Systematic List

7th August, with 1 at Ballymacoda on 12th December. Last of the year were 3 off Aghada on 21st December.

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Rare vagrant, mostly in winter.

1996 A 1st winter bird was off Inch between 3rd November and 1st December (D O’Sullivan, P Moore et al)*.

1998 A 1st winter female was at Saleen on 1st November (R Mundy et al)* but had moved to Aghada by 8th, when it was joined by another female/immature. Both birds remained to 23rd November (H Hussey, D O’Sullivan et al)*.

1999 A 1st year male was at the Old Head of Kinsale between 14th February and 4th April (J Diggin)*.

2002 One was at Ballycotton on 22nd October (I Hill), and a juvenile was at Saleen on 17th November (T Gittings)*. On the latter date a ‘female’ reported from nearby Rostellan (BINS), was probably the same bird. The 14th county record.

2003 A juvenile or first winter at Courtmacsherry from 30th October to 11th November was seen by several observers (BINS). A description has not been submitted to the IRBC.

Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Very occasional winter visitor.

1996 Singles were off Aghada on 18th February and 8th December, while 4 were off Inch on 30th March, with 3 there on 17th November.

1997 One was at Rathcoursey on 17th January, while 2 to 4 birds were off Aghada from 5th January to 29th March. These birds sometimes frequented Rostellan Bay, with 1 bird remaining in the area until 1st April.

2001 A single bird was observed off Aghada Pier and surrounding area from 16th November to 18th December.

42 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Rare vagrant. The common occurrence of this species in wildfowl collections clouds its status, but on the basis of the record below the species has now been admitted to Category ‘A’ of the Irish List.

1998 A female was at The Gearagh from 18th January to 8th March (E Carty, N Linehan, P O’Donoghue et al)*. This is the first Irish record of this North American diving duck.

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Locally common winter visitor, rare in summer.

1996 The only record submitted was 36 at Lough Mahon on 25th December.

1997 Two at Kilkeran Lake on 1st January, 6 at Rathcoursey on 9th March and 36 at Rochestown on 6th December.

1998 Two were at The Gearagh on 8th November, with 36 at Douglas on 10th December, 52 at Rochestown on 13th December and 12 at Rathcoursey on 21st December.

1999 One at Douglas Estuary on 25th March and 7 at Rathcoursey on 28th December were the only records submitted.

2000 The only records received were 7 at Rathcoursey on 2nd January and 8 at The Gearagh on 30th January.

2002 A high count of 47 at Douglas Estuary on 24th January and 1 at Rostellan Lake on 28th February were the only records submitted.

2003 Two at Rostellan Lake on 2nd January and 20 at The Gearagh on 19th January were the only records received.

2004 In January, 22 were at the Lee Reservoirs with 30 at The Gearagh on 16th, 3 at Douglas Estuary on 18th and a female on Kilkeran Lake on 24th. Five were at Douglas Estuary on 22nd October and a male was on Kilkeran Lake on 27th and 29th November. An adult male was present on Rostellan Lake all year.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 43 Systematic List

Smew Mergellus albellus Rare in recent years, though previously almost annual in winter. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1999.

2004 A female was present at Clogheen Marsh on the unusual dates of 1st to 10th July (T Gittings). The 12th county record.

Previous record: 1994 A female/immature was at The Gearagh on 16th February (J Diggin et al)*. This is earlier than recorded in the 1994 bird report. This is believed to be 1 of 2 birds found at Castlelack Lake in 1993, with both birds then seen at The Gearagh from 27th February as reported in the 1994 report.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Common in winter on the coast. Rare in summer. Rare breeder in in Roaringwater and Bantry Bays, with last proven breeding in 1992.

1997 The only count submitted was 14 at Brown Island on 14th November.

1999 The only records submitted were 30 off Aghada Pier on 30th January, 5 off Sherkin Island on 12th and 3 there on 16th October.

2000 Thirty off Aghada Pier on 27th December was the only record received.

2001 Three off Dursey on 29th October was the only record submitted.

2002 The only record received was 15 at Cuskinny Bay on 9th January.

2003 Thirty off Courtmacsherry on 5th November was the only record submitted.

2004 The only records received were 7 at Cuskinny on 8th February and 8 at Douglas Estuary on 21st November.

Goosander Mergus merganser Rare winter visitor, though increasingly regular in recent years. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1998.

1994 A female was at The Gearagh from 16th February to 26th March (J Diggin et al)*.

2002 A female was at Dooniskey on 27th August (B Ryan).

44 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 A female was at Adrigole on 9th February (J Diggin).

2004 A female or immature was present at The Gearagh from 4th January to 21st February (H Hussey et al), with the same bird or another there on 26th November and 6th December, with 2 birds present on 5th December (H Hussey).

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Very scarce but virtually annual winter visitor, most records from inland sites.

1996 A female was at The Gearagh on 1st January (J Lynch).

1997 A female was at Rostellan Lake from 13th to 17th October (JE Fitzharris, P Moore) and this bird or another was there on 7th December (D O’Sullivan).

1999 A female was at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 30th October (P Brennan).

2000 A female was at Kilcolman NNR on 19th March (KAR).

2001 A male was at Charleville Lagoons on 14th October (G Hunt) and a female was at The Gearagh on 28th December (BINS).

2002 Two at The Gearagh on 3rd January, probably included the female from December 2001 (H Hussey). A male was at Charleville Lagoons on 19th October (G Hunt).

2003 A single bird was at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 25th May (T Nagle).

2004 Five were at The Gearagh between 8th January & 4th February (H Hussey et al).

Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus Rare resident, apparently maintaining a toehold in the north Cork mountains.

1998 Two at a site in the on 26th May (PM Walsh) was the only record received.

2003 The only record received was 1 near Taurbeg on 8th July (C Barton).

2004 One near on 14th May was the only record received (T Nagle).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 45 Systematic List

Common Quail Coturnix coturnix Occasional passage migrant, with most records in mid to late summer.

1996 One on Dursey on 15th June was the first record for the island (DA Scott).

1998 One was on on 7th July (SJ Wing).

1999 One was at Ballycotton from 7th to 9th June (D O’Sullivan et al) with a second at Barry’s Head on 29th August (P Rowe, D Cooke).

2000 One on Dursey on 21st June was only the second island record (DA Scott).

2002 One was on on 3rd June (D Ballard).

2003 One on Dursey on 20th July was the third island record (DA Scott). Another was on Cape Clear on 15th October (B Haslam)

2004 A male was seen and heard at Robert’s Cove between 17th and 20th July (D Fitzpatrick et al), and another was reported from Cape Clear on 12th October (CCBO).

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Common resident throughout the county, numbers often artificially high as the species is often bred for hunting. Very few records were submitted for the period, presenting an unrealistic picture of the species true occurrence.

1996 The only record received was 2 on Cape Clear on 14th October.

2004 Singles on Cape Clear on 29th May and near Bantry on 29th August were the only records received.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata Common passage migrant and winter visitor on the coast. Larger groups often seen in spring before migration.

1996 Eleven at Ballycotton on 15th January was the highest count received. The last spring record was 2 off Dursey on 24th March. Birds were noted again from 4th October when 1 was off Dursey, and the highest count from the latter half of the year was 5 off Dursey on 1st November.

1997 The only record received was 1 past Dursey on 22nd March.

46 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 Thirty at Inch on 25th January was a high count, but 100 there on 8th March was exceptional (D O’Sullivan). One off Dursey on 4th June was an unusual summer record.

1999 The highest count received was of 10 birds at Ballybranagan on 6th February, with 2 off Dursey on 24th April being the last of the spring. The first autumn record received was 4 at Long Strand on 25th October.

2000 The highest count of the year was 30 off Ballyandreen on 4th March. Five off Rosscarbery on 19th March were the last of the spring, although movement was noted during the summer when a total of 5 flew past Dursey during May with 1 past there on 26th June. The only winter record received was 2 off Inchydoney on 18th November.

2001 The highest count received was 3 off Knockadoon Head on 25th March, with these birds also being the last of the spring. A single bird flew past Dursey on 3rd June. The first of the autumn were 2 off Mizen Head on 5th September, with small numbers seen throughout the winter from a number of locations.

2002 Only small numbers were reported, with the highest counts being 3 birds off Dursey on 15th February and 3 off Ballycotton on 28th February. One off Garretstown on 31st March was the last of the spring. The only summer record was 1 past Dursey on 1st May and the only winter record received was 3 off Owenahincha on 28th December.

2003 High counts during the winter were of 30 birds at Garretstown on 9th February and 30 off Ballybranagan on 23rd February. The last birds of the spring were 6 past Dursey during April. One flew past there on 1st June. The highest late winter count was 3 off Dursey on 23rd October.

2004 Singles were recorded off Dursey in January, March, and June with 4 in May, 1 in October and 1 in December. Highest counts of the year were 40 off Knockadoon Head on 3rd January, with 13 there on 25th March, and 13 off Long Strand on 11th October. Two were in Dirk Bay on 27th November, with 3 at Owenahincha and 2 off Rosscarbery on the same day.

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Very scarce winter visitor. Small numbers seen almost every winter on the coast. Occasional in spring.

1996 One was at Rostellan/Aghada on 28th January (P Smiddy)* and 1 was at Ballymacoda on 17th November (P Smiddy)*.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 47 Systematic List

1997 One was reported in the Aghada/Rostellan area from 8th to 23rd February (D O’Sullivan, P Rowe) and another was reported there on 13th April (D O’Sullivan).

1998 One was reported at Aghada from 2nd January to 1st February (D O’Sullivan), with another reported in partial summer plumage at Inch on 8th March (D O’Sullivan), 1 off Cape Clear on 21st August (JR Petersen), and another reported at Dunmore Head on 21st November (BINS).

1999 An adult bird was at Adrigole on 7th March (N Linehan)*.

2000 Five birds were reported at Ballycotton on 27th February (BINS).

2001 Birds were widely reported in January with 1 at Aghada on 6th (BINS), 1 at Broadstrand on 18th (BINS), 1 at Courtmacsherry from 21st to 28th (BINS) and 2 at Rosscarbery on 28th (BINS). Singles were at Courtmacsherry on 5th February (BINS) and Adrigole on 27th April (BINS).

2002 One reported at Dursey on 19th and 20th February was the first for the island (DA Scott)*. A bird in non-breeding plumage was also there on 28th June (DA Scott)*.

2004 Singles were off Marloag on 10th January (C Cronin, A Robinson, C Barton)*, off on 17th March (C Cronin, M Carmody)*, flying west past Cape Clear on 16th April (C Cronin) and off Dursey on 8th May (DA Scott)*.

Previous records: 1995 One was at Ballybranagan on 18th April (P Smiddy)* with 4 off Knockadoon Head on 28th December (P Smiddy)*.

Great Northern Diver Gavia immer Widespread on the coast from late autumn to spring, though usually in small numbers. Some higher numbers in spring before and during migration. Rare inland.

1996 Four were at Roches Point in January. One was at Inch on 20th April. In October, 4 adult and 2 immature birds were off Dursey on 16th, with single birds there to end of the month. Three were at Ballycotton on 25th November, with 2 at Roches Point in December.

1997 Two were at Galley Head on 11th May. Two birds were off Dursey on 20th September, with 1 there on 16th October.

48 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 An inland bird was at Lough Allua on 24th January (D Cooke), 1 was at Aghada on 7th February, with another individual well inland at Dooniskey on 8th February (H Hussey). Three were at Rostellan on 19th March, 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th April, with 1 at Ballycotton on 13th April, and 2 at Newfoundland Bay on 23rd May. A very late bird was off Dursey on 9th June (DA Scott). The first returning bird of the autumn was 1 past the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st August. Three were seen in Dirk Bay on 26th October with singles at Ahanesk on 22nd November, Aghada on 12th December and East Ferry on 31st December.

1999 Two birds were at Aghada throughout January, followed by single birds at Ballycotton on 20th February, Aghada on 20th March and on 2nd April. Three were in Dirk Bay on 5th April and 2 were in Roaringwater Bay on 8th May. In autumn, a very high count of 13 birds was noted in Ballycotton Bay (I Hill). One was seen at the Old Head of Kinsale on 7th November and for the second year running 1 was inland, at The Gearagh from 27th December until 2nd January 2000 (B Moynihan).

2000 One was at Garretstown on 3rd January, 4 were at Aghada on 4th March, 1 was off the Old Head of Kinsale on 9th March and a high count of 23 off Simons Cove on 18th March. Spring passage past Dursey logged 128 birds, mostly breeding plumaged adults, between 2nd May and 5th June (DA Scott). None were seen then until October, when 1 passed Dursey on 2nd with an adult off Cape Clear on 6th and singles off Dursey on 14th and 20th. In November 1 was at Saleen on 16th, with 2 at Galley Head on 18th and the last off Dursey on 28th.

2001 One was at Ballycotton and 6 were at Rathcoursey on 13th January. Unusually there were none then until May, when 7 were seen from Dursey between 3rd & 5th. An immature bird was seen off Dursey on 11th June. Autumn passage began with 1 from Dursey on 22nd October, then 2 on 31st, 2 from Ballycotton on 18th November, and 2 from the Old Head of Kinsale on 9th December.

2002 Good numbers this year, and a good spread of records. Three were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 13th January, 5 were at Rosscarbery on 22nd January, with 4 at Ballycotton on 26th January and again on 28th February. Three were at Roches Point on 2nd & 11th February. In March there were 2 at Garretstown on 17th, with 3 there on 31st, while 3 were noted at the Old Head of Kinsale on 24th. Two were off Galley Head on 14th April, 1 was off Dursey on 25th April, 1 off Galley Head on 6th May, 1 in Roaringwater Bay on 27th May, with the last spring bird being 1 off Dursey on 2nd June. The first bird of the autumn was also off Dursey, on 14th October, with a total of 11 there during October, and 1 on 4th November. In December, 4 were off Garretstown on 15th, 2 off Roches Point on 27th, and 5 off Owenahincha on 28th.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 49 Systematic List

2003 Another good year beginning with 7 birds at Courtmacsherry on 2nd January, 2 at Ring, Clonakilty on 5th January and 2 at Ballybranagan on 30th March. In April, 1 was at Roches Point on 18th, 3 were at Garretstown on 19th, 2 at Ballycotton on 29th and 1 was off Dursey on 30th. A good spring passage in May saw 1 at Roches Point and 6 at Knockadoon Head on 4th, 5 at Dursey on 6th, and singles there on 7th, 8th and 9th, with 3 on 10th. In autumn an adult was at Dursey on 7th October. A high count of 20 birds was recorded at Courtmacsherry on 5th November (BINS), 1 was at Dursey on 30th November, and 1 was off Simons Cove on 29th December.

2004 In January, 3 were off Marloag on 10th, with 1 off Dursey on 16th. One was off Cobh on 17th March. In April, 3 were off the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th, 3 were in Roaringwater Bay on 16th, with 1 off Dursey on 19th and 3 there on 27th. Highest counts of the year came also from Dursey in May with 7 on 7th, 5 on 11th and 7 on 16th, with 4 there on 5th June. One was off Ringaskiddy on 17th July. None were then recorded until late autumn, with singles off Dursey on 25th October, Ballycotton on 5th November and Dursey again on 18th December.

White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii Rare vagrant

2004 A first summer bird was reported flying past Cape Clear on 30th May (C Cronin)^. If accepted this will be the 2nd record for the county.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus Regular in winter in small numbers in the lower Cork Harbour area. Very scarce elsewhere. Formerly common in Roaringwater Bay but current status there is unknown.

1996 Two were at Aghada from 6th January until 18th March (P Moore et al). In the latter half of the year 1 was found at Castlelack Lake on 11th October (T Nagle), 3 were at Aghada on 17th November with 2 remaining into 1997 (D O’Sullivan et al), and 1 was at Lough Beg from 24th November into 1997 (D Cooke).

1997 Two birds remained in the Aghada area until 1st February (D O’Sullivan et al). What was presumably the same bird from 1996 remained at Lough Beg until 2nd February (D Cooke) and was joined by another on 25th January, which may have been 1 of the Aghada birds. Two birds were at Lough Beg on 9th November, and were presumed to be returning birds (D Cooke). Another presumed returning bird was 1 at Aghada which was present from 16th November into 1998 (D O’Sullivan et al).

50 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 One over-wintering at Aghada remained until 17th March (D O’Sullivan et al). The 2 birds at Lough Beg remained until 1st February (D Cooke). One returned to Aghada on 21st December (I Hill).

1999 Two birds were at Aghada from 1st January until 21st February (D O’Sullivan, I Hill et al). A single bird was seen there on 24th October (I Hill).

2000 Two birds were at Aghada throughout January (D O’Sullivan et al).

2001 Three birds were seen at Aghada on 1st January, with 1 to 2 seen on various dates until 25th February (H Hussey et al). A single bird was found at Luc Strand on 21st January (D Cooke).

2002 One was in the North Channel on Great Island on 2nd February (H Hussey). Unusual inland reports were 1 at The Gearagh on 3rd February and 17th March (BINS), with one at Kilcolman NNR on 25th and 26th February (KAR). A single bird at Aghada on 15th February (I Hill) was probably the same bird reported there on 12th March (BINS). In the latter half of the year, up to 2 birds were at Aghada from mid December (T Gittings, H Hussey et al).

2003 One was seen at Aghada up to 22nd January (C Barton, C Cronin et al). What were presumably the regularly overwintering 2 birds were seen there again from 27th November to the end of the year (T Gittings et al).

2004 One off Aghada on 3rd January was presumably 1 of the over-wintering birds from 2003. Two were at Rostellan on 21st November, and were off Aghada on 11th December (BINS), with a single there on 21st December (H Hussey).

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Annual in winter in the lower Cork Harbour area due to returning birds. Rare elsewhere.

1996 The 3 birds present since 1995 remained in the Aghada / Rostellan area until 18th March (D O’Sullivan et al). Three were again present there from 20th October to the end of the year (D O’Sullivan).

1997 The 3 birds from 1996 remained at Aghada, with 4 birds there from 4th January until 23rd February (D O’Sullivan et al). Two birds returned to the area on 1st November (E Carty, PM Walsh et al)*, and were joined by a third bird from 16th November to 7th December (D O’Sullivan et al).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 51 Systematic List

1998 Two birds remained in the Aghada area from 1st January until 17th March (D O’Sullivan et al), returning again on 7th November and remaining into 1999 (I Hill et al).

1999 A third bird was found with the over-wintering 2 at Aghada on 30th January (PM Walsh et al)*, with 2 birds then remaining until 21st February. A new bird was found at Castletownbere on 7th February (N Linehan et al)*. Two birds returned to Aghada on 17th October (I Hill et al), with 3 there from 31st October (PM Walsh et al)* to the end of the year.

2000 The 3 over-wintering birds remained at Aghada until late February (BINS). Two birds returned in November and remained to the end of the year (D O’Sullivan).

2001 Two over-wintering at Aghada were present from January to 1st March (I Hill et al). Two were seen again from 4th November into 2002 (T Gittings et al), with a third bird present on 31st December (BINS).

2002 Two birds remained at Aghada from January to 15th February, with 3 seen on 6th January (T Gittings).

2003 One at Aghada on 22nd October remained in the Aghada/Rostellan area into 2004 (I Hill et al).

2004 The 2003 bird remained at Aghada until 26th March, with 2 birds seen there on 7th November (BINS). A winter plumage bird at Kilkeran Lake on 27th November (T Nagle et al) stayed to the end of the year, as did 2 at Aghada from 7th November (BINS).

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Common breeding bird throughout the region. Some small flocks in lakes and estuaries in winter are probably the result of local movements.

1997 The highest count of the year was 16 at Kilkeran Lake on 1st January, with 6 at Saleen on 24th August, 2 at Nohoval Lake on 13th September, and 12 at Brown Island on 1st December.

1998 The only record received was of 6 at Rathcoursey on 5th November.

1999 Twenty were at Douglas on 15th November, and 30 were at Rostellan Lake on 12th December.

52 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2000 The only counts submitted were 10 at Lough Beg on 9th January, and 3 adults and a juvenile at Lough Beg on 5th August.

2001 Six at Lough Beg on 23rd January was the only record received.

2002 Six were at Rostellan Lake on 28th February. At Lough Beg, 4 nests with birds in attendance were noted between March and May, with 2 adults and 2 juveniles noted there on 11th May, and 20 on 24th August, which was the highest autumn count there. Eight were seen at Douglas on 10th November.

2003 Ten at Rostellan Lake on 2nd January, and 11 at Douglas on 27th October were the only records received.

2004 Twenty were on Kilkeran Lake on 27th January, 7 were at Glounthaune on 5th February, 2 were at Cuskinny on 16th May, 40 were at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 17th August, and 1 was at Donemark on 29th August. One was on Cape Clear on 20th October. At least 1 pair bred at the Atlantic Pond, Cork City.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Rare vagrant.

1997 A adult found at Rostellan Lake on 1st February (D Cooke, P Rowe, P Smiddy et al)* was the 5th Irish and the first county record. It was seen regularly at this site until 23rd March. Presumably the same bird returned again in the autumn, being first seen on 10th October (P Moore, E Carty et al)*, and remaining into 1998.

1998 The adult bird at Rostellan was seen up until 13th April (H Hussey et al)*. It was reported again on 26th July (BINS), but not seen again until 14th August (R Mundy, I Barthorpe, P Moore et al)* remaining into 1999.

1999 The Rostellan adult remained on the lake until 20th April (I Hill, D O’Sullivan et al). This was the last sighting of this bird, as it did not return in the autumn.

2000 A first year bird was identified on Lough Aderra on 24th October (P Smiddy et al)*, and remained there until 8th November. The second county record.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 53 Systematic List

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Common winter visitor in Cork Harbour, though generally uncommon elsewhere. Breeds in small numbers. High counts from Cork Harbour seem to have declined in recent years.

1996 The only counts received were 162 at Aghada on 4th February, with 60 there on 27th October.

1997 Birds were noted at The Gearagh in the breeding season. The only other records received were 23 at Lough Mahon on 3rd September and 2 at Dursey on 9th October.

1998 A total of 28 were seen at Brown Island on 24th January, with 3 at Ballyhonack Lake on 5th April and 7 at Lough Mahon on 17th August.

1999 High counts of 103 at Aghada and 65 at Whitegate on 30th January. One was at Lough Aderra on 11th April. In October, 132 were seen between Whitegate and Aghada on 31st, with 44 at Aghada on 5th December.

2001 In January, 200 were at Whitegate on 13th, with 105 at Lough Mahon on 21st. The latter site had 10 birds on 1st August.

2002 Unusually, there were no high counts received this year. The only records received were 2 at Lough Aderra on 17th February, with 1 there on 28th February, 15 at Rostellan on 28th February, and 1 at Timoleague on 28th March.

2003 Again only low numbers reported, with 10 at Aghada on 2nd January, 4 at Lough Aderra on 16th March, with 2 still there on 17th April. Two were also seen at Ballyhonack Lake on 17th April. Five were at Mallow Lagoons on 25th May, while 1 was still on Ballyhonack Lake on 27th May. At Aghada the highest count of the year was of 30 on 19th December.

2004 In January, thirty were off Aghada on 3rd, and singles were at Lee Reservoir and The Gearagh on 16th. Six were at Cuskinny on 8th February, 2 were at Lough Aderra on 25th March, with 2 at Ballyhonack Lake on 15th April and 2 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 10th June, with young birds noted there on 17th August.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Rare winter visitor, with virtually all records from lower Cork Harbour. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1999.

1996 One was at Whitegate on 7th January (D O’Sullivan), and another was found at Aghada on 8th December (P Moore et al)*.

54 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1997 One was at Aghada/Rostellan on 9th February (AG Kelly, J Hobbs), and a long staying bird was at Aghada from 16th November (P Moore et al)* into 1998.

1998 The long staying bird at Aghada remained until 17th March (R O’Driscoll, D O’Sullivan et al), and was probably the same bird seen at Glenmore, Great Island on 10th January (T Gittings).

1999 One was at Aghada on 17th March (D O’Sullivan).

2001 One was at Rostellan Pier on 17th and 18th February (D O’Sullivan, I Hill, R O’Driscoll et al)* and another was at Crookhaven on 15th October (BINS)*.

2002 An adult was at Aghada on 28th November (J Diggin, H Hussey, I Hill)*.

2004 One was reported at Kilkeran Lake on 19th August (BINS).

Previous record: 1995 One was at Garretstown on 2nd April (J Diggin)*.

Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Common. Widespread breeding species. An estimated 1,569 apparently occupied sites were recorded in County Cork during Seabird 2000, a decline of 24 % from the previous survey in 1985-1988 (Mitchell et al 2004). Dark northern variants (‘Blue’ Fulmar) are rare.

1996 The only count received was 300 off Dursey on 30th October. A single blue phase bird was seen off Cape Clear on 18th August.

1997 The only breeding records received were 97 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) at Big Doon, Oysterhaven, on 5th June, and 1 AON at the Old Head of Kinsale south colony. In late summer, 700 per hour past Dursey on 28th August was a high count, as was 500 per hour there on the following day.

1998 Breeding season counts from the Old Head of Kinsale were 1 AON at the south colony, and 52 AONs at the west colony. Up to 200 were off Dursey on most days from 22nd August to 5th September, with a notable increase to 600 there on 25th August. Numbers there had dropped significantly by the end of September, and remained low through October, with 20 on 1st October being the months peak count. ‘Blue’ phase birds were reported from Cape Clear on August 23rd and 25th.

1999 The only record received was of a ‘blue phase’ bird past Galley Head on 27th November (D O’Sullivan).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 55 Systematic List

2000 All counts received were from Dursey. 150 on 29th January included 1 ‘blue phase’ bird (DA Scott). During a gale on 6th February “several thousand” flew past there. Breeding season counts revealed 575 AONs. In autumn the peak count received was of 30 on 18th October. The only ‘blue’ phase birds reported this year were 2 from Cape Clear on 9th August (CCBO).

2001 All records were from Dursey. A minimum count of 1,000 past there during a gale on 5th April was a very high spring count. The only other records received were of 30 on 15th October and a high autumn count of 550 on 30th October.

2002 A minimum of 1,000 were recorded on Dursey between 19th and 24th February. A ‘blue phase’ bird was seen from Cape Clear on 19th August (CCBO). The peak October count on Dursey was of 40 birds on 24th.

2003 The only records received were of 15 past Dursey on 25th October, and 1,000 there on 30th.

2004 The only counts received were 500 past Dursey on 11th January and 100 there on 13th October. Birds were passing Cape Clear at the rate of 320 per hour on 14th April, and 72 per hour on 5th June. ‘Blue’ phase birds were recorded past Cape Clear on 8th August (CCBO) and 9th August (BINS), Galley Head on 22nd August, and Cape Clear on 3rd October (CCBO).

Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Usually scarce autumn passage migrant, although large numbers in some years. Mostly seen in late summer/early autumn. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1999 (on south coast from Old Head of Kinsale to ).

1996 A minimum of 13 birds recorded, with all records from Cape Clear and Dursey. 1 on Cape Clear on 30th July (DP Boyle et al)*, 1 on Dursey on 9th August (DA Scott)*, 1 on Cape Clear on 23rd August (D Middleton et al)*, 10 on Dursey on 26th September (AAK Lancaster)* with 8 there on 27th (AAK Lancaster).

1997 Two from the Old Head of Kinsale on 26th July, and 1 from Cape Clear on 29th July (NE Robinson, DJ Thomas)*. In August, singles from Cape Clear on 21st (NE Robinson et al)*, 23rd (I Rhys Jones et al)*, 3 on 24th (NE Robinson)*, and 28th (D Steele et al)*, from on 25th (BINS), and at sea off the Cork coast on 29th (J Murphy)*.

56 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 A good year for the species. In July, 18 past Cape Clear and 22 past Galley Head (M Shorten) on 22nd, with 1 off Dursey on 23rd (DA Scott et al)* and 3 past Galley Head on 26th. Records continued through August with all records from Cape Clear, where birds were seen on 9th (L Christiansen et al)*, 11th (A Petersen et al)*, 3 on 21st (L Degnan, B Richards et al)*, 10 on 23rd (D Hunter, B Richards et al)* and singles again on 24th and 27th. In September 1 was on Cape Clear and 7 were seen from Galley Head on 6th (AG Kelly et al)*.

1999 A very early bird was seen from Dursey on 1st May (DA Scott)*. None were then reported until July, when 434 passed Cape Clear on 17th (AG Kelly et al), with 28 there on 18th and 2 past Galley Head on 19th. Large numbers continued to be seen in August with a very large peak of 1,740 from Cape Clear on 1st, singles from Galley Head and the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th and 19th respectively, 10 on a Unionhall pelagic on 21st, c.150 from Galley Head on 21st with at least 300 there on 29th (D O’Sullivan) and 800 from Mizen Head. Further east, unusually high counts were received from Ballycotton of 400+ birds (in 4½ hours) on the evening of 27th August (C Batty), and 57 moving south-west past there in ½ hour on the morning of 28th (C Batty). Unusually, the high counts continued well into September when there were peak counts of 113 at Cape Clear on 14th and 1,000 at Galley Head on 18th. Amazingly however, the highest count of the year was made in October when a staggering 1,929 birds were reported from Cape Clear on 10th (BINS)*.

2000 This was another excellent year, beginning in July with 1 past Galley Head on 1st, with another there on 6th July, 2 on 23rd July and 5 from Cape Clear on 31st. On 16th August large numbers again appeared off the Cork coast, with 140 past Toe Head and a peak count of 2,020 from Cape Clear (CCBO). Numbers had declined by the following day when 130 were seen from Mizen Head. By the end of the month, numbers were back into single figures with 6 from Galley Head on 22nd and 1 from Cape Clear on 30th. Another movement in September brought a peak of 400 birds past Cape Clear on 10th (CCBO).

2001 More typical numbers were recorded this year with the first past Cape Clear on 28th June followed by singles there on 11th and 21st July, 14 on 5th August, and a further 13 through August (CCBO). 30 were noted past Mizen Head on 21st August.

2002 A poor year with just 12 birds recorded, nearly all in August. One from Cape Clear on 13th, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 14th, with 6 from Cape Clear on the same day, 1 from Galley Head on 17th, and singles off Cape Clear on 18th and 21st. One was off Cape Clear on 14th September.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 57 Systematic List

2003 A poor year for this unpredictable species with 1 noted from Galley Head on 18th July, and 2 there the following day. Thereafter there were occasional records, mostly of single birds on various days in July, with the maximum being 4 from Cape Clear on 20th. In August there was 1 at Galley on 3rd, and 1 on Cape on 22nd.

2004 First of the year was recorded past Galley Head on 10th June. In July, singles were recorded from Mizen Head on 20th, Cape Clear on 21st and 29th, with 2 off Galley Head on 25th. Numbers increased in August, with 1 off the Old Head of Kinsale on 6th, 3 there on 8th, when 9 flew by Galley Head and 25 flew past Cape Clear. Nine flew past Cape Clear the following day, with 2 there on 15th, 2 off Brow Head on 17th and 3 off Galley Head on 19th. Twenty flew past Cape Clear on 19th, with 10 there the following day and 1 on 22nd. Two flew past the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st, 1 passed Cape Clear on 22nd, and the last of the year was off Cape Clear on 3rd September.

Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis Usually scarce autumn passage migrant, although large numbers occur in some years. Mostly seen in autumn, with occasional early winter records.

1996 Recorded from Cape Clear as follows, 1 on 28th July, 2 on 18th August, 1 on 22nd August, 1 on 12th September, and 1 on 29th September. The only other record was of 1 from Galley Head on 19th August.

1997 An incredible year with some extremely high counts. Singles passed Cape Clear on 29th July and 21st August, with 21 the following day increasing to 405 on 24th. On 25th August 1,700 birds were seen from Cape Clear with 50 off Brow Head, while 2,600 passed Galley Head (M Shorten), 5,000 passed Cape Clear (BINS), and 3,000 passed Mizen Head (C Batty) on 26th. Numbers then dropped off with just 18 from Cape Clear, 3 from the Old Head of Kinsale, and 38 from Galley Head on 27th. Small numbers were noted in September and October until the last birds from Dursey on 10th October.

1998 A relatively poor year. One was seen from Cape Clear, with 2 seen off Ballycotton and another 2 off Galley Head on 19th July. Small numbers continued to be seen during July and August, mostly from Cape Clear. The largest count of the year was 100 off Cape Clear on 8th (BINS) with 15 off Galley Head and 2 off Cape Clear on 9th.

1999 The first bird of the year was off Cape Clear on 1st July, with 16 there on 17th and 3 on 18th. One was noted past Galley Head on 19th July but the peak count of the month was 69 off Cape Clear on 30th. Numbers then increased to 206 off Cape Clear on 1st August and 80 were seen off Brow Head on 17th. Four were seen

58 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List on a Unionhall pelagic trip on 21st August and on 21st 5 were noted off Galley Head, 3 off Roches Point and 3 off Unionhall. 30 were seen from Knockadoon Head on 28th, with 82 off Galley Head on the following day. September started off slowly with 6 birds from the Old Head of Kinsale on 8th, but numbers rose to a peak of 1,500 from Galley Head on 10th, falling quickly again to 35 there on 12th, when 9 were also noted off Ballycotton. Large numbers returned with a peak of 453 off Cape Clear on 15th September and 700 off Galley Head on 18th September (D O’Sullivan), when 1 was also off Ballycotton. In October peaks counts were 1,629 off Cape Clear on 10th, 300 from Dursey on 15th, (CCBO), and 652 off Cape Clear on 16th. The last record was of 20 from Garinish on 25th October.

2000 Another good year beginning with 5 off Cape Clear on 31st July. Numbers were low in August with a peak of 20 off Cape Clear on 16th and small numbers recorded from Mizen Head, Galley Head and at sea off Cork Harbour. September saw a huge increase in numbers, with peaks of 5,388 off Cape Clear on 11th (BINS), and 265 off Dursey on 23rd. Other counts were 27 off the Old Head of Kinsale on 23rd and 30 off Dursey on 28th with the last sighting being 20 off Cape Clear on 3rd October.

2001 A very poor showing with only 2 August records received. A peak count of 7 from Cape Clear on 14th and 1 off the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st.

2002 The first were 4 off Cape Clear on 5th August. On 14th August, 255 passed Cape Clear, with 345 past the Old Head of Kinsale, and 67 off Galley Head. The only record from outside August was of 2 from Dursey on 1st October.

2003 A quieter year. Six were reported 2.4 miles west of Sheep's Head on 4th June. The first record off Cape Clear was 1 on 20th July. Thereafter birds were seen on occasional dates through July and August from Cape Clear and Galley, with a maximum count of 6 from Galley on 29th July. Seven from a Unionhall pelagic on 24th August were the last of that period, with 1 from Galley on 12th September the only other record.

2004 One was off Galley Head on 19th July, with 4 past Cape Clear and 2 off Mizen Head on 20th. Low numbers were recorded off Cape Clear, Galley Head and the Old Head in early August, with peak counts being 6 off Cape Clear on 8th, and 9 there on 9th. Passage peaked in September, with 10 off Galley Head and 30 off Cape Clear on 4th. Last of the year was recorded off Cape Clear on 12th.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 59 Systematic List

Fea’s / Madeiran Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma feae/madeira Since the first Irish record in 1974, this species has now become a rare but virtually annual vagrant in the county.

1996 One was at Galley Head on 27th July (A Duggan)* and 1 was off Cape Clear on 22nd August (DP Boyle, D Middleton et al)*.

1997 One was off Cape Clear on 24th August (A McGeehan, D Steele et al)*.

1998 One was off Cape Clear on 8th September (S Goethals)*.

1999 One was reported past Brow Head on 17th August (BINS) and 1 was reported off Galley Head on the same date (BINS). One was off Cape Clear on 18th August (O Foley, J Hägg et al)*.

2000 One was off the Old Head of Kinsale on 23rd September (J Diggin)*.

Fea’s/Maderian soft-plumaged petrel – Micheal O’Clery

2002 One was off Cape Clear on 11th September (SJ Wing)*.

2003 One was off Galley Head on 19th July (O Foley, R Vaughan et al)*, and another was reported from Galley Head on 28th July (K Cronin).

2004 One was reported off Galley Head on 21st July (K Cronin).

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Following a review by the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC) in 1996, the following Cork records are now the only ones still considered acceptable, in addition to those indicated above:

1974 Cape Clear, 5th September (Irish Bird Report 23:6)*. The 1st record for Europe. 1989 Old Head of Kinsale, 14th August (MS Shorten, K Cronin, P Leonard et al)* 1990 Cape Clear, 26th August (DR Bird, P McDermot et al)* 1991 Galley Head, 17th September (DG McAdams)* 1992 Old Head of Kinsale, 4th August (A Duggan)* Galley Head, 21st August (DG McAdams)* Galley Head, 1st October (DG McAdams)* 1993 Cape Clear, 11th August (DR Bird)* 1994 2, Mizen Head, 24th August (C Bradshaw, JG Steele)* (possibly only 1 bird involved, 20 minutes between sightings).

Little Shearwater Puffinus baroli Rare vagrant

2003 One was reported off Galley Head on 13th September (K Cronin, M Carmody, C Cronin, H Hussey, D O’Sullivan).

Little & Manx Shearwaters – Michael O’Clery

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 61 Systematic List

Following a review by the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC) in 1998, many records are now considered unacceptable. The following Cork records remain accepted:

1853 One, taken alive, off Bull Rock, on 6th May (Ussher & Warren 1900, Kennedy et al 1953)* (preserved in National Museum, Dublin). 1978 Up to 2, Cape Clear – 1 on 24th September, 2 on 25th-26th September (Irish Birds 1: 416)*. 1992 Cape Clear, 14th August (DR Bird)*. 1993 Cape Clear, 26th August (DR Bird)*.

Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus Common offshore from late spring to autumn. Not known to breed in the county (Mitchell et al 2004). Usually scarce from early October, and rare though recently almost annual in winter.

1996 Two birds were seen off Dursey on the early date of 14th March, with 124 there on 21st. High counts received were of 10,000 per hour off the Old Head of Kinsale on 14th April, 1,200 per hour off Galley Head on 28th July, and 10,000 past Dursey on 12th August. The last birds of the year were “small numbers past Dursey in the first few days of November”.

1997 200 off Dursey on 23rd March were the first reported. Peak counts received were low with maxima of 3,000 off the Old Head of Kinsale on 27th April, 1,000 off Garinish on 28th August, and 2,000 per hour off Dursey on 2nd September. The last bird reported was 1 off Dursey on 21st October.

1998 No records received of birds seen before August. Peak counts received were also extremely low with 200 off Dursey on 25th August being the highest count received. One off Dursey on 30th September was the last record of the year.

1999 15 off Dursey on 28th January was a very unseasonal record. Peak counts received during the autumn were again low with 1,277 past Galley Head in 2 hours on 19th July and 3,500 per hour past there on 18th September. Two birds off Dursey on 31st December were again unseasonal.

2000 The spring got off to a flying start with the first birds reported being “thousands offshore” from Dursey on 19th March. Birds were also heard calling there on several occasions in May. The peak autumn count received was of “up to 1,000 per day” off Dursey in early September. One off Dursey on 18th October was the last of the autumn apart from another unseasonal record of 5 birds there on 2nd December.

62 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2001 Three birds off Dursey on 15th February were the first of the year. Peak counts were again low with the highest passage count received being 300 in half an hour past Mizen Head on 2nd September. In addition, reports of “many thousands” off Dursey from April to June and birds heard calling there on 24th June (DA Scott). October counts were very low also with the peak being 34 past Dursey on 12th October. Indeed, 1 observer noted that birds were extremely scarce off Dursey in autumn when “Manx Shearwaters were outnumbered by Sooty Shearwaters”! Two off Dursey on 15th October were the last of the year.

2002 Two off Dursey on 28th January continued the trend of winter sightings in the last few years. Once again, received peak passage counts were low, the maximum count being 1,033 in an hour off Galley Head on 18th August. Two off Dursey on 10th October was the only count for that month. Two records were received for November, both from Galley Head where there were 12 on 23rd and 2 on 24th.

2003 Yet again a winter record from Dursey was received, of 1 bird on 1st January. The only spring count was of 300 off Dursey on 29th March. “On some evenings in summer” up to 12,000 per hour were recorded off Dursey. Away from Dursey counts were generally low, the maximum being about 100 per hour off Galley Head on 29th July and 13th September. Single figure counts were recorded in the Garinish/Dursey area during October, with the last being 1 off Dursey on 18th October.

2004 First for the year were 3 off Dursey on 3rd March. Peak counts received were 156 off Dursey on 11th March, 4,485 per hour past Cape Clear on 14th April, 3,000 there on 16th April, 3,138 per hour on 5th June, 2,000 per hour past Galley Head on 26th June, 300 there on 17th July, 400 there on 26th July, and 300 there on 5th August. Three were off Dursey on 13th October, with 1 there on 19th December.

Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus Uncommon but regular offshore passage migrant in late summer and autumn.

1996 The first was 1 at Cape Clear on 9th April, and 82 bird days were recorded there between this date and 11th October, with 6 on 11th August being the highest single count (CCBO). Elsewhere, 2 were off Galley Head on 19th August, 3 were off Dursey on 26th September, with October singles off Mizen Head on 9th and Dursey on 11th. The last bird of the year was seen off Dursey on 2nd November (DA Scott).

1997 An unusual record was 1 off Ballycotton on 16th February (D O’Sullivan). Autumn monthly totals were 2 in July, 7 in August, 3 in September and 6 in October. The first of the season was 1 reported off Cape Clear on 19th July.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 63 Systematic List

Highest counts were 4 off Cape Clear on 1st and 23rd October, and the last was 1 off Dursey on 17th October.

1998 The first was 1 off Galley Head on 19th July. On Cape Clear, 52 bird days were recorded between 22nd July and 20th September, with a total of 57 individuals seen (CCBO). The peak count was 10 on 22nd August, but 9 there on 24th and 4 on 25th were also notable. In September, 1 was off the Old Head of Kinsale on 2nd, with 2 off Galley Head on 6th. The last was 1 off Cape Clear on 14th October.

1999 One off Dursey on 28th January (DA Scott) was noteworthy, but the first of the season was 1 off Cape Clear on 17th July (BINS). Cape Clear recorded 33 bird days between that date and the end of August, with peak counts of 5 on 24th, and 29th August. Singles were off Unionhall on 21st August and east past Galley Head on 26th August, with 2 there on 27th, 1 on 12th September and 1 on 18th September. Single birds were also recorded from Cape Clear on 12th September, and 16th October. One was off the Old Head of Kinsale on 8th September, with the last of the year there on the late date of 21st November (AG Kelly).

2000 A quiet year for the species with only 11 birds noted. One was at Cape Clear on 31st July, 3 on 16th August, 1 on 20th August, and 2 on 23rd September. 3 were at Galley Head on 22nd August and 1 was off the Old Head of Kinsale on 23rd September.

2001 A total of 6 were seen off Cape Clear; singles on 30th July, 6th August & 13th August, 3 on 20th August and 1 on 21st August, when the year’s peak count of 9 was recorded off the Old Head of Kinsale (H Hussey, J Diggin). One was off Galley Head on 12th September and a total of 6 were seen off Dursey, all in October; singles on 6th & 16th, 3 on 18th, 2 on 19th and the last on 26th October.

2002 Monthly totals were 1 in January, 1 in February, 2 in July, 7 in August, 1 in October, 1 in November and 1 in December. Three winter records was very unusual, with 1 off Unionhall on 19th January (M Shorten), 1 off Dursey on 3rd February (DA Scott) and another there on 15th December (DA Scott). The first of the autumn was 1 off Cape Clear on 8th July, with singles there 16th & 17th August and 27th August. Four were seen off Galley Head, 1 on 13th August, 2 on 17th and 1 on 28th. Late singles were off Dursey on 28th October, 4th November, and 15th December.

2003 An early bird was recorded off Galley Head on 6th July, with a peak count of 6 there on 29th July (C Cronin, H Hussey, D O’Sullivan) and the last of the year there on 13th September. On Cape Clear there were 5 in July, with the first being 2 on 20th July, 8 in August, and the last was 1 on 9th October (CCBO). In total, 33 birds were reported.

64 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 A total of 16 were recorded, with monthly totals of 5 in July, 9 in August and singles in November and December. First of the year was 1 off Galley Head on 19th July. All sightings were singles apart from 2 past Cape Clear on 20th July (CCBO) and 2 off Galley Head on 4th August. One was off Ballycotton on 22nd August. Singles off Dursey on 13th October and off Galley Head on 6th November were late.

Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Variable in numbers though generally common passage migrant from late summer through autumn.

1996 The first was reported past Dursey on 1st July. Thereafter there were small numbers during July, August, and September. October saw a huge increase in numbers especially off Dursey, where there were high counts of 100 on 4th, 410 on 6th and 195 on 18th. Numbers then dwindled rapidly, and the last birds were 6 from Dursey during November.

1997 In a similar pattern to 1996, the first was 1 off Cape Clear on 6th July. Small numbers were then seen over the next few months, with a peak of 32 off Dursey on 3rd September. Larger numbers were seen in October, with a high count of 400 off Dursey on 9th October.

1998 The first were 12 off Galley Head on 19th July. Small numbers were then seen, with a maximum count of 20 off Galley Head on 6th September and the last of the year being 3 off Cape Clear on 15th October.

1999 Again, a similar pattern to 1998 with the first being 1 off Cape Clear on 1st July, thereafter small numbers, peaking at 23 off Galley Head on 18th September, these birds also being the last reported.

2000 One on 11th August past Dursey was a late date for the first bird. A very quiet year thereafter, with numbers only rising above single figures on 15th September when 100 were reported off Dursey (DA Scott). The last report was 1 off Dursey on 18th October.

2001 One was off Cape Clear on 19th June. The next birds were not recorded until August when moderate numbers were seen, peaking at 40 past Cape Clear on 23rd. Low numbers were then seen through September and the first half of October. In the middle of October there were high numbers recorded off Dursey, with a peak of 450 on 16th (DA Scott). This was the final date of the year on which birds were recorded.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 65 Systematic List

2002 A moderately good year, with the first reported off Cape Clear on 11th July. Good numbers were seen throughout August with peaks of 86 off the Old Head of Kinsale and 97 off Cape Clear on 14th. Numbers reduced to single figures from mid August, but rose slightly again in late October when there was a peak of 20 off Dursey on 28th. The last record was 1 off Dursey on 6th November.

2003 One off Dursey on 14th July was the first of the year. There was an unusually high late summer count of 250 (minimum) off Galley Head on 18th July, but the only counts above single figures for the rest of the year were 12 on Cape on 3rd August, 11 off Galley on 12th September and 40 in 4 hours there on 13th September. The last of the year was 1 off Dursey on 15th September.

2004 First of the year was 1 off Galley Head on 26th June. Numbers were low throughout July and August apart from 12 off Cape Clear on 8th August, 14 there on 9th, 41 on 22nd, 10 off Dursey on 23rd, and 40 off Cape Clear on 31st, when 15 were off Galley Head. In September, 40 were off Cape Clear on 2nd, with 56 there on 3rd, when 25 flew past the Old Head of Kinsale, and 20 were off Galley Head. Last of the year were 3 off Galley Head on 6th November.

European Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus Common summer visitor, and passage migrant in autumn. An unknown number breed on the Bull and Cow Rocks, and on Fastnet Rock. Birds are also suspected to breed on Cape Clear (Mitchell et al 2004).

1996 First birds noted were 6 from Dursey on 25th June and the last was 1 there on 1st November. High counts received were of 80 from Dursey on 18th August and 61 there on 20th October. Mist netting at Leganagh Point produced 82 on 17th July, 180 on 1st August (including a Portugese ringed bird) and 219 on 13th August.

1997 Mist netting at Leganagh Point produced the first records of the year with 19 on 11th July. Other counts there were 2 on 18th July, 186 on 1st August, 2 on 15th August, and 19 on 22nd August. However, early September produced phenomenal counts from Dursey with 8,000 seen from there on 2nd (K Grace) and 1,500 still there on 3rd. The last birds of the year were 5 from Dursey on 16th October.

1998 The only records received were of 1 off Dursey on 7th June and 20 on a pelagic trip from Baltimore on 15th August.

1999 Another very poor year, with the first noted from Dursey on 8th May, 3 from Galley Head on 21st August and 8 there on 1st September.

66 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2000 Again only small numbers reported, all from Dursey, with 2 there on 22nd July, 20 on 2nd September and 1 on 1st October.

2001 The first was as usual seen from Dursey on 2nd June, with the highest counts also coming from there; 40 on 28th July and 20 on 24th August. The last was 1 from Dursey on 16th October.

2002 The only records received were of 8 from Galley Head on 18th August and 1 from Dursey on the late date of 24th October.

2003 First reported from Dursey with 1 bird there on 14th July. High counts of 41 from Galley Head on 19th August, 70 there on 29th July and 40 there the following day. Elsewhere, birds were seen in low numbers from various headlands throughout August, with the peak count being 40 from a pelagic trip off Cork Harbour on 22nd August. Six were noted from Galley Head on 13th September, with the last of the year being 1 from Dursey on 20th October.

2004 In June, 1 was off Dursey on 4th, with 2 off Cape Clear on 5th. Peak counts involved 102 off Galley Head on 10th July, 25 on 17th, 87 there on 21st, and 100 there on 30th July. Five off Galley Head on 31st August and 6 off Dursey on 3rd September were the last records of the year.

Wilson’s Petrel Oceanites oceanicus Previously considered a rare vagrant, it would appear that this species is better considered a regular but scarce autumn passage migrant. Reported in most years, mostly from specialised boat trips a few miles offshore, although sightings from land are increasing.

1996 One was off Cape Clear on 17th August (DP Boyle)* and another there the following day (DP Boyle, R Mundy, RH Coombes)*.

1997 One was reported at Crookhaven on 24th August (BINS).

1999 One was reported 2 nautical miles south of Galley Head on 21st August (D O’Sullivan, T Nagle et al), with another seen off the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th September (J Diggin et al)*.

2000 One was off Cape Clear on 1st August (C Osthoff, M Thornton, SJ Wing et al)*, with another seen from a pelagic trip off there on 16th August (R Beckebrede et al)*. Singles were reported from a pelagic trip 8 miles south of Roches Point on 21st August (J Wilson, M Carmody, H Hussey et al), off Galley Head on 22nd August (IBN), and 1 was off Cape Clear on 23rd August (E Dempsey et al)*.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 67 Systematic List

2001 One was off Cape Clear on 17th August (RH Coombes et al)*. Reports also came from Mizen Head on 18th and 21st August (BINS). One was off Mizen Head on 24th August (U Lotberg et al)*.

2003 One was seen off Cape Clear on 17th July (SJ Wing)*, with another reported from a pelagic off Unionhall on 19th July (BINS), and a third reported from a pelagic off Toe Head on 24th August (A Duggan, T Nagle, N Linehan et al).

2004 One was reported off Cape Clear on 22nd August (D Weir, J Dowdall, W McDowell).

Previous record: 1995 Two individuals were seen from Cape Clear on 19th August (A D’Alton et al)*, (S Pierce et al)*. Only the 3rd and 4th county records from land, with the 2 previous records also from Cape Clear in 1995.

Leach’s Storm Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Occasional autumn passage migrant. It remains intriguing that this species is so much more regularly seen from the west coast of Ireland in autumn.

1996 Singles birds were off Cape Clear on 12th September (I Thompson) and 25th October (A McMillan), Mizen Head on 28th October (M Shorten), and at Dursey on 31st (DA Scott).

1998 One was seen from Galley Head on 6th September (D O’Sullivan), followed by a very unusual record of an exhausted bird well inland at The Gearagh on 10th November (BINS).

1999 Two were seen from Galley Head on 18th September (D O’Sullivan).

2001 One was seen from Mizen Head on 29th September (BINS).

2002 One was seen off Galley Head on 18th August (BINS).

2003 One was recorded 4 miles south of Mizen Head in June (N Padwick), and another was seen from Cape Clear on 24th August (R Vaughan).

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus Commonly seen from shore. A colony of around 2,000 pairs (1,815 pairs in 1995) breeds on the Bull Rock (Mitchell et al 2004).

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2000 An almost completely albino bird was seen passing Dursey on 26th May (DA Scott).

2001 The only counts received were 60 off Ballybranagan on 29th April and 120 in a feeding flock off Mizen Head on 7th September.

2004 The only counts received were 450 off Cape Clear on 10th April, with 268 per hour there on 14th April and 165 per hour there on 5th June.

Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris Rare vagrant.

1996 An adult was seen from Cape Clear on 22nd August (DP Boyle, G Bowman, RH Coombes, DR Middleton, R Mundy)*, the same day as a Fea’s Petrel there!

1998 One was reported on Cape Clear on 10th September (SJ Wing).

1999 At least 1 bird, and possibly 2 reported from Galley Head on 9th September, with 1 bird reported there again on the following day (BINS). A description has not been submitted to the IRBC.

Following a review by the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC) of all albatross records up to 1980, the following records are the only ones which remain acceptable in the county:

1963 Adult, Cape Clear, 24th September (previously recorded as a sub-adult)* 1976 Two adults, Old Head of Kinsale, 10th September* 1995 At sea c.3km SW Cape Clear, 9th September (E Dempsey et al)*.

[Albatross sp.]

Following a review by the Irish Rare Birds Committee (IRBC) of all albatross records up to 1980, the following records of unidentified albatrosses remain acceptable in the county:

1967 Cape Clear, 2nd September (previously accepted as Black-browed Albatross)*. 1988 At sea c.8km SE Cape Clear, 8th July (N Dent et al)*

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Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Common resident breeding species, found at both coastal and inland sites. An estimated 366 apparently occupied nests were recorded at 6 coastal colonies during Seabird 2000. This was a decline of 23 % on the previous survey in 1985-1988 (Mitchell et al 2004).

1996 A very high count of 500 birds in the East Ferry/Ahanesk area on 7th January (M Shorten), with a peak count from Dursey of 71 on 12th October.

1998 The only count received was of 30 at Rathcoursey on 17th October.

1999 The count received was of 90 at Rathcoursey on 12th December.

2000 Counts received were 20 at Cobh on 16th November and 100 at Rathcoursey on 26th November (I Hill).

2001 63 at Ringaskiddy on 27th December was the only count received.

2002 A minimum of 200 at Saleen on 28th February (P Rowe). Breeding season record of 28 nests visible on the Cow Rock.

European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis Common resident breeding species on the coast. An estimated 221 apparently occupied nests were recorded in the county during Seabird 2000, a decline of 47 % from the previous survey in 1985-1988 (Mitchell et al 2004).

1997 The only records received were from the colonies at the Old Head of Kinsale on 8th and 9th June, where 21 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON’s) were counted at the west colony, 1 at the east colony and none at south colony.

1998 Two breeding records were received, with 4 AON’s on Dursey where 1 nest hatched 3 young in June and 4 AON’s at the Old Head of Kinsale east colony on 21st June.

2000 40 birds counted on Dursey on 8th May, with 9 AON’s there in June. In winter, 56 were noted at Rathcoursey on 26th December (I Hill).

2002 60 at Ballybranagan on 15th February, with a peak breeding season count of 40 birds at Dursey on 17th July.

2003 The only count received was 25 on Dursey on 5th September.

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2004 Highest counts received were 167 on Cape Clear on 16th April, 45 on Dursey on 24th May, 85 there on 21st August, and 50 in November.

Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris Rare winter visitor.

2002 One record of a bird seen at Kilcolman NNR on 28th December is the first record of the species for the reserve (KAR).

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Rare migrant, mostly in spring.

1998 Two adult birds were found roosting in trees at White’s Marsh, Clonakilty on 12th April and remained in the area until 26th April (N Linehan, P Moore et al)*. The 25th county record.

2003 One was reported at Lissagriffin on 25th July (BINS).

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Rare vagrant.

1999 A bird found near Rosscarbery on 31st January (E Carty, P Moore, JN Murphy et al)* remained in the area until 9th May. The second county record, the last being in 1976.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Rare vagrant.

1996 A summer plumaged adult was found at Ballycotton on 13th June (E Archer et al)* and remained in the area until 17th.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta This species continues its increase in the county, and is now a common sight at coastal locations, especially in the south and east of the county. Numbers breeding are small but increasing. The first county record was in 1957, near .

1996 Recorded in all months of the year except June and July at widespread locations, although most records were from the east of the county. Highest counts

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 71 Systematic List were 7 at Saleen on 18th March (P Moore) and 10 at Foxhole on 5th August (AG Kelly, J Hobbs).

1997 Recorded in all months except June and October, with highest counts lower than usual, being 4 at Saleen on 3rd February (D O’Sullivan), 5 at Tourig Estuary on 19th July (T Gittings) and 5 at Saleen on 20th December (I Hill).

1998 Not recorded in April or June. High counts were of 7 at East Ferry on 28th February (PM Walsh), 19 in the Youghal area on 2nd August (D O’Sullivan) and 7 at Glounthaune on 18th October (T Gittings).

1999 Not recorded in March, April or August. High counts were of 7 at Youghal on 23rd May (H Hussey) and 7 at Inchydoney on 27th November (D O’Sullivan). An inland bird at The Gearagh from 8th to 29th January was unusual (T Nagle).

2000 The only month with no records was June. On 18th March the Cul de Sac Pool, Inchydoney held 9 birds, 3 of which were first winters (PM Walsh). Very high counts in the spring were 32 at Youghal on 16th April (D O’Sullivan) and 47 in “east Cork” on 5th July (BINS). A total of 22 were at Glounthaune on 24th September (T Gittings), with 12 at the Cul de Sac Pool on 18th November (H Hussey).

Little Egrets – Barry Ryan

2001 Not recorded in May. One at Anglers Rest on the River Lee on 3rd January was an unusual inland record (M Shorten). High counts of over 10 birds were regular, the peak counts being 32 at Youghal on 18th July, 23 at Glounthaune on 23rd September (T Gittings), 23 there on 15th November (C Cronin) and 21 at

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Clonakilty on 25th December. Unusually, 1 was at Sherkin Island on 28th October (BINS), and what was probably the same bird was at Baltimore the following day (AG Kelly).

2002 Records were received for all months. Between May and June birds were recorded at Kinsale Marsh, Lough Beg, Clonakilty area, Youghal, Rosscarbery and Timoleague. Other high counts during the year were 19 at Clonakilty on 19th March, 15 at Youghal on 18th August, 18 at Ballymacoda on 21st September, 24 at Glounthaune on 13th October, 30 at Clonakilty on 17th October and 13 between Whitegate and Saleen on 17th November.

2003 Inland records involved single birds over Cork City on 14th January (H Hussey), near Bandon on 5th April (H Hussey) and at Toormore on the same day (K Grace), with three at Inishannon on 19th October (H Hussey). An estimated 29 to 30 pairs bred in the county, with 16 at Ballyannon Wood, 12 Dunkettle and 1 to 2 pairs at Timoleague (IRBBP). Otherwise, peak counts were 11 at Inchydoney on 1st February, 15 at the Cul de Sac Pool on 5th April, a very high count of 35 at Timoleague on 20th August, 14 at Midleton estuary on 1st September and 15 at Douglas on 11th September. A single immature bird was identified at Clonakilty on 26th October (JE Fitzharris).

2004 In January, 8 were at Belvelly on 2nd, with 6 at Ballycotton on 3rd. Peak April counts were 4 near Midleton on 15th and 2 at Cobh on 28th. In May, 3 were at Ballycotton on 1st and 13th, 4 at Clonakilty and 2 at Rosscarbery on 15th, 5 at Saleen on 23rd, and 5 at Clonakilty on 30th. Two were seen mating in trees at Timoleague on 26th June. Peak July counts were 7 at Fota on 3rd, 5 at Ballycotton and 3 at Pilmore on 9th, 3 at Lough Beg, 4 at Harper’s Island, 3 at Belvelly and 5 at Douglas estuary on 10th, 4 at Glounthaune and 5 at Lough Beg on 14th, and 8 at Lough Beg, 2 adults and 2 juveniles at White’s Marsh and 6 adults feeding 8 juveniles at Timoleague on 17th. In August, 12 were at Clonakilty on 8th, and 15 were at the Douglas Estuary on 16th. Ballycotton had 3 on 24th September, while 16 were at Lough Beg on 26th. Site counts on 9th October revealed a total of 37, with 21 at Clonakilty, 2 at Midleton, 6 at Glounthaune, 1 at Douglas Estuary and 7 at Rosscarbery. A total of 37 were also recorded on 18th October, with 23 at Glounthaune, and 14 at Belvelly. Three were at Youghal on 20th October, and 6 were at Long Strand on 31st October and 1st November. Three were at Bantry on 26th November and 4 at Midleton on 28th November.

Great Egret Egretta alba Rare vagrant.

1997 A bird was found on Cape Clear on 26th October (P Kelly, P Keogh, T Murray et al)* and was relocated at the Croagh Estuary, Schull on 31st October (P

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Moore et al)*, remaining in that area until 3rd November. This was the 3rd Irish and 1st county record.

1999 A bird reported at Youghal Marsh on 8th May (J Power et al) may have been the same bird seen in Wexford on 5th May? In October, 2 birds were reported near Kinsale Marsh on 15th (BINS) with 1 still there the next day (T Nagle), and 1 near Bandon on 4th (BINS). It is probable that these sightings all relate to the birds from Kinsale.

2000 A colour-ringed bird was reported at Lissagriffin Lake on 23rd August. On 1st November a first winter bird colour ringed in France was found at Careysville, near (P Smiddy et al)*. This is possibly the same individual seen at Kilcoole, County Wicklow at the end of October. This bird was later reported in Midleton on 7th November (P Moore), the Lee Fields near Cork City on 8th (M Shorten), and in Ballincollig from 9th to 11th November (BINS).

2003 One was reported at Midleton on 20th October (BINS).

2004 One was reported flying over Midleton on 17th March (P Moore).

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Common and widespread resident breeding species. Records at coastal locations, and offshore islands in autumn indicate that some passage migration or winter immigration may also occur.

1996 The only records received were 7 at Brinny Wood on 8th March and a pair with young at Bagwells Hill, Cobh on 26th April.

1997 An interesting record of a melanistic bird at Ballycotton on 12th May (J Lynch). Two immature birds seen on the cliffs at Dursey on 20th October (DA Scott) was the only other recird received.

1998 The only counts received were 5 at Ballyannan Wood on 19th April, and a high count of 29 birds at Kinsale Marsh on 4th October (D Cooke).

2000 Eight occupied nests at the Cul de Sac Pool on 18th March and 5 birds at Ballyannan Wood on 24th June were the only records received.

2001 Eight birds were noted at Lough Beg on 18th February, a high count for the site. Ten occupied nests at the Cul de Sac Pool on 8th April was the only breeding record received. In September, a maximum of 5 were noted at Lissagriffin Lake on 6th.

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2002 The only records received were 3 young in a nest at the Atlantic Pond, Cork City on 15th April, and 12 birds at Ballyannan Wood on 11th August.

2003 Six birds at Kilkeran Lake on 10th May was the only record received.

2004 Singles were on Dursey between May and October, with 3 there on 6th July the highest count for the year. Singles were on Cape Clear on 12th April and 27th May. One at Donemark on 1st August was the only other record received.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Rare migrant in spring.

1997 One reported at Ballycotton from 26th to 28th May (BINS).

1999 A first summer bird was at Lough Beg on 5th June (J Foley)*. The 10th county record.

Previous record: 1994 An adult at on 6 to 8th May (E Archer, J Diggin et al)*. The 10th Irish and 8th county record. 1995 The individual at Clonakilty had been present since 24th May (P Wolstenholme et al)*. This now becomes the 9th county record.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia Rare migrant in spring.

2002 A single bird was found at Cloyne on 22nd April (JA Coveney et al)*. This bird was seen around the Cloyne / Ballycotton area later that day, and on the following day. On 27th April what was presumably the same bird was reported at Little Island (I Hill). This is the 5th county record of the species.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Rare vagrant.

1996 An immature bird was seen in the Clogheen Marsh/White’s Marsh area from 20th to 23rd June (N Bennet, P Moore, P Wolstenholme et al)*.

1997 A long staying bird was found at Ballycotton on 17th January (P Smiddy et al)* and was last reported there on 1st April (BINS).

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Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Occasional migrant in spring and autumn. Winter records are rare.

1996 One was reported flying over Bishopstown in January (BINS). An adult at Ballycotton on 2nd May (P Moore, P Wolstenholme et al)*, remained there until 12th (D O’Sullivan). This bird, or another adult, was reported at Ballycotton on 13th June (D O’Sullivan).

2001 A bird was found at Timoleague on 26th October (P Wolstenholme et al)* remaining there until 3rd November (BINS). Another individual was reported from Pilmore Strand on 31 December (BINS).

2002 A sub-adult was reported at Clogheen Marsh from 3rd to 5th June (BINS).

2003 A juvenile found at Clonakilty on 17th September (E Carty, V Neill et al) remained in the area into 2004, being seen at various locations in the Clonakilty/Inchydoney area throughout its stay. Between 28th September and 22nd October the bird was often seen at Lissagriffin Lake on Mizen Head (BINS).

2004 The long-staying immature remained around Clonakilty and Inchydoney throughout the year (BINS), visiting Kinsale Marsh on 10th March (BINS) and Lissagriffin Lake from 27th October to 1st November (BINS).

Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Rare vagrant.

2000 A juvenile was on Cape Clear Island from 25th and 26th September (E Archer, S Farrell et al)*. This coincided with an unprecedented influx to Britain that autumn.

Black Kite Milvus migrans Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1980 A bird was seen in the Ballycotton/ Garryvoe area between 20th April and 13th May (JA Coveney, S Fleming, J O’Halloran, D O’Sullivan, P Smiddy et al)*. This record was initially rejected by the IRBC, but was subsequently accepted on review, thereby becoming the first Irish record of the species. The only other county record was in April 1991.

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Red Kite Milvus milvus Rare migrant. Possibly bred in 18th century (see page 302).

1997 A 1st year over Cape Clear on 14th October (V Caschera et al)* had been tagged in Scotland in July 1997 (per Irish Birds). The 10th county record.

1998 Two at Carrigacrump, near Cloyne from 26th January to 15th March, with 1 present to 25th (P Moore, P Smiddy et al)*. These birds, a male and female, appeared to be paired up, but hopes of a breeding attempt were dashed when they left the area. Both birds were wing-tagged, and were from Scotland (per Irish Birds).

2001 One was at on 23rd September (S Dudley)*. A bird had been present at Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, from 2nd to 13th September; perhaps this was the same bird having moved west?

Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Very scarce annual passage migrant, mostly in spring and summer. Increasingly regular in summer, raising hopes that the species may breed in the future. There are old breeding records from 19th century (see page 302).

1996 An excellent year, with 9 different birds reported. Singles were at Kilcolman NNR on 6th April, Ballyvergan on 4th May, Ballycotton on 5th June, Rostellan on 11th June, Cape Clear on 6th September, Lough Allua on 8th September, on 11th September, Dursey on 16th September and Ballycotton on 6th October. All were females except for the Dursey bird, which was a first summer male.

1997 Four birds were recorded, all females, at Ballyvergan from 9th to 10th May, at Ballycotton on 12th May, on Cape Clear from 16th to 18th May, and at Kilcolman NNR from 19th May to 6th June, though it was not present between 24th to 28th May.

1998 An adult female was at Ballyvergan from 1st February to 17th March (H Hussey, I Hill, D O’Sullivan, P Smiddy).

1999 What was presumably the returning wintering bird seen in 1998 was at Ballyvergan from 24th January to 8th February (H Hussey, P Moore). A female was at Ballycotton on 15th September.

2000 A poor year. The only record received was of a female at Clogheen Marsh on 22nd July.

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2001 A first summer female was at Ballyvergan on 2nd June, with a female at Kilcolman NNR on 4th October. This latter record was the first autumn record for the reserve.

2002 An adult male was at Castlefreke from 27th to 29th March and a female was at Cape Clear on 8th May. An adult female summered at Kilcolman NNR from 14th May to 13th August raising hopes of breeding.

2003 A female was at Kilcolman NNR in April, a first summer male was at Cape Clear on 25th April, and a first summer female remained at Ballyvergan from 30th April to 4th May. One was on Cape Clear on 29th August, and 1 was at Lissagriffin the following day. A female was at Kilcolman NNR in November.

2004 One was at Mizen Head on 31st March and 1st April and at Ballycotton on 1st May. One was at Ballyvergan on 27th April, with a male there on 1st May, and a female was there on 16th May.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Scarce breeding species in the north of the county (see page 286). Regular in autumn and winter on the coast. Evidence of migration in the autumn may refer to local dispersal.

1996 Very few records were obtained. Single ringtails were reported from Ringabella on 2nd February, a conifer plantation in North Cork in March, Ballycotton on 6th August, Dursey on 17th October and Garretstown on 3rd December.

1997 Birds were seen in possible breeding habitat at 3 locations in the north of the county but with no proof of breeding obtained (PM Walsh). Otherwise, there were reports of singles (ringtails unless stated otherwise) at (a male), Ballycotton, Lough Gal, Rathorgan, Nohoval Lake, Dursey, Ballyshane, Kilkeran Lake, Mullaghmesha (a male), Ballyfeard and Tracton Wood. Hen Harrier – Andre Robinson

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1998 The only report of more than 1 bird refers to a male and female seen together at a site in the Mullaghareirks in late March. Otherwise, singles were seen at Ballyvergan, Gortigrenane, Ballyknockane, Dursey (on 2 dates, possibly referring to different birds), Sherkin Island, Rostellan, Ballynamuck and Great Island.

1999 Two reports of singles in suitable breeding areas (I Hill, H Hussey). The roost at Ballyvergan held a minimum of 4 birds on 13th March (an adult male and 3 ringtails), with 2 ringtails at Ballycotton on 30th October. Otherwise, singles were at Rostellan (from 1998), Behagh, Nohoval, Ringabella, Dursey and Ballinphellic (a male).

2000 Reports of a bird at Ballyknockane in April and a female in the in July were the only records received from suitable breeding areas this year. Two birds were at Ballyvergan on 16th Jan, with a first summer female remaining until 18th June at least. Three single birds were seen on Dursey in September (including an adult male), and 1 was at Garretstown in December.

2001 Only 1 report received of a single pair from the breeding season (T Nagle). Singles were reported at , Currabinny Wood, , Ballycotton, Dursey, Mizen Head, Pilmore (a male) and Garretstown, with 3 ringtails at Ballyvergan on 10th November.

2002 No records received of breeding birds. Singles were reported at Clonpriest, Nohoval, Toe Head, Ballymacoda (a male), Dursey, Garinish, Knockadoon, Old Head of Kinsale and , with 2 at Ballyvergan on 14th December.

2003 Again, no reports from the breeding grounds. Singles were reported from Ballyvergan (early and late winter periods), Dungourney, Ballycotton, Kilcolman, Dursey/Garinish, Ballady, Cúl Aodha, and Cape Clear.

2004 A female/immature was at Ballyvergan on 21st January and 22nd February. Breeding records involved 2 pairs in the Ballyhouras in April, with 10 seen in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April and birds also recorded in the Nagles in April and May. One juvenile was recorded in the Ballyhouras with another in the Nagles in July. Post-breeding records involved singles on Dursey on 6th and 8th September, and Knockadoon Head on 24th and 25th September. In October, singles were at Gyleen on 4th, Dursey on 8th and 10th, with 2 there on 11th, when 1 was on Galley Head. Also in October, 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th, 2 were on Barry’s Head on 17th, 1 was on Cape Clear on 20th and 23rd, 1 was on Dursey on 26th and 1 at Roches Point on 29th. December records involved singles at Ballyvergan on 3rd, Dursey on 4th and Rostellan on 29th.

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Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus Rare spring migrant.

2000 A male seen on Dursey on 10th May was a new species for the island, and only the 5th county record (DA Scott)*.

2002 A male was reported at Mizen Head on 3rd June (D Ballard).

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Occasional records may refer to dispersive movements within the country, although escaped birds cloud the nature of occurrence. Status in the north Cork area uncertain, but there are some indications that the species may be breeding (see page 302).

1996 A second year female was on Dursey on 3rd November (DA Scott)*.

1999 An adult female was at Galley Head from 27th August to 12th September (E Archer, K Grace, BINS et al)*, although there were reports from locals that the bird was present since 26th.

2001 A juvenile male was seen at The Gearagh from 6th to 9th September (J Lynch et al)*. There were reports from Leap on 14th September (BINS) and on 18th September (BINS).

2003 A female was reported displaying in North Cork in April (C Barton). An adult was reported at Lough Beg on 22nd July (O Foley) with another reported there on 7th August (BINS). An adult female was seen feeding near Coppeen, Kilmurrey on 2nd October (J Lynch).

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Breeding species. Seemingly common throughout most of the county, though slightly scarcer in the south-west (see page 288).

1996 Records from suitable breeding areas refer to single birds seen at Bagwell’s Hill, Ballintlea Bridge, Glendine Bridge, Prap and Banane, with a single bird at Ballycotton.

1997 Birds were reported from Bagwell’s Hill, Monteen, Coosane, Knockakeo and Banane, with 3 at Galley Head on 22nd August.

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1999 Breeding was proven at Currabinny Wood, where 3 birds were seen in a nest. Other records were from Weir Island (2 birds), Dursey (3 records), Sherkin Island and Mizen Head.

2000 Singles were reported from and Tracton, with 2 at Power Head. No other records received.

2001 Only 3 records received, each involving 3 birds. Three at on 10th January, 3 at Knockadoon on 7th May and 3 at Knockakeo on 4th August.

2002 One at Douglas on 25th March was the only record received.

2003 One at Castletownbere, with a single at Douglas and a pair at Cobh on and off throughout the year were the only records received.

2004 Two were at Douglas Estuary on 28th January, with a displaying pair at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 8th February. An immature male and adult female were at Knockadoon Head on 25th March, and birds were also recorded at the Douglas Estuary, Glounthaune and Dursey in March, the Ballyhoura Mountains in April, and the Nagle Mountains, the Old Head, Dursey and Inishannon in May. A pair were seen over Cobh on 25th April. Two were on Dursey in August, September and October.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Probably bred until 19th century but rare since then, however this species appears to be slowly re-colonising the county. Most records are from near coastal locations, and breeding was proven in 2004 (see page 289).

1996 One was reported on Cape Clear on 31st August (D Weir, W McDowell).

1997 One at Ballady Wood on 16th December (PM Walsh).

1998 Three records. One at Garretstown Wood on 21st June (PM Walsh), 1 at Kilcolman NNR and nearby on 7th October and 8th November (ID Barthorpe) and 1 over Shanagarry 26th November (D O'Sullivan).

1999 One was reported on Cape Clear on 5th October (SJ Wing).

2001 Two at Ballinrea on 26th January. Up to 4 different birds were then at various sites in south Cork from August to December, including a juvenile in December. One was reported at Skibbereen on 3rd September (BINS).

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2002 Up to 3 were in the Kinsale area all year, with 2 at in April. Singles were at Rochestown on 14th January, Castlemartyr 17th February, East Ferry 1st April, Ballintubbrid 11th September and Drinagh 21st August.

2003 At least 2 were in south Cork throughout the year, with 1 near Cloyne on 20th August and 1 near Rostellan on 24th November. One was at Rathbarry on 22nd November.

2004 One was at Rossleague on 2nd January and 8th February. Successful breeding was confirmed at two sites in June and July, the first ever documented breeding record in the county.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Almost annual passage migrant, mostly in autumn, but also in spring (see page 304).

1996 One reported at The Gearagh from 12th to 15th May (M Shorten et al), was also reported present on 16th May (BINS). One was at the Ilen Estuary on 29th June (N Dent)*, with 1 at Cape Clear on 28th August (R Mundy).

1997 One was seen at Ballycotton on 31st August (A Jeffery)*, with perhaps the same bird reported at Lough Beg the same day (J Foley). A juvenile was on Cape Clear on 10th September (V Caschera).

1998 One was at Lisagriffin Lake from 3rd to 4th October (M Shorten et al).

1999 One was at Courtmacsherry from 20th August to 28th October (H Hussey, P Wolstenholme et al). Reports of singles at Ballycotton on 27th September (BINS) and Lough Beg (P O’Hara, per D Cooke) the same day. Osprey – Robert Vaughan

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2000 Singles were seen at Youghal on 18th May (BINS), at The Gearagh on 4th July (BINS) and over Cape Clear on 25th (BINS) and on 30th and 31st August (S Reeves, A Simmons).

2001 An excellent year, with 5 or 6 birds recorded. Singles were seen at Courtmacsherry from 9th to 11th May (BINS), The Gearagh from 30th August to 1st September (BINS), Knockadoon Head on 2nd September (BINS), a juvenile in the Clonakilty area from 4th to 12th September (BINS), Pilmore from 8th to 16th September (I Hill et al)*, Ballycotton from 23rd September to 8th October (I Hill et al), with probably the same bird at Ladysbridge on 10th October (BINS).

2002 Singles were at Clonakilty on 31st August (P Wolstenholme) and Mizen Head on 15th September (BINS).

2003 One was on Cape Clear on 6th September (CCBO), followed by 1 there on 9th (S Sage) and another at Dursey on 10th September (DA Scott).

2004 One on Cape Clear on 4th September (GA Oliver) was the only record.

Previous record: 1992 One was at Ballycotton on 15th May (A Duggan).

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Common resident breeding species throughout the county, possibly with some small, local increases (see page 292).

1996 Birds were reported from Doolieve Wood, Graig Upper and Ballard.

1997 Records were received from Knockakeo, Ballyannan, Banane, Garretstown and Nohoval Lake.

1998 A pair raised 2 young on Dursey (DA Scott). Other reports were received from Glenbower Wood and Garinish.

1999 No breeding took place on Dursey. Birds were reported from Ballyknockane, Mizen Head, Sherkin Island and Ballycotton.

2000 Birds were reported from Duhallow, Drinagh, Ballycotton and Nohoval.

2001 A pair bred again on Dursey, fledging 2 young.

2002 A pair again raised 2 young on Dursey. Other reports came from Kinsale Marsh, Ballady, Douglas and Inch.

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2003 A pair raised 2 young on Dursey. Birds were also reported from Douglas, Castletownbere, the Old Head of Kinsale and Inch.

2004 Birds were reported from Dursey (but did not breed there), Pilmore, the Ballyhouras, the Mullaghareirks, the Nagles, Bantry and Minane Bridge throughout the year.

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus Rare vagrant.

1997 An adult female was at Ballywilliam, Churchtown, between 9th and 17th May (P Moore, JN Murphy, D O'Sullivan et al)*. This constitutes the 5th county record, all since 1991, and all in April/May.

Merlin Falco columbarius Very scarce (and probably declining) breeding species on upland moorland in the north, west and south-west of the county. Otherwise uncommon on the coast with numbers increased by passage migrants and winter visitors (see page 293). The American race (‘Taiga Merlin’) is a rare vagrant.

As with Hen Harrier, very few breeding records were received for this species, even of birds seen in suitable breeding habitat. While we acknowledge the need for confidentiality for rarer breeding raptors, we encourage observers to send in any such records, even without naming specific sites if preferred.

1996 Birds were reported from Dursey, Ballycotton, Cape Clear, Toe Head and Galley Head.

1997 Singles were reported from Garrettstown, Cape Clear and Castlefreke. At least 5 birds were reported from Dursey during October, with birds commuting between there and the mainland, and communal hunting observed (DA Scott).

1998 In January, wintering birds were reported from Great Island and Terelton. A family party were seen in the Ballyhoura Mountains on 18th July, proof of successful breeding (D Cooke). Autumn migrants were reported from the Old Head of Kinsale, Dursey, Ballycotton, Cape Clear, Sherkin Island and Roches Point, with singles at Ballymacoda in November and Behagh in December.

1999 The only report of a bird in suitable breeding habitat was of an adult male in the Ballyhoura Mountains on 7th March (H Hussey). Singles were reported from Ballyvergan, Robert's Cove, Shanagarry and Dursey.

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2000 One on Cape Clear on 28th and 29th September (D Weir, W McDowell et al) showed characters of one of the North American races, colloquially known as 'Taiga Merlin', but the exact racial identity is presently under consideration by the IRBC. Otherwise, singles were reported from Rossleague, the Old Head of Kinsale (2 to 3 birds recorded over the year), Ballycotton (2 different birds, including a juvenile male in September), Dunworley and Galley Head (an adult male in November).

2001 Singles were reported from Great Island, Ballinrea, White Bay, Ballycotton and .

2002 A pair was seen in suitable breeding habitat at on 31st January (H Hussey). Singles were reported from the Old Head of Kinsale, Inch, Ballycotton, Kinsale Marsh and Ballyvergan, with at least 2 reported from Dursey during October. In addition, the partly eaten remains of a juvenile bird were found behind the dunes at Ballycotton on 28th December.

2003 In the early part of the year, singles were reported from Ballyvergan, Pilmore, Ballycotton and Kilcolman NNR. A late migrant (a first summer female) was at Knockadoon Head on 4th May, with another at Roches Point the same day. In the autumn, birds were reported from Garinish (at least 2 during October), Dursey (at least 3 during October), Galley Head (2 birds) and Knockadoon Head, with winter records from the latter site and Ballyvergan.

2004 Singles were reported from Dursey between January and April and again between October and December. Elsewhere, singles were at Dooniskey on 25th January, Knockadoon Head on 4th March, Ballybranagan on 19th March, Ballycotton on 19th March, with 2 there on 25th March. A male and female were recorded in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. In autumn, singles were at Mizen Head on 4th September, Ballycotton and Pilmore on 8th September, 4 at Mizen Head on 10th October, 1 at Galley Head on 13th, 25th and 28th October, 1 at Ballycotton on 8th and 23rd October, 1 at Cape clear on 20th October, and 1 at Toe Head and Barley Cove on 30th October.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo Almost annual passage migrant, with most in autumn, fewer in spring, and occasional birds also seen in summer (see page 304).

1996 Two (adult and 1st summer) were at Ballyvergan from 26th May to 5th June (J Diggin, P Moore et al). An adult was at Gyleen on 12th June (P Smiddy), with an adult at Knockgriffin, Midleton on 4th September (P Moore). In addition 1 was reported at Cape Clear on 15th September (CCBO). A very good year.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 85 Systematic List

1997 A juvenile was at Inch Strand on 5th October (P Moore et al), with an adult at Baltimore on 19th October (R Mundy).

1999 An adult was on Cape Clear on 13th September (P Oliver et al). Additional reports from Ballycotton on 30th April (BINS) and Midleton on 27th June (BINS).

2000 One was at White's Marsh from 31st August to 1st September (H Hussey, A James et al), with presumably the same bird at nearby Inchydoney on 5th September (B Ryan). A juvenile was reported at Ballycotton on 21st August (BINS), with an adult reported there on 22nd (BINS).

2001 An adult was at Kilcolman NNR on 8th October (G Garner). This was the first record of the species for the reserve. Reports were also received of 2 in the Minane Bridge area during August, and 1 near Ballingeary on 9th September (BINS).

2004 One was on Sherkin on 8th July (J Wylie)*. A single bird was reported at Cape Clear on 10th and 13th October (CCBO).

Previous record: 1994 One was at Ballyvergan on 1st May (T Nagle, E Archer et al), and an adult was on Sherkin on 8th July (J Wylie).

Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus Rare vagrant.

2001 A report of a white morph bird at Brow Head on 29th and 30th August (D Fitzpatrick).

2002 A report of a white morph bird at Drinagh on 11th February (M Fox).

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Uncommon resident breeding species, both on the coast and inland. Numbers have increased substantially in recent years (see page 295). Fresh corpses of European Storm Petrels, and a sighting of a storm petrel being attacked by a Peregrine, indicate that this species is regularly feeding on petrels on Dursey Island.

1996 Birds were reported from Dursey, Douglas Estuary, , Knockavilla Wood, Ballycotton, Garretstown, Doolieve Wood, Dirk Bay, Cork City, Cape Clear and Ringabella.

86 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1997 No confirmed breeding records, but a juvenile at Galley Head on 22nd August may have been reared locally. Birds were reported from Dursey (peak of 3 on 27th October), Douglas Estuary, Cork City, the Old Head of Kinsale, Garretstown, Ballycotton, Knockadoon Head and Cape Clear.

1998 Records of confirmed breeding were only received for 2 sites, with a summering pair reported at another location. Non-breeding birds were reported from Great Island (with 4 seen on 10th January), Dursey, Minane Bridge (5 birds reported on 8th August), Barry's Head, Garretstown, Galley Head, Ballycotton, Ryecourt and Ballynamuck.

1999 The only confirmed breeding record received was at a site where the species was proved to breed in 1998, with territorial pairs recorded at 2 other sites. Other birds were reported from Lissnacunna, Dursey, Halfway, Monteen and Sherkin Island.

2000 Records of confirmed breeding were only received for 2 sites, with 4 young fledged at a site where proof of breeding was not forthcoming in previous years. In addition, birds were reported from Dursey, Kilmoney, Pilmore, Cape Clear, Cobh, Garinish, Nohoval Cove and Barry's Head.

Peregrine – Andre Robinson

2001 Breeding was confirmed at the new site from 2000, with 3 young fledged. A pair was considered likely to have bred near Dursey also. No other breeding records were received. Other reports were from Cobh, Lehanamore, Dunderrow, Toor Pier, Ballycotton, and Slatty's Bridge.

2002 No young were fledged at the site used in 2000 and 2001, perhaps due to a spell of wet weather early in the season. A fledged juvenile was seen at a second site where an adult pair had been noted prior to this, and it is considered likely that breeding took place here. No other breeding records were received. Birds were also reported from Dursey, Garretstown, Gortigrenane, Ballady, Pilmore, Galley Head, Lough Beg and Garinish.

2003 Breeding was confirmed at the 2 sites used in 2000, with 3 young fledged at one site. No other breeding records were received. Other birds were reported

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 87 Systematic List from Castletownbere, Ballycotton, the Old Head of Kinsale, Cobh, White's Marsh, Garinish and Dursey.

2004 Birds were recorded at The Gearagh, Pilmore, Cape Clear, Dursey, Cork City, the Mullaghareirk and Nagle Mountains, the Old Head of Kinsale, Midleton, Kinsale Marsh, Galley Head, Sand’s Cove and Douglas Estuary. Successful breeding was recorded at 4 sites throughout the county, with a minimum of 9 juveniles fledged. No other breeding records were received. One was seen unsuccessfully hunting a migrant Woodcock at Mizen Head on 10th October.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Widespread if uncommon resident breeding species, passage migrant and winter visitor. Under-recorded. An unknown number bred at Ballyvergan in all years listed here, and several were present each winter.

1996 Singles at Lough Allua on 14th July and Ballycotton on 11th October were the only records received.

1997 Two were at Lough Gal on 26th January, with 2 on Cape Clear Island on 25th April, 3 at Rosscarbery on 8th November and 2 at Kinsale Marsh on 8th November.

1998 The only record received was 1 on Sherkin Island on 8th to 9th October.

1999 Singles were at Lough Gal on 30th January and Sherkin Island on 11th October.

2000 Two were at Ring, Clonakilty on 18th March, with 1 at Rochestown on 26th March, 1 at White’s Marsh on 3rd August and 3 at Lough Beg on 5th August.

2001 Two were at White’s Marsh on 3rd September and 1 at Garinish Strand on 10th October was the first record for the area in 20 years.

2002 Singles were reported from Lough Beg on 29th March, Ballyvergan on 25th April and 6th July, Lough Beg on 27th July, White’s Marsh on 18th and 24th August with 3 on 25th, Inchydoney on 28th August, Nohoval Lake on 1st September, Ballyvergan on 22nd September, 3 at Lough Beg on 5th October, Dursey on 6th October (second Island record) and Garinish Strand from 11th-18th October.

2003 Two at Ballycotton on 9th February, with singles at Ballyvergan on 10th May, Lough Beg on 9th August, Ballyvergan on 11th August, Minane Bridge on 11th August and Clogheen Marsh 30th August.

88 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 Singles on Cape Clear on 10th and 15th April, Barry’s Head on 16th November, Minane Bridge on 21st November were the only records received. In addition, birds were heard regularly at Kilkeran Lake throughout the year.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Rare passage migrant, most records in autumn.

1999 A bird was reported calling at Ballycotton on 10th August (BINS).

2002 One was at White’s Marsh on 24th August (MA Duggan, PM Walsh)*.

2004 One was found moribund in a garden at Long Strand on 28th October. It was taken into care, but died the following day (C Barton, C Pollock)*. The corpse was sent to the Natural History Museum in Dublin.

Corncrake Crex crex This formerly common breeding species continues to decline nationally, and is now a rare passage migrant in Cork.

1997 One on Dursey on 23rd October was flushed by a Jay (DA Scott).

2000 One was on Cape Clear on 1st October (D Weir, W McDowell), with another on Dursey on 18th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster).

2002 A calling male was reported from the Mizen peninsula (per IRBBP).

2003 One was on Cape Clear on 5th September (SJ Wing, M Carmody, C Cronin), and another reported on Mizen Head the same day (BINS).

2004 One was found freshly dead on the road between and Schull on 20th September (K Cronin). The corpse was sent to the Natural History Museum in Dublin.

Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Common resident.

1996 One at Knockacareigh Forest on 3rd May and 104 at Rostellan Lake on 12th September were the only records submitted.

1999 One on Sherkin Island on 15th October was the only record received.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 89 Systematic List

2001 Thirty at Lough Beg on 3rd February was the only record submitted.

2002 The only record received was of 13 at Lough Beg on 17th February.

2004 The only records received were 8 at Cuskinny on 16th May and 1 on Cape Clear on 29th May.

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Uncommon breeding species, common if somewhat localised in winter, mostly in the east of the county.

1997 Two at Kinsale Pier on 7th January was the only record submitted.

1998 At least 2 at Kilmurry Lake on 7th February was the only record submitted.

2004 The only records received were 3 at Cuskinny on 10th January, 2 there on 8th February, 1 on 16th May and 3rd July. Breeding was proven by the presence of a juvenile there on 5th July.

Common Crane Grus grus Rare vagrant.

2000 One was reported at Red Strand on 17th May (the late R O’Donovan).

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Widespread and common all year, although more so in autumn and winter. Breeds mostly in the west of the county.

1996 21 at Inchydoney, 230 at Kilbrittan, 28 at Rosscarbery, 353 at Timoleague and 97 at Clonakilty on 6th June were the only counts submitted.

1997 180 at Lough Beg on 1st May, 640 at Douglas Estuary on 20th August and 911 at Slatty Water on 23rd September were the only records received.

1999 90 on Brown Island 17th January was the only count submitted.

2000 Five to 6 pairs bred on Dursey; 103 were at Weir Island on 15th January with 280 there on 16th December. 146 were at Slatty Water on 1st May and 1,292 were there on 24th September.

90 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2001 78 at Weir Island on 20th January and 7 at Lissagriffin Lake Lake on 2nd September were the only records submitted.

2002 78 at Weir Island on 17th February, 555 at Douglas Estuary on 18th September and 480 there on 13th October and a peak of 31 at Garinish on 22nd October were the only records submitted.

2003 575 at Slatty Water on 1st February and 297 at Weir Island on 18th October were the only records submitted.

2004 Numbers on Dursey peaked at 20 in January, 17 in February, 25 in September, 16 in October and 15 in December. The only other counts received were 15 (including a partial albino) at Pilmore on 23rd May and 600 at Douglas Estuary on 16th August.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Rare vagrant.

1999 The only report was a single bird seen flying over on 22nd and 27th October (MA Duggan).

Avocet – Barry Ryan

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 91 Systematic List

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Rare winter visitor since the late 1970’s, before which time birds wintered almost annually in small numbers since the 1950’s.

1999 An adult female was recorded at Douglas Estuary from 11th February to 1st March (B Ryan, H Hussey et al)*. Only the 7th county record since 1977.

2002 One at Leap Estuary on 22nd December (M Fox), was seen again on 27th December (M O’Sullivan).

Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus Rare passage migrant, mostly in spring.

1996 One was on Cape Clear Island on 8th to 9th May (DP Boyle, E Archer et al)*.

1997 Two were reported at Ballycotton on 1st June (D O’Sullivan).

1999 One was on Dursey on 26th April (DA Scott)*. This was only the 4th county record, following 1 in 1996, 1 in 1988, and one shot in 1913.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Almost annual passage migrant, in spring and autumn.

All records refer to single adult birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 One was at Pilmore on 22nd and 23rd May (D O’Sullivan).

1998 One was at Ballycotton on 7th June (P Moore, D O’Sullivan et al)*, with a juvenile there on 18th and 19th October (P Moore et al)*.

2000 Single birds were on Dursey on 5th to 8th May (DA Scott)*, and Inchydoney/White’s Marsh on 2nd and 3rd September (H Hussey et al.)*.

2001 An adult was reported at Shanagarry on 10th June (BINS).

2003 An adult female was at Ballycotton on 19th March (H Hussey et al)*, and 1 was at Shanagarry on 26th and 27th April (T Gittings, JN Murphy et al)*. A 1st winter at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 29th December (E Dempsey et al)* was the first winter record for Ireland and Britain. It remained into 2004.

92 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 The over-wintering bird at Mallow Sugar Lagoons was last reported on 13th February (BINS)*. Remarkably, another 1st winter bird was found at Ballycotton on 29th December (M Carmody, H Hussey et al), remaining into 2005.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Uncommon and localised breeding species. Common in autumn and winter, when population seemingly increased by northern migrants.

1996 Four at Ballycotton on 1st June and a peak count of 200 there on 15th August.

1997 Three on Dursey in June is a good record for the island, 200 at Ballycotton on 6th August, with 137 there on 27th October.

1998 The only records received were 230 at Ballycotton on 2nd August and 100 there on 11th October.

1999 One was on Dursey on 2nd May, 2 at Ballycotton on 4th June, with 128 there on 29th September and 14 on Sherkin Island on 16th October.

2000 The only records received were 3 pairs on Dursey during the breeding season and 12 at Garinish Strand in October.

2001 One at Kilcolman NNR on 18th August was the first record there since 1983 and only the fourth record for the reserve. 64 were at Douglas Estuary on 23rd August, 7 at Lissagriffin Lake on 5th September, 43 at Lough Beg on 7th October and 31 at Luc Strand on 27th December. Two birds were present on Dursey Island during the spring months.

2002 Eight were at Mahon on 30th May, 105 at Rosscarbery on 28th August and 11 at Garinish for the month of October. Two pairs were found on Dursey throughout the year.

2003 11 at Rosscarbery on 30th August and 1 at Dursey on 8th September. This is the first time since 1994 that there was no attempt at breeding on Dursey.

2004 In January, 150 were at Ballycotton on 3rd, with 30 there on 14th March. Nine were at Pilmore and 8 at Garretstown on 8th May, with 4 on Dursey on 16th May. Two were at Lough Beg on 14th July. Highest counts were of 60 at Rosscarbery on 12th August, with 150 there and 40 at Owenahincha on 15th August, and 23 at Rosscarbery on 13th October. No breeding attempt occurred on Dursey this year.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 93 Systematic List

Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Rare vagrant.

1996 One was on Cape Clear on 18th October (V Caschera, G Walsh, E Archer et al)*.

2003 One at Saleen on 3rd February (P Smiddy) departed the area at high tide and was not re-located. However, what was presumably the same bird was found at Ballycotton on 9th February (P Moore et al)*. The 8th county record.

Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Occasional passage migrant in autumn, rare in spring.

1996 Singles were on Cape Clear from 7th to 12th April (C Osthoff et al)* and Ballycotton on 9th October (P Davis). The Cape Clear bird was the 18th county record, and only the 2nd spring record, following 1 in spring 1994.

1997 One was on Dursey on 22nd October (DA Scott et al)*.

2000 Singles were on Cape Clear from 25th to 27th September (S Farrell et al)* and Dursey on 8th October (DA Scott).

2001 A juvenile was on Dursey on 11th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster, DA Scott et al)* and a different first winter bird was found on 19th, remaining until 21st (DA Scott et al)*. The 21st and 22nd county records.

[‘Lesser’ Golden Plover] Pluvialis dominica/fulva

1996 A single bird at Lissagriffin Lake between 7th and 21st September (T Kelly, M Rogers) has not been identified as either American or Pacific Golden Plover, but was more than likely an American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica).

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1993 An adult was at Ballycotton on 8th August (A Duggan)*. The 3rd county record, following 2 separate birds in 1991.

94 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Occasional vagrant, mostly in autumn. Rare in spring.

1996 Two adults were at Inchydoney on 25th October, with 1 remaining to 29th, and the other moving to Rosscarbery from 27th to 29th (E Archer, DG McAdams, et al)*.

1997 An adult was at Ballycotton from 24th to 31st August (C Batty, D O’Sullivan et al)* with another bird reported there on 17th September (BINS). One was also reported at Courtmacsherry on 30th September (BINS) and a juvenile was at Rosscarbery on 4th October (M Shorten)*.

1998 Single juveniles were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th September (J Diggin)* and Cape Clear on 20th September, the first record for the island (J Diggin)*.

1999 An adult was reported at Ballycotton on 14th and 15th September (D O’Sullivan), with a juvenile there from 23rd to 28th (P Moore et al)* and a second bird reported there on 25th September (D O’Sullivan, P Moore, PM Walsh, I Hill et al). A juvenile was at Lissagriffin Lake from 3rd to 5th October (D Astins)*.

2000 An adult at Ballycotton from 14th to 22nd September was the only record (D O’Sullivan et al)*.

2001 A first winter bird at Ballycotton on 20th to 21st October (T Gittings et al)*, possibly remained to 27th (BINS). A second bird was also reported present there on 21st (BINS).

2002 One flew over Cape Clear on 19th October (M Carmody, C Cronin)*. A juvenile was at Ballycotton on 25th October (T Gittings)*

2003 Singles were at Ballycotton on 12th to 13th September (P Moore, D O’Sullivan, C Cronin et al)* and Midleton Marsh on 6th October (I Hill)*.

2004 Singles were reported at Ballycotton (G Gordon) and Lough Beg (A Robinson) on 28th August.

European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Common autumn passage migrant and winter visitor, declining in spring, and with small numbers remaining through the summer months. All records refer to peak counts and unseasonable dates.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 95 Systematic List

1996 1,200 at Belvelly on 11th January, 600 at Dunkettle on 3rd March, 49 at Dursey on 17th March, 100 at Ballycotton on 2nd April, 1,440 at Douglas Estuary on 8th November, 2,500 at Douglas Estuary on 5th December and 2,000 at Ballycotton on 15th December.

1997 7,560 at Douglas Estuary on 13th January, 1,220 at Slatty Water on 19th January, 1,500 at Ballycotton on 19th January, 3,000 at Douglas Estuary on 22nd January, 2,800 at Douglas Estuary on 12th February, 1 at Ballycotton on 30th August, 1 on Dursey on 17th September, 1,100 at Douglas Estuary on 7th October, 2,620 at Ballycotton on 27th October and 2,000 at Douglas Estuary on 14th December.

1998 40 on Dursey on 12th October and 1,500 at Ballycotton on 29th November were the only notable records submitted.

1999 46 at Ballycotton on 29th September, 47 at on 4th October, 5,000 at Pilmore Strand on 7th November and 41 on Dursey on 31st December.

2000 3,000 at Douglas Estuary on 24th January, 6 on Dursey on 2nd May, 2,500 at Pilmore Strand on 21st October and 2,500 at Douglas Estuary on 24th November.

2001 3,000 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 4,000 at Douglas Estuary on 17th February, 32 at Ballycotton on 13th April, 2 at Ballycotton on 9th September and 2,000 at Pilmore Strand on 14th October.

2002 3,500 at Douglas Estuary on 13th January, 1 on Dursey on 25th May, 1 at White’s Marsh on 24th August, 850 at Douglas Estuary on 3rd October with 3,500 there on 10th November.

2003 2,500 at Timoleague on 2nd January, 4,000 at Douglas Estuary on 26th January, 200 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 19th March, 1 at Slatty Water on 19th August, 100 on Dursey on 9th October, 4,000 at Douglas Estuary on 19th October, 2,500 at Timoleague on 12th November, 4,700 at Douglas Estuary on 16th November, 1,000 at Rosscarbery on 8th December and 450 at Timoleague on the same date.

2004 Peak counts involved 200 at Lee Reservoirs on 16th January, 50 at Ballycotton and 1,000 at Pilmore on 14th March. Four were on Cape Clear on 14th April, with 1 there on 27th May, while the only inland record was 100 in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. In autumn, 300 were at Ballycotton and 500 at Pilmore on 8th October, 300 at Rosscarbery on 13th October, with 2,000 there on 31st October, and 6,200 at Douglas Estuary on 21st November.

96 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Uncommon passage migrant and common winter visitor.

1996 In January, 103 were at Belvelly on 11th, with 142 there on 19th. In February, 93 were there on 16th and 130 on 24th. 125 at Ballycotton on 3rd March and 10 at Lissagriffin Lake on 8th October.

1997 90 at Ballycotton on 19th January and 140 there on 2nd March were the only records received.

1998 The only record submitted was of a single bird at The Gearagh on 31st January.

1999 One at Douglas Estuary on 15th November was the only record received.

2000 Four at Lough Beg on 26th August and 60 at Pilmore Strand on 1st October were the only records submitted.

2001 19 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January and 50 at Ballycotton on 21st January were the only records submitted.

2002 One at Douglas Estuary on 1st February, 3 at Lough Beg on 29th September and 13th October were the only records submitted.

2003 The only count received was 17 at Douglas Estuary on 12th January.

2004 In January, 45 were at Ballycotton on 3rd, with 2 at Rossleague on 10th. In March, 25 were at Ballycotton on 14th and 30 were at Pilmore on 25th, with 2 there on 23rd May. In October, 7 were at Ballycotton and 10 were at Pilmore on 8th October, and 8 were at Rosscarbery on 13th.

Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Common passage migrant in spring and autumn, and common winter visitor. Very scarce breeder.

1996 January counts included 500 at Cloyne on 7th, 5,235 at Tourig Estuary on 9th, 2,700 at Belvelly on 11th, 3,560 at Slatty Water on 12th, 2,930 at Tourig Estuary on 16th with 4,460 there on 18th, 3,550 at Belvelly on 19th and 3340 at Slatty Water on 24th. 2600 were at Dunkettle on 13th February. In November, 400 were at Douglas Estuary on 3rd, with 2,004 there on 8th, and 2,710 on 18th, while 2,272 were present on 5th December and 2,360 were there on 9th December.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 97 Systematic List

1997 2,000 at Ballycotton and 3,260 at Slatty Water on 19th January, 2,087 at Douglas Estuary on 12th February, 2,330 at Slatty Water on 17th February, 650 at Brick Island on 13th December and 1,500 at Ballycotton on 14th December.

1998 The only counts received were 410 at Weir Island on 24th January, 2,017 at Slatty Water on 25th January, 3,303 at Slatty Water on 18th November and 1,050 at Douglas Estuary on 30th November.

1999 500 at Midleton Marsh on 31st January and 700 at Brown Island on 20th January were the only records submitted.

2001 1,600 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January and 700 at Brown Island on 20th January were the only records received.

2002 1,000 were at Douglas Estuary on 6th February, 3 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th May with at least 1 there on 6th July. 1,210 were at Douglas Estuary and 543 were at Brown Island on 15th December.

2003 600 were at Douglas Estuary on 17th January with 1,700 there on 19th January and 1,150 there on 20th December. 20 were at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th July.

2004 A flock of 1,000 at Glounthaune on 5th February, 40 at Galley Head on 28th October and 900 at Douglas Estuary on 21st November were the only records received.

Red Knot Calidris canutus Common autumn passage migrant and winter visitor. Very scarce in spring and summer.

1996 18 at Belvelly on 11th January with 23 there on 19th, 18 at White’s Marsh on 19th September and 10 at Ballycotton on 22nd September were the only records received.

1997 Four at Ballycotton on 24th August and 8 there on 30th August were the only records submitted.

1998 Six were at Ballycotton on 26th July, with singles at Ballycotton on 16th August, Pilmore Strand on 22nd August, Dursey on 1st September and Ballycotton on 14th September. 31 were at Foxhole on 20th September and 30 were at Clonakilty on 28th November.

98 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1999 13 at Douglas Estuary on 14th February, 22 at Douglas Estuary on 19th March, 10 at Pilmore Strand on 27th April, 6 at Ballycotton on 8th August with 2 there on 5th September, 2 at Slatty Water on 19th September and 6 at Foxhole on 21st November.

2000 Seven at Douglas Estuary on 2nd February, 1 on Dursey on 21st July, 4 at Ballycotton on 30th July, 17 at Ballycotton on 2nd September, 60 at Pilmore Strand and 8 at Ballycotton on 17th September.

2001 100 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 80 at Douglas Estuary on 17th February with 60 there on 22nd February, 15 at Pilmore Strand on 24th February, 1 at Douglas Estuary on 24th July, 2 at White’s Marsh on 26th August with 7 there on 3rd September, 14 at Ballycotton on 9th and 12 there on 14th September with 7 at Lough Beg on 7th October.

2002 70 at Douglas Estuary on 6th February, 1 at Rosscarbery on 28th August, 130 at Pilmore on 8th September, 21 at Lough Beg on 29th September, 58 at Douglas Estuary on 15th December and 7 at Luc Strand on 26th December.

2003 30 at Clogheen Marsh on 4th January, 38 at Brick Island on 7th January, 116 at Douglas Estuary on 12th January, 15 minimum at Ballycotton on 9th February, 37 at Dunkettle on 1st March, 50 at Mahon on 10th April, 1 at Slatty Water on 19th August, 4 at White’s Marsh on 13th September, 90 at Pilmore Strand on 19th October and 69 at Douglas Estuary on 16th November.

2004 In January, 8 were at Ballycotton on 3rd, with 1 at Rossleague on 10th and 100 at Douglas Estuary on 18th. Five were at Glounthaune on 5th February. September passage involved up to 15 at White’s Marsh and 12 at Long Strand on 6th, 5 at Lough Beg on 7th, 5 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th, 5 at Ballycotton on 24th and 12 at Timoleague on 26th. Ten were at White’s Marsh on 12th October and 27th November, 5 were at Rosscarbery on 31st October, 51 were at Douglas Estuary on 21st November and 30 were at Ballycotton on 29th December.

Sanderling Calidris alba Common passage migrant throughout the county and winter visitor in East Cork.

1996 30 at Ballycotton on 1st June and 4 at Garinish Pier on 24th September with 1 there on 30th were the only records submitted.

1997 300 at Ballycotton on 6th August and 2 at Garinish Strand on 7th September were the only records received.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 99 Systematic List

1998 40 at Ballycotton on 24th May with 14 there on 6th September were the only records received.

2000 60 at Ballycotton on 29th April, a minimum of 10 there on 27th September and 60 at Pilmore Strand on 30th September were the only records received.

2001 One at Ballycotton on 14th September and 60 at Pilmore Strand on 14th October were the only records received.

2002 Two at Rosscarbery on 28th August and 40 at Pilmore Strand on 13th September were the only records received.

2003 10 at Ballycotton on 27th April with 2 there on 27th July, 60 at Pilmore on 3rd September and 3 at Owenahincha on 22nd November were the only records received.

2004 In March, 40 were at Ballycotton on 14th, with 50 at Pilmore on 25th, and 40 there on 23rd May. Also in May, 22 were at Ballycotton on 13th with 15 at Long Strand on 22nd. In August, 1 was at Owenahincha and 25 were at Long Strand on 15th, 5 juveniles were at Ballycotton on 20th, and 20 were at Rosscarbery on 27th. Owenahincha held 20 on 4th September, and October records involved 50 at Pilmore on 8th and 20 at Rosscarbery on 13th, with 3 there on 31st.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Occasional vagrant in autumn.

1998 A juvenile present at Ballycotton from 10th to 20th September, was joined by a second bird from 13th to 20th (E Carty, P Moore, D O’Sullivan et al)*.

1999 An adult was at Ballycotton from 9th to 13th July (N Linehan, P Moore et al)*. Another adult was found at White’s Marsh on 4th, joined by a second adult on 5th, and both birds then moved between White’s Marsh, Inchydoney and Clonakilty until 12th September (P Kelly, K Grace, T Nagle et al)*. Single adults were at Lissagriffin Lake on 7th September (C Bradshaw et al)* and Ballycotton from 13th to 15th September (P Moore et al), the latter joined by 2 more adults present on 15th and 16th September (N Linehan et al)*.

2001 A juvenile was at Rosscarbery from 10th to 12th September (C Bradshaw, I Jones et al)*, with this bird or another reported there on 26th (H Hussey).

2003 One was reported at Galley Cove, Crookhaven, from 10th to 11th September (BINS), and a juvenile was at White’s Marsh from 11th to 15th

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September (H Hussey et al)* with another reported at Ballycotton on 12th and 13th September (I Hill, C Cronin et al).

2004 An adult was reported at Ballycotton on 12th May (M O’Keeffe).

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Rare vagrant.

1999 A juvenile was at from 1st to 8th September (C Bradshaw, E Carty, JE Simms et al)*. This was Ireland’s 3rd record and the 1st for the county.

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Rare vagrant.

1998 An adult at Ballycotton from 2nd to 5th July (P Davis, R Mills et al)*. This was the first record for Ireland.

2002 An adult at Ballycotton from 31st July to 1st August (H Hussey et al)* was the second Irish and county record.

Red-necked Stint, Ballycotton, July 1998 – Phil Davies

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 101 Systematic List

Little Stint Calidris minuta Uncommon passage migrant, although numbers are variable. Most occur in autumn, scarcer in spring.

1996 Singles were at Ballycotton on 15th May, 7th and 25th August, with 2 there from 29th to 31st August. In September, 3 were at Ballycotton on 4th, 1 on 18th, 1 at Lough Beg on 18th, 2 at Clonakilty on 18th, 1 at Ballycotton on 19th, 15 at White’s Marsh on 19th, 3 at Clogheen Marsh on 19th, 11 at Ballycotton on 21st, 4 at Rosscarbery on 21st, 69 at Clonakilty on 21st, 1 at Dunkettle on 22nd, 6 at Minane Bridge on 22nd, an estimated 85 at Ballycotton on 23rd, 29 at Clonakilty on 28th and 32 at the Cul de Sac Pool on 29th. In October 45 were at Ballycotton on 1st, 4 at Clonakilty on 2nd, 4 at Inchydoney on 2nd, 16 at Ballycotton on 9th and 2 there on 29th.

1997 One was at Ballycotton on 2nd September, 3 there on 27th September, 1 at Clonakilty on 2nd November and 1 at White’s Marsh on 2nd November.

1998 In September 10 were at Ballycotton on 6th, 1 at White’s Marsh on 12th, at least 35 at Ballycotton on 14th with 45 there on 18th, 3 at Foxhole on 20th, 30 at Ballycotton on 20th, 7 at White’s Marsh on 22nd and 14 at Ballycotton on 27th.

1999 One was at Ballycotton on 8th August, with 2 there on 26th and 1 at White’s Marsh on 29th. Singles were at Garryvoe on 2nd September, Ballycotton on 13th, 23rd, 25th and 29th September and Saleen on 28th September.

2000 One was at White’s Marsh on 3rd and 31st August, with 1 at Ballycotton on 2nd September, 4 on 27th September, 4 at Pilmore Strand on 1st October and 3 at Ballycotton on 8th October.

2001 In September, 1 was at Nohoval Lake on 23rd, 3 were at Rosscarbery on 26th, 6 at Ballycotton on 29th and 5 at Inchydoney on 30th. Two were at Ballycotton in October on 3rd, 7 on 7th, 3 on 13th, 2 on 14th, 1 on 20th, 2 on 27th, 1 on 29th, with 2 at Timoleague on 30th. One was at Midleton Marsh on 16th November.

2002 One was at Ballycotton on 18th July. In September, singles were at Charleville Lagoons on 1st, Pilmore Strand on 6th, Ballymacoda on 8th, White’s Marsh on 15th, Ballycotton on 21st, with 2 at White’s Marsh on 28th and 1 at Ballycotton on 29th. Two were at Inchydoney on 2nd October, with 1 at White’s Marsh and 1 at Ballycotton on 6th October.

2003 An unusual inland record of 1 at Mallow Lagoons on 1st August. Two were at Ballycotton on 6th, 11th and 25th September, and at Midleton Marsh on 3rd October.

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2004 Singles were at Ballycotton on 23rd and 24th August, with 4 there on 14th September, and 1 there on 10th and 16th October. One was at Ballymacoda on 9th September, with a juvenile at Kinsale Marsh the following day.

Long-toed Stint, Ballycotton, June 1996 – Phil Davies

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta Rare vagrant.

1996 An adult was at Ballycotton/Shanagarry from 15th to 16th June (D O’Sullivan, M Shorten et al)*. The first record for Ireland.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1993 An adult was at Kinsale Marsh on 29th and 30th August (J Diggin et al)*. The 5th county and 8th Irish record of this species.

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Occasional vagrant in autumn.

1996 A juvenile was at Ballycotton on 26th September (P Moore)*.

1997 An adult was at Ballycotton from 20th to 27th July (D O’Sullivan et al)* with another there on 22nd to 30th August (D O’Sullivan et al). An adult was at Foxhole on 10th September (O O’Sullivan)*.

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2000 Three juveniles were at Lissagriffin Lake on 7th to 10th October (P Leonard et al)*.

2001 An adult and juvenile were at Ballycotton on 4th November (P Davis, D O’Sullivan, H Hussey et al)*.

2002 One was at Lissagriffin Lake on 13th September (JE Simms)*.

2003 One was reported at Cockle Strand, near Crookhaven, on 12th November (BINS). 2004 One was reported at Ballycotton on 22nd and 24th August (BINS).

Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Occasional vagrant in autumn. To the end of 1995, there had been 17 accepted records in the county (including the two 1994 records below).

1996 An adult was at Ballycotton from 31st May to 2nd June (P Moore et al)*, with the same or another individual there on 12th June (D O’Sullivan, P Moore, P Davis et al). A juvenile at Ballycotton from 25th to 31st August (AG Kelly, D O’Sullivan, P Moore et al)*, with further reports there on 4th, 21st and 22nd September (D O’Sullivan, M Shorten). Others singles were at Lissagriffin Lake on 26th September (BINS), Ballycotton on 9th October (D O’Sullivan) and Lissagriffin Lake on 9th and 11th October (M Shorten, JE Fitzharris).

Baird’s Sandpiper, Ballycotton, September 1998 – Phil Davies

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1998 In September, a juvenile was at Ballycotton from 11th to 20th (E Carty, H Hussey et al)*, with an adult there from 12th to 14th (P Moore et al)*. Two unaged birds were reported present on 20th (M Shorten), which may mean that the adult remained until this time.

1999 One was reported at White’s Marsh from 3rd to 6th September (T Nagle, K Grace and P Rowe) and a juvenile was at Ballycotton from 18th to 25th September (N Linehan, PM Walsh et al)*.

2003 One was reported at Galley Cove, Crookhaven, from 9th to 11th September (BINS).

2004 A good year with singles reported at Lissagriffin on 9th August and 13th September (BINS), one at Ballycotton on 10th September (J Gilroy)*, and a juvenile at Rosscarbery from 25th September to 2nd October (C Zockler et al)*.

Previous record: 1994 An adult was at Ballycotton on 6th and 7th August (E Archer, J Diggin et al)*, with a juvenile there on 27th and 28th August (S Farrell et al)*.

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Scarce but annual vagrant, principally in autumn. All records refer to individual birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Ballycotton on 2nd and 3rd May, juvenile 30th to 31st August and 8th to 9th September, Rosscarbery on 7th September, 2 at Clogheen Marsh on 19th September, Lough Beg on 22nd September, Ballycotton on 1st and 8th October, Lissagriffin Lake from 8th to 11th October, Cape Clear on 13th to 14th October (DP Boyle) and Ballycotton on 20th October.

1997 Adults at Ballycotton on 6th July and 24th August, and a juvenile at White’s Marsh on 11th September.

1998 Macroom on 5th September, 2 at Lissagriffin Lake on 6th September and Ballycotton from 10th to 19th September.

1999 An adult at Ballycotton on 9th to 10th July, 1 on 15th August, 1 on 10th September, 2 there from 13th to 15th September, 1 on 19th and 20th, and another on 28th September.

2000 The only record submitted was one at Inchydoney between 26th and 28th August.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 105 Systematic List

2001 2 at Nohoval Lake on 23rd September was the only record received.

2002 The only records received were singles at Garinish between 5th and 11th October and Lissagriffin Lake on 9th October.

2003 One was reported at Ballycotton on 20th July. In August, there was 1 at Garretstown on 8th, and a juvenile at White’s Marsh from 20th to 26th August (with probably the same bird seen on various dates to 11th September). In September, 2 were at Lissagriffin on 5th, with 1 there on 7th, 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th, with 2 there on 7th, 2 at Ballycotton from 10th to 20th and 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 18th. One was at Ballycotton on 3rd October, and on 14th single birds were found at Mallow Sugar Lagoons and Lissagriffin.

2004 An adult at Glounthaune on 14th July was the first of the year. Singles were reported at Ballycotton on 3rd and 5th September, and Lissagriffin on 13th September and from 2nd to 8th October.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Rare vagrant.

2003 An adult was at Ardnahinch, Ballycotton from 27th to 31st July (G Gordon et al)*. This constitutes Ireland’s 3rd record, and the 1st for Cork.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Uncommon passage migrant, although numbers are variable. Most occur in autumn, with very few in spring, and occasional winter records.

1996 Two were at Ballycotton on 2nd May. In September, 1 was at Ballycotton on 4th, 3 at Clonakilty on 4th, 3 at Clonakilty on 8th, 3 at Ballycotton on 8th, 2 at White’s Marsh on 14th, 6 at Clonakilty on 14th, 10 at Kinsale Marsh on 17th, 4 at Clonakilty on 18th, 6 at Inch Strand on 18th, 1 at Rosscarbery on 19th, 2 at Clogheen Marsh and 8 at White’s Marsh on 19th, 14 at Ballycotton on 21st, 20 at Clonakilty on 21st, 7 at Rosscarbery on 21st, 10 at Ballycotton on 22nd, 10 at Dunkettle on 22nd, 20 at Ballycotton on 22nd, 8 at Minane Bridge on 23rd and 10 at Clonakilty on 28th. In October, 6 were at Ballycotton on 9th, with 2 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th, 5 at Ballycotton on 11th, 3 at Ballycotton on 20th and 1 at Ballycotton on 24th.

1997 One at Ballycotton on 9th May, 9 at Ballycotton on 30th August, 8 at Ballycotton on 2nd and 7th September, 1 there on 27th October and 2 at White’s Marsh on 2nd November.

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1998 Singles were at Ballycotton and Courtmacsherry on 26th July, Ballycotton on 6th August and 1st September with 3 there on 5th September. Also in September there was 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 6th, 2 at Ballycotton on 6th, 12 at Clonakilty on 11th, 2 at Ballycotton on 12th, 2 at White’s Marsh/Inchydoney on 12th, 5 at Ballycotton on 12th, 10 on 13th and 35 on 14th, 19 at Clonakilty on 18th, 2 at Foxhole on 18th, a minimum of 2 at Ballycotton on 19th, 1 at Pilmore Strand on 20th, 2 at Foxhole on 20th and 7 at Ballycotton on 27th. One was at Ballycotton on 15th November.

1999 Two were at Ballycotton on 7th August with 20 there on 26th August. As usual the vast majority of records were in September, with 6 at Garryvoe Beach on 2nd, 3 at Timoleague on 4th, 12 at Ballycotton, 4 at Inchydoney and 6 at Kinsale Marsh on 5th September, 60 at Clonakilty on 11th, with a minimum of 25 at Inchydoney on 12th, 2 at Ballycotton and 4 at Douglas Estuary on 13th, c.10 at Ballycotton on 14th, 4 at Timoleague on 18th, 2 at Ballycotton on 23rd and 1 at Youghal Estuary on 25th.

2000 Eight were at White’s Marsh on 3rd August, with singles at Lough Beg on 20th and 26th August, 1 at White’s Marsh on 27th August and 6 there on 31st August. Two were at Douglas Estuary on 1st September, with 5 at White’s Marsh on 2nd, 9 at Ballycotton on 2nd, 8 at White’s Marsh on 3rd, 14 at Ballycotton on 10th, 6 there on 16th, 1 at Douglas Estuary on 20th, 1 at Ballycotton on 24th and 2 there on 27th. Later there were 3 at Pilmore Strand on 14th October and 1 at Ballycotton on 18th November.

2001 One was at White’s Marsh on 2nd and 26th August. Seven were at Kinsale Marsh on 14th September, 1 was at Ballycotton on 18th, 2 at Oysterhaven on 26th, 8 at Ballycotton on 29th and 1 was at Inchydoney on 30th. Unusually most records were in October, when 2 were at Clonakilty on 3rd, 14 at Ballycotton on 7th, 5 at Ballycotton on 13th and 1 was at Ballintubbrid on 29th. Singles then appeared at Douglas from 2nd to 14th November and at Ballycotton on 4th November.

2002 Three at Kinsale Marsh in March was an early record. One was at Ballycotton on 25th August and 1 was at Clonakilty on 28th August. In September, 2 were at Ballycotton on 7th, 1 at Pilmore on 8th, 1 at The Gearagh on 8th, 5 at Ballymacoda on 8th, 1 at Ballintubbrid on 11th, 2 at White’s Marsh on 11th, 4 at Ballintubbrid on 15th and 21st, 4 at Ballymacoda on 21st, 1 at Ballycotton on 22nd, 1 at Lough Beg from 22nd to 29th, 4 at Rosscarbery on 25th and 3 at Ballycotton on 29th. Again, a lot of records in October, when 2 were at Rosscarbery on 2nd, 2 at Ballintubbrid on 5th, 1 at Ballycotton on 6th, 1 at White’s Marsh on 6th, 2 at Ballycotton on 7th, 1 at Whitegate on 12th and 1 was at Douglas Estuary on 16th and 22nd.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 107 Systematic List

2003 One was at Lough Beg from 8th to 10th August. In September, birds were also recorded at Ballycotton on 6th, with 3 there on 8th and 1 on 13th September. Singles were also seen at White’s Marsh on 13th and 14th September, Garretstown Beach on 18th, Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 18th and Midleton Marsh on 29th September.

2004 Two were at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 1st February and 1 was at Pilmore on 23rd May. In September, 2 were at Blackrock Castle on 7th, with 2 at Kinsale Marsh and 5 at Rosscarbery on 10th, 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 13th, 1 at Ballycotton on 14th and 2 at Clonakilty on 15th, with 6 there on 24th. Two juveniles were at Ballycotton on 25th, with 5 at Timoleague on 26th. In October, 2 were at Rosscarbery and 3 at Kinsale Marsh on 2nd, with singles at Clonakilty on 5th, and Ballycotton on 8th to 10th, with 2 there on 16th. Three were at Timoleague on 9th, and juveniles were at the Old Head and Kinsale Marsh on 16th. Last of the year was a first winter at Blackrock on 31st October.

Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus Rare vagrant.

2003 An adult at Lough Beg from 6th to 14th August (O Foley et al)* was the 5th county record.

Stilt Sandpiper, Lough Beg, August 2003 – Robert Vaughan

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima Very scarce passage migrant, and very localised winter visitor.

1996 Singles were at Ballycotton on 17th March and 24th October.

1997 One at Garinish Strand on 6th and 7th September.

108 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1999 10 were at Owenahincha on 17th February, with 15 there on 7th March. One was on Dursey on 23rd and 24th April with 3 there on 11th May.

2000 One was on Dursey on 28th September, 1 at Garinish Strand on 12th October and 1 on Dursey on 28th November.

2001 Five were at Owenahincha on 17th November.

2002 One was on Dursey on 20th and 23rd January, with 5 there on 3rd February, 2 at Ballycotton on 27th October, 2 on Dursey on 28th October and 1 there on 4th November, 15 at Owenahincha on 30th November and 20 there on 28th December.

2003 Two were at Owenahincha on 2nd January, 1 on Dursey on 9th March, 2 on 8th September and 3 on 30th October, with 3 at Owenahincha on 8th December.

2004 Owenahincha held 20 on 31st January, and 4 were on Dursey on 15th February with 1 there on 2nd May. Three were on Cape Clear on 10th April, with 1 there on 23rd October. In December, 6 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 11th, and 1 was on Dursey on 12th, with 3 there on 31st.

Dunlin Calidris alpina Common passage migrant and winter visitor, with small numbers remaining throughout the summer.

1996 3,720 at Belvelly on 11th January, 2,730 at Slatty Water on 12th January, 3,140 at Belvelly on 19th January, 1,670 at Slatty Water on 24th January, 500 at Kinsale Marsh on 14th February, 2,380 at Belvelly on 16th February, 1,220 at Belvelly on 24th February, 400 at Dunkettle on 3rd March, 150 at Charleville on 10th March, 300 at Ballycotton on 5th, 600 on 15th August, 800 on 8th September, 3,930 at Douglas Estuary on 18th November, 3,571 on 5th December and 1,250 at Dunkettle on 18th December.

1997 4,860 at Douglas on 4th January, 1,000 at Ballycotton on 19th January, 2,595 at Slatty Water on 19th January, 5,780 at Douglas Estuary on 22nd January, 2,630 at Douglas Estuary on 4th February, 1,712 at Slatty Water on 17th February, 200 at Ballycotton on 20th July, 1,200 at Ballycotton on 6th August, 1,000 at Ballycotton on 24th August, 610 at Kinsale Marsh on 12th December and 700 at Brown Island on 13th December.

1998 800 at Brick Island on 20th February, 500 at Ballycotton on 2nd, 800 on 9th August and 1st September, and 2,613 at Slatty Water on 18th November.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 109 Systematic List

1999 2,140 at Slatty Water on 27th February, 320 at Kinsale Marsh on 7th March and 1,000 at Ballycotton on 26th August were the only records submitted.

2000 273 at Brown Island on 15th January, 800 at Douglas Estuary on 24th January, 500 at Ballycotton on 20th February and 300 there on 2nd September, 1,500 at Douglas Estuary on 24th November and 1,360 at Slatty Water on 17th December.

2001 3,600 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 260 at Brick Island on 15th January, 4 at Douglas Estuary on 24th July, 4 at Lissagriffin Lake on 5th September and 34 at Ballycotton on 14th September were the only records submitted.

2002 1,500 at Douglas Estuary on 14th February, 2,000 at Blackrock on 3rd March, 85 at Rosscarbery on 28th August, 1,200 at Douglas Estuary on 10th November and 1,650 on 15th December.

2003 351 at Weir Island on 11th January, 1,110 at Douglas Estuary on 12th January, 200 at Clogheen Marsh on 9th February, 1,100 at Douglas Estuary on 22nd February, 35 at Ballycotton on 27th July, 40 at Lough Beg on 11th August, 30 at Midleton Marsh on 3rd October and 2,250 at Douglas Estuary on 20th December.

2004 In January, 70 were at Ballycotton on 3rd, and 35 were at Lee Reservoir on 16th. A flock of 100 was at Glounthaune on 5th February, and 30 were at Ballycotton and Pilmore on 14th March. In May, 8 were at Ballycotton on 1st, with 42 there on 13th and 100 at Pilmore on 23rd. In autumn, peak counts were 75 at Rosscarbery on 12th and 15th August, with 80 there on 23rd. On 10th September 150 were at White’s Marsh, with 130 at Rosscarbery. In October, 220 were at Clonakilty on 5th, 40 were at Pilmore on 8th, 120 were at White’s Marsh on 12th and 75 were at Rosscarbery on 13th, with 60 there on 31st. Highest count of the year was 1,850 at Douglas Estuary on 21st November.

Broad-billed Sandpiper Calidris falcinellus Rare vagrant.

1996 An adult at Ballycotton on 2nd May (D O’Sullivan, P Moore, D Cooke, P Davis et al.)* was only the 4th county and 10th Irish record.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis Occasional vagrant in autumn.

1998 Singles were reported at Ballycotton on 13th and 30th September (BINS).

110 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1999 One was reported on Dursey on 12th to 14th September (BINS).

2000 Juveniles were at Ballycotton from 15th to 22nd September (H Hussey et al)*, with 2 juveniles on Dursey on 22nd to 23rd September (DA Scott et al)*, another juvenile there on 2nd October (K Grace et al)* and 1 reported there on 8th October (BINS).

2002 A juvenile was at Ballycotton from 20th to 26th September (J Diggin et al)*.

2003 One was on Dursey on 7th and 8th September (DA Scott et al)*. A juvenile at Ballycotton on 12th September was joined by a second bird on 13th, with 2 still there on 14th and at least 1 remaining to 18th (D O’Sullivan, C Cronin et al).

2004 One was on Dursey on 8th to 9th September (DA Scott et al)*.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax Uncommon passage migrant, mostly in autumn. Scarce in spring and summer.

1996 One was at Slatty Water on 24th January, with 2 at Kinsale Marsh on 14th February, 3 at Ballycotton on 3rd March, 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 5th April, 6 at Ballycotton on 6th April and 3 there on 21st April. One was at Ballycotton on 17th July, 2 there on 3rd August, 4 on 5th August, 9 on 7th August, 4 on 9th August, 1 on 11th August and 10 on 15th August, 2 at Foxhole on 27th August, 4 at Ballycotton on 31st August, 3 at Clonakilty on 6th September, 5 at Ballycotton on 8th September, 8 at Clonakilty on 8th September, 3 at Ballycotton on 13th September, 1 at Clonakilty on 14th September, 6 at Ballycotton on 21st and 22nd September, 12 at Ballycotton on 1st October, 9 on 6th and 8 on 9th October.

1997 Five were at Ballycotton on 19th January, 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 23rd April with 2 there on 27th April, 2 at Ballycotton on 4th May, 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 14th May, 1 at Ballycotton on 9th August, 3 at Douglas Estuary on 15th August, 4 at Ballycotton on 22nd August, 17 on 30th and 5 on 31st August, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 1st September, 4 at Ballycotton on 2nd and 27th September, 1 at the City Dump on 2nd October, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 2nd October, 2 at Rosscarbery on 4th October, 1 at Clonakilty on 2nd November, 2 at Inchydoney on 22nd November, 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 12th December and 1 at Douglas Estuary on 14th December.

1998 One was at Douglas Estuary from 19th February to 30th March, 1 at Ballycotton on 16th August, 13 at Ballycotton on 1st September, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 2nd September, 11 at Ballycotton on 5th September, 6 at White’s Marsh/Inchydoney on 12th September, 6 at Ballycotton on 13th, 3 on 14th, 12 on 27th September, 1 on 8th November and 1 at Rosscarbery on 21st November.

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1999 Two at Ballycotton on 30th January, 1 at Douglas Estuary from 9th March to 21st April, 3 at Ballycotton on 23rd, 1 on 25th, 4 on 29th September, 2 on 7th and 16th November.

2000 One at Ballycotton on 3rd January, 1 at Pilmore Strand on 21st May, 1 at Lough Beg on 18th August, 10 at Ballycotton on 19th August, 1 at Douglas Estuary on 21st August, 2 at Kinsale Marsh on 24th August, 2 at Lough Beg on 26th August, 2 at White’s Marsh on 31st August, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 1st September, 5 at Ballycotton on 2nd September, 1 at The Gearagh on 8th September, 5 at Ballycotton on 10th, 14 on 16th, and 10 on 17th September, 2 at Midleton Marsh on 20th September, 3 at Ballycotton on 27th September and 3 at Pilmore Strand on 1st October.

2001 One was at Lough Beg on 21st and 23rd January, 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 16th April, 2 at The Gearagh on 2nd September, 4 at Ballycotton on 9th September, 3 at Ballycotton on 13th and 1 on 14th September, 1 at Clonakilty on 14th September, 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 14th and 25th to 27th September, 3 at Rosscarbery on 26th September, 31 at Courtmacsherry on 31st September, 1 at Lissagriffin Lake on 6th October, 2 at Ballycotton on 7th, 3 on 13th and 1 on 14th October, 1 at Garinish Strand on 18th October (2nd area record) and 1 at Midleton Marsh on 19th October.

2002 Two at Timoleague on 11th January, 1 at Ballintubbrid on 20th January, 1 at White’s Marsh on 25th June in full summer plumage, 1 at Pilmore on 11th August, 1 at Ballycotton on 25th August, 1 at Lough Beg on 1st September, 2 at Charleville Lagoons on 1st September, 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th September, 4 at The Gearagh on 8th September, 2 at Ballycotton on 9th September, 1 at Lough Beg on 15th September, 1 at Ballycotton on 21st and 29th September, 1 on 6th, 3 on 7th and 2 on 12th October.

2003 One at Timoleague on 2nd and 5th January, 2 at White’s Marsh on 12th May, 2 at Lough Beg on 6th August, 1 at Timoleague on 8th August, 1 at White’s Marsh on 8th August, 3 at Timoleague on 14th August, 2 at Ballycotton on 20th August, 2 at White’s Marsh on 21st August, 3 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons from 20th- 22nd August, 1 at White’s Marsh on 23rd August, 1 at Douglas Estuary on 27th August, 2 at White’s Marsh on 30th August, 1 at Ballycotton on 6th September, 4 at Ballycotton on 10th September and 5 on 13th September, 1 at White’s Marsh on 14th September, 1 at Timoleague on 18th September, 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 14th October, 1 at Brown Island on 18th October and 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 27th October.

2004 No records before autumn. In August, a juvenile was at Douglas Estuary on 10th, with 2 juveniles at White’s Marsh on 13th, and 3 juveniles at Kinsale Marsh on 26th with 4 there on 28th. In September, singles were at Ballycotton on

112 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

3rd, 25th and 26th, White’s Marsh on 24th and Timoleague on 26th. A juvenile was at Blackrock on 4th October, and 1 was at Ballycotton on 9th, 10th and 16th October.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. All records refer to individual birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Singles were at on 1st February, Dursey on 14th and 17th March and Garrettstown on 18th December.

1997 Singles were at Ballycotton on 19th January, Lough Gal on 26th January and Ballycotton on 2nd March. Two at Kilcolman NNR on 12th April was only the 3rd record for the reserve.

1998 One was at Saleen on 7th February, 2 at Kilcolman NNR on 16th April and 1 on 2nd October, Warrenscourt Wood on 16th November, Ballycotton on 22nd and 29th November.

1999 Singles were on Dursey on 23rd January, Warrenscourt Wood on 22nd March, Ballycotton on 14th November, Ballinphellic on 10th December and Ringabella on 27th December.

2000 Singles were on Dursey from 3rd January to 3rd February, Curravordy on 16th February, Ballycotton on 20th February, 16th April and 18th November and Midleton Marsh on 19th November.

2001 Singles were at Kilcolman NNR on 22nd to 24th March, Ballycotton on 27th October, Riverstick on 7th December, Dursey on 8th to 19th December and 2 at Harpers Island on 27th December.

2002 One was at Kilcolman NNR on 5th January, with 2 at Doolieve on 11th January, 2 at Ballycotton on 12th January, with 1 there on 16th March. Four at Harpers Island on 13th October was a very high count. Singles were at Ballycotton on 29th September, 19th October, Dursey on 19th October, Duke’s Wood on 27th November, Ballymartle on 12th December, Dursey on 15th and 2 there on 25th December.

2003 Two were on Dursey on 6th January, 1 at Ballycotton on 22nd February and 1 at Clogheen Marsh on 4th March. There was an unseasonal report of 1 at Castletownbere in July. In October there were 2 at Crookhaven on 14th, Garinish on 19th, Dursey on 20th, 21st and 2 there on 24th, and Garinish on 22nd.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 113 Systematic List

2004 In October, singles were on Dursey on 11th, and Cape Clear on 15th, 18th and 23rd. One was at Ballycotton on 29th December.

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Widespread if uncommon breeding species, common passage migrant and winter visitor.

1996 74 at Dunmanway on 8th January, 42 at Watergrasshill on 1st February and 63 at Kinsale Marsh on 27th November were the only records received.

1997 Three at The Gearagh on 16th May and 10 at Rosscarbery on 8th November were the only records received.

1999 11 in the Boggeragh Mountains on 4th October and 1 on Sherkin Island on 14th October were the only records received.

2000 The only counts received were 72 at Midleton Marsh on 1st January, a peak count of 26 on Dursey on 3rd January, 1 at Duhallow on 30th April and 50 at Midleton Marsh on 12th November.

2001 36 at Pilmore on 6th January and 1 on Dursey on 18th March were the only records received.

2002 60 at Pilmore on 6th January, 2 at Rostellan on 22nd April and 120 at Midleton Marsh on 4th December were the only records received.

2003 14 at Douglas Estuary on 26th January, 49 at Midleton Marsh on 11th April, 4 at Ballyvergan Marsh on 16th May and 4 on the Kilworth Hills on 16th June were the only records received.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 10 in January, 15 in February, 8 in March, 3 in May, 6 on 8th October and 11 on 10th October. Elsewhere, 1 at Cobh on 8th February, 2 on Cape Clear on 27th May, 1 there on 29th May and 1 at Toe Head on 31st October were the only records received.

Great Snipe Gallinago media Rare vagrant.

2000 Individuals were reported on Dursey on 21st October (K Preston), and at Ballycotton on 16th and 17th November (P Davis, D O’Sullivan). The last occurrence of this species in Cork was the 2nd county record in 1985.

114 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Occasional, if almost annual, vagrant.

1998 A first winter bird was found at Ballycotton on 7th November (P Moore et al)* and was seen into 1999.

1999 The over-wintering bird from 1999 at Ballycotton was last seen on 20th March (BINS)*. An adult was found at Douglas Estuary on 17th March (B Ryan) and remained in the area until 8th April. This record has not been submitted to the IRBC.

2001 A juvenile was at Ballycotton on 7th and 8th October (T Gittings et al)* and 1 was reported in the /Glounthaune area in November (BINS).

2002 One found at White’s Marsh Clonakilty on 5th October (M O’Sullivan) remained in the area until 31st December (T Nagle), and was seen by many observers.

2003 A juvenile was reported at Ballycotton on 13th September (A Robinson).

2004 A second year bird present at Kinsale Marsh from 26th August to 16th September was seen by many observers (BINS).

Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola Thinly distributed breeding species. Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Probably overlooked. All records refer to single birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Clearagh, Doolieve Wood and Warrenscourt Wood throughout February, Kilcolman NNR on 4th March, Knockavilla Wood on 8th March, Begleighs Cross on 10th March, Ballinphellic Wood on 13th March, Ballitlea Bridge on 17th March, with 2 at Streamhill House on the same date, Kilworth Forest on 22nd March, Carrigeen on 24th March, Glendine Bridge on 6th June, Duke’s Wood on 31st October, Ballintlea Bridge on 15th November, Kockacareigh on 20th November, Brosneen on 21st November, Kockacareigh on 25th November, Glendine Bridge on 12th December, Coosane on 13th December, 2 at Prap on 20th December and Gortnacarriga on 27th December.

1997 A minimum of 4 birds at Kockakeo on 4th January, Kilcolman NNR on 7th January, Bagwells Hill on 9th January, Kilbrittan on 21st January, Knockacareigh on 22nd-23rd January, Dunderrow on 26th January, 2 at Reenahoun on 28th January, Prap on 5th February, 2 at Garrettstown on 6th February, Ardglass on 12th February, Knockakeo on 23rd February, Dursey on 20th, 25th and 2 on 26th October, Warrenscourt Wood on 12th November, Kilcolman NNR on 22nd November, 2 at

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 115 Systematic List

Glandart on 25th November, Carrigeen on 5th December, Ballinphellic and Kinsale Marsh on 12th December, 2 at Knockavilla Wood on 13th December, Ballady Wood on 16th December and 3 at Warrenscourt Wood on 16th December.

1998 Clearagh Wood (near Kilmurry) on 14th January, 3 at Terelton on 16th January, 2 at Gortadinnaboght (SW of Kilmurry) on 29th January, 2 at Ballincourneenig Wood on 2nd February, Kilmurry Wood on 7th February, Inch on 17th October and Ryecourt on 14th November.

1999 Dunderrow on 5th February, 3 at Doolieve on 18th February, 4 at Clashbredane on 25th February, 5 at Garrettstown on 1st March, Dunderrow on 3rd November and 3 at Ballinphellic on 3rd December.

2000 Oldcourt on 6th January, Ryecourt on 8th January and a roding bird in the Ballyhoura Mountains on 7th July were the only records received.

2001 Five at Dunderrow on 18th January and 1 at Riverstick on 19th December were the only records received.

2002 Firkeel on 18th October and Duke’s Wood throughout November were the only records received.

2003 Castlemartyr Wood on 9th February, Ballyhoura Mountains on 8th June, 3 to 4 roding birds in the Nagle Mountains on 14th June, Dursey on 15th, 18th, 24th, 25th October, with 3 there on 12th November and single birds on 22nd November and 18th December.

2004 The only records received were 1 in off the sea at Mizen Head on 10th October, and singles on Cape Clear on 20th and 28th October.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Common passage migrant and winter visitor from Iceland. Small numbers of non breeders remain throughout the summer. Regularly occurs in internationally important numbers in Cork Harbour in winter.

1996 541 at Tourig Estuary on 9th January, 691 on 16th January and 174 on 18th January, 400 at Cloyne on 28th January, 206 at Kinsale Marsh on 5th April, 1 aggressively defending apparent breeding area at Harper's Island on 20th June, 150 at Douglas Estuary on 19th August, 200 at Clonakilty on 21st September, 1,080 at Clonakilty on 2nd October, 1,084 at Slatty Water on 20th October, 110 at Kinsale Marsh on 18th November with 520 at Douglas Estuary on the same date, 231 at Douglas Estuary on 5th December and 1,200 at Slatty Water on 19th December.

116 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1997 183 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 319 at Slatty Water on 19th January, 142 at Douglas Estuary on 4th February, 773 at Slatty Water on 17th February, 240 there on 17th March, 1,640 at Douglas Estuary on 20th August, 1,574 at Slatty Water on 23rd September with 366 there on 26th October, 230 at Little Island on 1st November, 85 at Kinsale Marsh on 12th December and 320 at Slatty Water on 14th December.

1998 543 at Slatty Water on 25th January, 600 on 22nd February and 326 on 22nd March, 170 at Fota Island on 12th May, 136 at Midleton Marsh on 1st September, 1,998 at Slatty Water on 13th September, 848 on 18th October and 782 on 18th November.

1999 798 at Slatty Water on 27th February and 380 on 30th March, 650 at Douglas Estuary on 21st April, 100 at Midleton Marsh on 16th May, 905 at Douglas Estuary on 2nd August, 1,246 at Slatty Water on 19th September, 661 on 17th October and 411 on 19th December.

2000 531 at Slatty Water on 16th January and 240 on 27th February, 325 at Lough Beg on 19th March, 514 at Slatty Water on 26th March, 186 at Lough Beg on 1st and 184 on 12th August, 1,610 at Slatty Water on 24th September and 231 on 19th November.

2001 550 at Douglas Estuary on 23rd March, 670 at Kinsale Marsh on 9th September and 280 at Lough Beg on 28th December were the only records received.

2002 150 at Lough Beg on 29th March, 870 at Slatty Water on 1st April, 165 at Lough Beg on 27th April, 220 on 8th June and 200 on 24th August, 500 at Douglas Estuary on 18th September, 366 at Lough Beg on 28th September and 480 on 13th October and 1 at Dursey on 31st October.

2003 1,070 at Slatty Water on 1st February, 1,006 at Douglas Estuary on 30th March, 500 at Mahon on 10th April, 600 at Douglas Estuary on 15th April and 190 on 23rd May, 104 at White’s Marsh on 19th July, 1 on Dursey on 21st July, 140 at Slatty Water on 26th July and 1,070 on 9th August, 80 at Lough Beg on 11th August and 640 at Douglas Estuary on 27th August.

2004 A flock of 200 was at Glounthaune on 5th February, with 100 there on 29th April, 50 at Fota on 3rd May, and 35 at Timoleague on 26th June. In July, 40 were at Lough Beg, 100 at Douglas Estuary and 240 at Harper’s Island on 10th, with 170 at Lough Beg on 14th and 68 at White’s Marsh on 17th. Last count of the year was 29 at Rosscarbery on 13th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 117 Systematic List

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Very scarce in summer.

1996 220 at Dunkettle on 3rd March, 1 at Garinish Pier on 10th October and 240 at Douglas Estuary on 18th November were the only records received.

1997 410 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January and 390 on 20th August, and 1 on Dursey on 3rd September were the only records received.

1998 The only record received was of 30 at Ballycotton on 1st January.

1999 The only record received was of 222 at Kinsale Marsh on 2nd May.

2000 25 at Lough Beg on 5th February, 200 at Pilmore on 18th March and 1 on Dursey on 28th April were the only records received.

2001 One on Dursey on 3rd May, 3 at Lissagriffin Lake on 4th to 6th September and 2 there on 7th September were the only records received.

2002 20 at Lough Beg on 27th January and 30 on 10th February, 150 at Blackrock on 13th August, 50 at Pilmore on 10th October, 460 at Douglas Estuary on 13th October and 10 at Luc Strand on 26th December were the only records received.

2003 340 at Douglas Estuary on 19th January, 1 on Dursey on 1st May, 1 at Ballycotton on 27th July, 1 at Lough Beg on 11th August, 70 at Pilmore on 15th October and 400 at Douglas Estuary on 19th October were the only records received.

2004 In January, 15 were at Ballycotton on 3rd, with 13 at Rossleague on 10th, and 4 there on 7th February. In March, 40 were at Ballycotton on 14th, with 15 at Pilmore on 25th. May records were 15 at Ballycotton on 1st and 1 at Pilmore on 23rd. Lough Beg held 13 on 10th July and 7 on 14th July. In October, 15 were at Ballycotton on 8th and 7 were at Rosscarbery on 13th, with 280 at Douglas Estuary on 21st November.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Common passage migrant in spring, uncommon in autumn, and very scarce in winter. Counts from Cobh where large numbers were seen in the 1980’s, were not continued through the 1990’s, although casual observations suggested that large scale migration continued to occur in spring (C Cronin). Has wintered regularly in small numbers since the late 1960’s. Some of the winter records may refer to returning individuals.

118 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1996 94 at Ballycotton on 20th April and 70 on 24th April, 1 at Bagwells Hill on 26th April, 50 at Dunkettle on 27th April, 1 at Coosane on 29th April, 60 at Ballycotton on 3rd May, 10 at Dursey on 5th May, 105 at Ballycotton on 5th and 20 on 6th May, 1 at Timoleague on 6th June, 2 on Dursey on 12th July and 1 on 22nd September.

1997 One was at Roches Point on 26th January. Heavy overnight passage was noted over Cape Clear on 25th April, 36 at Lough Beg on 1st May, 35 at Mizen Head on 4th May, 62 at Pilmore on 4th May, 3 at Ballycotton on 17th August and 1 at Rosscarbery on 4th October were the only records received.

1998 One was at Roches Point on 23rd February, 96 at Pilmore on 19th April, 350 at Ballycotton on 23rd April, 6 at Little Island on 29th April, 50 at Mahon on 8th May, 6 at Little Island on 5th August, a peak of 8 at Garinish on 30th August, 1 at Slatty Water on 13th September, 1 at Ballycotton on 14th September, 1 at Foxhole on 20th September and 1 at Roches Point on 28th December.

1999 One at Dirk Bay on 5th April, a peak of 85 at Dursey on 30th April, 70 at Ballycotton on 2nd May, 3 at Dunkettle on 3rd May and 1 at Dirk Bay on 25th October were the only records received.

2000 One at Red Strand on 9th April, 749 at Dursey between 21st to 29th April, 110 at Sherkin Island, 160 over Shanagarry, 4 at Lough Beg and a maximum of 475 at Dursey on 28th April, 180 at Ballycotton on 29th April, 51 at Slatty Water on 1st May, 12 at Douglas Estuary on 2nd May, 4 at Lough Beg on 21st May and 2 on 3rd August, 1 on Dursey on 14th September, 1 at Ballycotton on 27th September and 1 at Sherkin Island on 7th October.

2001 A peak of 17 at Dursey on 29th April, 50 at Cobh on 30th April, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 24th July, 1 at Dursey on 24th August, 3 at Lough Beg on 26th August, 1 at Dursey on 27th August, 1 at Lissagriffin Lake and 3 at Dursey on 4th September, 1 at Douglas Estuary on 5th September, 2 at Ballycotton on 9th September, 1 at Garinish on 19th October and 1 at Roches Point on 11th November.

2002 One was at Great Island on 5th January, 1 at Seven Heads on 25th February, 6 at Dursey 27th April, 7 at Lough Beg on 28th April, a peak of 53 at Dursey on 30th April, 1 at Lough Beg on 21st July and 5 on 17th August, 1 at Dursey on 18th August, 1 at White’s Marsh and 2 at Douglas Estuary on 25th August, 1 at Dursey on 27th August, 1 at Lough Beg on 1st September, 1 at Ballycotton on 24th September, singles at Roches Point on 2nd, 5th and 28th October, 2 there on 28th November and 27th-31st December and 1 at Dirk Bay on 30th November.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 119 Systematic List

2003 A total of 968 passed Dursey during the year, with the first arrival on 21st April, a peak of 310 on 1st May and the last record on 9th October, 2 at Roches Point on 2nd and 1 on 22nd and 23rd March, 1 at Dunworley on 12th April, 2 at Roches Point on 18th April, 320 at Ballycotton on 26th April, 141 at Shanagarry on 27th April and 16 on 14th May, 1 at Douglas Estuary on 10th July, 1 at Roches Point on 20th July, 2 at Slatty Water and 2 at Roches Point on 26th July, 1 at Roches Point on 7th August, 2 at Lough Beg on 9th and 17 on 11th August, 2 at Slatty Water on 19th August, 1 at Dursey on 24th August, 15th September and 9th October.

2004 Peak counts were 20 at Blackrock on 23rd April, 47 on Dursey on 25th April, 11 at Glounthaune on 29th April, 30 at Pilmore and 15 at Garretstown on 7th May, 27 on Dursey on 15th May and at least 50 over Cobh at night on 23rd May. In July, 15 were at Pilmore on 9th, 25 were at Harper’s Island on 10th, with 30 there on 14th, when 25 were at Lough Beg. In winter, singles were at Dirk Bay on 27th November, Roches Point in November and December, the Old Head of Kinsale on 11th December and Great Island on 28th December.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Common passage migrant and winter visitor, scarcer in summer. Some large post- breeding counts in Cork Harbour. Breeds in small numbers.

1996 14 at Kilbrittan, 33 at Clonakilty and 62 at Timoleague on 6th June, 600 at Douglas Estuary on 19th August, 4 at Inchydoney on 29th August and 23 at Clonakilty on 2nd October were the only records received.

1997 420 at Tourig Estuary on 19th July, 790 at Douglas Estuary on 1st and 2,340 on 20th August, and 1,021 at Slatty Water on 23rd September were the only records received.

1998 64 at Brick Island on 12th September was the only record received.

1999 110 at Weir Island on 17th October was the only record received.

2000 Only 11 birds were recorded on Dursey for the year, which is a very low count for the island. 37 at Lough Beg on 2nd January, 265 on 5th February and 340 on 1st August, 65 at Weir Island on 23rd September, 1,006 at Slatty Water on 24th September and a peak of 34 at Garinish on 16th October were the only records received.

2001 600 at Douglas Estuary on 24th July, a peak of 3 on Dursey on 29th August, a minimum of 20 at Lissagriffin Lake on 2nd, 34 on 4th and 75 on 6th September, 75 on Weir Island on 22nd September, 28 at Garinish in October and 180 at Lough Beg on 28th December were the only records received.

120 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2002 650 at Kinsale Marsh on 17th August, 300 at Lough Beg on 7th and 272 on 22nd September, 59 at Weir Island on 22nd September, a peak of 28 at Garinish during October and 460 at Douglas Estuary on 13th October were the only records received.

2003 713 at Slatty Water on 22nd and 450 on 26th July, 2 at Galley Head on 1st August, 180 at Lough Beg on 11th August, 600 at Douglas Estuary on 16th August and 60 at Brown Island on 21st September were the only records received.

2004 The only inland record was 1 in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. Peak counts received were 150 at Douglas Estuary and 100 at Harper’s Island on 10th July, with 80 there and 70 at Lough Beg on 14th July, 30 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 17th August, 497 at Douglas Estuary on 19th September and 60 at Bantry on 27th November. A partial albino was at Clogheen Marsh on 17th July. Three were on Cape Clear on 20th October.

Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Scarce passage migrant, mostly in autumn. Scarce in winter and occasional summer records. All records refer to single birds unless otherwise stated.

Spotted Redshank – Phil Davies

1996 Mahon on 1st January, Kinsale Marsh on 14th February, 26th and 28th April, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 20th July and 1 on 19th August, White’s Marsh on

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 121 Systematic List

6th September, Ballycotton on 13th September, Kinsale Marsh on 17th September, Rosscarbery on 21st September, Inchydoney on 2nd October, 2 at Rosscarbery on 2nd October, 3 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th October, Douglas Estuary on 8th and 18th November.

1997 Ballycotton on 25th January, Saleen on 3rd February, Kinsale Marsh on 23rd and 27th April, Douglas Estuary on 20th August, Ballycotton on 23rd and 30th August, Douglas Estuary on 2nd October, 2 at Rosscarbery on 4th October and 22nd November.

1998 Douglas Estuary on 31st March, Ballycotton on 13th April and 1st August which remained in the area into 1999, Kinsale Marsh on 5th September, Ballycotton on 18th September, 25th October and 22nd November, Rosscarbery on 12th September, 31st October and 2 on 21st November.

1999 At Ballycotton the long staying bird was present from the start of the year to 17th April, Kinsale Marsh on 14th January, White’s Marsh on 30th January-6th March, Saleen on 7th and 13th February, Douglas Estuary on 14th February to 18th April, Rosscarbery on 20th-23rd February, Inchydoney on 7th March, 2 at Kinsale Marsh on 7th March, Ballycotton on 22nd June, Douglas Estuary from 10th July to the end of the year, Kinsale Marsh on 5th September, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 13th September, Ballycotton on 14th September, Saleen on 28th September, 2 at Ballycotton on 9th October and 1 on 7th November, Douglas Estuary 10th November, 3 at Kinsale Marsh on 21st November and Ballycotton on 19th December.

2000 Douglas Estuary 29th January, Ballycotton on 7th, 18th and 20th February, Slatty Water on 27th February, Kinsale Marsh on 19th March, an adult at Ballycotton on 18th July to 17th November, Lough Beg on 12th and 15th to 18th August, Douglas Estuary on 21st August, Ballycotton on 22nd August, Kinsale Marsh on 24th August, a juvenile at Muckross Strand on 27th August, Slatty Water on 19th November and Ballycotton on 27th December.

2001 Rossleague on 5th January, Douglas Estuary on 20th February and 5th September, Ballycotton on 7th September, Courtmacsherry on 23rd September, Rosscarbery on 24th September, Ballycotton on 29th September, Rosscarbery on 6th to 24th October, Rathcoursey on 7th October, Ballycotton on 13th with 2 on 14th and 1 seen up to 4th November, and Ballycotton on 29th December.

2002 Kinsale Marsh on 24th February, Douglas Estuary on 27th February, Ballycotton on 3rd March, 2 at Kinsale Marsh on 24th March, Douglas Estuary on 25th March, Kinsale Marsh on 10th to 12th April, Douglas Estuary on 5th August, Kinsale Marsh on 6th August to 15th September, Clogheen Marsh on 17th to 18th August and probably the same bird White’s Marsh on 18th August, an excellent

122 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List record on Cape Clear on 20th August, at Slatty Water on 15th September, Ballycotton on 26th and 28th October, 2 at Harper’s Island on 8th December and 1 at Slatty Water on 15th December.

2003 Timoleague on 2nd January, at Slatty Water on 11th January, 3 at Kinsale Marsh on 31st January, at Slatty Water on 1st February, Ballycotton and Kinsale Marsh on 9th February, at Slatty Water on 30th March, Douglas Estuary from 11th to 15th April, Douglas Estuary on 8th and 10th July, Kinsale Marsh on 2nd August, Slatty Water on 26th July and 9th-10th and 19th August, 2 at Clonakilty on 16th August, White’s Marsh on 21st and 30th August, 2 at Lough Beg on 10th September, 3 at White’s Marsh on 13th September, Douglas Estuary on 16th September, at Slatty Water on 19th October and 16th November. Two were at Garryvoe on 12th November.

2004 Singles at Slatty Water on 18th January and 15th February, Glounthaune on 25th March, Lough Beg on 6th and 21st July, with 2 there on 10th and 14th, Kinsale Marsh on 28th July and 1st August, Douglas Estuary on 14th August, Kinsale Marsh on 17th and 26th August, Lough Beg on 28th August and Douglas Estuary on 30th August. In September, 1 was at Kinsale Marsh on 6th, 10th and 13th, and in October 2 were at Douglas Estuary and 1 was at Kinsale Marsh on 2nd, with 1 at Douglas Estuary on 12th and 22nd. Two were at Lough Beg on 23rd November, with 1 at Douglas Estuary on 17th December.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus Common passage migrant and winter visitor, with small numbers widespread in summer. Regularly occurs in internationally important numbers in Cork Harbour.

1996 234 at Tourig Estuary on 9th January, 390 at Belvelly on 19th January, 483 at Belvelly on 24th February, 525 at Slatty Water on 20th October, 256 at Douglas Estuary on 18th November and 351 at Slatty Water on 19th December.

1997 281 at Douglas Estuary on 4th January, 283 on 4th February and 1,290 on 20th August and 616 at Slatty Water on 23rd September.

1998 255 at Slatty Water on 22nd February and 339 on 18th October and 80 at Brick Island on 16th December.

1999 160 at Ballycotton on 14th September, 330 at Slatty Water on 19th September and 346 on 17th October.

2000 160 at Lough Beg on 5th February, 336 at Slatty Water on 27th February, 68 at Lough Beg on 7th August, 150 at Ballycotton on 2nd September, 442 at Slatty

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 123 Systematic List

Water on 24th September, 70 at Brick Island on 21st October and 377 at Slatty Water on 19th November.

2001 129 at Lough Beg on 6th February, 84 at Ballycotton on 9th September and 179 at Brick Island on 20th October.

2002 50 at Lough Beg on 10th February and 6 on 28th April, 57 at Rosscarbery on 28th August, 1 at Pilmore on 21st September, 352 at Weir Island on 22nd September, 138 at Lough Beg 13th October, 610 at Douglas Estuary 13th October and 1 at Pilmore on 31st December.

2003 340 at Douglas on 30th March, 29 at Slatty Water on 26th July, 150 at Lough Beg on 11th August, 1 at Pilmore on 18th September and 196 at Brick Island on 18th October.

2004 A flock of 90 were at Glounthaune on 5th February. In July, 3 were at Fota on 3rd, with 40 at Douglas Estuary and 30 at Harper’s Island on 10th, with 70 there and 200 at Lough Beg on 14th. On 17th, 13 were at White’s Marsh, with 45 at Timoleague. Other counts were 41 at Donemark on 20th August and 864 at Douglas Estuary on 19th September.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Rare vagrant.

1999 An adult bird was located on private land at Rossleague on 20th August (R Mundy et al)*. Unfortunately there was no general access to the site.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Common passage migrant. Locally common winter visitor. Scarce in summer.

1996 Seven at Tourig Estuary on 16th January, 1 at Timoleague on 6th June, 4 at Ballycotton on 7th August, 19 at Inchydoney and 24 at Clonakilty on 29th August, 28 at White’s Marsh on 6th September, 22 at Kinsale Marsh on 17th September, 16 at Lough Beg on 18th September, 23 at Ballycotton on 22nd September, 1 at Reservoir on 23rd September, 28 at Clonakilty on 2nd October, 7 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th and 25 there on 15th October.

1997 11 at Ballycotton on 17th August, 8 at Douglas Estuary on 20th August, 8 at Kinsale Marsh on 22nd August, 3 at Ballycotton on 24th and 11 on 30th August, 6 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th September, 3 at Ballycotton on 27th October, 4 at Douglas Estuary on 12th November and 3 at Kinsale Marsh on 12th December.

124 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 One was at Fota Island on 12th May, 18 at Lough Beg on 8th August, 16 at Ballycotton on 16th August and 20 at Kinsale Marsh on 5th September were the only records received.

1999 Four at Clonakilty on 30th January, 3 at Douglas Estuary on 25th March, 4 at Dunkettle on 6th August, 15 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th August and 10 on 5th September, 7 at Douglas Estuary on 24th September, 35 at Ballycotton on 3rd October and 1 at Lissagriffin Lake on 13th October.

2000 Four at Clonakilty on 18th March, 1 at Lough Beg from 7th-12th August, 3 at Douglas Estuary on 21st August, 20 at Inchydoney on 5th September and 3 at Ballycotton on 27th September.

2001 Six near the Cul de Sac Pool, Clonakilty on 8th April, 4 at Douglas Estuary on 24th July, 12 at Clonakilty on 18th August, 2 at Lough Beg on 26th August, 6 at Lissagriffin Lake on 2nd and 3 on 4th September, 7 at White’s Marsh on 3rd September, 9 at Croagh Bay on 4th September, 5 at Douglas Estuary on 5th September, 2 at Lissagriffin Lake from 5th to 7th September, 15 at Ballycotton on 9th and 2 on 14th September, and 4 at Kinsale Marsh on 26th December.

2002 Seven at Blackrock on 27th March, 2 at Crosshaven on 3rd August, 5 at Douglas Estuary on 6th August, 27 at Inchydoney on 18th August, 17 at White’s Marsh on 24th August, 6 at Rosscarbery on 28th August, 10 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th and an impressive tally of 65 there on 14th October (C Barton), 12 at Lough Beg on 20th October and 8 on 9th November.

2003 One at Clogheen Marsh on 9th February and 3 at Kinsale Marsh on the same date, 1 at Lough Hyne on 23rd March, 5 at Douglas Estuary on 15th April, 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 3rd and 14 on 9th August, 21 at Courtmacsherry on 23rd August, 21 at White’s Marsh on 30th August, 6 at Rosscarbery on 30th August, 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 31st August, 6 at Dunkettle on 17th September and 2 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 18th September.

2004 In January, 2 were at Long Strand on 6th, 1 was at Belvelly, 1 at Rossleague and 2 at East Ferry on 10th, with 1 at Kilkeran Lake on 24th. Five were at Glounthaune on 5th February, with 11 at Ballycotton and 4 at Pilmore on 14th March, and 1 at Fota on 3rd May. In July, 6 were at Pilmore and 4 at Ballycotton on 9th, 16 were at Lough Beg on 10th, with 17 there and 7 at Harper’s Island on 14th. Nine were at Rosscarbery on 29th July, with 8 there on 2nd and 15th August. Two were at Donemark on 20th August, with 6 at White’s Marsh on 27th August. In September, 10 were at Rosscarbery on 1st, with 12 there on 4th and 18 at Douglas Estuary on 19th. One was at Long Strand on 16th October and 1 was at Donemark on 26th November.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 125 Systematic List

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Rare vagrant.

1996 One at Kinsale Marsh from 26th to 28th April (B Ryan, P Wolstenholme et al)* and a juvenile was at Lissagriffin Lake from 8th to 10th October (M Shorten, P Wolstenholme et al)*.

1997 One wintered in The Gearagh area from 26th January to 9th March (E Carty et al)*. Another was reported at Clogheen Marsh on 4th to 5th October (BINS).

1998 One at Macroom from 1st to 14th February (P Moore et al)* and a juvenile was at Kinsale Marsh on 9th and 10th October (N Linehan et al)*.

2002 A summer plumaged adult was at Kinsale Marsh on 7th April in the high tide roost (E Dempsey)*. The 33rd record for the county.

2003 An adult was at White’s Marsh from 7th to 9th August (T Kelly, MA Duggan, PM Walsh et al)*.

Previous record: 1995 An adult at Ballycotton from 2nd to 4th September (T Gittings et al)*.

Lesser Yellowlegs – Andre Robinson

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus Local and uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor to both coastal and inland sites. All records refer to single birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Kinsale Marsh on 1st January, Little Island on 24th January, 2 at Charleville on 10th March, 3 at Midleton Marsh on 4th April, Ballycotton on 11th, 2 on 15th and 1 on 29th August, Glanturkin throughout September, Ballycotton on 8th September, 3 at Midleton Marsh on 11th September, Ballycotton on 13th September, Brown Island on 13th September, Skibbereen on 2nd and 4th October, Ballycotton on

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10th October, Dunmanway on 14th November and 3 at Dooniskey during November.

1997 Douglas Estuary on 17th January, Glounthaune from 30th January to 31st July, 4 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 9th February, 2 at Knockgriffin during March were present since 1996, 3 at Harpers Island on 3rd and 1 on 13th April, Ballycotton on 6th, 9th, and 7 on 15th August and 1 on 2nd September, City Dump on 26th September, Ballycotton on 27th September, 2 at City Dump on 7th and 10th October and 2 at Rochestown on 18th October.

1998 City Dump on 25th January, 1-2 in Dooniskey, The Gearagh and Macroom area from 8th to 14th February, Ballycotton on 2nd August, 2 at Pilmore on 22nd August, Douglas Estuary on 23rd August, 2 at Lough Beg on 12th September, Midleton Marsh on 25th October, 2 at Dooniskey from 14th November to 1999 and Harpers Island on 18th November.

1999 Two at Dooniskey from 1998 until 2nd January, 4 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 24th January, McCulls Pond (Carrigadhroid) on 30th January, 2 at Foxhole on 28th February, 2 at Batemans Lake on 7th March, Ballycotton on 11th July and 3 on 10th August, Dooniskey on 15th August, Ballycotton on 13th September, Slatty Water on 17th October and Inchydoney on 27th November.

2000 The Gearagh on 8th January and 5 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 30th January were the only records submitted.

2001 An unusual record was 1 at Cape Clear on 24th August (CCBO). Singles were at Slatty Water on 23rd September, Ballycotton on 7th October, Foxhole on 9th November, Slatty Water from 17th November to 23rd December and Harpers Island from 27th December into 2002.

2002 Harpers Island from 2001 to 13th January, Mallow Sugar Lagoons 27th January and 6 there on 6th July, Ballycotton on 1st August, 4 at Charleville Lagoons on 23rd August, 5 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th September, Slatty Water on 15th September and 17th November, Harpers Island on 8th December, Brick Island on 15th December and Harpers Island on 22nd December.

2003 6 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 24th January, Harpers Island on 1st February, Ballycotton on 10th February, Ladysbridge on 14th February, Harpers Island on 30th March, Midleton Marsh on 1st April, Little Island on 9th April, peak of 20 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th July, Clogheen Marsh on 19th July, Slatty Water on 22nd and 2 on 26th July, Ballycotton on 28th July, Mallow 30th July, with 10 on 31st July, 3 on 20th August, 21 on 22nd August, 3 at Harpers Island on 2nd and 2 on 10th August, 1 at Timoleague on 14th August, 24 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 22nd August, Lissagriffin on 30th August, Leamlara on 2nd September, 5 at Mallow

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 127 Systematic List on 6th September, Ballycotton on 25th September, 2 at Womanagh River on 27th September, 5 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 14th October and 1 at Midleton Marsh on 29th October.

2004 Peak counts at Mallow Sugar Lagoons were 12 on 25th and 29th January, with 13 there on 30th, 8 on 1st, 11th and 13th February, 15 on 10th July, and 5 on 17th August. Elsewhere, singles were near Ballyvergan on 20th February, Midleton on 15th March, Harper’s Island on 14th July, Kinsale Marsh and Long Strand on 13th August, Kilkeran Lake on 24th August, 3 at Ballymacoda on 9th September, Slatty Water on 19th September, with 6 at Macroom on 24th September and 1 near Killeagh on 11th November.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Very scarce passage migrant with the large majority of birds seen in autumn. All records refer to single birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Ballycotton on 28th July, Foxhole on 25th August with 3 juveniles there from 27th to 1st September, a juvenile at Clogheen 28th, Inchydoney on 29th August, Clonakilty on 3rd September, and Kilcolman NNR from 19th-21st September.

1997 Douglas Estuary on 14th August, Ballycotton on 15th and 28th August.

1998 The only record received was 1 at Ballycotton on 9th August.

1999 Ballycotton from 2nd to 10th August with 2 there on 7th and 8th and Clonakilty on 10th September.

2000 Ballycotton on 28th May, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 3rd August and 1 on 9th September.

2001 The Gearagh on 2nd September and Kinsale Marsh on 9th September.

2002 The only record received was at Ballycotton on 13th August.

2003 Virtually all records were in August, when there was 1 at Lough Beg on 5th, 1 at Harpers Island on 10th, 1 at White’s Marsh on 20th, 2 there on 23rd, 1 at Mallow lagoons on 20th and 2 there from 22nd to 23rd, 2 at Lissagriffin on 30th, and 1 at Ballycotton on 31st. In September 4 were at Lissagriffin on 5th, and 1 was on the Womanagh River on 27th.

2004 In August, singles were at Ballycotton on 18th and Lough Beg on 22nd and 28th.

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Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Common passage migrant in both spring and autumn, scarce in winter. Small numbers breed, mostly inland and on the west coast. All refer to single birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Dursey on 5th May, Ballycotton on 6th May, Dunmanway on 18th June, Dursey on 14th July, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 20th July, Leganagh Point on 13th August and Dursey on 14th August.

1997 Rostellan on 21st January, Douglas Estuary on 28th June, 5 at Ringabella on 19th July, 14 at Glounthaune on 23rd July, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 1st August, Ballycotton on 17th, 24th and 30th August, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 1st September, Rostellan on 13th and 16th October, Little Island on 1st November, Lee Fields throughout the month and into 1998, 2 at Rostellan on 14th December and Cork City centre on 19th December.

1998 Two at The Gearagh on 7th February, Dooniskey on 8th February, Rostellan on 5th April, 2 at Lee Fields on 23rd April, 8 at Douglas Estuary on 13th July, Ballycotton on 26th July, 2 at Little Island on 5th August, 6 at Midleton Marsh on 8th August, 2 at Garinish Point on 1st-5th September, 3 at Douglas Estuary on 2nd September and 1 on 1st November, Lee Fields from 4th November to 12th January 1999, 2 at The Gearagh on 8th November, Rochestown on 15th November, Ahanesk on 22nd November and Rostellan from 6th December into 1999.

1999 Records from Rostellan from 1998 to 7th February, Aghada from 1st-23rd January, and Rostellan Lake on 30th January could all refer to the same overwintering individual. One was at Douglas Estuary on 24th February with 3 there on 14th July, 6 at Midleton Marsh on 16th July, Douglas Estuary on 11th October, Sherkin Island from 12th to 17th October and Lee Fields from 19th November which remained into 2000.

2000 Two at Mallow Lagoons on 30th January, Rostellan on 12th February, 3 at Dunkettle on 30th March, 5 at Midleton Marsh on 9th July, 3 at Douglas Estuary on 3rd August with 2 there on 1st and 1 on 2nd September.

2001 Three on Great Island on 5th and 6th January, Aghada on 11th January, Rostellan on 11th January, Douglas Estuary on 13th February and 26th April, 5 at Midleton Marsh on 12th July, Douglas Estuary on 16th July rising to 6 by 31st July, Lissagriffin Lake on 2nd September, 2 at White’s Marsh on 3rd September, Rostellan on 15th November and Slatty Water on 17th November.

2002 Four on Great Island on 5th January, Rostellan on 13th January, Timoleague on 13th January, Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 27th January, Blackrock on 3rd February, 2 at Dunkettle on 1st March, 2 at Douglas Estuary on 5th July, 6 at

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Midleton Marsh on 15th July, Douglas Estuary on 20th July and 1st August, Blackrock on 4th August, 3 at Inchydoney on 18th August, Douglas Estuary on 24th August, 2 at Cobh on 29th August, 2 at Dunkettle on 3rd September, Douglas Estuary on 6th September, Blackrock on 15th September, 2 at Pilmore on 21st September, Ballintubbrid on 5th October, Dunkettle on 13th October, Douglas Estuary on 8th November, Slatty Water on 17th November, Cork City on 7th December, Blackrock on 13th December and 2 at Cuskinny Marsh on 27th December.

2003 Cuskinny Marsh on 1st January, Dursey on 1st January, Fota Island on 1st January, 3 on Great Island on 4th January, Dunkettle on 5th January, East Ferry, Great Island on 7th July, Rostellan on 22nd January, 2 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 24th January, 10 at Timoleague on 5th July, Ballycotton on 13th July, Clogheen Marsh on 19th July, 2 at Ballycotton on 27th July, Harpers Island on 2nd August, 2 at Saleen on 2nd August, 2 at Ballycotton on 3rd August, Slatty Water on 9th August, Ballintubbrid on 10th August, Slatty Water on 19th August, 5 at Midleton Marsh on 19th August, 3 at White’s Marsh on 30th August, 2 at Ballycotton on 6th September and Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 14th October.

2004 January records involved 1 at Belvelly on 2nd and 10th, 1 at Crosshaven on 18th, Dooniskey on 20th and 2 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 25th, with 2 there on 13th February. In July, 9 were at Ballycotton on 9th, 1 was at Glounthaune on 14th, and 9 were at White’s Marsh, with 3 at Clogheen Marsh, 5 at Timoleague and 6 at Ringaskiddy on 17th. In August, 3 were at Bantry on 8th, 1 at Douglas Estuary and 3 at Kinsale Marsh on 10th, 1 at Rosscarbery on 15th, 1 at Bantry on 20th, 2 at Ballycotton on 23rd, 1 at White’s Marsh on 27th and 1 at Douglas Estuary on 30th. Two were at Ballycotton on 3rd September.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Rare vagrant.

1997 A juvenile was found on 26th September on the Tramore River, near the City Dump (E Carty, T Gittings, P Moore et al)*. The bird was last seen on 7th October (B Ryan). The 8th county record.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Common winter visitor and passage migrant.

1997 28 at Pilmore on 4th October and 25 at Rochestown on 13th December were the only records submitted.

1998 The only record was 38 at Mahon on 11th October.

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1999 The only record submitted was 35 at Mahon on 6th October.

2000 Three at Dursey on 2nd January and 100 at Pilmore on 18th March were the only records received.

2001 108 at Ballycotton on 13th April, 30 at Ballybranagan on 2nd September, 1 on Dursey on 5th October and 14 at Lough Beg on 27th December were the only records submitted.

2002 32 at Ballybranagan on 2nd March, 9 at Blackrock on 3rd March with 17 there on 27th March were the only records submitted.

2003 15 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 9th February and 18 at Mahon on 10th April were the only records received.

2004 10 on Dursey on 1st January, 15 at Donemark on 8th April, 1 on Cape Clear on 14th April, 2 on Dursey on 2nd May, 1 at Owenahincha on 15th August, 9 on Dursey on 5th September with 1 there on 12th December were the only counts received.

Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Rare vagrant.

1998 One was found on 13th September at Ballycotton (M Shorten)*.

Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Scarce passage migrant at sea in autumn. Rare at other times.

1996 Two at Dursey on 5th October, the same day when 5 were noted at Cape Clear. One was at Dursey on 6th October, 6 there on 18th October and 2 on 1st November.

1997 On Cape Clear there was 1 on 25th and 2 on 26th August, and there was a single bird at Dursey on 1st September.

1998 2 at Dursey on 25th August and 1 at Ballycotton from 30th December into 1999.

1999 The bird from 1998 remained at Ballycotton to 3rd January. Singles were at Cape Clear on 22nd August and 1st September, with 2 there on 21st September and at Garinish on 3rd October.

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Grey Phalarope, Ballycotton, December 1998– Phil Davies

2000 14 to 15 were off Galley Head on 22nd August. Most of the remaining records were from Dursey with 1 on 23rd, 2 to 3 on 28th, 1 on 29th, 3 on 30th September, 1 on 1st, 3 on 2nd and 2 on 18th October. Single birds were recorded on Cape Clear on 16th August, and on 1st and 13th October (CCBO).

2001 One was off Cape Clear on 24th August, with there on 1st September, and another from the Cape Clear ferry on 29th September. Singles were at Garinish on 1st October, Dursey on 2nd October and Galley Head Cove on 6th October, while 2 were off Cape Clear on 6th. 30 were off Dursey Tip on 6th October with 39 elsewhere off Dursey on the same date, 3 from Dursey on 9th, 10 on 10th, 11 on 11th, 15 on 12th, 21 on 15th October, 4 off Cape Clear on 15th October, 1 at Castletownberehaven on 16th October, 11 off Dursey on 16th, 16 on 18th, 3 on 19th and 48 on 25th October.

2002 Two off Cape Clear on 18th October and 1 at Roches Point on 27th October were the only records received.

2003 Two on Cape Clear on 29th August, 1 there on 8th September, 2 from the Cape Clear ferry on 19th September, and 1 from Cape Clear on 27th September (CCBO). Single birds from Dursey on 4th October, Garinish on 6th October and Dursey on 23rd October.

132 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 One from Cape Clear on 30th August (CCBO) was the only record received.

Great Skua Stercorarius skua Common passage migrant, mostly in autumn, with smaller numbers remaining offshore through the summer. Very scarce in winter but almost annual records.

1996 The first was at Ballycotton on 14th April, then 2 at Galley Head on 2nd June. Two off Dursey on 3rd July were the first of the regular sightings throughout the summer and autumn. Peak count was 12 from Galley Head on 19th August, although counts of 10 came from Dursey on 4th and 11th October. The last were 5 from Dursey on 28th October.

1997 No spring or summer records were received, with the first reported at Ballycotton on 20th August. Thereafter regularly reported with a peak of 17 from Galley Head on 17th August and the last being 13 from Dursey on 9th October.

1998 An unusual winter record probably referred to a single bird, seen at Aghada and Cobh on 10th January (T Gittings, M Shorten) and Ballycotton on the following day (D O’Sullivan). One was off Dursey on 20th May, then 2 there on 3rd June. Regularly recorded through July, with occasional records in August and September. A high count of 38 from Galley Head on 6th September was also the last record of the year.

1999 First recorded from Dursey on 22nd April, with the next sighting 1 off Galley Head 19th July. Many reported through August and September, with high counts of 44 at Galley Head on 29th August, and 48 there on 18th September the last of the year.

2000 One at Dursey on 9th April with 5 there on 23rd May. Occasional records through the autumn in a relatively poor year, although a peak count of 30 from Galley Head on 22nd August was good. The last of the year were 5 from Dursey on 2nd October.

2001 Seven birds from Dursey on 5th April was both the first record and the spring peak. The highest counts of the autumn were 23 from Cape Clear on 13th August, and 44 there on 16th October. The last of the year was 1 off Galley Head on 17th November.

2002 One off Dursey on 27th April was the first of the year and was followed by small numbers during the spring. Numbers increased significantly in mid August, when there were high counts of 77 from the Old Head of Kinsale and 32 from Galley Head on 14th, 40 off Galley Head and 17 off the Old Head of Kinsale on

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17th. Numbers then decreased to single figures again, until the last 2 were off Dursey on 3rd November.

2003 An early bird was seen off Dursey on 31st March, with the main arrival being in mid July, from when regular records were received. High counts were 20 off Galley Head on 18th July, with 22 there on 29th July, and 27 off Cape Clear on 29th July. In August, the peak was 10 from Cape Clear on 1st, with 25 off Galley Head on 13th September, and 1 off Dursey on 25th October the only other records.

2004 First of the year was off Dursey on 18th March. Peak counts during spring were 25 off Cape Clear on 14th April, 14 off Dursey on 20th April, 11 there on 21st April and 6 off Cape Clear on 30th May. Numbers of passage birds were low in June and July, increasing in August and peaking with 21 off Cape Clear on 21st August and 3rd September. Eleven were off Dursey on 13th October, 9 off Cape Clear on 21st October and 8 were off Galley Head on 14th November.

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Scarce passage migrant in spring and autumn in variable numbers.

1996 A single bird on 14th April at Galley Head was an early record (M Shorten). Two birds off Galley Head on 28th July included a dark morph adult. Singles were off Dursey on 23rd September, 12th and 26th October. 103 bird days were recorded on Cape Clear with the last being 1 on 17th October (CCBO).

1997 A light spring passage began with 2 off Cape Clear on 27th April. There followed 1 off Ballycotton and 5 off Mizen Head on 4th May, and another off Cape Clear on 9th July. In autumn there was 1 on Cape Clear on 8th August, 4 on 13th, most records came from Dursey with 1 on 3rd September, followed by an immature and 7 adults there on 9th October, 3 adults and 3 immatures on 11th, and an immature on 14th. On Cape Clear there were singles on 20th September, 9th and 16th October.

1998 All records were from late summer, with 1 off Dursey on 6th June, 10 off Galley Head on 19th July, and 8 there on 22nd July.

1999 One at Cape Clear on 5th and 3 at Pilmore Strand on 25th April. In May, off Cape Clear, there were 2 on 19th and 2 on 23rd, and in July 1 on 1st and 1 on 19th. In the autumn, 2 were off Galley Head on 21st August, with 3 there on 18th September, and 1 off Ballycotton on 28th November. A further 8 were seen from Cape Clear (CCBO).

2000 One reported off Ballycotton on 5th January was a highly unusual winter record (BINS). A good spring passage off Dursey began in May, with 7 adults on

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6th (2 dark, 5 light), 5 adults (light) on 7th, 6 adults (light) on 18th, and 1 adult (light) on 31st. A single light morph adult was there on 3rd June. In autumn, 8 birds were off Galley Head on 22nd August, 1 was off Dursey on 9th September with 2 light morph adults there on 29th and 1 on 30th. The last record was 2 immatures off Dursey on 1st October.

2001 The first record of the year was a very high count of 60 birds between 15th and 19th May, sixty nautical miles SW of Fastnet. A single intermediate morph adult off Dursey on 11th June and 6 birds off Cape Clear on 19th June were the only other spring records. Totals for August were 10 off the Old Head of Kinsale, 18 off Cape Clear, 3 off Mizen Head and 7 off Galley Head. In September, a light morph adult was off the Old Head of Kinsale on 1st, while in October, individual birds were off Dursey on 2nd, 6th, 15th and 18th, and on Cape Clear 1 on 6th, 2 on 10th, 3 on 13th, and 1 on 20th October (CCBO).

2002 One reported at Cape Clear on 2nd April was very early (CCBO). A light morph adult was off Dursey on 17th April, a dark morph was off Galley Head on 6th May, 7 light adults off Dursey on 13th May, and 1 there on 18th May. In June, 2 were seen from Cape Clear on 3rd and 28th, with 1 there on 17th. Autumn records were sparse with singles off Cape Clear on 1st and 17th August, and 2 there on 14th August. One was off Galley Head on 17th August, with singles off Cape Clear on 13th September and 14th October.

2003 The majority of records were in spring with 2 off Dursey on 27th April, 4 there on 30th, 4 on 3rd May, 2 at Knockadoon Head on 4th May, 2 off Cape Clear on 7th May, 1 on 14th, and 2 again on 17th. A very high count of 43 past Dursey on 4th May. An adult was off Cape Clear on 14th July with others off Galley Head on 18th and 31st July. Autumn records came from Galley Head on 3rd August, 10th and 13th September, and Cork Harbour on 13th August. Singles were off Cape Clear on 29th August, 3rd and 27th September, 7th and 8th October, 2 on 9th and 2 on 10th October. The last was 1 off Dursey on 15th October.

2004 In April, 3 were off Cape Clear on 14th, with 1 on 15th, and 4 on 20th, when 4 also flew past Dursey. Passage peaked in May, with 25 past Dursey on 7th, with 3 there on 12th, 6 on 15th, and 1 on 17th. In autumn, singles were off the Old Head of Kinsale on 28th July, Galley Head on 2nd and 8th August, and the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st August. On Cape Clear there was 1 on 31st August, 1 on 2nd September, and in October 1 on 3rd, 2 on 10th, 12th, 14th, 1 on 15th, 2 on 16th, and 1 on 20th.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 135 Systematic List

Parasitic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Uncommon passage migrant in spring and autumn in variable numbers, with most usually in autumn. Small numbers remain offshore in summer.

1996 The first was an adult off Ballycotton on 22nd May. Thereafter single birds were reported regularly until the last bird, an adult, off Dursey on 20th October. The only counts of more than 1 bird came from Dursey with 2 adults on 20th June, and 5 birds on 1st October.

1997 No spring/summer records were received, with the first reported bird at Garinish on 28th August. Peak counts were in October off Dursey, with 11 birds noted on 9th and 11th, the latter were also the last records of the year.

1998 First of the year was a light morph adult off Dursey on 9th June, peak count was 15 off Galley Head on 6th September and the last were 3 in Roaringwater Bay on 27th September.

1999 The first record of the year of 1 off Dursey on 24th April was earlier than usual, with the peak count, the only count above 1, and the last record being 15 off Galley Head on 18th September.

2000 The first of the year was 1 off Dursey on 27th April. Thereafter small numbers were reported throughout, reaching a peak of 10 off Galley Head on 22nd August. The last record of the season was 1 off Dursey on 1st October. An unusual winter record of an immature bird off Dursey on 2nd December was interesting.

2001 A very good year with many records of small groups in August. The first of the year was 2 off Dursey on 14th April. Small numbers were noted in May, June and July, with a notable increase in August. Peak count of the year was 12 off the Old Head of Kinsale on 7th August. There were no records in September, but birds were again regular in October, with the last birds being 7 off Dursey on 18th October.

2002 Dursey again had the first bird of the season, on 17th May. Small numbers were noted throughout the autumn, and again there were no records in September. Peak counts of the year were 3 off Galley Head, and 3 off the Old Head of Kinsale, both on 14th August. The last were 2 off Dursey on 3rd October.

2003 Another good year by recent standards with above average numbers noted, especially in the spring. The first were 2 at Dursey on 25th April, with the years peak being 5 off Galley Head on 18th July, and the last being 2 off Dursey on 17th October.

136 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 Generally low numbers between April and October. First was 1 off Cape Clear on 14th April. Highest counts were 2 off Dursey on 11th May, 2 off Galley Head on 26th July, 3 off Dursey on 15th August, with 2 there on 21st and 2 on 13th October. One was off Mizen Head on 10th October and 2 were off Cape Clear on 21st October.

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus Extremely scarce passage migrant.

1996 Two adults off Cape Clear on 5th May (P Kelly)*, an adult there on 22nd May (DP Borton)*, and another on 23rd (DP Borton)*. An adult was off Dursey on 2nd October (AAK Lancaster)*.

1997 An adult and a juvenile on Cape Clear on 26th August (DA Hunter, A McGeehan et al)* and another bird reported there on 27th (BINS).

1998 Single adults were reported from both Cape Clear (SJ Wing) and Galley Head (D O’Sullivan) on 19th July, and another adult was reported at Ballycotton on 15th August (BINS).

1999 One was off Cape Clear on 5th August (CCBO), and a juvenile off Galley Head on 18th September (D O’Sullivan).

Juvenile Long-tailed Skua – Michael O’Clery

2000 Adults were seen off Dursey on 3rd (DA Scott)* and 4th June (BINS). A juvenile was off Cape Clear on 23rd September (E Archer et al)*.

2001 Four were reported at sea off Cork on 17th May (BINS), 1 was at Mizen Head on 28th September (BINS), and 3 juveniles were in Dunmanus Bay on 4th October (BINS).

2002 One was reported from Cape Clear on 17th August (CCBO).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 137 Systematic List

2003 One was reported from Cape Clear on 30th August.

2004 An adult was off Cape Clear on 28th May (C Cronin) and singles were reported past Cape Clear on 20th (J Dowdall et al) and 22nd August (BINS).

Previous record: 1992 One was off Ballycotton on 13th May (A Duggan)*.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Common and widespread in winter, uncommon in summer. There were no breeding birds recorded in the county during Seabird 2000 (1998-2002), indicating a decline from the previous major survey (Mitchell et al 2004). The Seabird Colony Register recorded 22 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) at inland and coastal sites in 1985-1988.

1997 High winter counts of 1,390 at Douglas Estuary on 14th August, increasing to 2,160 by 20th during very high spring tides.

2002 The only records received were of breeding birds. Six held territory near Goleen on 9th June and 1 was at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th July.

2003 A breeding record from Mallow Sugar Lagoons where 20 pairs bred. The only other record received was of 200 at the Cork Black-headed Gull – Barry Ryan City quays on 19th October.

2004 Peak monthly counts from Cobh were 17 on 5th May, 10 on 13th June, and 45 on 7th July. Also in July, 400 were at Douglas Estuary and 150 were at Harper’s Island on 10th. The highest count on Dursey was 6 on 6th September. In October, 57 on Cape Clear on 21st was a very high count for the island. No other significant counts received.

138 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia Rare, although almost annual, vagrant.

1997 A summer plumaged adult found at Blackrock, Cork City on 15th April (P Moore, B Ryan et al)* relocated to Dunkettle, and was reportedly seen again the following day.

1998 A first winter at The Lough from 22nd February to 14th March (P Moore, P O’Donoghue et al)*, with an adult joining it there from 28th February to 1st March (P Moore et al)*.

2000 An adult bird at Maylock Estuary, Bantry from 28th August to 1st September (G O’Sé)*.

2002 A first winter was found at Clonakilty in late December (DG McAdams) and remained into 2003.

2003 An excellent year, with 4 new birds reported. The first winter at Clonakilty remained from December 2002 until 7th January (BINS), with another first winter bird from 14th to 16th January found following a tractor on a farm at Midleton (P Moore et al)*. Amazingly, a first summer bird seen at Douglas Estuary on 18th May was joined by a second first summer bird on 20th, with at least 1 remaining to 28th (G Gordon, A Robinson et al). Yet another was reported from the Mallow Sugar Factory Lagoons from 30th July to 4th August (J Adamson, E Archer et al). It is possible that all these sightings related to just 2 individuals present on the south coast in 2003.

Bonaparte’s Gull with Black-headed Gulls, Cobh, February 2004 – Colin Barton

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2004 A winter plumaged adult was at Cobh from 4th to 20th February (C Cronin et al)* when 2 birds were present – winter and summer plumaged adults (C Cronin)*. An adult was reported at on 6th August (J Murphy) with another at Garretstown Strand on 15th October (S Enright, M O’Keeffe).

Common Gull Larus canus Common and widespread in winter, scarcer in summer, often seen at inland sites. No coastal breeding birds were recorded during Seabird 2000 (1998-2002) but 4 coastal Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) were recorded in both previous major surveys in 1969-1970 and 1985-1988 (Mitchell et al 2004). The status of inland breeding birds is unknown.

2002 “Hundreds” at Kinsale Marsh on 27th February was an unusually high concentration.

2003 The only record was of 50 in Cork City on 19th October.

2004 Counts of 22 in Cobh on 19th April, 24 at Douglas Estuary on 13th March, 25 there on 10th July and 6 on Dursey on 13th October were the only counts of note received.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis This previously rare vagrant is now best considered a scarce visitor, mostly encountered in autumn and winter, but it can be found at any time of year. Potentially breeding in the county or nearby, but this has not yet been proven. The 1st county record of this species was as recent as 1981.

1996 The only record was 1 at Kinsale Marsh on 14th February.

1997 An adult was at Rosscarbery on 1st January, with an adult and a first winter at the City Dump on 14th February, a first winter at The Lough on 23rd February, a first winter at Dunkettle on 16th April, a second year at Pilmore Strand on 24th August and a single bird reported at Rosscarbery during November.

1998 A first winter and an adult were at Castletownbere on 24th January and 15th February, and adults were at Cobh on 25th January, The Lough on 14th February, and Dunkettle on 24th February, with a first winter at Cuskinny Marsh on 21st February. There were no records then until November, when adults were at the Atlantic Pond, Cork on 15th, Rosscarbery on 21st and The Lough on the same date.

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1999 One was at Cobh on 9th January, with a second winter at The Lough throughout January, a first winter there from 6th February until 28th March, and another first winter there on 7th February. A second winter was at Ring Pier, Clonakilty on 30th January, and a first winter was at Rosscarbery on 19th and 20th February. An adult was at Ballycotton on 13th March. There were no records then until a second summer bird was located at Tivoli on 3rd July. An adult was at Kinsale Town on 27th August, and 1 was in Carrigaline on 19th September. One was at Rosscarbery on 27th November, and an adult and a second winter were at The Lough on 26th December.

Ring-billed Gull – Andre Robinson

2000 In January, an adult was at the Lee Fields from 14th to 17th, with possibly the same bird then in Cork City from 23rd until 6th February, and a first winter also there on 13th February. Also in February, first winters were at Bantry on 19th, and Cork Lough on 25th. March saw an increase in records with an adult at Kinsale on 9th, an adult and a second winter in Cork City on 11th, Castletownbere on 12th, and Dunkettle on 30th. There were no further records until October when there was an adult at Cobh on 17th remaining until at least mid-November. A first winter was also at Cobh on 9th November. An adult at Atlantic Pond on 2nd December was the last bird of the year.

2001 5 adults at Tivoli from 14th February until 14th March was an unusually high count and at least 2 remained until 18th March. One was at Cuskinny on 25th February, with 2 there on 23rd March. A first winter was at Tivoli on 24th March, and a summer plumaged adult was at Douglas on 2nd April. In November, at least

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1 adult was in the Mahon/Douglas area, while in December, adults were at Clonakilty on 25th, Kinsale Harbour on 26th, and Cork City from 30th into 2002. A second winter was at Cuskinny on 31st.

2002 In January, adults were at Cobh on 5th, Cork City until 26th, and The Lough from 12th until at least 1st February. In February, adults were at Bantry on 3rd, and Tivoli from 17th to 21st, with a second adult there on 21st, and a first winter at Cork City on 27th. An adult was at Cuskinny Marsh on 8th March. Adults were at Blackrock on 13th August, Garinish Strand on 16th October, and Ring, Clonakilty on 30th November. In December, an adult was at The Lough from 3rd to 5th, Aghada pier on 13th, Kinsale from 15th to 22nd, Cobh/Cuskinny from 19th into 2003, and Ring, Clonakilty on 31st.

2003 It would appear that there were at least 2 adult birds in the Cobh area during January, with at least 1 remaining until 16th February, and a first winter also seen at Cuskinny on 16th February. Elsewhere in January, 2 were at Clonakilty on 7th, and a first winter was at Kinsale on 12th. In February, a large group of 7 were in the Tivoli area of Cork City, with at least 5 adults and 2 second winters present on 21st. These were probably the same birds reported at Blackrock and in the City in the same period. A first summer at Kinsale on 6th March may have been present since January, and an adult was also there the same day. Four adults and a second winter remained at Tivoli until 25th March. None were then seen until August, when 1 was at Lough Beg on 7th and 8th, 2 were at Timoleague on 11th, with 1 there on 20th, 1 at Kinsale on 17th, and 1 at Ringaskiddy on 23rd. A second year was at Garinish Strand on 19th October, the same day that 2 adults were at Tivoli. An adult was at Rosscarbery from 22nd November until at least 8th December, with a 2nd winter at Cobh on 26th November. In December, a second winter was at Kinsale on 7th, and adults were at Tivoli from 10th to at least 14th, Timoleague on 14th, and Cobh from 14th to 28th.

2004 First of the year was 1 at Castletownbere on 9th and 22nd January, with 2 in Cobh throughout the month. Also in January, 2 were at Lee Reservoirs on 20th, and Kinsale on 29th. In February, numbers peaked at 4 in Cobh on 7th and 22nd, and 8 were between Tivoli and Cobh on 16th, with 3 remaining at Tivoli through to 27th March. A 1st winter was at Lough Aderra from 26th February to 21st April. Numbers were slightly down in March, with 2 in Cork City on 6th, and 2 at Cobh on 29th, with scattered singles elsewhere. One was at Kinsale on 13th April. Two were seen in July, an adult at Blackrock on 15th, and 1 at Lough Beg on 17th. In August, 1 was at Rosscarbery on 7th and 1 was at Pilmore Strand on 30th. In September, 1 was at Blackrock on 6th, and a 2nd winter was at Rosscarbery on 10th, with an adult there on 25th. Both these birds were present here on 2nd and 9th October. Two adults were at Cuskinny on 21st November, and probably the same 2 were in Cobh on 25th December. Also in December, singles were in Cork City on

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26th, Kinsale on 27th, Cobh on 28th, Lough Aderra and Ballycotton on 29th, with 2 at Rosscarbery on 27th.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus This species is now probably best considered as an uncommon winter visitor to the county. Small numbers can be found at most coastal sites from autumn to spring, and very small numbers of chiefly immature birds remain throughout the summer. Highest counts are always from the Cork Harbour area, mainly Cobh. Breeding status is uncertain, but the increasing presence of fresh juveniles in late summer may indicate that local breeding is occurring.

1996 Widespread reports with a bias towards east Cork. A total of 17 birds recorded, with monthly totals of January (0), February (2), March (0), April (0), May (0), June (0), July (2), August (5), September (0), October (3), November (3), December (2). All reports referred to single birds. Of particular interest were records of 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 3rd February (the first for the reserve), and a fresh juvenile at Ballycotton on 7th August (AG Kelly, M Shorten). An adult at Baltimore on 29th October was unusual so far west.

1997 13 records this year was a low number, with the only bird west of Cork City being 1 at Rosscarbery on 8th November. Monthly totals were January (0), February (2), March (1), April (1), May (0), June (1), July (0), August (2), September (0), October (1), November (1), December (3). Of particular interest was a summer plumaged adult inland at Kilcolman NNR on 23rd and 24th March, and a first year there on 11th June. These are the second and third records for the reserve and may indicate that breeding occurred in the region.

1998 33 records this year with widespread reports from many sites on the south coast. Monthly totals were January (13), February (9), March (0), April (0), May (0), June (0), July (2), August (2), September (2), October (0), November (1), December (4). Interestingly, 2 juveniles were seen; 1 at Kilbrittan on 26th July (AG Kelly) and another with an accompanying adult at Pilmore on 22nd August (H Hussey).

1999 49 records during the year. As usual in recent years it is very difficult to ascertain exactly how many individuals were involved, and some records may involve the same travelling individuals. Monthly totals were January (9), February (12), March (7), April (0), May (0), June (0), July (5), August (3), September (3), October (0), November (7), December (3). At least 7 were in the Cobh to Whitegate region during the period January to March. Juveniles were recorded at Ballycotton on 26th August (M Shorten) and the Old Head of Kinsale on 8th September (M Shorten).

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2000 Monthly totals were January (3), February (1), March (0), April (1), May (0), June (0), July (2), August (4), September (2), October (7), November (11), December (4). The highest count was a minimum of 11 birds at Cobh during November. Interesting records from Cape Clear in August involved singles on 13th and 24th (CCBO).

2001 Monthly totals were January (13), February (11), March (14), April (0), May (0), June (0), July (6), August (9), September (3), October (6), November (3), December (10). Peak counts were 12 in Cobh on 8th and 19th January, and 14 at Cuskinny Marsh on 23rd March, and 3 at Blackrock on 26th July.

2002 Monthly totals were January (21), February (24), March (16), April (0), May (0), June (0), July (2), August (2), September (1), October (9), November (18), December (26). Peak counts at Cobh were 17 on 9th January (C Cronin) and 15 on 8th February. Outside the Cork Harbour area there were 5 at Kinsale on 23rd February, and 5 at Muckross Strand on 30th December. A juvenile was found in Cork City on 26th July (H Hussey).

2003 Monthly totals were January (20), February (26), March (0), April (0), May (0), June (7), July (15), August (28), September (4), October (0), November (2), December (11). High counts were 17 at Cobh on 22nd January, 21 between Cobh and Saleen on 22nd February, 22 at Whitegate on 20th August (H Hussey), and 14 at Cobh on 27th August. An unusual record of an adult at Dursey on 30th July, the 4th record for the island (DA Scott). Juveniles were much more in evidence this year, with 1 at Lough Beg on 22nd July, 3 fresh juveniles at Cobh on 23rd July and 1 at Garretstown on 8th August. On 27th August single juveniles were at Douglas and Ballycotton, with an exceptional count of 4 at Cobh on the same day (C Cronin).

2004 Monthly totals were January (16), February (37), March (14), April (0), May (1), June (0), July (12), August (17), September (34), October (13), November (23), December (15). High counts were 30 at Cobh on 22nd February, and 31 at Whitegate on 3rd September. In October, a first winter was at Long Strand on 17th and a juvenile was in Cobh on 25th, when 7 birds were present.

American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus Rare vagrant, seen most years, occasionally with multiple records in a year. Difficulties with identification of adults and near-adults cloud the species true status. The regular presence of first winters indicates fresh arrivals most years.

1996 A second year at Ballycotton from 31st August to 1st September (AG Kelly et al)*.

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1997 A first winter was at The Lough from 6th December to 4th January 1998 (CD Hutchinson, N Linehan et al)*. Another first winter was at Ballycotton from 21st December to 15th January 1998 (N Linehan, P Moore et al)* and 1 was reported at Cobh on 21st December (BINS).

1998 In January, a first winter frequented the City Dump from 2nd to 25th (P Moore et al)* and a second winter was seen at The Lough on 15th (P Moore et al)*. Another first winter was at Ballycotton on 15th and again on 18th (D O’Sullivan). In December, a second winter bird was seen at The Lough from 19th to the end of the year (H Hussey, N Linehan et al)*.

1999 The only record received for the early part of the year was the bird at The Lough on 1st January. In October, a first winter bird was reported at The Lough on 29th (BINS), with a juvenile at the Old Head of Kinsale on 30th (J Diggin)*. Two first winters were found on 14th December at Cork City Dump (J Diggin, P Moore et al)* and at Ballycotton (P Moore et al)*, with both remaining into 2000.

2000 The first winter from 1999 was seen again at Cork City Dump from 16th to 28th February (J Diggin et al)*, with the first winter at Ballycotton seen again on 20th February (D O’Sullivan)* and 16th April (BINS). A juvenile at Ballycotton from 17th December (P Moore)* remained into 2001, as did a first winter and a juvenile at Cobh from 31st December (J Diggin et al)*.

2001 The 2 birds at Cobh remained throughout the year, being joined by a second juvenile from 5th to 30th January (J Diggin et al)*. The juvenile bird at Ballycotton also lingered and was joined by 1 of the Cobh birds on 16th February. A first year bird reported at Ballycotton on 20th July (BINS) was possibly one of the Cobh birds. Another first year bird was at Rosscarbery on 10th September (BINS), with a second winter at The Lough from 28th to 30th December (N Linehan et al)*.

2002 The two long staying birds at Cobh remained until 11th January and 17th March respectively (J Diggin et al)*. A first winter bird was seen at Ballycotton on 15th February (P Moore et al)*, with a second winter bird (thought to be one of the Cobh birds) there from 1st to 12th March (N Linehan, P Moore et al)*. A third winter bird seen at Cobh and Cuskinny from 27th November (H Hussey, K Grace et al) remained into 2003 and was probably a returning bird from 2001.

2003 The third winter bird from 2002 was again seen in Cobh on 1st January (H Hussey). A new first winter bird was at Clonakilty on 7th January (E Dempsey)*. In the latter half of the year 1 was reported at Ballycotton on 17th September (BINS).

2004 A first winter was reported at Cobh on 12th and 25th December (BINS).

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Previous record: 1992 One was at The Lough on 18th February (J Diggin et al)*.

Herring Gull Larus argentatus Under-recorded. Common all year, with highest numbers in winter. Breeds at several coastal sites, along the coast. Numbers of breeding birds have dropped dramatically since 1970, with only 300 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) during Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al 2004), compared to 3,511 AONs recorded during the first major survey (Operation Seafarer) in 1969-1970. The northern race ‘L. a. argentatus’ is an occasional winter visitor.

2000 In the breeding season 21 nesting pairs were on Dursey. An adult of the northern race ‘ L a argentatus’ was seen at The Lough on 29th January (H Hussey).

2001 Adult ‘argentatus’ were seen at The Lough on 2nd January (H Hussey), Cobh on 1st February (H Hussey) and Douglas Estuary on 23rd December (H Hussey). In addition, a first winter bird showing characters of this race was seen at Cobh on 7th December (H Hussey).

2002 An adult ‘argentatus’ race Herring Gull was seen at The Lough on 12th January (H Hussey) with presumably the same bird seen again on 29th January (H Hussey). Second winter birds were noted at Cobh and Ballycotton on 8th February (H Hussey) and 12th March (H Hussey) respectively. Another adult was seen at Cuskinny Marsh on 13th December (H Hussey).

2004 In June, 15 were at Cobh on 13th. An adult ‘argentatus’ was near Baltimore on 15th October (H Hussey).

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis Occasional migrant and winter visitor, with a few seen in late summer also. The predominance of records of adults and near-adults may simply reflect the difficulties of identifying younger birds. Races other than L. m. michahellis are rare vagrants. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1999 (race michahellis only)

1996 An adult was at Ballycotton on 9th and 10th August (P Milne, J Hobbs et al)*.

1998 An adult was reported at The Lough on 23rd January (BINS), and presumably the same bird (an adult or subadult) was then seen at the City Dump on 13th and 14th February (AG Kelly, J Hobbs et al)*. An adult was at Courtmacsherry on 26th and 27th July (AG Kelly et al)* and 1 was reported at

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Ballycotton on 16th August (D O’Sullivan). A third winter was at The Lough on 24th October (N Linehan et al)*, and an adult was there on 8th November (N Linehan)*. Two first year birds were also reported there on 21st November (BINS), while a fourth winter bird was at Ballycotton on 22nd (P Moore et al). In December, an adult or near-adult was at The Lough on 5th (N Linehan, PM Walsh)*, with an adult reported there on 24th (BINS).

1999 One was on Dursey on 23rd May (N Lenihan). A second summer bird was at Rosscarbery on 4th July (E Dempsey et al)*. An adult was at Ballycotton on 31st July (H Hussey et al)*, and another adult was at Rosscarbery on 14th August (H Hussey et al)*.

2000 An adult was at The Lough on 5th February (H Hussey)*. A first winter was at Cobh on 12th November (C Cronin), and an adult was there 16th and 17th November (C Cronin)*. A second winter was at The Lough on 2nd December (H Hussey)*, and an adult was there on 9th December (H Hussey)*. One was at Weir Island on 29th December (M Shorten).

2001 A 4th or 5th calendar year bird was at Ballycotton on 19th March (H Hussey)*. One was in Cork Harbour on 24th April (BINS)* with an adult at Clonakilty on 25th August (BINS)* and 3 adults at Youghal on 27th December (BINS)*. An adult was at Ring, Clonakilty on 28th December (MA Duggan, PM Walsh)*.

2002 An adult was at Foxhole on 6th February (H Hussey)*. A second winter was at Ballycotton on 27th March (H Hussey)*. An adult was at Ballycotton on 9th April (BINS)*. Two adults were at Ballycotton on 18th August (AG Kelly, K Grace)* with perhaps the same 2 there again on 29th September (T Gittings)*. An adult was at Ballycotton on 29th December (T Gittings)*.

2003 Birds were reported at Ballycotton on 9th August (BINS), Cobh on 27th August (BINS), and Rosscarbery on 27th October (BINS).

2004 One was at Cobh on 10th and 11th January (C Cronin), and singles were reported at Rosscarbery on 7th August (BINS) and 1 at Rossleague on 12th December (BINS). An adult was on Sherkin on 30th November (J Wylie)*.

Previous records: 1992 An adult and a third winter were at The Lough on 11th January (T Gittings et al)*, and an adult was at The Lough on 21st February (M O’Keefe et al)*. 1994 An adult was on Sherkin Island on 30th November (J Wylie)* 1995 An adult was at Rosscarbery on 3rd May (H Netley)*.

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Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Common and widespread on the coast, with a recent increase in winter occurrences. Breeds at three coastal sites, although by far the largest colony is on Cape Clear, with 204 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) during Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al 2004), almost double the previous breeding survey (Seabird Colony Register) in 1985-1988. Overall, the county breeding population was estimated at 227 AONs during Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al 2004). Numbers have declined by almost a third since the second breeding survey (Seabird Colony Register) in 1985- 1988. Races other than L .fuscus are rare vagrants.

1998 Reported to be breeding on Dursey. No other records received.

2000 Four breeding pairs were noted on Dursey in June. An adult bird showing characters of the race ‘intermedius’ was seen at Ballycotton on 17th September (K Grace). No other records received.

2002 A bird showing characters of the race ‘intermedius’ was seen flying south past Dursey on 10th October (AAK Lancaster, K Grace). No other records received.

2003 An adult ‘intermedius’ race bird was at Cuskinny Marsh on 14th March (H Hussey)*. No other records received.

2004 Several pairs bred on Dursey, where 42 on 11th March was the highest count. Four were at Cobh on 5th May, with 30 there on 13th June. Cape Clear had 70 on 26th May. No other records received.

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Widespread and common throughout the year, with highest counts in winter. Breeds at low density at many coastal sites, with the county breeding population estimated at 201 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) during Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al 2004). Numbers have declined by almost 50 % since the first breeding survey (Operation Seafarer) in 1969-1970).

1996 The only record received was a high count of 300 on Dursey on 11th October.

1997 A high count of 300 on Dursey in October was the only count received.

1998 The only record received was 1 in the Old Head of Kinsale west colony on 20th June.

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2000 High counts from Dursey were 150 on 6th February, and 300 on 28th September. Breeding season records were of 50 Apparently Occupied Nests near Crow Head, and interestingly, none were recorded breeding on Dursey in 2000.

2002 The only records received were 40 nesting pairs on the Cow Rock and a high count of 200 in Midleton Marsh on 2nd December.

2004 The only counts received were 11 at Cobh on 5th May, 4 on Cape Clear on 26th May, with 2 there on 30th, and 20 at Cobh on 13th June.

Ross’s Gull Rhodostethia rosea Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1995 An adult off Cape Clear on 24th February (M O’Donnell)* was the 2nd county record.

Little Gull Larus minutus Uncommon passage migrant and scarce winter visitor, with most records in the autumn. Occasional records during the summer months.

1996 Three were at Aghada on 6th January, with an immature there the following day. An immature bird at Dursey on 31st October.

1997 At least 1 juvenile was at Ballycotton from 24th August to 1st September. Three birds were there on 19th September. One was at Cape Clear on 24th August, with 3 there on 30th August.

1998 Birds were reported on Cape Clear on 23rd to 26th August and 8th September. A juvenile was at Ballycotton on 30th August. A first winter there on 16th September was joined by another on 19th until 20th. A first winter was off Cape Clear/Roaringwater Bay on 27th September.

Little Gull – Barry Ryan

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1999 Singles were at Cape Clear on 16th August, and Ballycotton on 12th September.

2000 One was at Dursey from 28th September to 2nd October.

2001 A first year was at Blackrock, Cork City, on 28th May, with 2 first summers there on 25th and 26th July, a second summer there from 5th to 12th August, and 2 birds there on 6th August. Due to the unusual location it would appear likely that these records refer to 2 long staying birds. A second summer was at Cobh on 30th August, a first winter was at Dursey on 10th October, with 2 first winters there on 11th. Finally, an adult was at Dursey on 30th October.

2002 An adult was at Aghada on 4th January, and a first winter was at Kinsale Marsh from 21st to 27th February, joined by an adult on 27th. A first winter was at Douglas on 22nd and 23rd April, and a first summer was at Blackrock on 30th May. In the latter part of the year, 2 first winters were at Cape Clear on 17th August, with 1 there on 20th, 1 at Dursey on 31st August, singles at Cape Clear on 5th September and 18th October, and 1 at Dursey on 28th October. An adult off Galley Head on 24th November was the last record of the year.

2003 Unusually there were no records in the early part of the year with a distinct peak of records in July and August. The first bird of the year was a first summer at Ringaskiddy on 3rd and 4th July. Also in July, first summer birds were at Garretstown on 5th, 2 at Lough Beg from 5th to 20th with 1 remaining until 22nd, 1 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 6th, 2 at Ringaskiddy on 6th, 1 at Cobh on 29th and 1 at Douglas on 30th. In August, 1 was at Mallow Sugar Lagoons, with 1 at Cape Clear on 21st, a second summer at Cobh on 23rd, 1 from a pelagic trip off Toe Head on 24th, and an adult at Cobh from 27th to 30th. The last bird of the year was an adult off Dursey on 5th October.

2004 A first winter was at Atlantic Pond on 18th and 23rd March, and 4th April. One was in Roaringwater Bay on 16th April, a first summer was at Cobh on 25th May and singles were on Cape Clear on 7th July and 22nd September (CCBO).

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Common offshore throughout the year. Breeds at three coastal colonies in the county, although numbers have dropped since 1969 to an estimated 1,320 Apparently Occupied Nests (AON) recorded during Seabird 2000 (1998-2002) (Mitchell et al 2004). The Old Head of Kinsale is the largest colony, with an estimated 1,188 AONs during Seabird 2000 (Mitchell et al 2004). Occasional inland records, usually associated with severe weather.

150 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1996 All records came from Dursey, where peak counts were of 500 birds on 25th September, 1st and 18th October. 140 nests were counted there in October.

1997 5 adult birds at Kilcolman NNR on 2nd April was only the 3rd record for the site. Nesting was recorded at Roberts Head, Big Doon, and the Old Head of Kinsale, with an approximate total of 2,000 occupied nests counted, the largest being 1,804 at the Old Head of Kinsale. Few non-breeding counts received, with 300 at Dursey on 16th October being the highest.

1998 Unusual records involved adults at The Lough on 2nd January, Kilcolman NNR on 9th January (attacked by a Peregrine), and on 4th May, preceding gales there the following day. No breeding records were received, with the highest count of the year being a minimum of 500 at Dursey on 21st October.

2000 500 at Dursey on 29th April was a high spring count, but the years peak was a minimum of 1,000 birds there on 2nd December following gales the previous day.

2001 2 adults in Cork City on 2nd January was unusual. Again no records of breeding birds were received. Birds were noted as being scarce in the Dursey area during October, although a high count of 560 on 25th October was more usual.

2002 Unusually high numbers were noted throughout the year, but a lack of breeding records were received. ‘Hundreds’ were noted at Kinsale Marsh on 23rd February, while on 25th a minimum of 2,000 were at Dursey, and on 27th a minimum of 1,000 were at Kinsale Marsh. Records of over 100 birds came from Dursey between March and June. The peak autumn count was 480 on Dursey in December.

2003 300 on Dursey on 16th October was the only notable count received.

2004 On Dursey, up to 100 were recorded in March, April and May, with 350 there in October. Elsewhere, the only records received were 139 per hour past Cape Clear on 14th April and 2 adults at Cobh on 10th July.

Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini Very scarce passage migrant, chiefly in autumn, occasional in spring.

1996 A first summer at Cape Clear on 11th August, with others reported there on 25th August and 15th September (all CCBO). In October, a juvenile was at Dursey on 1st, a juvenile at Mizen Head on 9th, and an adult at Dursey on 18th.

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1997 A very good passage of birds was noted at the end of August, with 3 off Brow Head 25th, 2 off Cape Clear 26th, 1 there on 27th, 14 off Dursey on 28th (including 1 juvenile), 2 juveniles off Garinish on 28th, 4 adults and 7 juveniles in Ballydonegan Bay on 28th, and 1 adult and 2 juveniles past Dursey on 29th. An adult was at Ballycotton on 31st. Three juveniles were at Ballycotton from 1st to 3rd September. A single juvenile was also at Dursey on 3rd. One passed Cape Clear on 28th September. In October, 1 was at Ballybrannagan Strand on 5th while 2 juveniles were seen off Dursey on 9th.

1998 In July 1 was at Ballycotton and 5 were at Galley Head on 19th, and 3 were off Cape Clear on 20th. August records involved 2 at Cape Clear on 6th (BINS), 3 there on 7th(CCBO), 2 on 8th, 2 off Fastnet and 3 off Baltimore on 15th, 1 off Cape Clear on 21st, and 2 off the Old Head of Kinsale and 2 off Cape Clear on 31st.

1999 Two adults off Cape Clear on 1st July were the first of the year. Other July records were all of adults, with 1 at Ballycotton on 7th, and singles at Cape Clear on 20th and 21st. In August, 1 was off Brow Head on 17th, 1 off Knockadoon Head on 28th and 29th, and 1 at Ballycotton on 29th. Two were at Ballycotton on 12th September, while 3 were off Galley Head on 18th, and 1 on 19th. The last was a juvenile at Garinish on 25th October.

Sabine’s Gull – Barry Ryan

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2000 A poor year with only 3 August records. Two were off Cape Clear on 1st with 1 there on 11th (CCBO), and 1 off Galley Head on 22nd.

2001 An adult was off Cape Clear on 13th August, with another on 25th. Another was there on 5th September, with 1 off Mizen Head on 28th. In October, juveniles were seen from Dursey on 6th and 8th, possibly referring to the same bird, and 2 were also off Cape Clear on 6th.

2002 Four adults were noted past Cape Clear on 8th July, and a bird was also there on 31st. In August, singles were recorded from Cape Clear on 1st and 24th.

2003 Singles were reported at Cape Clear on 14th and 29th July (CCBO), and the Old Head of Kinsale on 31st July. A first summer bird found at Cobh on 22nd July (G Gordon et al) remained along the town front on various dates to at least 5th October (C Cronin). This or another bird was also seen going to roost at Lough Beg on 22nd July. Records of an adult Sabine’s Gull at Cobh on 2nd, 15th 16th November, and 5th December (all BINS) probably all also refer to the same bird. One was reported at Timoleague on 20th and 21st August (BINS), and 2 were off Cape Clear on 22nd August. In September, 1 was off Galley Head on 10th, with an adult and a juvenile seen flying inland together from Ballycotton Bay on 13th (C Cronin, D O’Sullivan). A juvenile was off Dursey on 23rd September, while on 17th October 1 was seen amongst large numbers of Kittiwakes at Garinish pier.

2004 An summer plumage adult off Cape Clear on 30th May was the only spring record (C Cronin). A juvenile was off Seven Heads on 19th September (K Cronin). One was off Mizen Head on 10th October (C Cronin). A winter plumage adult was seen around Cobh between 25th October and 5th November, with the last of the year off Galley Head on 14th November.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Generally uncommon winter visitor, but numbers are variable.

1996 An adult was at Ballybranagan on 20th and 21st January, with an adult at Dursey on 4th February, a first winter at Ballycotton on 25th February, a first winter at Dursey from 17th to 31st October, 1 at Rochestown on 17th November and a first winter at Rossleague on 29th December.

1997 Single first winter birds were at The Lough on 23rd February, and Dursey on 22nd March and an adult was on Dursey on 18th and 19th October.

1998 Two first winter birds at The Lough on 1st January were probably the same birds seen at Cork City Dump and The Lough throughout the month. A second winter at the City Dump on 4th January may have been the same bird seen

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 153 Systematic List at The Lough on 25th January, along with an adult there on the same date. Two first winter and a second winter bird were at Castletownbere on 24th January, with an adult and presumably the same 2 first winter birds there on 15th February. A second winter was at Cuskinny Marsh on 21st February, with a first/second winter at The Lough on 9th March. An adult at Ballycotton on 22nd March was the last of the winter birds. On 10th May a very unseasonal second year bird was found at Ballycotton (P Moore). In the latter half of the year the only record was of a first winter at Ballycotton on 27th December.

1999 An adult was at Ballycotton on 1st January, with 1 at Unionhall on 13th January, a first winter at Kinsale on 14th January and an immature bird on Dursey on 1st February. In the second half of the year all records were from Ballycotton with a second winter on 30th October, 1 on 6th November and a first winter on 27th November.

2000 All reports from first quarter of year, with a second year at Ballycotton on 3rd January, first winters on 21st January on Dursey, and Ballycotton on 24th January and 10th February. An immature bird was at the City Dump on 14th February, an adult was at Ballycotton on 20th February and a second winter was on Dursey on 29th March.

2001 In January, a first winter was noted at Cobh on 5th with a second winter there on 6th. First winters were on Dursey on 11th February and 17th March, at Cobh on 22nd March, and 1st April and at Douglas on 2nd April. In December, single first winter birds were at Ballycotton on 7th and at Cobh on 8th.

2002 A second winter was at Cobh on 9th January, with 2 first winters at Ballycotton from 20th to 27th January and a first winter at Cobh on 2nd February. An adult was at Dursey on 16th February. In December, a first winter was at Dursey on 22nd and an unaged bird was at Leap on 31st.

2003 A poor year, with only 2 records received. A first winter was at Ballycotton on 10th February, and 1 was at Rosscarbery on 27th October.

2004 Singles were on Dursey on 7th January, 25th February and 14th May. Elsewhere, a first winter was at Cobh on 18th January, a second winter was at Unionhall on 31st January, 1 was off Knockadoon Head on 19th March, and a first summer was in Cobh from 13th June to 3rd July. One was on Sherkin on 18th October, with another seen on Cape Clear from 18th to 21st October.

154 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides Generally uncommon winter visitor, but numbers are variable.

1996 A first winter at Dunkettle on 14th February was the first reported, followed by another bird at Ballycotton on 19th. In April a first winter was at Ballycotton, with 2 birds seen there on 8th.

1997 An adult was found at Ringabella on 16th February. All other records were in March, when 1 was at Whitegate on 2nd, a second winter at Adrigole on 13th with possibly the same bird seen there on 31st and a third year was at Ballycotton on 29th.

1998 A difficult set of records to quantify, with reports of birds throughout January to March. At least 1 first winter and 1 second winter were present between The Lough and the City Dump between 4th January and 31st March, with 2 first winters there on 25th January and 9th March. An adult was also seen at the City Dump on 25th January. A first winter was at Castletownbere on 24th January, with an adult and 2 first winters there on 15th February. Three first winters were at Douglas on 31st March. A first summer was found at Ballycotton on 3rd May (D O’Sullivan). In the second half of the year the only record was of a second winter at The Lough on 28th December.

1999 First winters were recorded at The Lough in January on 15th, 24th and 25th. Two were at the City Dump on 22nd January, 1 was at The Lough on 6th February along with an adult there on the same day. An adult was also at The Lough on 17th January. It seems likely that these records refer to the same 2 first winters and 1 adult. A second winter at Ballycotton on 21st February and a first winter there on 4th April were the only other records.

2000 The first was a second year at Ballycotton on 3rd January, followed by a first winter on Dursey from 22nd to 30th January and 1 at Cobh on 30th January. Two first winters were at The Lough on 5th February, a second winter was at Ballycotton on 12th February, with a first winter there on 21st March. Another first winter was at Blackrock Castle on 29th March. Late spring records came from Dursey where a third year bird was present from 27th to 29th April and an unusually late second summer bird there from 6th to 29th May (DA Scott). In the latter half of the year a first winter was at The Lough on 25th December, and an adult was there on 29th and 30th December.

2001 A second winter at The Lough in early January was last seen on 12th. A subadult was at Dursey from 19th February to 17th March. A first winter was at Cobh on 22nd March, with presumably the same bird there on 1st April. The last record was a third winter bird at Cuskinny Marsh on 31st December.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 155 Systematic List

2002 As usual the majority of birds were reported between January and March. In January a second winter was at Cobh on 9th, 2 birds were at on 16th, 1 at Kinsale on 17th, a second winter at Ballycotton on 19th, a first winter there from 19th to 27th and a first winter at The Lough on 29th. This good run of records continued into February, when there was a third winter at Cobh from 7th to 17th, a first winter at Douglas on 21st, with 2 second winters at Kinsale Marsh on the same day. Adults were at Bantry and Kinsale Marsh on 23rd, with 2 first winter birds at the latter site from 23rd to 27th. An adult on Dursey on 24th ended the February records. An adult at Cobh and Cuskinny from 2nd to 8th March was followed by a second winter at The Lough on 8th, a bird at Kinsale on 10th, a first winter at Dursey on 16th, first winter at Ballycotton on 23rd and an adult at Red Strand on 28th. Records then dropped off significantly, with an adult at Ballycotton on 9th April and a first winter at Dursey on 1st May (DA Scott). In the latter half of the year a first winter at Castletownbere on 24th December was the only record.

2003 Few records this year. The first was a first winter at Cuskinny on 29th January. A first winter was then at Brow Head on 3rd April. In the latter half of the year, an adult was on Dursey on 31st October and a bird was at Cobh and Cuskinny Marsh on 15th and 16th December.

2004 First of the year was 1 at Castletownbere on 9th January. A first winter was in Cobh between 10th and 22nd January, with a first winter at Cuskinny on 5th February and 2 in Cobh on 7th February. An adult summer was in Cobh again from 22nd to 29th March, and 1 was at Cross Lake on 9th May. In winter, a first winter was at Cobh on 10th November and 28th December, with 1 at Courtmacsherry on 27th December.

[Kumlien’s Gull] Larus glaucoides kumleini Rare vagrant.

1998 Three birds in a year was unusual. A second winter moving between The Lough and the City Dump from 23rd January to 7th March (E Carty, P Moore, PM Walsh et al)*, 2 first winter birds were at Castletownbere from 24th January to 15th February (AG Kelly et al)*.

1999 A second winter frequented The Lough/City Dump from 1st to 8th January (P Moore et al)*, with possibly the same bird present in the same areas from 23rd to 28th February (C Batty, BINS).

2000 A second winter was at Ballycotton on 10th March (P Moore)*

2004 An adult was reported at Cobh on 10th January (C Barton, M Carmody, M Carmody, A Robinson)

156 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Previous records: 1971 A subadult was at Ballycotton on 8th October (BAE Marr, RF Porter, DS Flumm, RLK Joliffe et al)*. This record was initially rejected by IRBC, but has been accepted on review. 1994 An adult was at Ballymacoda from 26th January to 6th February (J Diggin et al)*.

Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1990 A first winter was seen at The Lough on 21st February, Cork City Dump on 22 February and 3rd March and at Cobh from 26th February to 5th March (J Wilson, C Cronin et al). (Irish Birds 7:242-246)

1st winter Thayer’s Gull, Cobh, February 1990 – Jim Wilson

Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea Rare vagrant.

1999 An adult at Kinsale Harbour on 9th and 10th January (R O’Driscoll, P Moore et al)* was the 5th county record of this arctic gull.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Rare vagrant.

1998 A second winter was at the City Dump on 3rd January (N Linehan et al)*. The 5th county record.

2004 A first summer bird was at Lough Beg between 10th and 20th July (H Hussey et al)^.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 157 Systematic List

Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan Rare vagrant.

1999 A 1st winter found at Kinsale on 10th January (P Milne, JN Murphy et al)* represented the first county record of this long awaited American species, and was only the 5th Irish record. Amazingly, it was found by birders looking for the Ivory Gull seen there the day before!

Little Tern Sterna albifrons Very scarce passage migrant in recent years, previously annual in small numbers. This species was considered a regular breeder in the 1960’s but no breeding attempts were recorded in the county during Seabird 2000 (1998-2002) (Mitchell et al 2004). The two previous major seabird breeding surveys recorded 2 Apparently Occupied Nests (AONs) in 1969-1970 and 1985-1988. Other known breeding records were at Roaringwater Bay in 1984, and Ballycotton in 1976.

1996 One was at Inch Strand on 21st April (P Moore) and 1 was at Ballycotton on 3rd May (P Moore).

1997 One was at Ballycotton on 6th and 9th August (D O’Sullivan), with 5 there on 22nd, and 2 juvenile birds remaining there until 31st (D O’Sullivan, P Moore).

1998 One was at Ballycotton on 22nd April (P Moore).

1999 Three were at Pilmore Strand on 25th April (P Moore) and 1 was at Ballycotton on 25th July (D O’Sullivan).

2000 A juvenile was seen at Lough Beg on 26th August (LBLB). Five birds seen from Dursey on 23rd September (DA Scott) was the first record of the species on the island.

Little Tern – Michael O’Clery

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis Common passage migrant and summer visitor. Rare in winter. Bred in 1980 and 1992, but not recorded as breeding in any of the three major seabird breeding surveys 1969-1970, 1985-1988 and 1998-2002 (Mitchell et al 2004).

158 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1996 The first of the year was an adult at Ballycotton on 28th March. High counts were 30 at Galley Head on 14th April, 80 at Ballycotton on 15th August, and 150 at Rosscarbery on 19th August. The last report was of 7 past Dursey on 28th September.

1997 No spring or summer records were received. In autumn, high counts were 93 at Ballycotton on 24th August, and 50 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th September. The last record received was 2 at Pilmore on 4th October.

1998 The first birds were 4 at Roches Point on 4th April. 104 at Lough Beg on 8th August was the highest count, and the last reported were 40 at Ballycotton on 6th September.

1999 The only record received for the year was a very unusual winter record of 3 birds at Aghada on 27th January (T Gittings).

2000 The only records received were 2 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 9th March, 2 at Dursey on 25th April and 5 there on 23rd September.

2001 Two at Crosshaven on 11th April were the first of the year. Highest counts were 128 at Pilmore on 19th July and 40 at Ballycotton on 23rd September. The last record was of 1 at Dursey on 19th October.

2002 No records were received for the spring or summer. High autumn counts involved 60 at Courtmacsherry on 11th August, 70 at Pilmore on 11th August, and 40 at Roches Point on 31st August. A first winter bird at Blackrock on 14th September was the last of the autumn, but wintering birds were again noted, with 1 at Bantry Bay on 26th December (G O’Sé) and 1 at Leap on 28th December (C Barton, C Cronin, M Carmody).

2003 Another winter record was 1 at Roches Point on 12th January (T Gittings). The first spring bird returned on 22nd March when 1 was at Roches Point, but the main arrival occurred in late April, when there was a high spring count of 42 at Roches Point on 20th. High counts thereafter were 110 at Pilmore on 4th August and 80 at Roches Point on 9th August. The last birds noted were 3 off Dursey on 15th September.

2004 First of the year was 1 at Ringabella on 13th March, with low numbers recorded at several sites in early April. Highest counts were 110 at Pilmore on 9th July, including many juveniles, 30 adults and 40 juveniles at Lough Beg on 14th July (many ringed on right leg), and 38 off Galley Head on 17th July. There were 70 at Ballycotton on 23rd August, with 54 there on 25th September and 56 there the following day. Last of the year were 3 off Knockadoon Head on 4th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 159 Systematic List

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica Rare vagrant.

1998 An adult found in Courtmacsherry Bay on 26th July (N Linehan, P Moore et al)* remained in the Timoleague/Kilbrittain area until 9th August.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo Common passage migrant and summer visitor. Breeds locally in small numbers, with the county total estimated at 252 Apparently Occupied Nests (AONs) in 1995 (Mitchell et al 2004). The species has not bred at Marino Point since 1994, but birds have bred at a new colony at Lough Beg since 2002.

1996 One on Dursey on 16th June was the only report received.

1997 The first record of the year was unusually well inland, where a bird was noted flying west at Kilcolman NNR on 28th April, in strong winds. This was also the first record for the reserve. On 5th May a high count was received of 44 birds at Rochestown. The last report was of 1 at Dursey on 3rd September.

1998 First record was of 9 birds at Mahon on 5th May, with the only other records received being 20 at Ballycotton on 3rd August and 40 at Lough Beg on 8th August.

1999 No spring records received. In autumn, 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 22nd September was only the second ever reserve record. The only other record received was 21 birds at Douglas Estuary on 26th September.

2000 The only count received was a very high count of 96 birds at Lough Beg on 26th August (LBLB).

2001 The only record received was of a late bird on Dursey on 19th October (DA Scott).

2002 40 at Lough Beg on 23rd June was the only spring record and involved birds attending a new breeding colony in the bay. Seven were at Pilmore on 7th August and 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 1st October was the third record for the reserve.

2003 No spring records received. In July, 15 to 20 pairs and young birds were recorded at Ringaskiddy, with 20 birds at the Lough Beg colony on 11th August, and 20 at Cobh on 27th August. Last record was of a juvenile at Douglas on 19th October.

160 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 Two were at Cobh on 2nd May, and birds were recorded there most days in June. Highest counts received were 50 in Inner Bantry harbour on 19th June, 25 at Cobh on 7th July, and 25 adults with 20 juveniles (some ringed) on the island at Lough Beg on 14th July. Breeding was also recorded near Ringaskiddy. Late birds included a first winter at Blackrock on 31st October and 1 at Roches Point on 7th November.

Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Uncommon passage migrant and summer visitor, with a bias in records towards the south-west. The county total was estimated at 29 Apparently Occupied Nests (AONs) in 1995 (Mitchell et al 2004), although previous county totals were 115 AONs in 1969-1970 and 119 AONs in 1985-1988, indicating a decline in recent years. The current breeding status is uncertain.

1996 Only counts received were from Dursey in August, with the highest being 6 on 30th.

1997 Two records received, with 1 at Dursey on 30th August, and 26 there on 9th October.

1999 One at Ballycotton on 24th July was the only record received.

2000 The only records received were 1 at Dursey on 6th June and 4 there on 29th September.

2001 Few records received for this year, all from October. One was at Ballycotton on 13th, with 2 at Garinish on 18th and 1 at Dursey on 19th.

2002 A juvenile was at Ballycotton on 11th September, and a bird at Dursey on 22nd October were the only records received.

2003 One was at Dursey on 8th May, a juvenile at Ballycotton on 3rd August, 5 at Cobh on 27th August, and 1 at Dursey on 16th October.

2004 The only records received were 2 on Dursey on 20th April, 1 at Cobh on 5th May, 12 in Roaringwater Bay on 25th May, 3 at Cobh on 2nd July, 1 at Lough Beg on 14th July, and 5 at Galley Head on 17th July. Singles were at Roches Point on 14th August, Owenahincha on 4th September, Ballycotton on 25th and 26th September and 1 on Dursey on 13th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 161 Systematic List

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Very scarce passage migrant, with most records from late summer. Not known to breed in recent years, although it has done so in the past – 10 Apparently Occupied Nests (AONs) were recorded in the county during the Operation Seafarer breeding seabird survey (1969-1970) (Mitchell et al 2004).

1996 Three were at Ballycotton on 7th August (D O’Sullivan), with 1 seen there on 16th (J Lynch).

1997 An adult was at Ballycotton on 20th July (D O’Sullivan) and another was seen there on 31st August (D O’Sullivan).

1999 Three were at Ballycotton on 15th July (D O’Sullivan).

2001 Four immature birds at Dursey on 19th October (DA Scott) constituted the first record for the island.

2003 Three adults and 2 juveniles were found near the tern colony at Lough Beg on 3rd July (O Foley, H Hussey), with at least 1 bird still in the area on 9th.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Rare vagrant.

1998 An adult found at Ballycotton on 19th June (N Linehan et al)* moved to the nearby Ballymacoda/Clonpriest area the next day (D O’Sullivan et al).

2000 A bird was present at Ballymacoda on 14th August (P Smiddy)*. This was only the 4th county record (5 birds) of this species.

2001 An individual was reported 3 nautical miles east of the Old Head of Kinsale, on 19th May (BINS).

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis Rare vagrant.

1996 A moulting adult bird found at Ballycotton on 7th August (P Moore, M Shorten et al)* remained until the following day (AG Kelly et al). This was the 1st Irish record of the species.

162 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Lesser Crested Tern, Ballycotton, August 1996 – Phil Davies

Black Tern Chlidonias niger Scarce passage migrant, with virtually all records in autumn.

1997 One was at Owenahincha on 16th August, with another at Coolmaine on 20th August. Four were at Ballycotton on 30th and 31st August, with 2 remaining until 1st September.

1998 One at Dursey on 5th September (K Grace) was the first record for the island. Singles were recorded on Cape Clear on 10th, 11th and 12th September (CCBO). A juvenile was at Ballycotton on 19th September.

1999 Two birds were off Cape Clear on 2nd, and 4 there on 28th August, with 1 at Aghada on 18th September.

2000 Five were at Schull on 25th August, with singles from Cape Clear on 29th August and 23rd September (CCBO).

2001 The best year for this species during the period, with 1 at Pilmore on 18th July (BINS), 1 at Cape Clear on 1st September, and 2 seen from the Cape Clear ferry on 29th September. In October, 2 juveniles were at Foxhole on 21st, with 2 also reported at Pilmore on the same day and 1 at Cape Clear on 23rd. A juvenile at Pilmore on 28th was the last of the year.

2002 Two were recorded at Cape Clear on 18th August (CCBO).

2003 The only record was 1 at Cobh on the early date of 30th July (O Foley).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 163 Systematic List

2004 Three were off Cape Clear on 31st August (CCBO), 1 was off Galley Head on 10th September, with a juvenile at Kilkeran Lake from 28th to 30th October (K Cronin).

White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Rare vagrant.

2002 A winter plumaged adult found at Lough Beg on 16th November (J Foley, M Shorten et al)* remained in the area until 8th December. The 12th county record of this species.

Little Auk Alle alle Occasional late autumn and winter visitor. Occasionally recorded in larger numbers, usually following severe winter storms. The highest number in a year was 263 in 1991.

1996 The only record was of 1 at Ballycotton on 15th January (D O’Sullivan).

1997 Two records, both from Ballycotton, on 16th February and 7th December (both D O’Sullivan).

1998 One at Ballycotton on 8th November (M Shorten).

1999 One from Dursey on 7th October (AAK Lancaster, K Grace)*.

2000 One was taken into care at Rosscarbery on 12th December (BINS).

2001 One at Cape Clear on 11th November (CCBO) and 1 at Ballycotton on 17th to 21st (P Davis).

2002 Many more records than usual this year, beginning with 1 on Kilkeran Lake on 3rd February (P Wolstenholme)*, with 3 seen from Dursey on the same day (DA Scott). Another was seen from Dursey on 19th February (DA Scott), with 2 birds there on 20th. Interestingly, 2 Little Auk corpses were found in April on Cape Clear, on 1st and 10th. In the latter half of the year, 1 was off Dursey on 1st October (DA Scott), with 2 at Galley Head on 23d November (C Barton) and 3 from Dursey on 10th December (DA Scott).

2004 One was recorded east of Toe Head from a boat on 14th November (T Nagle).

164 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica Uncommon from spring to autumn offshore, principally in the south-west. No breeding birds were recorded during the Seabird 2000 Breeding census (1998- 2002) but a decline in numbers had been recorded during the 2 previous major seabird breeding surveys (Mitchell et al 2004). In 1969-1970, a total of 412 Apparently Occupied Burrows (AOBs) were recorded in the county, with only 4 AOBs recorded in 1985-1988. The current breeding status is uncertain, but small numbers may still breed in the south-west.

1996 The only records received were a peak count of 96 at Dursey on 9th June and 3 at Sheeps Head on 17th June.

1998 A very high count was of 105 moving past Dursey on 6th June, with 51 there on 9th June, a maximum of 20 on 24th July and 1 there on 7th October.

1999 Again the peak count was from Dursey with 30 birds there on 24th May. Singles were then seen off Galley Head on 19th July and Ballycotton on 30th October.

2000 One off Dursey on 19th March (DA Scott) was a very early bird. The peak count was again from there, with 55 seen on 18th May and the last bird was 1 there on 18th October.

2001 One on 31st March off Dursey was the first, and a very high count of 161 there on 5th April was unusual. The last was 1 there on 30th October.

2002 Dursey again had the first record with 1 on 10th March, although the highest count of the year came from the Old Head of Kinsale where there were 30 on 14th August. The last bird seen was 1 off Dursey on 14th October.

2003 A very good year, with 4 off Dursey on 31st March being the first. Birds were noted at Dursey, Cape Clear, Power Head, the Old Head of Kinsale and Castletownbere in summer. An exceptionally high count was 447 birds flying west past Dursey on 20th July (DA Scott). Records then died off, with the only record after July being 1 off Dursey on the late date of 30th October.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 20 on 19th April, 39 on 16th May and 40 on 24th July. In August, 3 were at the Old Head on 7th, with 6 there on 10th and 1 on 14th. Peak counts from Cape Clear were 14 on 13th April, with 39 there on 14th, and 37 on 16th, 5 on 28th May, 4 on 29th May and 40 on 30th May, and 30 on 5th June.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 165 Systematic List

Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle Localised and generally uncommon resident, most commonly encountered in the south-west. Under-recorded.

1996 The only record was of 4 at Dursey in July.

1998 Only breeding season records were received, with 2 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st June and 3 birds on Dursey on 23rd July.

1999 None were seen on Dursey in 1999, 4 were at Big Doon on 17th April, 10 on the Sovereign Islands on 24th April and 4 were off Aghada pier on 27th December.

2000 One was off Simons Cove on 18th March, a peak of 6 were counted on Dursey on 7th April, 1 was at Garinish harbour on 8th October and 1 was at Cobh on 16th November.

2001 Four were off Aghada pier on 1st January. Birds were recorded on Dursey in June, July, October and December, with peak counts of 4 on 16th June and 19th December.

2002 The only records received were from Dursey, where the highest count received was of 9 on 17th July.

2003 Again the only received records were from the Dursey/Garinish area, with a peak of 6 on 5th July.

2004 On Dursey, peak counts were 6 on 13th July, 4 on 21st July, with 3 there on 11th November and 4th December. Four were off Cuskinny on 8th February, singles were off Cape Clear on 16th April and 5th June, Cobh on 24th June, 2 flew past Galley Head on 2nd August, and 1 was in Inner Bantry Harbour on 20th August.

Common Guillemot Uria aalge Common and widespread offshore throughout the year. Five colonies along the south coast held 3,763 individuals during the 1998-2002 Seabird 2000 census, with the Old Head of Kinsale being the largest colony (3,610 individuals) (Mitchell et al 2004). Numbers have declined by 14 % there since the previous Seabird Colony Register census in 1985-1988.

1996 A peak monthly count of 200 on Dursey in June.

1997 128 adult birds were noted at the Old Head of Kinsale (south colony count only) on 9th June. Also of note was a zero count of birds at Big Doon on 5th June.

166 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 Counts received were a maximum of 100 around Dursey in June, with 30 to 40 being peak counts at this site in September/October. Counts of adult birds on the cliffs at the Old Head of Kinsale colonies on June 20th and 21st produced 168 to 174 in south colony, between 4,116 and 4,134 in west colony and 9 in east colony.

1999 The only count received was 50 birds on Dursey in May.

2000 Again, the only counts received were from Dursey, where peaks of birds were noted as follows: 100 on 29th May, 300 on 18th October and 200 on 2nd December.

2001 A high count for Cork Harbour of 25 birds at Aghada on 1st January, while 923 birds on 29th October was a very high count for Dursey.

2002 Numbers of birds at Roches Point in the early part of the year were unusually high, with 120 on 13th January, rising to 960 on 11th February (T Gittings). The only count from Dursey was a peak count of 60 on 24th October.

2003 Peak spring count on Dursey was of 143 on 24th April.

2004 Peak counts from Cape Clear in April were 680 on 10th, 792 per hour on 14th and 35 per hour on 5th June. A count of 330 on Dursey on 26th March was the only other record received.

Razorbill Alca torda Common and widespread offshore throughout the year. Six colonies along the south coast held 149 individuals during the 1998-2002 Seabird 2000 census, with the Old Head of Kinsale being the largest colony (104 individuals) (Mitchell et al 2004). Numbers have declined by 73 % there since the previous Seabird Colony Register census in 1985-1988.

1996 The only record was a peak count of 80 at Dursey on 20th October.

1997 At the Old Head of Kinsale south colony 28 adult birds were counted on the cliffs on 9th June. Interestingly, none were counted at Big Doon on 5th June.

1998 A peak count of 10 at Dursey in June 1998 was the only spring count away from breeding cliffs. 339 adults were counted on the Old Head of Kinsale (south and west colonies) on 20th June. A low peak count of 3 on Dursey on 10th October was the only other count received.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 167 Systematic List

1999 On Dursey the species was noted to be “commoner than Guillemot in January/February, with 50 there on 28th January. The species was “much less common than Guillemot in April and May”, with a peak of 15 there in May.

2000 Seven Apparently Occupied Nests (AON’s) were noted on Dursey in June. Two birds there on 18th October and 16 there on 2nd December were the only other counts received.

2001 30 at Aghada on 1st January, a peak of 153 at Dursey on 29th October and 1 at Crosshaven on 25th December were the only records received.

2002 300 at Roches Point on 13th January was a very high count for the area, and was followed soon after by another extraordinarily high count of 1,000 (minimum) at Unionhall on 19th. The only other count was of a monthly peak of 10 at Dursey in October.

2003 A peak of 65 at Dursey on 20th April was the only count received.

2004 The only counts received were from Cape Clear, with 50 past there on 10th April, and birds passing at hourly rates of 200 per hour on 14th April and 97 per hour on 5th June.

Rock Dove Columba livia Common throughout as Feral Pigeon. Genuinely wild stock, if it still exists, is confined principally to headlands and islands of the south-west, with small populations at cliff sites in south and east of the county. Records below refer only to what may still be genuinely wild stock, located at headlands and islands

1996 Highest count was of 30 birds on Cape Clear on 14th October.

1997 The only count of note was of 20 at Nohoval on 18th April.

1998 A flock of 15 were noted on Garinish on 29th August.

2000 18 on Garinish in October was the only record of note.

2001 Highest count was of 8 on Garinish in October.

2002 Only 2 records were submitted, 7 at Firkeel on 9th October and 5 on Garinish on 27th October.

2003 Sixteen were seen at Ballycotton on 31st March and 20 were at Power Head on 16th October.

168 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 The only record received was 2 on Cape Clear on 5th June. The species was not recorded on Dursey this year.

Stock Dove Columba oenas Widespread resident. Generally not numerous anywhere, although winter flocks are not uncommon. Under-recorded.

1996 Two at Dunworly in July and 1 on Dursey on 23rd October were the only records submitted.

1997 Singles on Dursey on 14th and 26th October may refer to the same bird.

1998 Six in Douglas on 17th March was the only record submitted.

2001 Six at Ballyvergan on 24th June was the only record of note.

2002 Only 2 records were submitted. One was at Schull on 16th August and 1 was on Dursey on 19th October.

2003 A better year for records. 17 were recorded at Ballyknockan on 10th January and 7 were seen at Pilmore on 3rd September. The highest count was 30 birds at Ladysbridge on 29th October.

2004 In February, 45 were at Cuskinny on 8th, 1 was at Ballyvergan on 20th and 18 were at Fota on 25th. A flock of 22 were at Oysterhaven on 19th March, with 1 at Slatty’s Bridge on 2nd April, 5 at Fota on 19th April, 1 in Bishopstown on 28th April, 2 in Cork City on 26th June, 5 near on 20th July, 1 at Donemark on 29th August, 2 at Shanagarry on 8th October and 1 on Dursey on 21st October.

Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus Common breeding resident. Numerous records at headlands and islands in autumn may indicate that the winter population is increased by immigrants. Under- recorded.

1996 Two at Firkeel on 25th September was the only record submitted.

1997 The only record received was 3 on Dursey on 19th October.

1998 Two at Firkeel on 30th August was the only record submitted.

2000 One on Dursey on 3rd May was the only record received.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 169 Systematic List

2001 Two on Dursey on 1st May was the only record received.

2003 A minimum of 150 birds were present on Dursey on 18th October, with 18 at Garinish on 19th October. Single figure counts were received for a handful of other sites.

2004 The only record received was 6 on Cape Clear on 27th May.

Collared Dove Streptopelia decaoto Common breeding resident, probably supplemented by passage migrants/winter visitors as evidenced by records at headlands and islands in spring and autumn. These records may however refer to birds moving locally.

1996 All records received were from Dursey and involved 1 or 2 birds seen between May and August.

1997 Highest count was 33 birds at on 22nd November.

1998 Records of single birds on Dursey on 31st May and 3rd June were the only records submitted.

1999 Three birds on Dursey on 26th April was the highest count.

2000 16 were recorded on Dursey on 29th March.

2001 The only records received involved low numbers on Dursey between May and July.

2002 Four birds on Dursey on 5th May was the highest count.

2003 Highest count was of 40 birds at Ballyannan on 2nd July.

2004 Peak count on Dursey was 6 on 23rd May, with 8 at Allihies on 28th May. On Cape Clear, 3 were present on 28th May, with 9 there the following day. Highest count of the year was 66 near Midleton on 21st December.

Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Scarce passage migrant, with records evenly split between spring and autumn.

1996 A total of 13 individuals were recorded between May and September. The earliest was recorded on Dursey on 5th May while the last of the year was at

170 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List the Old Head of Kinsale on 17th September. June and July records were received from Dursey and Midleton.

1997 22 birds were recorded between May and October. Two were present on both Mizen Head and the Old Head of Kinsale on 4th May, with a scattering of records towards the end of May at Dursey (1 on 24th), Ballycotton (2 on 28th), Robert’s Cove (1 on 29th) and Garryvoe (1 on 29th). Singles were seen in June on Dursey (2nd and 4th), Kilcolman (3rd), Ringabella and Shanagarry (both 21st). Dursey, Mizen Head and the Old Head of Kinsale had singles on the 11th, 19th and 28th September respectively. Late birds were seen at Inch on 26th October and the Old Head of Kinsale on 27th October.

1998 The only spring records were 2 at Roches Point on 20th May and 1 on Dursey on 21st May. One at Garinish on 5th September, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 25th September and 1 on Dursey on 6th October were the only records received for the autumn.

1999 Only 2 records were submitted; 1 on Dursey on 6th May and 1 at Passage West on 16th June.

2000 Four individuals were recorded; 1 on Garinish on 13th May, 1 at Carrigaline on 16th June, 1 on Dursey on 27th June and 1 at Holy Ground, Knockadoon Head, on 29th October.

2001 Eight birds were seen between May and October. The first was on Dursey on 12th May, with 2 on Cape Clear on 30th May. One was at Ballyvergan on 24th June, with another at Pilmore on 30th June. Three birds were seen in autumn; 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th September, 1 on Dursey on 17th September and the last of the year at Firkeel on 18th October.

2002 The first 2 of the year were on Cape Clear on 14th May. One was at Ballycotton on 16th May and 2 were at Midleton between 23rd and 28th May. Two were on Dursey on 2nd June. One was at Gower Gap on 4th September with another at Ballintubbrid on 21st September. October records involved 1 at Galley Head on 2nd, 1 at Firkeel on 7th and 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th.

2003 Spring records involved 2 on Cape Clear on 25th April, singles at Knockadoon Head on 5th May and 14th June, 1 on Dursey on 17th May, 1 at Castletownbeare on 23rd May and singles at Firkeel on 30th May and 6th to 7th June. In autumn, 2 were seen inland at Mallow on 23rd August. September records of birds at Cape Clear on 5th, 17th, 20th, 21st, and 27th, with 1 at Knockadoon Head on 19th. In October, 1 was at Allihies on 4th, with 2 at Crookhaven on 8th, 1 on Cape Clear on 11th, and 1 at Sand’s Cove on 23rd.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 171 Systematic List

2004 In May, singles were on Cape Clear on 17th and 19th, and Dursey on 24th, with 5 on Mizen Head and 1 on Cape Clear on 28th, and 3 there on 30th. In June, 2 were on Cape Clear on 1st, with 3 there on 2nd, 1 on 3rd and 4th and 1 on Dursey on 6th. In autumn, singles were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th and 11th September, Baltimore on 31st October with an overwintering first winter bird in Midleton from 16th December to 2005.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Summer visitor, commoner inland than on the coast. Perhaps generally scarcer in recent years.

1996 The first of the year was at Ballyvergan on 5th May, with further May records from Banane, Prap and Brosneen. The last record of the year was a juvenile at Ballyshane Strand on 6th October.

1997 The first record was at Crookhaven on 3rd May, followed by 1 at Pilmore on 5th May. The only other record was of 1 calling at Banane on 30th May.

1998 First reported in the Mullaghareirk Mountains on 15th May, the only other records being there again on 26th May, in Mahon on 31st May, the Nagle Mountains on 23rd May, and Kilbeheny on 14th June.

1999 Earliest record was of 1 in the Mullaghareirks on 25th April. Singles were recorded at Barry’s Head on 29th August and 13th September. One was at Mahon on 19th September.

2000 First record was of 1 at Glenbower on 9th April, followed by 1 at Duhallow on 30th April. One was on Dursey on 4th May and 3 were at Ballyvergan on 20th May.

2001 The first of the year nationwide was at Carrigbawn on 13th April, with singles at Coolea and Grousemount on 2nd May. Three were at Ballyvergan on 10th May and 7 were recorded at Schull on 14th June. One at Pilmore on 17th June was the last record submitted for the year.

2002 First record was at Ballyvergan on 25th April, with 2 there on 11th May. Singles were on Dursey on 8th and 9th May and at Lissagriffin Lake on 3rd June. The only record of the autumn was 1 bird at Galley Head on 2nd October.

2003 The first was at Trabolgan on 19th April, with 1 at Ladysbridge and up to 4 at Ballyvergan on 1st May. One was at Knockadoon Head on 4th May with May records also from Castletownbere and Kiskeam.

172 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 First of the year was on Dursey on 1st May, with singles inland in the Nagle Mountains on 2nd and 3rd. Another inland record was 1 in the Mullaghareirks on 14th May, with 2 at Ballyvergan on 15th. In autumn, 1 juvenile was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 1st August, with 1 at Crookhaven on 4th September.

Barn Owl Tyto alba Uncommon and localised resident, declining in most areas (see page 297).

1996 Winter records involved singles at Shanagarry on 11th January, Ballycotton on 7th February, Garretstown on 26th March, and 1 at Garryvoe on 15th November and 12th December. One was at Kilcolman on 31st July and 1 was seen in Tivoli on 8th August.

1997 Singles recorded from 8 localities in the county; Inishannon 31st January, Youghal 2nd February, Kilcolman 17th April, Ballymaloe 15th June, Lough Beg 12th September, Ballycotton 13th September, Garryvoe 22nd November and Shanagarry 12th and 22nd December.

1998 One was at Ballycotton on 7th February, 1 at Kilcolman on 6th, 17th and 18th March, 1 at Fountainstown on 18th September and 1 at Garryvoe on 11th October.

1999 Only 2 records received this year; 1 was at Ballycotton on 20th November and 1 was seen at Carrigtwohill on 23rd November.

2000 Four records received; 1 at Shanagarry on 24th May, 1 at Kilcolman on 21st June, 1 at Castlemartyr on 12th November and 1 at Ballymaloe on 4th December.

2001 Only 3 records were received, from 2 sites. One was seen in Passage West in January and 1 was at Kilcolman on 7th September and 20th November.

2002 Records were received from 4 localities this year. Two were seen at Kilcolman on 26th February, with 1 recorded there in June. One was seen in Mallow on 25th March, 1 at Rostellan on 22nd April and 1 at Carrigaline on 9th December.

2003 Fourteen known breeding sites were checked and 10 of these were occupied (IRBBP). Three were recorded at Passage West in January, with 1 in Cork City on 28th June, 1 in Skibereen also on 28th June and 1 at Kilcolman on 18th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 173 Systematic List

Scops Owl Otus scops Rare vagrant.

1999 An adult male was trapped and ringed on Cape Clear on 17th May, and remained to 19th May (SJ Wing et al)*. This was the 12th Irish record, but only the 3rd for Cork, following birds in 1993 and 1907. The bird was originally seen in Cotter’s Garden earlier in the day by 4 year old Louise O’Donnell, but was not trapped until that evening!

Long-eared Owl Asio otus Seemingly uncommon though widespread resident. Scarce autumn passage migrant at the coast. (See page 299).

1996 A total of 20 birds reported, with a maximum of 3 at Farnanes in July.

1997 14 birds were reported, mostly individuals, from twelve localities.

1998 14 birds were reported, from eleven sites. Maximum count was of 3 birds, 1 pair and a separate male at Duke’s Wood near Bandon, on 23rd February.

1999 10 individuals were reported from 7 sites, between February and July.

2000 Four individuals reported from 4 locations, including 1 on Dursey on 25th July.

2001 One at Killacloyne on 12th February, 1 at Ballyfeard on 21st June and up to 2 on Cape Clear in October were the only records received.

2002 The only record submitted was 1 at Garrettstown on 31st August.

2003 Nine birds from 7 localities were submitted. Two fledged young were with an adult at 1 site in the Nagle Mountains on 14th June.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor (see page 300).

1996 One was at Ballycotton on 27th April and 11th May. One was present on Cape Clear on 13th October and 1 was at Garryvoe on 15th November.

1997 One at Ballycotton on 29th March, 1 at Kilcolman on 27th May, 1 at Galley Head and Dursey on 26th October with 2 there the following day.

174 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 One was seen at Ballycotton on 27th September and 6th December, with another at Inch on 24th October and 29th November.

1999 The only records involved 1 on Dursey on 13th May and 1 at Ballycotton on several dates between the end of April and mid-July.

2000 Only 2 records submitted for this year; 1 at Ballycotton on 14th May and 1 at Galley Head on 11th November.

2001 Five individuals were reported from 2 localities. One was at Pilmore and 3 were on Dursey on 28th October, with another on Dursey on 9th November.

2002 A good year with 10 individuals recorded. In the first half of the year, singles were seen at Doolieve on 11th January, Ballycotton on 11th March and 22nd April, Ballyvergan on 25th April, Inch on 30th April and Shanagarry on 5th May. In autumn, singles were recorded at Robert’s Cove on 15th September, Dursey from 17th to 22nd October, Courtmacsherry from 7th to 12th November, Clogheen Marsh on 30th November and Garrettstown on 15th December.

2003 In the first half of the year, singles were reported from Clogheen Marsh on 15th February, Pilmore Strand on 27th February and Ballyvergan on 17th April and 1st May. Autumn birds were seen at Galley Head on 18th October, Ballinwilling on 23rd October, 2 on Dursey on 27th October, 1 there on 3rd November, 2 on 23rd November and 1 at Clogheen Marsh on 22nd November.

2004 One was at Ballycotton on 18th and 20th August. In October, 1 was on Dursey on 10th and 16th with 2 on Barry’s Head on 17th. Singles were at Galley Head on 29th and Dursey and Power Head on 31st, with the last of the year at Clogheen Marsh on 27th November.

European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Rare passage migrant.

1998 A female on Dursey on 5th June was the first record for the island (DA Scott)*. The only other record occurred just 2 days later on Cape Clear on 7th June, seen again the following day (SJ Wing, GA Oliver)*. Only the 7th and 8th records of birds on migration since 1964.

2002 One was on Cape Clear on 19th October (C Cronin, M Carmody)*.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 175 Systematic List

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Rare vagrant.

1999 A juvenile was found at Ballydonagan on 24th October (E Archer, JE Fitzharris, P Moore et al)*. This was the first Irish record of this North American species. Incredibly, this bird flew over the parked cars whilst observers were searching for the 2nd Irish Chimney Swift, found there the day before.

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Rare vagrant.

1999 One on Cape Clear (SJ Wing et al)* on 23rd October was the first Irish record of this North American bird, and incredibly was swiftly followed by 1 at Ballydonagan (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)* later that day. A third bird was at Guileen on 25th October (P Moore et al)*. These birds represented part of an influx into the country, which involved 4 other birds in the same period, 3 in Wexford and 1 in Wicklow.

Common Swift Apus apus Common summer visitor.

1996 The first record of the year was 1 over Midleton on 18th April. 80 were on Dursey on 20th June.

1997 The only record submitted was a flock of 60 over Currabinny Wood on 16th July.

1998 Earliest record was 1 at Ballylanders on 22nd April. A late bird was at Knockgriffin on 29th September.

1999 One at Youghal on 27th April was the first of the year. The last record of the year was on 5th September at Ballycotton.

2000 The only record submitted was of 4 on Dursey on 4th May.

2001 Three over Cork City on 26th April were the first of the year. No autumn records were received.

2002 An early record of 1 at Ballingeary on 27th March. Last record of the year was on Dursey on 20th September.

176 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 The first of the year was at Charleville on 21st April. A flock of 16 over Lough Aderra on 26th May was the only other record of note.

2004 The first records of the year were 1 in Cork City on 20th April, with 2 on 25th and 12 on 26th. Up to 20 were in Cobh on 23rd May, and 2 were on Cape Clear on 26th May with 1 there on 29th. No other large counts were received although a large movement of birds was noted along the Cork coast on 12th August. Last record was 1 at Knockadoon Head on 20th August.

Alpine Swift Apus melba Rare vagrant, most records in spring.

2002 A flock of 5 over Cork City on 24th March (H Hussey et al)* were part of an influx which also involved birds in Wexford and Dublin. Two roosted overnight on the Metropole Hotel and could be seen by streetlight. Both flew early the next morning (I Hill).

2003 A single bird seen over the North Harbour on Cape Clear on 21st September (R Vaughan, SJ Wing et al)*, was only the 13th county record.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis Widespread though uncommon resident. All records are of single birds unless otherwise stated.

1996 Harper’s Island 24th January, Inchdoney 29th August, Minane Bridge 22nd September, Glanturkin October, 2 Skibbereen 2nd and 4th October, 2 Kinsale Marsh 10th October and 1 there 18th November.

1997 Inishannon 11th July, Rochestown 11th July with 2 there 21st July, Kinsale Marsh 10th September, Brown Island 26th October, Midleton 9th November, Castlelack Lake 15th November, Inchydoney and Rosscarbery 22nd November.

1998 Rochestown 8th January, Lee Fields 16th February, 2 Midleton 11th August, Douglas 16th August and 10th December, Rosscarbery 12th September, Cork City 2nd December and Rostellan 12th December.

1999 Kinsale Marsh 16th January, The Gearagh 15th August, Ballydehob 3rd September, Douglas Estuary 26th September, Kilkeran Lake 4th October, Sherkin 11th and 15th October, Rochestown 31st October and Kinsale 7th November.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 177 Systematic List

2000 Cork City 8th February, Rosscarbery 1st March, White’s Marsh 3rd August, Slatty Water 24th September, Rostellan 12th November and Passage West 1st November.

2001 Douglas 4th January, 2 Great Island 6th January, 17th June, White’s Marsh 2nd and 18th August and 8th September, Rock Island 4th September, Toormore 6th September and Brown Island 22nd September.

2002 Rostellan 4th January, Great Island 5th January, Carrigaline 21st June, Douglas 5th September, Lough Aderra 6th September and Kilcolman 28th September.

2003 Aghada 2nd January, Inchydoney 2nd February, Saleen 8th February, Casteletownbere March, Ladysbridge 31st May, Mallow 6th July, Castlemartyr 12th July, Cork City 26th August, White’s Marsh 30th August, Ballinclashet 21st September, Belgooly 21st September, Ringabella 21st September, Rosscarbery 26th October and Douglas 26th October.

2004 Dooniskey 16th January, 2 at Douglas Estuary 18th January, 1 Kilkeran Lake 27th January, 1 Ring 31st January, 1 Dooniskey 15th February, 2 Cork City 3rd April, with 1 there 4th and 9th April, Midleton 15th April, Inishannon 23rd May, Cork City 5th August, Donemark 20th August, Dougls Estuary 31st August, Rosscarbery 25th September and 31st October, Old Head and Kinsale Marsh 12th October, Atlantic Pond 19th November, Great Island 21st November, Clonakilty and Clogheen Marsh 27th November.

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Rare vagrant.

1998 An adult on Cape Clear on 30th April departed by 8.00 a.m. on 1st May (SJ Wing et al)*.

1999 An adult was present in Dursey Sound from 7th to 13th May (E Carty, P Moore, DA Scott et al)*.

Hoopoe Upupa epops Very scarce but almost annual vagrant, with the majority of records in spring.

1996 Five spring records. In March, singles were on Cape Clear, Clonakilty, Courtmacsherry and at Cloyne on 25th, with another on Seven Heads on 1st April.

178 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1997 Six records in the spring. The first was on Dursey on 31st March, followed by 1 by the River Ilen in April which was reported for several weeks. One was on Cape Clear on 9th April, with another there 2nd May. Singles were also on the Old Head of Kinsale and at Skiberreen on 29th April.

1999 One at Castlelack from 30th August until 2nd September had been reported present for about 2 weeks previous to this by locals. What may have been the same bird was at Bandon on 2nd October.

2001 No spring records. One on Cape Clear on 18th October was followed by 1 at Castletownbere on 24th October.

2002 Seven records, all in spring. The first was at Ladysbridge on 27th February, remaining until 3rd March. One was at Minane Bridge and 1 at Ringabella on 23rd March, with the latter still present on 25th March. Singles were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 27th March, Knockadoon Head on 13th April and Cape Clear from 28th March to 4th April, with a second bird present 25th and 26th April.

2003 Singles were at Cloyne on 24th February, Ladysbridge from 26th February to 9th March, Cape Clear on 23rd and 24th March, Knockadoon Head on 14th and 15th April, Dursey on 17th April, near Kinsale from 27th to 29th April and Cape Clear again from 24th to 28th May (CCBO).

Wryneck Jynx torquilla Very scarce, though almost annual, passage migrant, with the majority of records in autumn.

1996 Two records, both from Cape Clear. The first was on 17th and 18th September (DP Boyle et al)* with what was presumably only 1 bird there on various dates from 27th September to 12th October (KP Collins et al)*.

1997 One on Cape Clear from 13th to 20th April (G Oliver)* was the only spring record. In autumn, 1 was on Cape Clear on 22nd September, with 2 there on 27th, and 1 remaining until 3rd October (CCBO). One was reported at Galley Head on 27th September (BINS).

1998 No spring records. In September, singles were on Cape Clear on 1st (SJ Wing et al)*, 9th (AP Chick)*, 2 there on 20th (E Carty, T Murray et al)* with 1 remaining on 21st, and another found on 28th (CCBO). One was on Dursey from 2nd to 5th September (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)* with another on 28th September (D Cooke, P Rowe)*. One was reported at Galley Head on 5th September (BINS).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 179 Systematic List

1999 There were no records in the spring but a total of 12 individuals in autumn. August records involved 2 on Cape Clear from 23rd to 25th, with 1 remaining until 30th (E Dempsey, S Farrell et al)*, 1 at Galley Head on 25th (BINS), with 2 there on 26th (D O’Sullivan) and 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 26th (K Grace et al)*. In September, 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 5th (T Nagle, P Rowe), 1 at Galley Head on 11th (K Grace et al)* and 1 reported on Dursey on 28th. One on Dursey on 4th to 8th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)* was joined by a second on 5th and 6th (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*. One was reported at Crookhaven on 8th October (BINS), with the last record of the year 1 on Dursey on 23rd October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*.

2000 On Cape Clear, single birds were seen on 25th August (E Dempsey et al)*, 24th September to 17th October (H Hussey, PM Walsh et al)*, 27th and 28th September (H Hussey et al)*, and 29th September (M O’Keeffe)*. Two birds were seen on Dursey; 1 from 2nd to 6th September (DA Scott et al)*, and the other on 27th and 28th September (DA Scott et al)*.

2001 In September, single birds were on Cape Clear on 14th and 15th (SJ Wing et al)*, and on 19th (M O’Keeffe et al)*. Dursey had a single September bird, from 21st to 22nd (DA Scott et al)*. One was on Cape Clear on 5th to 8th October (CCBO), with another on Dursey on 20th (AAK Lancaster)*.

2002 One was at Inchydoney on 25th August (A O’Mahoney). On Cape Clear there was at least 1 on various dates from 14th September to 4th October, with what was almost certainly a different bird seen on 15th September (CCBO). Single birds were at Garinish on 8th, 11th, 14th and 15th, and 24th October (all K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*.

2003 One was at Ballyvergan Marsh on 29th August (P Smiddy et al)*. In September, singles were reported at Mizen on 2nd and 21st, with 2 there on 26th and 27th, and 1 remaining to 28th (all BINS). Singles were also on Dursey on 5th September (DA Scott)*, Toe Head on 26th September (H Hussey)*, Dursey from 26th September to 2nd October (DA Scott et al)*, and Clonakilty on 30th September (BINS). In addition, 1 was reported on Cape Clear on 30th September (CCBO).

2004 Singles were reported at Mizen Head on 31st August (BINS), Cape Clear from 13th to 17th September (CCBO), with another there from 19th to 23rd September (CCBO), Lehanemore on 12th October (K Grace et al)*, Kilkeran Lake on 28th October (K Cronin), and 2 to 3 on Cape Clear on 31st October (CCBO).

180 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Rare vagrant, only 16 county records before 1996.

1996 One on Cape Clear from 20th to 23rd September (DP Boyle, C Koot, R Mundy et al)*.

1997 Singles were at Pilmore on 25th May (P Moore et al)* and on Dursey from 3rd to 8th June (DA Scott et al)*.

1999 One record from Cape Clear on 16th May (P Moore et al)*.

2000 Three records in May. One was on Dursey from 4th to 6th (DA Scott et al)*, with a second bird there on 18th (DA Scott)* and 1 was on Cape Clear on 13th (SJ Wing et al)*.

2001 No spring records. In October, 1 was reported at Crookhaven on 5th (BINS) and 1 was on Cape Clear from 24th to 30th (M Smyth et al)*.

2004 One was on Dursey on 2nd May (DA Scott)*.

Skylark Alauda arvensis Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Uncommon breeding species, apparently declining.

1996 Highest counts for the year were 200 in Cobh on 1st January, 44 Ahanesk on 28th January, and up to 100 on Dursey in October.

1998 The only record received was 10 on Dursey in August.

2001 16 at Pilmore on 7th May was the only record received.

2002 12 at Pilmore on 19th October and 19 on Dursey on 22nd October were the only counts received

2004 In January, 60 were at Bird’s Hill on 2nd, with 15 at Marloag on 10th. A flock of 140 were at Ballymore on 8th February, and 30 were at Knockadoon Head on 14th March. Peak counts from Dursey were 12 on 28th February and in March, and 23 on 28th October, with 1 there on 21st November. In October, 20 were on Galley Head on 7th, 65 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th October and 60 were at Galley Head on 28th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 181 Systematic List

Sand Martin Riperia riperia Common summer visitor.

1996 The first 2 of the year were on Dursey on 20th March. The only summer count received was of 1,000 at Ballycotton on 14th July. The last record also came from Dursey, with 1 on the 21st September.

1997 First record was on 29th April on Cape Clear, and the last was on Dursey on 9th September.

1998 30 at Ballyhonack on 5th April and 80 at Rostellan on 13th April were good counts. Last record of the year was at Lehanemore on 2nd September.

1999 30 at Rostellan on 27th March and 30 at Lough Aderra on 11th April were the only counts received.

2000 First record of the year was of 20 at Owennacurra on 2nd April. One at Ballydonegan on 20th October was the latest record.

2001 20 over Cork City on 25th March was the first record of the year and 500 were at Lough Aderra on 28th April. Last record of the year was on Dursey on 27th October.

2002 One on Cape Clear on 11th March was an early sighting before 30 at Lough Aderra on 23rd March and 100 at Lough Beg on 27th April. One on Dursey on 21st September was the last record of the year.

2003 Three at Rostellan on 13th March came well before the main mid-April arrival, when 30 were at Lough Aderra on 13th April and 30 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 15th April. No autumn records were received.

2004 First records of the year were 2 at Douglas Estuary and 15 at Midleton on 17th March, with 60 at Lough Aderra on 19th March and 4th April. Highest count of the year was 100 at Lough Aderra on 28th April. Last record of the year was 2 on Dursey on 7th October.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Common summer visitor.

1996 First of the year was 1 at Garryvoe on 24th March. 100 were on Dursey on 14th August, with the last record of the year there on 23rd October.

1997 The only record received was of 150 on Dursey on 10th September.

182 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 Two February records of 1 on Cape Clear on 14th, and 5 at Garrettstown on 15th were extremely early. 120 on Dursey on 26th August was the peak count of the year. One at the Old Head of Kinsale on 1st November was the latest record received.

1999 One on Dursey on 22nd April was the earliest record for the year. The latest date was 7th November, when 1 was at Inch.

2000 The only records received were for Dursey; 1 on 7th April, and a peak of 50 on 7th May. The last sighting was on 14th October.

2001 One on Dursey on 14th April was the first record for the year. There were 4 very late records of 1 at Garretstown on 1st November, 2 on Cape Clear on 14th November, 1 at Timoleague on 16th December and the last at Skibbereen on 18th December.

2002 First of the year was at Ballycotton on 23rd March. By 27th April, 600 were at Lough Beg, and numbers on Dursey peaked at 100 on 17th May. Three were at Knockadoon Head on 20th October and 1 was at Lough Beg on 18th November.

2003 Two at Ladysbridge on 10th April was the first record. Late records were 3 on Dursey on 20th October, 1 on Cape Clear on 6th November, and 2 there the following day. One in Cork City on 17th December was the latest.

2004 One at Midleton on 18th March was the first record of the year, with 1 at Lough Aderra the following day. Inland, 100 were recorded in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. Several pairs bred on Dursey and 40 there on 16th May was the highest spring count. In autumn, 50 were on Dursey on 15th August and 9th September, and a strong passage of several hundred birds was noted at Knockadoon Head on 24th September. Six were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 17th October, and the last record of the year was 1 at Skibbereen on 19th December.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Rare vagrant, with 6 county records before 1996.

1996 One was reported at Clogheen Marsh and White’s Marsh on 19th September (P Davis, D O’Sullivan).

1998 One was in Baltimore from 19th to 21st February (RL Hislop, R Macgillicuddy)*.

2000 One was reported at Knockadoon Head on 7th May (P Moore).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 183 Systematic List

2002 An adult was seen at Frower Point, Kinsale on 18th April (R Mundy)*.

House Martin Delichon urbicum Common summer visitor.

1996 The only records submitted involved 4 on Dursey on 2nd June and 1 there on 22nd September.

1997 The earliest submitted record was 1 on Cape Clear on 18th April, with the last sighting being 9th September on Dursey.

1998 One in Clonakilty on 15th February was early. Latest sighting was on Dursey, when 10 were seen on 29th September.

1999 The only record submitted was 1 on Dursey on 27th April.

2000 The only records submitted were from Dursey, where 3 were seen on 9th April and 1 on 19th September.

2001 No early or late dates were submitted. Maximum count was of 32 at White Bay on 8th July.

2002 Earliest date was 1 at Ballycotton on 23rd March. Last record was 1 on Dursey on 1st September.

2003 Three at Inch on 19th April was the earliest submitted record. Last sightings of the year were 1 on Dursey and 3 at Galley Head on 18th October.

2004 First of the year was 1 at Timoleague on 29th February. Spring passage was noted at Knockadoon Head with 9 on 1st May and 9 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 2nd May. 20 were at Galley Head on 16th May, where there is a small colony, and 15 were at Knockadoon Head on 23rd May, with 6 on Cape Clear on 26th May. Another colony of 10 to 20 nests was noted at Power Head. Last sighting of the year was 1 on Dursey on 17th October.

Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi Very scarce vagrant.

1997 One at Pilmore on 4th and 5th October (T Gittings, D O’Sullivan)*.

1999 Two birds were found on Dursey in October, the first on 18th (K Grace et al)* and a second on 19th (K Grace et al)*.

184 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2001 One was at Ballycotton on 7th October (T Gittings)*, and 1 was on Dursey on 28th October (DA Scott)*.

2003 Three more records from Dursey in October firmly establishes this site as the place for Richard’s Pipits. One on 5th (DA Scott et al)* was followed by a second on 24th (DA Scott)* and another on 27th (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*. Another was reported from Ballycotton on 27th October (BINS).

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Very scarce vagrant.

1996 An adult was present at Pilmore from 18th to 21st May (P Moore et al)*.

2003 One on Dursey on 24th April (DA Scott)* was the 2nd record for the island.

2004 An adult was at Allen’s Pool, Ballycotton on 1st May (G Gordon et al), and 1 was reported on Cape Clear on 3rd September (SJ Wing).

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Scarce passage migrant, with slightly more records in autumn than spring.

1996 All spring records were from Cape Clear. One was reported in March, and singles were there on 1st, 6th, and 12th of April, and on 1st May, with 2 on 5th. Autumn singles were on Dursey on 31st August, with another there on 21st September, on Cape Clear on 8th, 14th, 21st and 22nd September, and 2nd October. The last was at Inch on 3rd October.

1997 Birds were reported on Cape Clear on 27th July and 22nd to 24th September.

1998 Two records, both from Cape Clear. One on 25th April and 1 on 27th August.

1999 Three records submitted this year. On Dursey, there were 2 in May, 1 on 1st and another on 5th and 6th. One was on Cape Clear on 13th October.

2000 A good year with a total of 6 recorded. One on Dursey on 8th and 9th April was followed by 2 there on 4th May. In autumn, there was 1 on Cape Clear on 25th August, 1 on Dursey on 26th September and another there on 28th September.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 185 Systematic List

2001 Just 2 records this year, both from Dursey. One in spring, on 7th May, with the second on 21st October.

2002 One was on Dursey from 19th to 21st May and 3 birds were found on Cape Clear in autumn with 1 on 14th September, 1 on 13th and 14th October and 1 on 16th October.

2003 On Cape Clear there was 1 on 24th August, 2 on 29th August, and 1 on 26th September. One was at Ballycotton from 10th to 12th September, with another on Dursey on 14th, and in October 1 was on Dursey on 12th.

2004 The only records received were 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 9th May, and 1 at Galley Head on 9th October.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Common resident, with numbers increased by both passage migrants and winter immigrants.

1996 Only 2 high counts were submitted. A minimum of 500 were recorded on Dursey on 21st September, with a peak of 200 there in October.

1997 A peak of 400 on 10th September and 100 on 12th October were received from Dursey.

1998 Flocks of 100 were noted in late August, 29th September and 8th October on Dursey. No other records received.

1999 60 at Ballycotton on 25th September was the only record received.

2000 On Dursey there were a minimum of 100 present on 23rd September and a minimum of 500 on 13th October. No other records received.

2001 Minimum autumn counts included 40 at Ballycotton on 14th September, 120 on Dursey on 30th September and 200 there on 5th October. No other records received.

2002 100 on Dursey on 3rd February was the only record received.

2003 A peak count of 250 on Dursey on 28th September was the only record received.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 50 in January, 80 on 5th September, 100 on 8th October and 45 in December. Elsewhere, 40 at Bird’s Hill on 2nd January, 30 at

186 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Knockadoon Head on 14th March and 20 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th October were the only records received.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Rare vagrant.

1997 An exceptional year with 3 records. One on Dursey on 17th October (DA Scott et al)* was followed by a second there on 21st October (DA Scott et al)*. This was the 10th county record of the species. A third bird was reported at Inch on 26th October (BINS).

2004 One was reported at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th October (C Cronin, M Carmody, A Robinson), with another found an hour later on Cape Clear (RA Coombes, K Mullarney et al), the Cape bird remaining until 17th.

Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus Common resident, with some evidence of winter immigration. Under-recorded.

1996 Peak count was 35 birds on Dursey in October

1997 Peak counts of 15 birds on Dursey in March, June and October. No other counts received.

1998 The only count received was of 20 on Dursey in August.

2002 45 on Dursey on 5th February was the only count submitted.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava Very scarce passage migrant.

1996 The only spring record was at Lough Beg on 29th April. In autumn, singles were present on Dursey on 27th August and 23rd September, and on Cape Clear on 8th and 19th September.

1997 A good spring with 2 on Mizen Head on 3rd May and 1 at Ballycotton on 24th June. Two ‘blue headed’ wagtails were seen on Cape Clear on 20th May (NE Robinson). There were no autumn records received.

1998 One at White’s Marsh on 13th April was the only record in spring. There were 4 singles in autumn with 1 at Inch on 27th September, 1 on Dursey on 30th

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 187 Systematic List

September, 1 on Sherkin on 7th October with a different bird there the following day.

1999 One spring record on Dursey on 6th May. One at Pilmore Strand on 28th August was followed by 1 in Clonakilty on 5th September and 1 on Cape Clear on 13th October.

2000 One was at Ballycotton on 29th April, with 1 on Dursey on 30th. There were 2 further records from Dursey in May, on 8th and 31st. No autumn records were received.

2001 No spring records. In autumn, singles were recorded on Dursey and Cape Clear on 9th September, Firkeel and Garinish on 19th October and Dursey on 20th October.

2002 A good year. 3 spring records; 1 at Dunworly on 2nd May, 2 at Ballycotton on 3rd June, with another there on 7th June. In September, 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 13th, 1 at Ballylanders on 14th, 2 on Cape Clear from 14th to 18th, and 2 at Firkeel on 17th. One was on Mizen Head on 2nd October, with the last of the year at the Old Head of Kinsale on 17th October.

2003 One on Dursey on 24th May with another at Dursey Sound on the following day. In June, an adult male was on Three Castles Head on 2nd with 1 on Dursey on 4th. One was on Cape Clear on 26th August. There were 4 records from Dursey in autumn with singles recorded in September on 17th, 22nd and 25th, and another there on 19th October. Two were on Cape Clear on 25th September.

2004 Singles were at Minane Bridge on 25th April, Dursey on 27th April, Nohoval on 16th May, Dursey on 22nd May, and 1 at Ballycotton on 9th July. A male of the ‘Blue –headed’ race was seen at Garretstown on 8th May (G Gordon, A Robinson).

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola Rare vagrant.

2003 A first year bird was present at Ballycotton from 13th to 16th September (G Gordon et al). This was the 4th county record.

2004 A first winter bird was at Ballycotton on 2nd September (G Gordon, S Piner et al)*, found on the same day as a Booted Warbler there! The 5th county record of the species.

188 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Citrine Wagtail – Robert Vaughan

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Common resident, with some evidence of passage migration. Under-recorded.

1997 Four on Dursey on 8th September was the only record submitted.

1998 A very high count of 18 birds at Firkeel on 28th August.

1999 Single records from Dursey and Sherkin in January, October and December were the only records submitted.

2000 Four at Garinish on 20th October was the only record submitted.

2004 Recorded on Dursey in January and August to December, with 3 on 5th September the peak count. The only other records received were 3 in the Mullaghareirks and 2 at Rockchapel on 24th May.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 189 Systematic List

Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrelli Common resident. Under-recorded. Records of roost counts in Cork City and elsewhere would be gratefully received.

1996 200 at Inch Strand in September and 26 on Dursey on 23rd September were the only records.

1997 The only count submitted was of 20 on Dursey on 9th September.

1998 10 on Dursey on 29th August was the only record submitted. Pied Wagtail – Michael O’Clery

1999 Only 1 record was submitted; 21 on Sherkin on 16th October.

2000 Ten on Dursey on 6th October was the only record submitted.

2003 An estimated 250 in Kinsale town on 8th March was the only record of note.

2004 On Dursey, 12 were present in July, 15 in September and 8 in October. The only other record received was 10 at Bird’s Hill on 2nd January.

[White Wagtail] Motacilla alba alba Uncommon autumn passage migrant.

1996 Peak counts from Dursey of 8 on 23rd September and 9 on 24th October. Ten were on Cape Clear on 27th October.

1997 Six on Dursey on 10th September was the highest count submitted.

1998 The highest counts received were 15 on Dursey on 28th August and 10 at Pilmore on 20th September.

1999 A high count of 35 at Ballycotton on 25th September was the only count submitted (PM Walsh).

190 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2000 Only 2 counts were received, both from Ballycotton in September. An exceptionally high count of 50 were there on 2nd (D O’Sullivan), with 20 recorded on 15th.

2001 A minimum of 15 at Ballycotton on 9th September was the only count of note.

2002 The highest counts submitted were 20 at Ballycotton on 24th September and 12 at Pilmore on 26th September.

2003 25 at Ballycotton on 13th September was the only count of note.

2004 Three were at Ballycotton on 1st May.

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus Irruptive winter visitor. Rarely reaches Cork despite the regular appearance of flocks in the north and east of the country.

1996 Up to 7 were present at the Lee Fields from 7th to 20th February (J Lynch et al). In Midleton, 7 were seen on 24th and 25th February, with 2 still present to 9th March (D Cooke et al). Part of a wider national influx involving hundreds of birds, mostly in the north and east.

2002 A very unusual record of an unidentified Waxwing sp. on Cape Clear on 14th May, was probably this species (SJ Wing). Waxwings – Barry Ryan

2004 Three were near Macroom on 23rd October (BINS), 2 were on Dursey on 24th October, with 3 there on 26th. An adult was on Mizen Head from late September to 29th October (A O’Brien), with presumably the same bird at Goleen

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 191 Systematic List on 30th October (C Barton, C Cronin et al) and 4th November (BINS). Three were at Baltimore on 31st October (C Cronin et al).

Dipper Cinclus cinclus Uncommon though widespread resident. Under-recorded. Breeding populations for the following east Cork rivers are known (subject to some annual variation): Tourig: 5 pairs; Dissour: 2 pairs; Kiltha: 4 pairs; Owennacurra/Leamlara/ Templeboden: 12 to 13 pairs; Glashaboy/Butlerstown/Black Brock: 13 pairs (P Smiddy pers. comm.).

1997 One at Glenbower Wood on 27th July, 1 Kilbrittain 19th August and 2 on the Owennacurra river on 3rd October were the only records submitted.

1998 The only record submitted was 1 at Kilbrittain on 25th August.

1999 Two on the Owennacurra river on 17th March was the only record submitted.

2000 The only records submitted were 1 at Doolieve on 19th March, 1 at Firkeel on 5th October and 1 at Bandon on 6th October.

2001 The only records received were 2 at Ballymartle on 9th January and singles on the Owennacurra river on 11th April and at Ballydonegan in October.

2002 One on the river Dissour on 19th April, 1 on the Owennacurra river on 29th April and 1 at Ballydonegan in October, were the only records received.

2003 One on the river Dissour on 1st February, 2 on the Owennacurra river on 23rd August, 1 at Ballydonegan in October and 2 at Clonakilty on 22nd November were the only records received.

2004 One in Clonakilty on 31st January, 2 at Rockchapel on 24th April, 1 at Midleton on 28th April and 2 in Clonakilty on 27th November were the only records received.

Wren Troglodytes troglodytes Common and widespread resident species. Under-recorded.

Too few records were submitted to present a realistic indication of the species true occurrence.

192 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Dunnock Prunella modularis Common and widespread resident species. Under-recorded.

Too few records were submitted to present a realistic indication of the species true occurrence.

Robin Erithacus rubecula Common resident and passage migrant. Under-recorded.

2001 The only count submitted was 35 on Dursey on 19th October.

2004 Large numbers of Continental robins were recorded in late October. There were 2080 bird days on Cape Clear between 27th October and 3rd November, with the maximum day count there being 700 on 31st October (CCBO), with ‘many hundreds’ on Mizen Head (C Cronin) and c.20 at Galley Head on 27th.

Too few records were submitted in other years to present a realistic indication of the species true occurrence.

Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia Rare vagrant.

1999 One trapped and ringed on Cape Clear on 15th October (SJ Wing et al)*, was seen again briefly on 18th (SJ Wing, M Gade). The 3rd record for Ireland, and for Cork. The 2 previous records were also from Cape Clear, in 1989, and 1990.

Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Rare vagrant.

1998 One at Garinish on 28th August (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*.

1999 One was reported singing at Baltimore on 1st June (BINS). The second record of the year was on Cape Clear on 5th September (SJ Wing et al)*.

2000 One was at Ballycotton from 21st to 23rd April (P Moore et al)* and a second was reported singing at night at Ballingeary on 6th June (BINS).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 193 Systematic List

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica Rare vagrant.

2003 A female on Dursey on 14th October (DA Scott et al)* was the first record for Dursey.

2004 A first winter male on Dursey on 19th and 20th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster, DA Scott)* was the second island record in as many years, and the 19th county record.

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros Uncommon passage migrant in autumn, scarce in spring. Now overwintering regularly in low numbers. Rare in summer.

1996 Between February and April there were singles on Dursey, Carrigaline, the Lee Fields, Garryvoe, Ballycotton, and Inch. In October, 5 were at Inch Strand on 20th, with 10 at Galley Head and 8 at Ballycotton on 23rd and 5 on Dursey on 24th. Late birds included 1 at Grange on 30th November and 1 at Ballincollig in December.

1997 Only 3 records were received. Four were on Dursey on 23rd March with 10 there on 25th October, and 1 at Sands Cove on 22nd November.

1998 Two records submitted. In December, 1 at Mahon on 13th and 4 at Greenmount between 17th and 19th.

1999 There were 7 records in the first half of the year. In January, 2 were at Knockgriffin, with 1 in Cork City from 8th to 22nd, 1 at Cobh on 9th, singles on Dursey on 25th and 31st, 1 at Guileen on 7th February and 1 at Knockadoon Head on 3rd April. In October, 1 was on Sherkin on 14th, with 2 there on 15th. One was at Robert’s Cove and 6 were on Cape Clear on 17th. Last of the year was on Dursey on 29th December.

2000 Singles were on Dursey on 5th and 6th January and numbers peaked at 5 there on 8th April. No records were received for October. In November, singles were at Courtmacsherry, Timoleague and 7 were at Galley Head on 12th. December records involved 1 at Aghada on 2nd and singles at Greenmount on 15th and 19th.

2001 One at Cobh on 5th and 6th January and 1 on Dursey on 24th March were the only records for the first half of the year. There were several records of singles during October, but there was a distinct ‘fall’ on 19th when 13 were on Cape Clear, 7 were on Dursey, 5 were at the Old Head of Kinsale and 1 was at Lehanemore.

194 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

One on Dursey on 2nd November and 2 at Sands Cove on 17th November were the last records of the year.

2002 Records from the first half of the year included 1 on Great Island from 5th January to 7th February, and 2 on Cape Clear on 24th March. Peak October counts were 14 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st, with 5 there on 23rd and 8 on 31st. Two were at Inch and 8 were on Dursey on 22nd and 4 were at Robert’s Cove on 25th. One at Cuskinny on 27th December was the last for the year.

2003 One was recorded on Great Island during the Bird Race on 4th January and 1 was at Cuskinny from 29th January to 14th February. Good numbers were recorded during March with 14 on Dursey and 9 at Knockadoon Head on 18th and 12 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 19th. Towards the end of the month 3 were at Knockadoon Head on 26th and 2 at Mizen Head on 27th. Birds were widespread in small numbers in autumn. Peak counts were 3 on Dursey on 16th October, 3 at Galley Head and 4 at Knockadoon Head on 7th November, and 3 at Garrettstown on 15th November. Singles at Rosscarbery on 22nd November, Dursey on 23rd November, and Mizen on 26th December were the last records for the year.

2004 A female/immature was at Cobh on 5th and 11th February, with 2 at Barry’s Head on 22nd February, 1 at Kinsale on 7th March, 1 on Cape Clear on 1st April, and 1 at Knockadoon Head on 2nd April. There were then no records until late October, when 12 were on Cape Clear and 2 on Mizen Head on 27th, 1 at Broad Strand, 25 on Galley Head, 24 on Cape Clear, 15 on Mizen Head and 6 on Dursey on 28th, 50 on Mizen Head, 17 on the Old Head of Kinsale, 16 on Cape Clear, 8 on Galley Head, 4 at Roches Point and 4 at Knockadoon Head on 29th, 9 on Toe Head, 40 at Mizen Head, 7 at Roches Point, 1 at Lissard and 1 at Goleen on 30th and singles at Knockgour and Macroom, 7 at Knockadoon Head and 4 at Sand’s Cove on 31st. Low numbers were recorded at several coastal sites into early November, with a maximum of 6 on Mizen on 6th. December records involved 1 in Cobh on 3rd, 1 on Dursey on 5th and 1 in Cork City on 6th.

Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus Scarce passage migrant, chiefly in autumn.

1996 No spring records. September singles were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 17th, Cape Clear on 19th, Galley Head and Sand’s Cove on 21st and Dursey on 22nd, with 3 there the following day. The last record of the year was also on Dursey on 11th October.

1997 Only 4 records submitted. One was at Galley Head on 25th September, and singles were on Dursey on 19th, 21st and 23rd October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 195 Systematic List

1998 Two were on Dursey on 30th September, with 1 there on 6th October.

1999 Singles on Sherkin on 15th and 16th October were the only records submitted.

2000 The only record received was 1 on Dursey on 1st October.

2001 Better than recent years with 5 autumn records. One was on Cape Clear from 25th to 27th September, while in October, 1 was at Crookhaven on 13th and 14th, 2 were on Cape Clear on 14th, 1 was on Dursey on 19th and 2 were at Galley Head on 20th.

2002 The only spring record was 1 on Cape Clear on 6th April. The majority of records were in mid-September, with 1 on Cape Clear on 13th and 2 there the following day. Singles were at Robert’s Cove on 15th, Mizen Head and Firkeel on 16th, and Cape Clear on 18th. Last record of the year was on Dursey on 7th October.

2003 The only spring record was 1 at Knockadoon Head from 13th to 15th April. In autumn, 1 was on Cape Clear on 27th August, while in September, 1 was on Mizen Head on 5th, with 1 on Dursey on 16th, 2 there on 26th, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th, and singles on Cape from 20th to 21st and on 26th. Two were on Mizen Head on 27th. October singles were on Cape Clear on 12th, and Dursey on 14th, 23rd and 24th.

2004 One was on Dursey on 22nd May, with another on Mizen Head on 28th. In autumn, a male was at Mizen Head on 10th October and a first winter male was at Ardnahinch on 5th November.

Whinchat Saxicola rubetra Uncommon passage migrant, mostly in autumn.

1996 One was on Dursey on 18th June. In September, 2 were at Knockgriffin on 17th, 3 on Cape Clear on 19th, 3 at Garinish and 4 at Galley Head on 21st. On Dursey there were 10 on 21st, 12 on 23rd, 4 on 24th, and 8 on 25th and 26th, with 1 there on 30th.

1997 The only spring record was 1 on Cape Clear on 19th April. In autumn, 1 at Kilcolman on 23rd August remained until 5th September. Singles were at Ballycotton on 31st August, 1st and 2nd September, at Dursey on 11th September, Knockadoon Head on 19th October and Inch on 9th November.

1998 There were no records in spring. In September, 2 were on Dursey on 1st, with 4 there on 2nd, and 3 at Garinish on 4th, with 1 there on 27th. Singles were on

196 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Cape Clear on 27th, and Dursey on 30th. October records involved 1 at Mizen Head on 3rd and several records from Dursey, with 1 on 3rd, 2 on 5th, and singles on 8th, 17th and 19th.

1999 In spring, there were singles on Dursey on 28th April and Ballycotton on 30th. On 29th August 1 was at Ballycotton and 2 were at Mizen Head. One on Dursey on 5th October was the last record for the year.

2000 No spring records received. In autumn, singles were at Garinish on 10th September and Dursey on 3rd September and 1st October.

2001 One in Cork City in late January was the first winter record for Ireland (J Wilson et al). In autumn, 1 was on Cape Clear on 26th September, with October singles there on 8th, and 18th to 22nd. On Dursey in October there was 1 on 18th, 2 on 20th and 1 on 22nd.

2002 There were no spring records. In September, there were 3 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 14th, (at least 2 of which remained until 1st October), 2 at Galley Head on 15th, 6 at Garinish on 17th, 1 at Nohoval and 6 on Dursey on 21st, and 1 at Barry’s Head on 22nd. October records involved singles on Dursey on 1st and 5th, with 2 there on 6th, 1 at Garinish on 5th and 10th and 3 at Mizen Head on 10th.

2003 The only spring record was at Douglas on 19th April. In August, 1 was on Cape Clear on 24th, with 2 there on 26th, 7 on Mizen Head on 30th, and 1 on Galley on 31st. In September, 5 were on Dursey on 5th, with 3 there on 10th, 1 on 16th and 17th and 2 on 26th. Singles were also on Cape Clear on 17th and 25th. One was at Power Head on 21st and 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 25th. In October, 1 was at Cape on 2nd, with 1 at Firkeel and 2 on Dursey on 12th, 2 at Galley Head on 16th with 1 there on 17th and 1 at Garinish on 20th. A very late bird was at Ballycotton on 21st, 24th, and 27th November.

2004 In spring, 1 was at Galley Head on 21st May. In September, 2 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th, with singles at Galley Head on 11th, 15th and 30th, and the last of the year being singles on Mizen Head and Galley Head on 28th October.

Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Common resident. Under-recorded, but apparently increasing.

1996 The only records received were 1 at Ballintlea Bridge on 4th May and 2 at Maulavanig on 5th December.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 197 Systematic List

1997 Five records were received. One was at Knockakeo on 4th January and 6 were there in June. One was at Coosane on 7th February, 2 at Banane on 21st April and 2 at Ballygroman Upper on 12th December.

2000 The only record submitted was 1 at Duhallow on 16th April.

2003 A pair at Ballycotton on 10th April was the only record received for the year.

2004 One at Cove, Bantry on 1st August was the only record received.

[Siberian Stonechat] Saxicola torquatus maura Rare vagrant.

1998 One on Cape Clear on 24th September (J Diggin, S Farrell)* was the 3rd county record of this eastern race.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Common passage migrant and summer visitor. Status of the Greenland race as a passage migrant is uncertain.

1996 The first of the year was at Ballycotton on 17th March, followed by 2 on Dursey on 18th. The peak spring count on Dursey was 20 on 21st March. In autumn, there was a high count of 70 on Dursey on 23rd September and the last record of the year was 1 at Mahon on 27th October.

1997 Nine on Dursey on 22nd March were the first for the year. In summer, 9 were seen at the Healy Pass on 3rd July and 8 were at Ballycotton on 17th August. Peak counts in autumn came from Dursey, with 30 there on 11th September. One at Glounthaune on 26th October was the last record received.

1998 No records were received for the spring. 60 on Dursey on 3rd June was a high count. On 27th September 20 were at Ballycotton and 42 were at Pilmore. Last of the year was at Ballycotton on 29th November.

1999 The only spring record was of 12 on Dursey on 27th April. One at Ballycotton on 14th November was the last record received.

2000 Early records were 1 at Ballycotton on 14th March and 3 on Dursey on 15th March, with 20 there on 28th. Last record received was on Dursey on 4th October.

198 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2001 One on Dursey on 15th March was followed by 14 there on 17th and 31st. The last record of the year was of 3 on Dursey on 22nd October.

2002 March records involved 2 on Dursey on 13th, with 39 there on 15th, 1 at Inch on 17th and 6 at Baltimore on 30th. In autumn, 6 were at Power Head on 12th August and 15 were on Dursey on 4th September. One on Dursey on 25th October was the last record received.

2003 In March, 3 were on Dursey on 13th, with 22 there on 18th, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 26th, 4 at Mizen Head on 27th and 1 at Roches Point on 30th. The highest count of the autumn was 30 on Dursey on 23rd September and the last record of the year was 1 there on 20th October.

2004 First of the year was at Roches Point on 19th March, with 3 on Dursey on 23rd, and 3 at Pilmore on 25th, when Dursey had 8. In April, 11 were on Cape Clear on 10th, with 12 there on 12th, and 15 at Ballycotton on 1st May. High autumn counts involved 30 at Ballycotton on 23rd August and 10 at Galley Head on 9th September. The last records of the year were singles at Ballinwilling on 5th November, at Pilmore on 6th November and Knockgriffin on 9th November.

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Rare vagrant

1998 A first winter at Dirk Bay, Galley Head on 25th and 26th October was the first record for Ireland (C Styles, MD Styles et al)*

Hermit Thrush, Dirk Bay, October 1998 – Phil Davies

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 199 Systematic List

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Rare vagrant.

1999 One at Garinish on 11th and 12th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster et al)*. The 3rd county record of this American thrush.

[Catharus thrush sp.]

2003 An unidentified Catharus thrush, probably a grey cheeked thrush, was reported from Cape Clear on 11th October (E O’Donnell).

Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Scarce passage migrant. Breeding status uncertain, though has bred in small numbers in the past.

1996 A male was on Dursey on 24th March and a female was there on 30th October.

1997 There were no records in spring. In October, singles were on Dursey on 19th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd, with 1 at Galley Head on 26th and 2 there on 27th.

1998 The only records received were 2 on Dursey on 1st May, with 1 there on 2nd.

2000 Three were on Dursey on 8th April, with 1 there on 1st May. There were no autumn records received.

2001 There were no spring records. In October, 1 was at Crookhaven and 3 were on Dursey on 20th and singles were on Cape Clear on 9th, 22nd and 28th-30th.

2002 All records received were from October when singles were on Dursey on 16th and 22nd, with 1 at Garinish on 21st.

2003 One on Dursey on 17th April was the only spring record. In October, 3 were on Dursey on 15th, with 2 there on 16th and 3 again on 18th, when there was also a male at Galley Head. On 19th single birds were at Garinish, Crookhaven, Dunowen and Knockadoon, with 1 on Dursey from 21st to 25th. October records from Cape Clear involved 1 on 12th, 4 on 15th, and 1 from 25th to 26th.

2004 One on Mizen Head on 31st March was the only spring record. In October, 1 was on Dursey on 9th with 2 on Cape Clear on 9th and 10th, and the last record of the year 1 on Mizen Head on 30th.

200 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Blackbird Turdus merula Common resident and passage migrant. Under-recorded.

1997 The only record received was 21 on Dursey on 24th October.

2001 The only records received were from Dursey. Ten were recorded on 19th and 28th October, with 19 there on 9th November.

2002 The only record received was 1 at Curravordy in November.

2003 The only records received were from Dursey in October, with 50 there on 15th, 55 on 24th, and 45 there on 27th.

2004 One in Bantry on 1st August, 15 on Dursey on 27th October, 10 on Galley Head on 29th October and 12 there on 1st November were the only records received.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Common winter visitor.

1996 The only counts received were from Dursey. One was there on 9th February, with 12 on 14th October and 1 on 1st November.

1997 60 were on Dursey on 20th October, with 142 there on 22nd. Twenty were at Inch on 27th October.

1999 The only records received were 1 on Dursey on 24th April and 4 on Sherkin on 15th October, with 1 there the following day.

2000 18 at Ballyannan on 29th December was the only record submitted.

2001 65 on Dursey on 28th October was the only record received.

2002 Up to 4 were on Dursey in October and 30 were at Ballyannan on 17th November.

2003 15 on Dursey on 18th October, 60 at Clonakilty on 22nd November, 40 at Inch on 24th November and 50 on Dursey on 18th December were the highest counts received.

2004 Peak counts in January were 11 on Dursey on 19th and 10 at Ballyvergan on 21st. A flock of 90 were at Ballymore on 8th February and Dursey had 30 on 14th February. In March, 100 were at Lisgoold on 4th, 20 were near Leamlara on 10th and 18 were at Ballycotton on 14th. In October, 7 were on Dursey on 9th, and

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 201 Systematic List numbers rose to 20 there on 25th and 27th, with 5 on Mizen Head on 10th, 1 on Cape Clear on 21st, 1 at Galley Head on 29th and 3 there on 30th. Five were on Dursey on 14th November.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Common resident and passage migrant. Under-recorded.

1997 20 on Dursey on 24th October was the only count received.

2001 The only count received was 50 on Dursey on 28th October.

2003 The only records received were from Dursey in October with 15 there on 15th, 20 on 20th, 35 on 24th and 27th.

2004 One in Bantry on 7th August. In October, 2 were on Galley Head on 27th, with 6 there on 28th, 15 on 29th, and 6 there from 30th to 2nd November. 30 were on Dursey on 29th October and 8 on Dursey on 5th December.

Redwing Turdus iliacus Common winter visitor.

1996 12 on Cape Clear and 161 on Dursey on 14th October were the only counts of note.

1997 The highest count received was 83 on Dursey on 22nd October.

1998 Two on Sherkin on 7th October, 3 there the following day and 4 on Dursey on 21st October were the only records received.

1999 Late birds were on Dursey on 23rd April and 2nd May and on Cape Clear in the first week of May. Highest counts were 7 on Sherkin on 17th October and 8 on Dursey on 30th December.

2000 In spring, 1 was on Dursey on 30th April. The highest winter count was 40 at Ballannan on 29th December.

2001 24 were on Dursey in February, with late singles there on 7th April and 9th May. The highest autumn count was also on Dursey, with 300 there on 28th October.

2002 In October, 70 were on Dursey on 16th and 25th, when 120 were at Allihies. 50 were at Ballyannan on 27th November.

202 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 Highest counts received were 56 at Ballyannan on 25th January, and 75 on Dursey on 18th October. In spring, 1 was at Knockadoon Head on 13th April.

2004 Eight were on Dursey on 1st January, with 30 at Bird’s Hill on 2nd January, 75 in Cobh and 23 at Ballymore on 8th February and 1 in Cork City on 27th March. One was on Cape Clear on 9th April, and a late spring bird was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 2nd May. In October, 100 were on Dursey with 5 at Galley Head on 9th, 20 on Mizen Head on 10th, 2 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 12th, 3 at Galley Head on 13th, 2 at Red Strand on 14th, 3 on Cape Clear on 17th, 30 on Dursey on 28th and 40 at Baltimore on 31st. Six were at Galley Head on 29th, with 4 there on 30th and 6 on 2nd November. Eight were on Dursey on 19th December.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Uncommon though widespread resident.

1997 The only record received was 1 on Dursey on 25th October.

2000 Two at Ballyannan on 24th June was the only record submitted.

2001 The only records submitted were 1 on Dursey on 19th October, with 3 there on 28th.

2002 Only 3 records were received. Singles were on Dursey on 16th July, Garinish on 5th October and 31 were in Cork City on 14th October.

2003 Four at Passage West on 21st September, 45 over Ballinlough in Cork City on 25th September and 2 on Dursey on 24th October were the only records of note.

2004 Singles at Rossleague on 10th January, Bantry on 14th August, 7 at Baltimore on 14th October and 1 on Dursey on 28th October were the only records received.

Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Rare vagrant.

2001 A male was in song at Ballymacoda on 21st May (P Smiddy)*. Following a review of previous records, in 1968 and 1975 by the Irish Rare Birds Committee, the species was removed from the Irish List in 2003. This record was submitted later, and now becomes the first Irish record of the species.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 203 Systematic List

Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia Scarce passage migrant and summer visitor. Uncommon breeding species, mostly in the north Cork hills.

1996 May singles were at Knockacareigh on 3rd, Ballyvergan on 5th and Dunmanway on 24th, with 2 there on 20th June. Two were at Coolaneague on 2nd July and another was at Farnanes also in July.

1997 First record of the year was 1 at Banane on 23rd April. In May, 2 were at Knockakeo, 1 at Lough Beg on 1st, 2 at Ballyvergan on 14th and 1 was at Castlelack Lake on 25th. Peak count at Kilcolman was 2 on 17th July.

1998 Singles at Bengour East on 28th April and Roches Point on 1st May were the first for the year. Inland, 3 were singing at 1 site in the Mullaghareirks on 15th with 3 more at different locations there on 26th. Two were in the Nagle Mountains on 28th, 1 in the Ballyhouras on 7th June and 2 at Coolkelure on 5th July. In autumn, 1 was on Dursey on 28th August, with another there on 1st September.

1999 In April, a minimum of 5 were on Dursey at the end of the month, and singles were in the Ballyhouras and Ballyvergan on 27th. Two singing birds were on Cape Clear in the first week of May and 1 was at Ballynoe on 11th. Two were in the Mullaghareirks on 7th June with a third bird heard there on 13th. Two were at Barry’s Head on 8th July. There were no autumn records submitted.

2000 First records of the year were on Dursey on 8th and 28th April. These were followed by 1 at Ballyvergan on 1st May and 1 at Kilcolman on 11th June.

2001 There were several records in early May. On 1st, 1 was at Pilmore and 2 were at Ballyvergan, with singles at Coolea, Grousemont and on Dursey on 2nd. Singles were also recorded there on 7th and 8th. One was at Blarney on 2nd July.

2002 The only record submitted was 1 on Cape Clear on 8th April.

2003 One on Dursey on 20th April remained until 22nd. In May, 3 were at Ballyvergan on 1st, with 1 at Kiskeam on 25th. One was at Ballyvergan on 7th June and 3 were in the Nagles on 14th June.

2004 First of the year was a singing male in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. In May, 1 was at Knockadoon Head and 1 was at Allihies on 1st, 2 were on Dursey and 2 were in the Nagles on 2nd, 1 was in the Mullaghareirks on 14th and 1 was at Ballyvergan on 15th, with 1 there on 16th June.

204 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Common summer visitor and passage migrant.

1996 Only 4 records were submitted. One was on Dursey on 3rd June, with 1 at Knockakeo on 16th June. A minimum of 3 were recorded at Dunworly Bay on 12th July, and 1 was on Dursey on 23rd September.

1997 Two were at Knockakeo in May, and singles were on Dursey on 29th and 30th August. No other records were submitted.

1998 The only records received were singles on Dursey on 29th August and 1st September.

1999 The only record submitted was of 3 on Dursey on 27th April.

2000 Peak arrival was in late April and early May. Three were on Dursey on 28th April with 1 at Lough Beg the following day. Numbers peaked on Dursey on 4th May when 13 were recorded. The only other record was 2 at Midleton on 16th July.

2001 Ten at Ballyvergan on 25th April was the first record of the year, with 4 on Dursey on 2nd May. Three were recorded at Midleton on 25th June. One on Cape Clear on 19th October was the only autumn record received.

2002 Singles at Ballyvergan on 25th April, and Lough Beg on 28th April were the first of the spring. In May, peak counts were 8 at Lough Beg on 6th and 15 on Dursey on 8th. In autumn, 4 were at Clogheen Marsh on 18th August and 1 was on Dursey on 5th October.

2003 Five at Ballyvergan on 17th April were the first of the year, followed by 1 at Inch on 19th April, with 3 there on 21st. A minimum of 7 were at Ballyvergan on 2nd May. There were 2 autumn records, both on Dursey. One was present on 21st September, with another on 21st October.

2004 Six on Cape Clear on 24th April and 6 at Long Strand on 26th April were the first records of the year. In May, 13 were on Dursey on 1st, with 50 there the following day, 15 on Cape Clear on 26th and 35 there on 30th. Last birds were recorded in August, with 1 at Galley Head on 12th and 1 at Knockadoon Head on 26th.

Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus Scarce summer visitor, breeding in small numbers at few sites. Uncommon passage migrant.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 205 Systematic List

1996 In spring, singles were at Ballycotton on 27th May and 5th June. In autumn, 1 on Dursey on 22nd September was followed by 1 at Firkeel the following day, with another there on 5th October. Also in October, 1 was at Galley Head on 23rd. On Cape Clear 60 bird days were recorded between 18th August and 27th October (CCBO).

1997 Two at Ballycotton on 28th May were followed by 3 there on 15th June. One was at Garinish on 11th September, 1 at Mizen Head on 10th October, 1 at Inch on 25th October, with the last of the year on Dursey on 26th October. On Cape Clear 38 bird days were recorded between 20th August and 31st October, with maximum counts of 3 on 29th September and 3rd October (CCBO).

1998 First of the year was at Ballycotton on 13th May. The only other record from the first half of the year was at Flaxfort Marsh on 16th June. Two were at Ballycotton on 2nd August, with 1 on Dursey on 30th August. In September, singles were at Firkeel and Garinish on 2nd, with another there on 5th. At the end of the month 1 was on Dursey on 26th. One was at Mizen Head on 3rd October. On Cape Clear there were 34 bird days between 1st September and 12th October, with a peak count of 4 on 26th September (CCBO).

1999 First of the year was at Ballyvergan on 3rd May. The peak count there was 10 on 16th May. One was at Firkeel on 24th October. On Cape Clear there were 28 bird days recorded between 23rd August and 23rd October (CCBO).

2000 In May singles were at Pilmore on 1st, 21st and 28th, and Ballycotton on 10th and 14th. The peak count at Ballyvergan was 10 on 28th. One was at Ballycotton on 30th July and 1 was at Garinish on 5th October. On Cape Clear single birds were recorded on august 25th-26th and 28th, and 9th September (CCBO).

2001 Spring records were confined to 2 at Ballyvergan on 26th April. In autumn, singles were on Cape Clear on 4th, 26th and 28th September and 2nd October. In the middle of October singles were on Dursey and Firkeel on 13th, and Cape Clear on 18th, with 3 at Firkeel and 7 on Dursey on 19th. Four were still on Dursey on 20th, when 1 was on Cape Clear. One was at Crookhaven on 22nd, 1 at Dirk Bay on 25th and 1 at Baltimore on 31st.

2002 The first record of the year was at Ballyvergan on 25th April, with a peak of 3 there on 31st May. It was a good autumn with 1 at Dirk Bay on 18th August, while in September, 1 was on Cape Clear on 15th to16th, another on 26th, 1 was at Ballyvergan on 17th, 3 at Firkeel on 18th with 1 there on 20th, and 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 19th. October records involved 5 individuals at Firkeel, 6 on Dursey, and singles at Mizen Head on 3rd, the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th, and 2 at Dirk Bay on 27th, with 1 there on 28th. On Cape Clear in October there were 33 bird days recorded from 1st to14th, with a maximum day count of 7 on 8th.

206 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 Spring records were all from Ballyvergan, with 1 there on 24th April, 2 on 30th April and 4 on 16th May. One was then at Mizen on 30th August. In September, singles were on Dursey on 6th and 14th, with 2 there on 18th, 1 on 23rd, and 3 on 26th. One was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 23rd, with 3 there on 25th. In October, singles were at Firkeel on 8th, 12th and 16th, Dursey on 12th, Garinish on 12th, 14th and 16th, and Crookhaven on 14th. On Cape Clear there were 29 bird days between 29th August and 4th October, with a maximum of 4 on 23rd September (CCBO).

2004 In May, 1 was heard singing at Garretstown on 2nd, with 2 at Ballyvergan on 7th and 6 there on 15th and 2 there on 16th June. One was on Dursey on 22nd and 24th May. Mizen Head had 5 on 16th September, and 1 was at Inch on 31st October. On Cape Clear 12 bird days were recorded between 10th September and 7th October, with 1 also seen on the late date of 31st October (CCBO).

Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris Rare vagrant.

2004 A first winter was at Galley Head from 30th September to 3rd October (C Barton et al)^. If accepted, this will be the third Irish record and 2nd for Cork, with the first being in August 1991 at Ballyvergan.

Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephaus agricola Rare vagrant.

2000 One at Garinish on 5th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster et al)* was the 5th Irish record, the 2nd for the county, but the first one found alive, following 1 found dead at Galley Head on 13th October 1991.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida Rare vagrant.

1999 One on Cape Clear on 18th September was trapped on 7th October and remained until 9th October (SJ Wing et al)*. A report of this bird on 21st October was also received (D O’Sullivan). This is the 2nd record for Ireland and Cork

Following a review in 2003 of all Olivaceous Warbler records in Ireland, by the Irish Rare Birds Committee, the following Cork records are now acceptable, in addition to the 1 above:

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 207 Systematic List

1977 Dursey Island, 16th September (Irish Birds 1:267) – now accepted as the 1st Irish record of Eastern Olivaceous Warbler.

Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata Rare vagrant.

2004 One was at Ballycotton on 2nd September (G Gordon et al)*. This was the first record for Cork, and only the second Irish record, following a bird on Tory Island in September 2003. It arrived on the same day as a juvenile Citrine Wagtail there.

Sykes’ Warbler Hippolais rama Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1990 One was on Cape Clear on 17th October (A McGeehan, DR Bird, E O’Donnell)*. The first Irish record of the species.

This bird was originally accepted as an Olivaceous Warbler, but following review in 2003 by the Irish Rare Birds Committee, has been re-identified as a Sykes’ Warbler.

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina Scarce autumn migrant.

1996 In September, singles were on Cape Clear from 5th to 8th (DP Boyle, R Mundy et al)*, Dursey on 23rd (AAK Lancaster)* and the Old Head of Kinsale on 24th (BINS).

1997 A good autumn. In August, singles were reported on Dursey on 11th (BINS), and on Cape Clear on 20th to 21st (M Boyle et al). In September, singles were on Dursey and at Firkeel from 11th to 12th (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)* and were reported on Cape Clear on 18th (NE Robinson), with 3 there from 19th to 21st (NE Robinson et al) and 2 remaining until 24th (NE Robinson et al). The last of the year was reported at Mizen Head on 6th October (M Shorten).

1998 In September, 1 was at Garinish on 1st and 2nd, joined by a second bird there on 2nd (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*, with 1 bird reported present on 3rd (BINS). One was also at Lehanemore (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)* on 1st and 2nd. In October, 1 was reported at Crookhaven from 2nd to 7th (BINS).

208 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1999 In August, 1 was on Cape Clear from 23rd to 29th (CCBO)*, with a second bird there on 29th (E Dempsey et al)*. One was reported at Crookhaven on 24th (BINS), and 1 was at Galley Head on 25th (E Archer et al)*, with another there on 28th and 29th (H Hussey et al)*.

2000 A poor year with 2 on Cape Clear on 6th September (CCBO) the only record received.

2001 One reported at Rosscarbery on 22nd September (BINS) was the only record received.

2002 There were 4 records received, all in September. One was on Cape Clear (PM Walsh)* on 14th, with singles reported at Galley Head also on 14th, Mizen Head on 16th (BINS) and at Firkeel on 17th (BINS).

2003 A 1st winter was at Galley Head on 4th September (MJ Whittingham et al)* with one reported on Dursey on 2nd (BINS) and another there on 26th September (DA Scott)*.

2004 In September, singles were on Cape Clear on 1st and 4th (SJ Wing, GA Oliver et al), Galley Head on 4th (BINS), and on Mizen Head from 2nd to 6th (BINS).

Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta Scarce though almost annual migrant.

1996 Two October records. One was at Inch on 12th (P Moore et al)* and 1 was on Cape Clear on 13th (P Kelly et al)*.

1997 One was reported on Cape Clear on 21st September, with 2 reported there on 22nd (NE Robinson, DJ Thomas), and another reported there on 28th September (NE Robinson et al). A fourth bird was seen on 17th October (M Cornish et al)*.

1998 Two records received, both from Cape Clear. One there on 27th and 28th September (CCBO) and 1 on 8th October (C Mellon et al)*.

1999 One was at Galley Head on 28th and 29th August (H Hussey et al)*.

2000 One was at Knockadoon Head on 7th May (P Moore)*, and 1 on Cape Clear on 25th August (CCBO).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 209 Systematic List

2002 Four records, all in September. One was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 12th and 13th (G Gordon et al), 2 were reported at Baltimore on 15th (BINS), with 2 reported at Mizen Head on 16th (BINS), and 2 reported at Firkeel on 17th (BINS).

2003 One was reported on Dursey on 21st August (BINS), with 1 on Cape Clear from 24th to 26th August (SJ Wing et al)*, and another on Dursey from 1st to 19th September (DA Scott et al)*.

2004 In August, singles were on Dursey from 10th to 15th (DA Scott et al)*, Galley Head on 12th and 13th (C Barton et al)^ and 1 was reported at Firkeel on 25th (BINS). One was reported at Toe Head on 10th September (BINS), and singles were on Cape Clear on 4th (D Hunter et al) and 10th to 11th October (CCBO).

Previous record: 1991 One on Cape Clear on 27th August (H Delaney, L Muirhead, RD Steele et al)*. This record was previously rejected, but is now considered acceptable.

Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Uncommon summer visitor, common passage migrant, increasingly overwintering.

1996 A male was present in Ballincollig from January until mid-March, up to 3 males and 3 females were present in Midleton in February and March and 2 were in Douglas on 24th February. One at Roches Point on 6th April was probably a spring migrant. Two records were received for singing males at inland sites, 1 at Bagwells Wood on 24th April and 1 at Gurteen Wood on 2nd July. Autumn records from Dursey involved singles on 21st September, 23rd to 27th September and up to 6 there in October. Elsewhere, 1 was at Garinish on 22nd September, 1 was at Firkeel and Mizen Head on 8th October, and 7 were at Galley Head on 23rd October. In December, 2 were at Grange on 1st, and 1 was in Douglas on 31st.

1997 Two were in Midleton gardens on 12th January. Spring records received involved 1 on Dursey on 16th March, a male at Glanturkin on 20th April and a singing male at Currabinny Wood on 23rd April. Five singing males were at Killavullen in June, in coniferous forestry. In autumn, 1 was on Dursey on 10th and 11th September and 16 were on Cape Clear on 17th October, with 4 still there on 19th. Elsewhere in October, singles were at Ballybranagan and Inch and up to 5 were on Dursey on 25th, with 10 at Galley Head on 26th and 1 at Firkeel on 27th. One was at Dunmore on 22nd November, and males at Douglas on 30th November and at Currahilly on 14th December were the last of the year.

1998 Wintering records between January and March involved singles in Douglas, Grange, the Lee Fields, and 2 in Midleton. Up to 20 territories were reported at various sites in the county from May to July. One was on Dursey and 1

210 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List at Garinish in late September, and singles were widely scattered at coastal sites in October. Two birds were reported in December, in Douglas and Greenmount.

1999 Three were in Douglas, 5 in Cork City and 2 in Midleton in January, with 2 at Knockgriffin in February and a female at Greenmount on 6th March. In spring, a peak count of 10 was on Dursey on 28th April. In October, singles were at Galley Head on 4th, Sherkin on 12th, with 2 there on 15th and 16th, 2 at Mizen Head on 13th, and 3 at Firkeel on 24th. 1 was at Passage West on 7th November, while in December, 1 was at Farran on 24th, 2 at Cobh on 29th and 1 was in Douglas.

2000 Records from January involved 2 in Cork City, 2 at Crosshaven, 2 in Midleton, and singles in Monkstown, Douglas and Mahon, with 2 at Passage West, 1 at Greenmount and 1 in Cobh in March. There were no breeding records submitted. In October, singles were on Dursey on 4th, Garinish on 6th and 11th, with 2 on Sherkin on 8th. Two were at Passage West and Douglas in November, with 1 at Rostellan on 16th and 1 at Dirk Bay on 18th. One was at Greenmount, 2 at Crosshaven, 1 at The Lough and 2 at Cork Marina in December.

2001 Wintering birds were on Great Island, Midleton, and Cork City in January, Greenmount in February, Passage West in March. Three were in Cork City in April, with a male seen in May and June. Good numbers were recorded on passage in October, with 15 on Dursey, 27 at Firkeel, 28 on Garinish and 40 on Cape Clear on 19th, with 50 there the following day, when 8 were at Knockadoon Head. Three were at Mizen Head on 21st, 15 were still on Dursey on 28th and 2 were at Baltimore on 29th. In December, 3 were at Harper’s Island on 20th, singles were recorded in Cork City and Crosshaven on several dates and 2 were in Cobh on 30th.

2002 Singles were recorded at Ladysbridge and Cork City in January and 2 were in Passage West in March. In May, migrants were at Knockadoon Head on 5th May and 2 were on Dursey on 6th. In September, singles were at Galley Head on 15th, the Old Head of Kinsale on 19th and the highest count was 3 at Firkeel on 20th. Five were at Garinish from 7th to 11th October, and 4 were on Dursey on 8th and 19th, with a peak of 5 there on 29th October. At the Old Head of Kinsale 1 was present on 10th, 2 were there on 21st, and 1 there on 23rd and 31st. Singles were at Passage West, Dursey, Roches Point and Rosscarbery in November, and 2 were at Midleton and Carrigaline in December.

2003 Wintering birds were in Cork City, Cobh and Midleton in January, and the Old Head of Kinsale in March. In April, 2 were at Knockadoon Head on 9th, 2 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 15th, 3 were at Dursey on 18th, 1 at Trabolgan on 19th with 2 there on 20th. Two were in Cork City on 21st and 2 were in the Ballyhouras on 25th. One was at Kilkeran Lake on 10th May and 1 was at Inch on 18th May, with 5 at Glenbower on 4th June, and singles at Passage West, Mallow

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 211 Systematic List and Lough Aderra in July. Peak numbers in October involved 10 on Dursey 2 on Cape Clear and 15 at Garinish on 12th, 10 at Galley Head and 3 at Toe Head on 18th, with singles at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th and Knockadoon Head on 19th and 29th. In November, 2 were at Knockadoon Head on 7th with 3 there on 12th, 2 were at Beara and 4 at Galley Head on 9th. Singles were recorded at Ballyfeard, Tivoli, Cork City, and Dursey in December, with 2 in Cobh.

2004 In January, wintering birds were in Cork City on 1st, 17th and 26th, Great Island on 10th, and 2 were in Mahon on 25th. Two males were at the Atlantic Pond, Cork with another male in Cork City on 28th March. Peak counts during spring were 6 on Dursey on 1st May, with 10 there on 2nd. In September, singles were on Dursey on 5th and 25th, Galley Head on 15th and 30th, and 3 were at Knockadoon Head on 24th. Peak counts in October were 5 on Dursey on 19th and 28th, when 3 were on Mizen Head, and 4 were on Galley Head. Two were at Knockadoon Head and Galley Head on 29th, with 3 at Toe Head, 2 at Roches Point and 6 at Galley Head on 30th and 20 at Baltimore, 3 at Knockadoon Head, 6 at Toe Head, 6 at Sand’s Cove and 2 at Galley Head on 31st. In November, singles were at Galley Head on 1st, Ballyandreen and Dursey on 5th, and Clonakilty on 27th. Last bird of the year was a female at Mahon on 3rd December.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Uncommon passage migrant. Has bred in the past.

1996 Four records received. Singles were on Dursey on 20th June, 21st September and 14th October. 1 was at Mizen Head on 8th October.

1997 There were 2 May records received, 1 at Mizen Head on 3rd, and 1 at Inch Strand on 4th. In September, 1 was on Dursey on 10th and 1 was at Inch on 28th.

1998 No spring records received. One was on Dursey on 3rd June. In autumn, singles were on Dursey on 31st August, Garinish on 1st September, Mizen Head on 3rd October, Dursey on 5th October and Sherkin on 6th October.

1999 Only 3 records were received. One was at Inch on 25th April, 1 was on Cape Clear on 6th to 8th May, and 1 was at Galley Head on 24th August.

2000 Three records were received, all from Dursey. Singles were recorded on 3rd May, 30th September and 2nd to 4th October.

2001 There were no records in spring. In October, singles were on Dursey on 8th and 19th, Garinish on 13th, 15th to 16th and 19th, when 1 was at Firkeel, and 2 were on Cape Clear. The last record of the year was at Baltimore on 29th October.

212 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2002 No spring records. In September, 4 were on Cape Clear on 13th, with 6 there on 14th, when 2 were at the Old Head of Kinsale. Three remained on Cape Clear on 16th, when 1 was on Sherkin. Singles were on Dursey on 21st to 23rd and Cape Clear on 28th. There were several records on Dursey in October with 2 on 1st, and singles on 6th, 8th, 15th and 31st.

2003 In June, 1 was on Dursey on 6th and 1 was at Douglas on 18th. In September, singles were on Cape Clear on 1st, with 2 there on 20th, singles on Dursey on 15th and 25th. In October, 1 was at Firkeel from 5th to 10th and another on 16th, with 2 at Garinish on 15th, and 1 at Knockadoon on 19th.

2004 In spring, 1 was on Dursey on 17th May, and 1 was on Cape Clear on 26th May. In September, singles were on Cape Clear on 2nd, the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th and Dursey on 18th. Singles were on Cape Clear on 17th October and Dursey on 28th October.

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Occasional autumn passage migrant.

1996 Three autumn records. One on Dursey on 29th August (DA Scott)*, with 1 on Cape Clear on 15th October (E Archer, S Doherty)* and 1 at Sand’s Cove on 2nd November (J Diggin)*.

1997 A first year bird was on Cape Clear on 30th and 31st August (NE Robinson, D Thomas)*.

2002 A first year bird was on Dursey on 9th September (DA Scott et al)*, with another reported on Cape Clear on 30th September (CCBO).

2004 Two were reported on Mizen Head on 16th September (BINS), with 1 at Firkeel on 9th October (K Grace)*. One was reported on Mizen Head on 29th to 31st October (A O’Brien) with another there on 30th and 31st October (C Cronin et al).

Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Very scarce passage migrant, mostly in autumn.

1996 In October, singles were on Dursey on 1st, at Inch on 14th and at Firkeel on 15th. Singles were seen on Cape Clear on 8th to 10th September, 17th September, 5th to 9th October, joined by another on 6th to 9th October, and 1 on 16th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 213 Systematic List

1997 On Cape Clear, 1 was present from 25th to 29th April, with 2 birds there on 29th. In autumn, singles were there on 16th September, 15th and 17th October. Singles were at Galley Head and Sands Cove on 25th October.

1998 No spring records. In autumn, singles were on Cape Clear on 14th to 16th September, Galley Head on 26th September, Dursey on 6th October, Crookhaven on 10th and 11th October, and Firkeel on 16th October.

1999 A good year. In spring, 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 25th April, and 1 on Dursey on 5th May. In autumn, 1 on Cape Clear on 7th September was followed by several records in October with singles on Dursey on 4th, 9th and 13th, Galley Head on 9th, Mizen Head on 10th, Cape Clear on 14th and 17th and Sherkin on 15th.

2000 One on Dursey on 30th April was the only spring record. In autumn, singles were on Cape Clear on 24th September, 2nd and 21st October (CCBO), Crookhaven on 5th October and Galley Head on 7th October.

2001 No spring records. In autumn, 1 was on Cape Clear from 14th to 27th September. In October, singles were on Dursey on 3rd, Toe Head on 13th, and Baltimore on 20th, when 2 were also at Crookhaven. Singles were at the Old Head of Kinsale and Red Strand on 21st. On Cape Clear there were 12 bird days in October, with no day count exceeding 1, with 1 there on 2nd and 3rd November (CCBO).

2002 No spring records received. One was at Knockadoon Head on 3rd June. In autumn, 1 was on Cape Clear from 14th to 16th September, and 1 was at Firkeel on 17th September. October records involved 1 on Dursey on 1st and 2nd, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 9th with 2 there on 10th until 16th, 1 on Cape Clear from 10th to 15th, 1 at Garinish from 14th to 18th, 1 at Firkeel on 19th, 1 at Ballydonegan on 23rd and 1 on Cape Clear on 29th.

2003 A poor year with singles at Knockadoon Head on 16th May and Cape Clear on 30th August. In September, singles were at Glandore on 8th and Cape Clear on 21st, 27th and 28th with 2 on Dursey on 22nd and 1 there on 26th. A very late bird was reported from Cape Clear on 2nd November (CCBO).

2004 The only spring records were 1 on Cape Clear on 18th May and 1 on 28th May. In autumn, 1 was at Glandore on 8th September, with 1 at Galley Head on 9th September, 1 on Mizen Head on 19th September, 2 on Dursey on 26th September, and 1 on Cape on 27th September. In October, singles were on Cape Clear from 10th to 14th, 18th, 23rd to 28th, Mizen Head on 29th and Dirk Bay on 30th.

214 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis Common summer visitor.

1996 First of the year was at Knockacareigh on 3rd May. There were few other records submitted. The latest record received was 1 at Knockadoon Head on 26th October.

1997 There were no records submitted for the spring. In June, singing males were recorded at 3 inland sites; 1 was at Banane, with 3 at Knockakeo and a minimum of 6 at Killavullen. The only autumn record received was 1 on Dursey on 11th September.

1998 One at Douglas and 2 at Barry’s Head on 9th May were the earliest records received, followed by 6 at Knockadoon Head on 30th May. Only 2 autumn records were received, with 1 on Dursey on 2nd September and 1 on Sherkin on 5th October.

1999 Four on Dursey on 27th April were followed by 8 there the following day. A pair and 3 fledged young were seen in Cork City on 22nd June. In August, singles were at Galley Head on 24th and 29th, when 2 were at Barry’s Head.

2000 First record of the year was on Dursey on 29th April, followed by 7 there on 5th May. The only other records received were 4 in Midleton on 15th July and 1 on Dursey on 2nd until 4th October.

2001 The only spring record received were 6 on Dursey on 2nd May. In autumn, singles were on Galley Head on 22nd September, Dursey on 3rd and 8th October, the Old Head of Kinsale on 14th October and Cape Clear on 20th October.

2002 First record of the year was 1 at Knockadoon Head on 25th April. In May, singles were on Dursey on 6th and 8th. Autumn records involved 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 15th September, with 2 there on 20th and 1 on Dursey on 6th October. There were no other records submitted.

2003 Two on Cape Clear on 26th April were followed by 2 at Ballymacoda the following day. In summer, 4 were at Knockadoon Head on 3rd June and 5 singing males were at White Bay on 21st June. The peak autumn count involved 5 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 3rd September with 1 there on 18th. Other autumn records involved singles on Dursey on 4th, 10th to 17th, and 26th September, and at Garinish on 5th and 12th October.

2004 First of the year were 5 at Knockadoon Head and 12 on Dursey on 1st May, with 2 at Sandy Cove, 11 at the Old Head of Kinsale and 8 on Dursey on 2nd. Also in May, 2 were at Galley Head on 15th, and 8 were on Cape Clear on 26th, with 2 there on 27th. In autumn, 1 was on Dursey on 21st August and 6th September

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 215 Systematic List and 2 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th September with 1 there on 17th September.

Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata Rare vagrant.

1999 An adult male was on Dursey from 16th to 23rd May (N Linehan, D O’Sullivan et al)*. The 6th county record.

2003 One on Brow Head on 31st March (D Ballard, H Hussey, A O’Brien et al)* was reported into April.

Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans Rare vagrant.

2000 Adult males were on Cape Clear on 6th May (SJ Wing)* and Dursey on 8th May (DA Scott)*.

2001 A first year male was reported at Toe Head from 12th to 14th October (S Enright et al).

2002 One was at Crookhaven from 3rd to 8th October (E Carty, P Wolstenholme et al)*.

2003 Single birds were reported at Crookhaven on 4th and 11th October (BINS).

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides Rare vagrant.

1997 One was at Ballycotton from 22nd to 25th September (P Moore et al)*. This is the 14th Irish record, and the first to be recorded on mainland Cork.

1999 A first winter bird on Cape Clear from 30th August until 5th September was trapped and ringed (C Knight et al)*. A second bird, a 1st winter, was on Mizen Head on 16th September (JE Simms, P Wolstenholme et al)*.

2000 One on Dursey on 3rd September was the first record for the island (DA Scott et al)*.

216 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Pallas’s Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus Rare vagrant.

1997 One was at Dunowen Head (B Cummins)* from 25th to 27th October.

1998 One was reported at Crookhaven on 11th October (BINS).

1999 One on Cape Clear on 18th and 19th October (M Smyth et al)* was the 20th Irish record.

2001 One was reported on Mizen Head on 20th October (A Duggan et al).

2003 An exceptional year. One was on Cape Clear on 12th and 13th October (S Farrell, H Gallagher et al), with another there from 9th to 10th November (SJ Wing)*. Two found at separate locations at Knockadoon Head on 6th November were still present on 7th, with 1 remaining to 10th November (H Hussey et al)*. Two were found together at Galley Head 8th November, with 1 remaining to 11th (C Barton et al)*. Singles were reported on Mizen Head on 12th and 13th November (BINS) and at Barleycove on the late dates of 1st to 4th December (BINS).

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus Scarce but regular vagrant in autumn.

1996 A total of 6 birds were recorded. One on Dursey on 25th September remained until 30th, with another there on 8th October and a third on 24th. Elsewhere in October, 1 was at Crookhaven on 9th and 10th and 1 was at Inch on 23rd, with the last of the year at Knockgriffin on 4th November.

1997 Four records, all in autumn. One was on Cape Clear on 28th to 30th September, with another there on 30th and 31st October, 1 was at Garinish on 27th October and 1 was at Inch on 9th November.

1998 A good year with 7 birds recorded, all in October. One at Crookhaven on 2nd was joined by a second bird on 3rd, with singles on Dursey and Sherkin on 8th, the latter remaining until 10th. One was on Cape Clear on 15th, 1 was at Red Strand on 17th and 18th and 1 was at Galley Head on the same day, with the last being 1 on Cape Clear on 31st October.

1999 All records were from October. One was on Cape Clear from 12th to 14th, with 4 there on 15th & 16th, 5 on 17th, and 1 on 19th and 20th (CCBO). One was ringed on Sherkin on 17th, when 1 was also at Firkeel, remaining until 23rd.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 217 Systematic List

2000 In October, singles were on Dursey and at Galley Head on 6th, with another at Dirk Bay on 7th, 2 on Cape Clear on 21st and 1 at Crookhaven on 25th.

2001 On Cape Clear, 1 was present on 25th September with another there from 26th to 27th. A new bird was found on 12th and 13th October, and this was joined by a second bird on 14th. Up to 4 were recorded on 19th, with 5 there the following day, although only 1 was seen on 21st to 23rd. Elsewhere, singles were at Firkeel and Garinish on Yellow-browed Warbler – Phil Davies 19th.

2002 The first record of the autumn was on Cape Clear on 28th September. In October, 12 bird days were recorded on Cape Clear with a maximum of 2 on 8th and 15th. Also in October, singles were on Mizen Head on 3rd, Dursey and Galley Head on 15th, the Old Head of Kinsale on 17th, Dursey and Garinish on 18th, and Firkeel on 22nd.

2003 A good year. In September, birds were on Dursey on 15th and 25th with 2 there on 26th, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th, and 2 on Mizen on 28th. In October, singles were on Galley Head on 14th to 16th and 18th, Dursey Sound on 17th, 23rd and 27th, and at Garinish on 17th and 18th, with 2 there on 20th, and 1 on 27th. One was on Dursey on 20th, with another at Firkeel on 25th. Singles were at Ballylanders on 19th and Toe Head on 19th and 25th. At Crookhaven there were 2 on 9th and 10th, 5 on 11th, 3 on 12th with 2 remaining to 19th. On Cape Clear 50 bird days were recorded between 18th September and 2nd November, with the maximum day count being 7 on 16th October (CCBO).

2004 One in the grounds of UCC, Cork City from 2nd to 13th April was an unusual record (G Gordon). In October, singles were at Garinish Point and Schull on 11th, Cape Clear on 12th, 15th, 23rd and 28th, with 2 at Baltimore on 14th and 19th, 1 at Toe Head on 16th and 1 on Mizen Head on 29th.

218 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Hume’s Warbler Phylloscopus humei Rare vagrant.

2003 A first winter found at Knockadoon Head on 18th December (H Hussey et al)* remained into 2004. This constitutes the first record for Ireland, and occurred days before the 2nd Irish record in County Wexford.

2004 The long-staying individual at Knockadoon Head was last seen on 6th January.

Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi Rare vagrant.

1996 One was reported at Galley Head on 22nd October (P Davis, D O’Sullivan).

2001 On 21st October, 1 was reported on Cape Clear (E Archer), and 1 was at Mizen Head (P Wolstenholme et al)*. This latter was the 9th accepted Irish record, and the 4th for the county.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus Rare vagrant.

1998 One on Cape Clear on 26th September (J Diggin et al)* was only the 6th accepted Irish record, and the 4th for the county.

Western Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Rare vagrant.

1999 An elusive bird at Galley Head on 25th and 26th August (D Macadams, D O’Sullivan)^.

2004 A first winter bird was on Three Castles Head (Mizen Head) from 28th to 31st October (D Ballard, A O’Brien et al). A description has not been submitted to the IRBC.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 219 Systematic List

[Western/Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler] Phylloscopus bonelli/orientalis Rare vagrant.

Following a review of all Bonelli’s Warbler records in Ireland up to 1999, by the Irish Rare Birds Committee, the following Cork records are now considered acceptable as either Western or Eastern Bonelli’s Warblers, but cannot be assigned to either species. Further details in Irish Birds 7: 407-408, 413.

1968 One on Cape Clear on 28th August 1968 (Irish Bird Report 16:44) 1984 One at the Old Head of Kinsale on 22nd August (Irish Birds 3: 117-118) 1990 One at Liss Ard on 12th September (Irish Birds 5:99) 1991 One at Crookhaven on 1st September (Irish Birds 5:471)

Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Very scarce passage migrant. Removed from IRBC rarities list with effect from 1st January 1998 (migrants).

1996 All records received were from Cape Clear. One was present on 7th August, and in September 1 was there on 14th, with 2 there from 15th to 18th, and a third on 16th.

1997 One was on Mizen Head on 3rd May. September birds on Cape Clear involved 1 from 10th to 12th, another from 13th to 25th and a third from 20th to 22nd.

1999 The only record was 1 on Dursey on 28th April.

2000 Two were on Cape Clear on 6th May, with 1 there on 26th July, and another on 6th September (CCBO)

2001 One on Cape Clear on 12th October was the only record received.

2002 Two records were submitted, both from Cape Clear. One was present on 22nd August, with another there on 16th September.

2003 All records came from Cape Clear where there was 1 on 15th May, 1 from 3rd to 6th June, joined by a second bird on 4th, and 1 from 27th to 29th September (CCBO).

2004 All records were from Cape Clear. One was present on 22nd and 23rd August, with 3 there on 2nd September.

220 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Common summer visitor and passage migrant. Scarce in winter, but has wintered regularly in small but increasing numbers since the 1960’s.

1996 Wintering birds were recorded at The Gearagh and at Dunkettle in January and February. The first migrants were 2 on Dursey on 14th March, with a peak of 10 there on 21st. Several breeding records were received. In autumn, peak October counts were 10 on Cape Clear on 13th, with 15 there on 14th, 15 at Galley Head on 23rd, 43 on Dursey on 24th, 12 at Mizen Head on 25th, 35 at Knockadoon Head on 26th, and 15 at Inch on 27th. A peak of 17 were on Dursey on 2nd November, with 4 at Inch Strand on 16th November. One was at Currabinny Wood on 29th December.

1997 A wintering bird was at Ballyfeard on 15th February, with spring migrants at Rochestown on 11th March, and Dursey and Knockagoul on 23rd March. 15 were on Cape Clear on 19th April, with 9 at Inch on 20th April. Peak autumn numbers were 15 on Cape Clear on 18th October and 13 on Dursey on 26th October with low numbers at other coastal sites. In December, singles were at Tracton on 7th, Ballyfeard on 8th and Mahon on 27th.

1998 In February, singles were at White’s Marsh on 14th, the Atlantic Pond, Cork on 21st, and Inch on 22nd, with 3 in Cork City on 1st March. 20 at Roches Point on 29th March was a good spring count. Few autumn records were received, with 3 on Dursey on 6th October, 2 at Mizen Head on 7th October and 3 at Garinish on 22nd October being the highest counts. In December, singles were at Behagh on 3rd, Rostellan on 6th and Cuskinny on 31st.

1999 Wintering birds were recorded at Ballycotton, Lisnacunna, Rochestown, Rosscarbery and Ballinrea in January and February, with 5 in Clonakilty on 6th March and 10 on Dursey on 29th April. In October, peak counts were 4 on Sherkin on 9th with 14 there on 15th, and 4 at Firkeel on 24th, with low numbers elsewhere. Late birds were at Garrettstown on 9th November and Dirk Bay on 11th December.

2000 Peak spring count was 14 on Dursey on 8th March. In October, 4 were on Dursey on 2nd, with 5 at Garinish on 6th and a minimum of 2 at Dirk Bay on 7th. Singles were at Nohoval Cove on 30th October, Sands Cove on 18th November and Ringabella on 29th December.

2001 The first record of the year was 1 at Lough Beg on 3rd February. In spring, 3 were on Dursey on 18th March, with a peak of 8 there on 26th. Highest counts in autumn were 13 on Dursey on 19th October, with 15 there and at Garinish on 20th and 5 at Dirk Bay on 30th. In December, singles were in Cork City on 6th, Dursey on 9th and Douglas on 23rd.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 221 Systematic List

2002 In January, 1 was at Ladysbridge on 7th, with 2 in Cork City on 8th, and 1 at Cuskinny on 9th. The only spring record received was 1 on Dursey on 16th March. Peak October counts involved 25 birds at the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st, 39 on Dursey on 22nd, with 13 there on 29th, and 68 at Garinish on 23rd, when 8 were at the Old Head of Kinsale. Six at Kilkeran Lake on 30th November and 6 at Lough Beg on 15th December were wintering birds.

2003 Three were on Great Island and 1 at Ladysbridge in January, with 3 at Lough Beg on 19th. In spring, 8 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 26th March, with 3 at Crosshaven on 18th April and 8 on Dursey on 20th April. High October counts were 10 at Garinish on 13th, 10 on Dursey on 16th with 9 there on 20th, 7 at Galley Head on 18th, 11 on Cape Clear on 27th with low numbers elsewhere. 14 were at Beara on 9th November, with 20 at Galley on 10th. In December, 1 was at Lough Beg on 6th, with 2 at Ballyfeard on 13th, 2 in Cork City on 14th and 1 on Dursey on 29th and 30th.

2004 In January, 5 were at Bird’s Hill on 2nd, with singles at Fountainstown on 4th, Great Island on 10th, Knockadoon Head on 21st, 7 at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 29th and 2 on Dursey all month. Singles were seen at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 8th February and heard singing in Cork City on 9th and 12th February. The first migrants began to appear in March, with 2 on Dursey on 24th, 3 at Knockadoon Head on 25th, 3 on Dursey and 25 on Cape Clear on 26th. Peak counts in September were 3 at Galley Head on 5th, 3 at Sand’s Cove and 4 in Dirk Bay on 15th and 10 at Knockadoon Head on 24th. Low numbers were recorded at several sites throughout October, but peak numbers came at the end of the month, with 300 on Cape Clear, 500 on Mizen Head and 6 at Galley Head on 27th, 30 on Mizen Head, 30 on Galley Head and 550 on Cape Clear on 28th, 300 on Mizen Head, 300 on Cape Clear and 20 on Galley Head on 29th, 10 at Kilkeran Lake, 20 at Galley Head, 40 at Toe Head, and 50 at Mizen Head on 30th and 7 at Knockadoon Head, 5 on Dursey, 150 at Baltimore and 15 on Galley Head on 31st. In November, 4 were in Dursey and 15 were on Galley Head on 1st, with 8 there on 3rd and 7 at Knockadoon Head on 4th. Mizen Head had 40 on 6th, which was the last big count of the year. In December, singles were at UCC on 8th, Dursey on 21st and Great Island on 29th.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Common summer visitor and passage migrant.

1996 Few records were received. Peak count was 3 on Dursey on 16th August, with 1 on Cape Clear on 14th October and 1 at Galley Head on 23rd October.

1997 Eight on Cape Clear on 19th April, 2 at Inch on 20th April and 3 on Dursey on 10th August were the only records received.

222 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 Two at Ballyhonack on 5th April was the only spring record received. Peak autumn counts were 6 on Dursey on 1st September and 2 on Sherkin from 2nd to 4th October.

1999 Peak spring counts were 5 at Knockadoon Head on 3rd April, and 2 on Dursey on 21st April, with 13 there on 27th April. The only autumn records received were 3 at Galley Head on 24th August and 1 on Sherkin on 12th October.

2000 In April, 12 were at Knockadoon Head and 2 were on Dursey on 7th, with 1 at Duhallow and 8 on Dursey on 30th. In autumn, singles were at Garinish on 30th September, Dursey on 2nd and 6th October, Garinish and Sherkin on 7th October, Toe Head on 8th October and the Old Head of Kinsale on 12th October.

2001 Four on Dursey on 2nd May and 5 at Knockadoon Head on 4th June were the only spring records received. Only 3 autumn records were submitted, all in October, when singles were on Dursey on 2nd, Allihies on 19th and Cape Clear on 20th.

2002 Only 3 spring records were received, all in March. One was at Castlefreke and 2 were at Lough Beg on 29th and 1 was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 31st. Peak autumn counts were 8 at Knockadoon Head on 31st August and 3 on Dursey on 21st September with October singles at the Old Head of Kinsale on 1st, Dursey on 4th, 22nd and 29th, and Garinish on 7th and 13th.

2003 In March, 2 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 26th, 1 was on Dursey on 27th, 1 was at Ladysbridge on 29th with 2 in Cork City on 31st. A peak of 6 were on Dursey on 1st April. In autumn, numbers peaked at 5 on Dursey on 21st September, with October singles at Garinish on 5th, Cape Clear on 11th, Galley Head on 17th and 18th and Dursey on 27th.

2004 First of the year were 5 on Cape Clear on 26th March. Spring passage involved 5 at Knockadoon Head on 15th and 21st April, 50 at the Old Head of Kinsale and 8 on Dursey on 2nd May. Inland, 50 were in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. Peak autumn counts were 7 on Dursey on 18th August, and 7 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th September. In October, singles were on Dursey on 9th, Galley Head on 25th, Knockadoon Head on 29th, and Mizen Head on 30th. Singles at Owenahincha and Clonakilty on 27th November were the last of the year.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus Common resident and passage migrant. Under-recorded.

1996 Few records were received. Peak counts were 4 on Dursey on 8th October and 8 on Cape Clear on 14th October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 223 Systematic List

1997 Six on Dursey on 25th October was the only record received.

1998 Only 4 records were received, all in autumn. Seven were at Garinish on 4th September, with a minimum of 7 at Inch Strand on 13th September. In October, 11 were on Mizen Head on 7th and 5 were on Dursey on 8th.

1999 Good numbers were recorded in October, although no counts were received for the rest of the year. On Sherkin, a minimum of 20 were recorded on 9th and 10th, with at least 60 there on 11th, 50 on 12th and 14th and 30 on 15th. Four were on Mizen Head on 13th and 4 were at Inch Strand on 31st.

2000 Peak counts were 4 on Dursey on 22nd March, 15 on Sherkin and 6 at Galley Head on 7th October, 7 at Toe Head and 8 on Sherkin on 8th October, 3 at Dirk Bay on 29th October, 2 at Rocky Bay and 6 at Nohoval Cove on 30th October.

2001 Few records received. Peak counts were 3 at on 10th October and 4 on Dursey on 14th October.

2002 Peak counts were 4 at Firkeel on 20th September, 4 on Dursey on 23rd September and 24 at Garinish on 15th October. Few other records were submitted.

2003 20 at Galley Head on 2nd October, 16 at Garinish on 19th and 24th October, 6 on Dursey on 27th October and 3 at Knockadoon Head on 8th November were the peak counts. Few other records were received.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 3 on 24th March, 6 on 7th September, 100 on 9th October, 40 on 10th October, 8 on 18th October, and 1 on 26th November. Elsewhere in October, 10 were at Crookhaven and 35 at Mizen Head on 10th, with 30 at Galley Head on 12th, 25 at Baltimore on 14th, 20 at Galley Head on 15th and 25th, and 10 there on 29th, and 20 at Baltimore on 31st.

Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla Scarce autumn passage migrant, with occasional records through to early winter.

1996 The only records received were 1 on Cape Clear on 21st September (CCBO) and 1 at Galley Head on 23rd October.

1997 One was at Inch on 18th September, and 1 was at Ballycotton on 24th to 26th September. One was on Cape Clear on 25th October with 3 there on 30th, 4 on 1st November with 1 remaining to 6th, and another there on November 20th. One was on Dursey on 26th October.

224 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 Singles were at Ballylanders and Churchtown South on 22nd February, Cape Clear on 25th to 27th September and 1st October (CCBO), and Rathbarry on 21st November.

1999 One was on Sherkin on 19th February, 1 was at Ballycotton on 14th October, and 1 was at Crookhaven on 20th October. On Cape Clear a total of 43 bird days were recorded between 9th October and 9th November, with a peak daily count of 4 on 17th and 23rd October (CCBO).

2000 A winter bird was on Cape Clear on 22nd January, with 2 there on 19th March. In October, 1 was at Crookhaven on 5th, with 2 at Crookhaven and 6 at Galley Head on 25th. Four were on Mizen Head the following day, and 2 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 27th, with 1 at Holy Ground on 29th. On Cape Clear 34 bird days were recorded between 4th and 29th October, with a peak of 8 on 23rd.

2001 A good year. Wintering singles were recorded on Cape Clear and Sherkin in January and February. In March, 1 was on Cape Clear on 18th, with another on Dursey on 26th. In October, 2 were on Cape Clear, Dursey, Crookhaven and the Old Head of Kinsale mid-month, with singles at Firkeel and Galley Head around this time. Last of the year was on Cape Clear on 14th November.

2002 No spring records. In October, singles were on Dursey on 2nd, the Old Head of Kinsale on 3rd, Dursey on 5th, 10th and 13th, Firkeel and Toe Head on 15th, and Cape Clear on 30th October and 1st November. One was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 16th to 21st November.

2003 No records in spring. In autumn, between 6 and 8 were recorded on Dursey, with a peak of 3 on 26th September. October singles were at Galley Head on 12th, 17th and 18th, the Old Head of Kinsale from 13th to 15th, Knockadoon Head on 16th, 2 at Garinish on 17th and 18th, Ballycotton on 18th and 19th, Crookhaven on 19th, and 1 at Firkeel from 20th to 22nd. In November, 1 was at Knockadoon Head on 8th, and 1 at Galley Head on 9th. On Cape Clear 35 bird days were recorded between 26th September and 28th October, with the maximum day count being 5 on 25th October (CCBO). A report of a very late bird at Lissagriffin on 26th December (BINS).

2004 Singles were on Cape Clear on 26th March and 2nd September, with singles there in October on 11th-15th, 17th and 28th.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Uncommon summer visitor and passage migrant. Apparently declining significantly.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 225 Systematic List

1996 A pair bred at Kilcolman NNR. No records were received of spring birds on passage. Autumn passage was relatively light, with a peak of 4 birds at Sand's Cove on 21st September, and records of singles at Mizen Head, Cape Clear, Dursey in October with 2 at Galley Head on 23rd October.

1997 The only records received were from Dursey. Nine were present on 24th May, with singles on 2nd June and 4th September and 2 on 11th September.

1998 The first record of the year was 1 on Dursey on 19th May, with the only other spring record 1 at Inchigeela on 31st May. A wide scattering on autumn passage included birds at Minane Bridge, Garinish (2 records involving 3 birds), Lehanamore, Dursey (2 singles), the Old Head of Kinsale, 2 at Allihies, Baltimore, “good numbers” on Cape Clear in late September, Firkeel and Sherkin Island.

1999 A poor year. Recently fledged young were seen at Rockchapel during the summer. In spring, 1 was on Dursey on 29th April with 2 on Cape Clear on 8th May. In autumn, singles were recorded at Dirk Bay on 26th August, Galley Head on 28th August and Mizen Head on 13th October.

2000 All spring records came from Dursey in May; 1 on 3rd, 1 on 9th, 2 on 10th, with 1 remaining to 11th. Autumn records came from Bandon, the Old Head of Kinsale, Dursey and Cape Clear, with a maximum daily count of 3 at the latter site on 28th September.

2001 No spring records received. Birds were recorded in autumn from Dursey, Mizen Head, Dirk Bay, the Old Head of Kinsale and Garinish, with a peak of 5 at the latter on 29th September. The last record of the year was of a late bird at the Old Head of Kinsale on 20th and 21st October.

2002 One at Ballycotton on 17th May was the only spring record. Good numbers were recorded in autumn, with 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale in August followed by at least 25 birds during September, with peaks of 6 at Toe Head on 15th , 4 at Knockadoon Head on 16th , 3 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 19th, 3 at Ballylanders on 21st and 4 at Galley Head on 25th. Singles were recorded from Dursey (2 dates), Garinish, the Old Head of Kinsale and Cape Clear in October, with the last record of the year there on 29th.

2003 A good arrival in east Cork in spring, with the first at Knockadoon Head on 30th April followed by at least 9 between there and Ring Strand on 4th May, with 4 new birds there on 17th. Records were received for just 2 breeding pairs, with 2 young fledged at UCC and 1 fledged at Mallow Sugar Lagoons. Fewer this autumn than in 2002, with 2 singles at the Old Head of Kinsale, and at least 4 birds on Dursey during September, a peak of 3 at Ring Strand on 6th September and a single at Minane Bridge.

226 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 In May, 5 were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 2nd, 1 was at Galley Head on 3rd, 3 were at Knockadoon Head on 7th, 2 at Ballybranagan on 23rd, 2 on Cape Clear on 26th with 3 there on 27th, and singles on Dursey on 16th and 23rd, with 2 there on 24th and 26th. A pair at UCC on 26th May were feeding fledged young by 21st July. One at Mallow Castle on 17th June was the only other possible breeding record received. In September, singles were on Dursey on 2nd and 7th, Knockadoon Head on 3rd and Galley on 9th, with 5 at the Old Head of Kinsale, 2 at Galley Head and 1 on Dursey on 10th. Last of the year was at Crookhaven on 4th October.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Occasional though almost annual vagrant, with virtually all records in autumn.

1997 A first winter on Cape Clear from 18th October, joined by a second first winter on 21st, with 1 present until 24th (NE Robinson, D Thomas et al)*.

1998 One on Cape Clear on 9th September (CCBO) was the only record.

1999 Three records. An adult male was on Cape Clear from 29th August to 1st September (W Farrelly et al), with a first winter there from 24th to 26th October (P Adriaens, S Farrell, A G Kelly et al) and a first winter at the Old Head of Kinsale on 24th October (J Diggin).

2000 Two records, both of first winter birds. One was on Cape Clear from 7th to 9th October (R H Coombes, H Delaney et al), and 1 was at Galley Head on 18th October (J Diggin, H Hussey et al).

2001 Reports of singles from Cape Clear on 25th September (SJ Wing), a first winter on the Old Head of Kinsale on 5th and 6th October (H Hussey), Cape Clear on 19th (CCBO), and Crookhaven on 20th October (BINS). Single first winter birds were on Dursey on 19th October (DA Scott) and Knockadoon Head on 20th October (T Gittings).

2002 Single birds reported were an adult in the Firkeel/ Dursey area from 20th to 22nd September (DA Scott, P Rowe et al), a first winter on Cape Clear on 23rd September (SJ Wing), with another first winter bird there on 6th October (SJ Wing et al).

2003 A first winter was on Cape Clear from 15th to 19th September (SJ Wing et al)*, another there from 16th to 19th October, joined by a second bird on 18th (CCBO), and a report of a first winter on Dursey on 27th October (BINS). An exceptionally late bird was at Barleycove, Mizen Head from 1st to 4th December (D Ballard, E Carty et al).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 227 Systematic List

2004 Singles were on Cape Clear on 2nd September (CCBO) and 9th and 10th October (R Vaughan).

Previous record: 1995 One was on Cape Clear on 29th October (S Farrell et al).

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Uncommon passage migrant, mostly in autumn, very scarce in spring.

1996 No spring records. In autumn, 1 was on Dursey on 13th August, with a different bird there on 18th, 1 on Cape Clear on 8th September, 5 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 17th, 2 on Galley Head on 18th, 8 on Cape Clear on 19th, singles at Garinish and Galley Head and 2 at Sand's Cove on 21st and 1 at Lehanemore on 23rd.

1997 Two singles in spring, on Cape Clear on 20th April and Inch Strand on 20th May. A poor autumn. In August, singles were at Garinish on 12th and 13th, Cape Clear on 20th, with 2 at Galley Head on the latter date and another single at Garinish on 29th. During September, birds were reported from Dursey on 11th, Inch Strand on 18th with 3 birds at the Old Head of Kinsale on 28th.

1998 In spring, a male was on Dursey on 19th May. A reasonable scattering in autumn. In August, there were 3 on Cape Clear on 29th with 1 at Firkeel on 30th. September records included a total of 8 birds in the Dursey/Firkeel area during the month, with singles at Inch Strand and Cape Clear on 27th. In October, 1 on Sherkin Island from 2nd was joined by 2 more on 4th, with 2 remaining on 5th. One was at Mizen Head on 3rd.

1999 A male was at Ballycotton on 26th April. All autumn records were during August. A peak of 6 were on Cape Clear on 23rd, with 2 at Galley Head on 24th, and 6 there the next day, and 2 remaining until 29th, with 1 at nearby Dunowen on the latter date. Five were at Crookhaven on 24th, with 2 on Mizen Head on 29th.

2000 An extremely poor year, with an adult male on Dursey on 6th May and 1 on Sherkin Island on 8th October.

2001 One was on Cape Clear on 12th May, with 4 there on 13th, and 2 on 15th. In autumn, 1 was on Cape Clear from 24th to 26th, 2 were on Dursey on 28th August with 1 still there on 29th, while up to 6 were recorded on Cape Clear from 21st to 30th September. In October, 2 were at Crookhaven on 4th, with singles at Dirk Bay on 6th , Cape Clear on 7th, Crookhaven on 14th, and 2 at Galley Head from 18th to 20th. Singles were also at Firkeel and Garinish on 19th, Dirk Bay on 21st, and Cape Clear and Crookhaven on 22nd September.

228 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2002 In August there were singles near Clonakilty on 20th and on Cape Clear on 21st and 22nd. Very strong passage was noted during mid-September, when 17 were on Cape Clear on 13th, with 26 there on 14th and 15 on 15th and 16th; with 9 at both Mizen Head and Toe Head on 15th. Birds were also reported from Garinish, Knockadoon Head, the Old Head of Kinsale, Galley Head, Red Strand, Inch Strand, Sand's Cove, Baltimore, Sherkin and Firkeel, with the last of the year there on 20th to 22nd September.

2003 In August, singles were at Ballycotton on 9th and 14th, Galley Head on 24th, with 2 there on 28th, Roches Point on 26th, Baltimore on 29th, Mizen on 30th and Galley on 31st. Large numbers seen on Cape Clear in August, with a maximum of 22 on 25th August. Average numbers were recorded in September, with site maxima of 4 on Dursey on 4th and 15th, 10 on Cape Clear on 5th and 20th, 1 at Mizen on 5th, 1 at Glandore on 8th, 3 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 5th, 2 at Knockadoon Head on 12th and 27th, 2 at Galley Head on 14th and 3 at Toe Head on 26th September.

2004 First of the year was 1 on Dursey on 6th June. In August, 1 was on Cape Clear on 9th, 3 were at Ballycotton on 10th, with 1 on Galley Head on 12th, 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 13th, and 5 on Dursey on 18th. On Cape Clear, 1 was present on 20th, with 2 there on 21st and 22nd, and 1 on 23rd. In September, 1 was on Cape Clear on 2nd, with 2 on Mizen Head on 6th, 1 on Dursey and 1 on the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th and 1 at Galley Head on 25th September.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalus caudatus Common resident.

1996 Birds were reported from Ballintlea Bridge, Graig Upper, Gurteen Wood, Prap, Brosneen and Currabinny Wood, with a maximum count of 15 at the latter site on 22nd December.

1997 The only record received was of 21 at Duke's Wood on 30th September.

1998 14 were at Rochestown on 27th July, with 20 at Duke's Wood on 27th August.

2000 Eight were at Nohoval Cove on 30th October.

2001 18 were at Ballyannan Wood on 26th October, with 10 at Kinsale Marsh on 26th December.

2002 20 at Midleton on 15th December were the only birds reported.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 229 Systematic List

2004 The only records received were singles on Cape Clear on 21st and 23rd October.

Coal Tit Parus ater Common resident. Birds of the Continental race are scarce autumn passage migrants.

1996 A high count of 45 from Ballintlea Bridge on 11th September.

1997 One at Firkeel on 10th September, with 1 of indeterminate race on Dursey and 30 at Inch Strand during October.

2001 In October, a maximum of 3 at Garinish and 1 on Dursey on 5th.

2002 Singles at Garinish on 9th and 10th October, another there on 16th and 1 at Ballydonegan on 23rd.

2003 Two on Dursey on 2nd October, 2 there on 23rd October and 1 at Galley Head on 17th October were the only records received.

2004 The only records received were singles on Cape Clear on 23rd October and at Long Strand in November.

Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Common resident. Under-recorded.

2001 Six on Dursey on 18th September, with a peak of 7 there during October wer ethe only records received.

2002 The only records received were from Dursey, with 2 there on 12th March, 4 on 1st September, 1 on 22nd, 1 on 1st October and 2 on 5th.

2003 Again, the only records submitted were from Dursey. Singles on 1st January and from 23rd to 26th September, with a peak of 3 birds during October and a single on 28th December.

2004 Singles were on Dursey on 16th April, 18th September and 4th and 31st December. The only other records received were 1 with 1 young at Cuskinny on 16th May and 1 in Bantry on 1st August. One pair bred at Long Strand.

230 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Great Tit Parus major Common resident. Under-recorded.

2000 One on Dursey on 2nd January, was the only record received.

2001 One on Dursey on 22nd July, with 2 there on 17th September, were the only records received.

2002 The species was said to be 'much more frequent than in recent years' on Dursey (per DA Scott). No other records submitted.

2004 The only records received were from Dursey, with 2 there on 5th July, 1 on 9th and 4 on 15th July, 8 on 8th October, and 2 on 12th and 18th October.

Common Treecreeper Certhia familiaris Uncommon resident, scarce in the west. Under-recorded.

1996 Birds were reported as being present in the following areas: Doolieve Wood, Ballymartle Wood, Brosneen, Ballintlea Bridge, Coosane, Knockacareigh, Banane, Knockakeo, Bagwell's Hill, Maulavanig, Gurteen Wood, Glendine Bridge and Prap. Most of these were seen in conifer plantations (per PM Walsh).

2002 One at Firkeel on 16th October. This was the first area record and the only record received.

2004 The only records received were singles at Rockchapel on 24th April and in Baltimore on 14th and 19th October.

Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus Very scarce spring migrant, rare in autumn.

1996 A first summer male was at Ballycotton from 23rd to 28th April (P Moore et al)*.

1997 A total of 5 birds recorded on Cape Clear with an adult male and a female/immature on 7th May (NE Robinson)*, a female/immature on 16th (NE Robinson)*, another female/immature from 1st to 3rd June (GA Oliver et al)*, and another from 25th to 27th June (NE Robinson et al)*. One was on the Marathon gas platform on 31st May (M Sheehan et al)*. A female/immature was reported at Mizen Head on 3rd May (M Shorten).

2000 A report of 1 on Cape Clear on 17th May (SJ Wing).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 231 Systematic List

2001 A female or second-year male was on Cape Clear on 12th May (SJ Wing)*.

2002 A female/immature on Cape Clear from 26th to 30th May (SJ Wing, P Wolstenholme et al)* was trapped and ringed. What may have been the same bird was then seen on 3rd and 12th June.

2003 A female/immature was at Knockadoon Head on 4th May (H Hussey)*, with 1 on Dursey on 3rd June being the first island record (DA Scott)*.

2004 An adult male was at Ballyvergan on 15th May (J Power et al).

Previous record: 1994 Three female/immature birds on 2nd May at the Old Head of Kinsale (J Diggin et al)*. These were in addition to the 2 females already published from the area on 11th May (Cork Bird Report, 1994), and bring the total number of birds recorded in 1994 to an incredible 20.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio Very scarce passage migrant, mostly in autumn, rare in spring.

1996 A first year was on Cape Clear from 7th to 11th September (DP Boyle et al)*.

1998 Four records, all in autumn. A first year was on Cape Clear from 31st August to 1st September (SJ Wing), with another first year there on 20th September (E Carty et al). A first year was on Dursey from 30th to 31st August (K Grace, AAK Lancaster), with a female/immature at Garinish on 4th September (K Grace, AAK Lancaster).

2001 Two records of first year birds, 1 at Crookhaven from 7th to 13th October (P Wolstenholme et al)*, and 1 on Dursey on 19th October (DA Scott)*.

2002 A notable spring record was of an adult male on Dursey on 21st May (DA Scott)*. There were 3 autumn records of first year birds, with singles on Cape Clear on 3rd September (CCBO) and between 14th and 18th September (SJ Wing et al)*, with 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 20th and 21st September (C Barton et al)*.

2003 Three records of first year birds, with 1 on Dursey from 14th to 16th September (DA Scott et al)*, 1 reported at Mizen Head on 1st October (BINS), and 1 at Knockadoon Head from 19th to 29th October (P Moore et al)*.

232 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 In May, a female was on Cape Clear on 17th (SJ Wing, M Gade), with another female reported near Baltimore on 25th (C Cronin). In September, 1 was on Cape Clear from 15th to 27th (SJ Wing), with a first winter at Knockadoon Head from 24th to 29th September (H Hussey, I Hill), and this or another reported there on 7th October (BINS). A first winter was on Mizen Head from 29th October to 3rd November (P Wolstenholme).

Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator Rare migrant.

1997 A female was on Cape Clear from 3rd to 5th May (GA Oliver et al)*.

1998 An adult female was on Cape Clear from 23rd to 29th April (E Carty, SJ Wing et al)*.

2002 A second year female of the Balearic race ‘L s badius’ was on Mizen Head from 3rd-5th June. This constitutes the first Irish record of this race (D Ballard, M Hanafin, H Hussey, M O’Keeffe et al)*

2003 A 2nd year male was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th April (R O’Driscoll et al)*.

2004 One was on Cape Clear on 5th and 6th May (SJ Wing et al).

Previous record: 1962 A bird on Cape Clear from 14th to 26th September was originally accepted as a Lesser Grey Shrike, but has since been reviewed by the IRBC in 1998 and is now considered to be a Woodchat Shrike.

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor Rare vagrant.

Previous record: 1962 A record on Cape Clear from 14th to 26th September was reassessed by the IRBC in 1998 and was accepted as a Woodchat Shrike. As a result, the record of a Lesser Grey Shrike at Ballycotton on 6th September 1985, now becomes the first county record (Irish Birds 3:643).

Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius Widespread though generally uncommon resident.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 233 Systematic List

1996 Birds were widely reported, with sightings from Dunmanway, Warrenscourt, Duke's Wood, Kilbrittain, Prap, Monteen Wood, Ballintlea Bridge, Knockakeo, Ballard, Innishannon, Gortnacarriga, Glendine Bridge, Tracton, Dunderrow, Lissleigh, Graig Upper, Currabinny Wood and Saleen.

1997 There were records from Knockakeo, Ballintlea Bridge, Monteen Wood, Knocknacareigh, Prap, Currabinny Wood, Monaloo, Killavullen, Farran, Dunmanway, Garretstown, Kilcolman NNR, Warrenscourt, Rathbarry, Clashanimud, Crookstown and Duke's Wood, where 7 were seen on 22nd September. One flushed a Corncrake on Dursey on 23rd October. Breeding took place at Dunmanway, and was likely to have taken place at Farran also.

1998 Birds were reported from Warrenscourt, Duke's Wood, Currabinny Wood, Glenbower Wood, Dunderrow, Shippool, the Ballyhouras Mountains, Kilbrittain, Aultagh, Dromavane, Rostellan and Kilcolman NNR, where 3 flying east on 19th October constituted the first multiple sighting at the reserve.

1999 There were sightings from Dunderrow, Monteen Wood, Glenbower Wood, Garretstown, Currabinny Wood, Kerry Pike, Russell Hill, Inishannon, Rochestown, Kilbrittain, Doolieve, Ryecourt and Kilcolman NNR.

2000 Birds were seen at Ballea Castle, Castlemartyr, Rostellan, , Dunderrow, Ballynacourty, Tracton, Oldcourt, Garretstown and Dunboy, with a family party seen at the latter site on 29th June.

2001 Records from typical habitat included birds seen at Ballymartle, Duke's Wood, Béal na Marbh, Knockakeo, Kilcolman NNR and just outside Cork City on the Lee Road. One was watched flying south out to sea at Roches Point in February, an unusual sighting (T Gittings).

2002 Very few records received this year. Three at Glenbower on 19th April and 1 at Passage West on 19th November.

2003 Records from Castletownbere, Droum, Ballyannan, Blarney Castle, Kilcolman NNR and the Ballyhoura Mountains (latter found having been predated) were typical, but 1 at Garinish on 13th October was the first area record.

2004 Singles at Rossleague on 10th January, Dooniskey on 16th January, Mallow Sugar Lagoons, Blarney and near on 25th January, near Midleton on 4th March, Inishannon on 4th June and Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 10th June were the only records received.

234 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Magpie Pica pica Common and widespread resident.

1997 The only record of note was a peak of 11 birds on Dursey on 24th October.

1999 No proof of breeding on Dursey, though birds were present. 12 on Sherkin Island on 11th October. No other records received.

2001 20 on Dursey on 20th October was the only count received.

2002 The only record submitted was 29 on Dursey on 26th October.

2004 One in Bantry on 1st August and 8 on Dursey on 12th October were the only records received.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Locally common resident on the coast, with a bias in distribution towards the south west.

1996 Numbers on Dursey peaked at 60 birds during September and October. Other notable counts were 41 at Inch Strand on 3rd March, 22 at Lissagriffin Lake on 17th March and 25 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 8th October. Two were seen at Riverstick on 4th April, with other records from Currabinny Wood, Ballycotton and Cape Clear.

1997 The peak count on Dursey was 50 birds during October, with 30 at Leanamore on 25th May and 22 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th September. Other records were from Currabinny Wood, Ballytrasna and Riverstick.

1998 Notable counts this year included 15 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 23rd February, 15 at Fennel's Bay from May to September, 67 at Garinish on 1st September and 78 on Dursey on 4th September. Birds were also recorded from Ballycotton and Sand’s Cove.

1999 Few records received this year. Birds were present on Dursey all year, with a peak of 40 during February. Elsewhere, 1 was at Dunderrow on 9th February, 6 were at Ballycotton on 9th August and 1 was near Kinsale Marsh on 17th October.

2000 Again, the majority of records received were from Dursey, where there was a peak of 67 in July, with birds present all year. Elsewhere, 7 were at Ballycotton on 7th May, with 6 at Garinish and 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale during October.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 235 Systematic List

2001 It was estimated that there were about 10 breeding pairs on Dursey, with a maximum count of 65 birds there during July. There were 60 birds at Barleycove on 2nd September, and 20 at Garinish during October, with birds also reported from Ballycotton and Power Head.

2002 At least 8 pairs were on Dursey, with a peak of 50 birds there during September and October. A pair nested inland at a quarry at Madranna (near Cononough) fledging 3 young (T Nagle et al). Up to 16 birds were reported from the Blackball Head area, with records also from Garinish and Inch Strand.

2003 An estimated 10 pairs on Dursey, with a peak of 50 birds there on 16th October. A high count of 77 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 10th July. Other records came from Garinish, Knockadoon Head and the Castletownbere area, where the species was said to be “common”.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 25 in July, 30 in August, 41 on 6th September, and 37 in O ctober. On Cape Clear, 20 were present on 14th April, with 15 there on 29th May. Birds were present and probably bred at Knockadoon Head, Ballycotton, the Old Head, Galley Head and Mizen Head.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula Common resident. The ‘eastern’ race is a rare vagrant.

1997 The only records received were 4 on Dursey on 18th October, with 1 still present on 19th.

1999 The only record of note was 90 on Sherkin Island on 14th October.

2000 A bird showing characters of 1 of the eastern races was reported on Cape Clear during October. No other records received.

2001 An eastern race adult was at Rochestown on 23rd November (H Hussey)*.

2003 The only records submitted were from Dursey where exceptional numbers were recorded, with 200 on 19th October and about 350 on 20th, including a single flock of 300 birds.

2004 Two were on Dursey on 27th March, with 1 there on 30th August. The only other records received were 23 on Cape Clear on 14th April, 1 in Bantry on 1st August and an eastern race bird in Ballycotton on 29th December (M Carmody, H Hussey).

236 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Rook Corvus frugilegus Common resident.

1996 One was on Dursey on 23rd September, with 4 there on 9th and 10th October.

1997 4 on Dursey on 18th October was the only record received.

2000 One on Dursey on 8th October was the only record received.

2001 A series of records from Dursey, with 18 on 20th October, 2 on 21st and 24 on 28th, mostly involved immature birds

2002 Again, all records were from Dursey. One on 14th, 2 on 15th and a minimum of 106 flying east on 19th.

2003 92 on Dursey on 17th, 25 on 18th and 1 on 24th were the only records received.

2004 One in Bantry on 1st August was the only record received.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone Occasional migrant.

1996 On Cape Clear 13 bird days were recorded between 15th September and 24th October (CCBO). One was on Dursey on 21st October.

1997 One on Dursey on 25th May, with 1 at Ballycotton on 19th September.

2002 One was on Cape Clear on 7th May, with another there on 28th October (CCBO).

2003 Three at Garinish on 14th October, 6 on Cape Clear on 19th (CCBO), and 1 on Dursey on 24th.

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix Common resident. This species is common and widespread in the county, but the following were the only records received for the period.

1996 A high count of 110 at Currabinny Wood on 24th May.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 237 Systematic List

2004 The only records received were 28 on Cape Clear on 14th April, 20 on Dursey on 17th May and 1 in Bantry on 7th August.

Raven Corvus corax Generally uncommon resident at both coastal and inland sites, most numerous in the south-west.

1996 The peak count on Dursey was 15 on 3rd August. A pair was likely to have bred at Duke’s Wood, and other records came from Doolieve Wood, Glendine Bridge, Graig Upper, Coosane, Maulavanig, Garinish and Banane.

1997 Few records received this year. Records from Dursey peaked at 25 on 15th September and 14 were at Barry’s Head on 10th September.

1998 Breeding took place on Dursey, and there was a peak count of 21 birds there on 6th October. A flock of 13 there on 24th July were possibly birds from the mainland. Birds were also reported from the Lee Fields, Fennel's Bay, Garinish, Sandy Cove and Ballyannan.

1999 There was no evidence of successful breeding on Dursey this year, but birds were present with a peak count of 15 on 1st February. 12 were at Garretstown on 5th March, 2 in the Boggeragh Mountains on 4th October and 12 at Ballinphellic on 6th December.

2000 Dursey records peaked at 30 on 13th October. Other records came from Duhallow, Ballyannan and Drinagh. 11 were at Castlelack Lake on 24th September and 15 were at Garinish on 21st October.

2001 At least 1 pair bred on Dursey, with the first fledged juveniles on the wing on 24th May and a peak count of 31 on 20th October. Birds were also reported from Cork City, Glenbower Wood and Garinish.

2002 Two pairs bred on Dursey, with a peak of 39 birds there on 5th October. The only other records received were from Glenbower Wood, Kinsale Marsh and Garinish, where there was a peak of 10 birds during October.

2003 Two pairs bred again this year on Dursey, with a peak count of 10 birds there from 14th to 21st October. The only other reports were from Castletownbere and Blackrock.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 20 on 28th February, 8 on 23rd March, 13 on 31st August, 8 in September and 8 on 26th November. One was at Rossleague on 8th February, 10 were in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April, 7 were on Cape Clear

238 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List on 26th May, and 1 was in Cork City and 1 at Cove, Bantry on 14th August, where they are ‘occasional’. Birds were present and probably bred at Knockadoon Head, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Galley Head.

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common resident. Under-recorded.

1996 600 were recorded on Dursey on 27th July, with 200 there on 22nd September. No other counts submitted.

1997 There was a peak of 150 on Dursey during September. No other records received.

1998 150 were on Dursey on 2nd September, with 70 there during October. No other counts submitted.

2000 The only record received was of 100 on Dursey on 10th October.

2001 There were peaks of 300 on Dursey during August and 30 there during October. No other counts submitted.

2002 Peaks of 300 on Dursey on 20th September and 40 during October. No other records received.

2003 A high count of 500 on Dursey on 12th July, with 60 there on 24th October. No other counts submitted.

2004 Counts received were all from Dursey. A flock of 100 on 16th February, 22 in March, 60 on 19th June, 250 on 18th July, 150 in August, 50 in September, 60 in October, 45 in November and 40 in December.

Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus Occasional vagrant, with 12 county records prior to 1996.

1996 A good year, with 4 records. An adult was at the Bravo gas platform off Kinsale from 9th-11th June (H Endean per P Smiddy)*, another adult was at Ballycotton from 20th July to 5th September (P Moore, P Smiddy)*, an adult or second-year was near Allihies on 27th-28th July (AAK Lancaster, DA Scott)*, with a juvenile at the Old Head of Kinsale on 15th September (D Cooke, P Rowe)*.

2000 An adult was on Cape Clear from 15th to 26th May (SJ Wing et al)*.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 239 Systematic List

2001 A juvenile bird was in a garden in Schull from 30th October to 12th November (R Morgan, D Perry, per P Wolstenholme)*.

2002 An adult was reported at Robert's Cove on 8th June (S Bourke), with 2 adults on Cape Clear on 21st, joined by a third adult bird from 22nd to 23rd, with 2 birds remaining to at least 28th (SJ Wing et al)*. Further records of single birds on 2nd and 15th & 16th July may refer to birds from this group (CCBO). These were part of an unprecedented influx into Ireland, which coincided with large numbers in Britain and elsewhere in Europe.

2004 A juvenile moulting into first winter plumage was at Cobh from at least 19th January to 4th February (R McLochlainn, C Cronin et al)*. Single juveniles were at the Old Head of Kinsale on 11th (M O’Keeffe) and 24th September (BINS), Mizen Head on 14th and 15th September (D Ballard) and at Red Strand from at least 9th to 16th October (P Connoughton et al).

House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common resident. This species has declined sharply in many areas of Europe but, other than at well-monitored areas like Dursey, the population trends here are poorly known. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that numbers have fallen over much of the county, and observers are encouraged to comment further.

1996 The only record received was an adult male on Dursey from May until 13th June.

1997 A female was on Dursey on 9th September. No other records submitted.

1998 A male and 2 females were on Dursey from 8th to 18th October. No other records submitted.

1999 Two on Dursey from 29th April to 14th May. No other counts received.

2000 Again, few records received. There was a peak of 8 at Garinish during October, with a female on Dursey on 6th.

2001 The only records received were from Dursey, with 1 on 20th October, and 4 there on 21st October and 9th November.

2002 A minimum of 50 at Garinish during October, with 1 on Dursey from 6th to 10th and 3 there on 14th. No other counts received.

2003 35 at Garinish during October, with 2 on Dursey on 13th and 1 on 21st. No other records received.

240 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2004 Singles were recorded on Dursey on 26th March, 16th April, and 12th May, with 9 there on 19th October. Elsewhere, birds were reported in Bantry and as being still relatively abundant in Gurranabraher, Cork City. No other records received.

Tree Sparrow Passer montanus Formerly localised breeding species, now an occasional migrant.

1996 On Cape Clear 15 bird days were recorded between 7th September and 14th October (CCBO).

1998 5 were at Ballymacoda on 22nd February (P Smiddy).

2000 Two were on Dursey on 4th May.

2001 Six were on Cape Clear on 31st May, with 1 there on 13th June (CCBO).

2002 One was on Cape Clear on 3rd and 4th June (CCBO).

2003 One was on Cape Clear between 20th April and 6th May, and 11 were there from 6th to 16th June (CCBO).

2004 One on Dursey and 1 on Cape Clear were the only records of the year, both on 26th May.

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceous Occasional vagrant, with 14 records in the county prior to 1996.

1996 Three records, all in October. One at Inch Strand on 5th (P Moore)*, 1 at Crookhaven from 6th to 8th (M Shorten, P Wolstenholme et al)*, and 1 on Cape Clear on 14th (E Archer, DP Boyle et al)*.

2000 One on Cape Clear from 5th to 8th October (E Archer, E Carty, RD Steele et al)*. One at Firkeel from 16th to 21st October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster et al)*. One was at Knockadoon Head from 29th October to 2nd November (P Moore)*.

2004 One was on Cape Clear on 5th September (SJ Wing et al) and 1 was at Toe Head on 30th October (H Hussey, J Kennedy).

Previous records: 1992 One at Mizen Head on 4th October (A Duggan)*.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 241 Systematic List

1995 One at Inch Strand on 8th and 9th October (H Delaney et al)* and 1 at Baltimore on 13th October (M Stewart et al)*.

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Under-recorded.

1997 There was a peak count of 100 on Dursey on 24th October. No other records received.

1999 The highest count received was of 9 on Sherkin Island on 14th October.

2001 There were 12 on Dursey and 25 at Garinish on 20th October, with 13 at Dursey on 21st. No other counts received.

2002 There was a minimum of 150 at Garinish on 19th October. No other counts received.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 4 in January, 2 on 6th September, 12 on 7th October and 6 on 17th October. Elsewhere, 70 were at Bird’s Hill on 2nd January, 80 were at Mallow on 3rd January, 45 were in Bantry on 30th August and 15 were on Galley Head on 6th October. No other records received.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. More numerous in some years.

1996 A poor year, with 2 at Cloyne in early January, 1 at Ballycotton on 23rd October and 1 at Graig Upper on 10th November.

1997 One was at Rostellan on 12th March. In autumn, singles were reported from Dursey on 12th, 19th and 25th October, with 5 at Kilcolman NNR on 30th October, 2 of which were still present on 18th November.

1998 The only record received was of 1 at Ballyannan on 25th October.

1999 Again, a poor year, with 1 on Cape Clear on 23rd October the only sighting.

2001 A series of records from Dursey, with a male there on 19th October, a female reported on 27th, with 3 birds on 28th and 1 still present on 29th. On Cape Clear there were singles on 3rd October, and 2nd November, with 2 there on 3rd November.

242 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2002 A better year than of late, with 1 at Midleton on 3rd January, 2 at on 6th, 1 at Tracton on 11th, 4 at Douglas from 11th March (with 2 present until 24th), 1 on Cape Clear on 29th March, 2 there on 31st, singles on Dursey on 15th and 29th October and a female at the Old Head of Kinsale on 21st November.

2003 An average start to the year, with 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 7th April and 2 there on 21st. Good numbers were recorded in the latter months, with 9 to 12 recorded from Dursey during October (peak of 3 there on 13th), 5 at Galley Head on 18th October, 1 at Knockadoon Head on 8th November, 1 at Galley Head on 9th, 5 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 15th, 1 at Knockadoon Head on 16th, 2 at Galley Head on 22nd and 5 at Rathbarry on the same day.

2004 In January, 2 were at Ladysbridge on 1st and 14th, 3 were at Bird’s Hill on 2nd, 4 were at Mallow Sugar Lagoons on 3rd, 11 were on Great Island on 10th, 5 were at Ballycotton on 14th, with 1 there on 19th. Three were at Barry’s Head on 19th February, 1 was at Ballyfeard on 3rd March, and 2 were near Leamlara on 4th March. The largest flocks of the year were 32 at Oysterhaven on 6th March, and 27 at Grange on 20th March. One was at Lough Hyne on 30th March. A poor autumn, with only 2 October records, both on Dursey. Two were present on 24th, with 1 there on 28th.

Serin Serinus serinus Rare vagrant.

2002 A male was on Cape Clear from 27th October to 1st November (AG Kelly et al)*. This was the 5th county record, the previous birds being in 1988, 1979, 1975, and 1947.

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Common resident and autumn migrant. Under-recorded.

1998 The only record received was 3 on Dursey on 18th October.

2000 One was on Dursey on 1st January, with 36 at Lough Beg on 2nd and 28 on Dursey during November. No other counts submitted.

2001 The first of the autumn on Dursey was on 2nd October, with birds seen from then until the end of the year. 40 were at Lough Beg on 11th November. No other records received.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were 5 on 19th January, 2 on 5th March, 14 on 26th September, 15 on 8th October, 7 in November and 7 in December. The only

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 243 Systematic List other records received were 28 on Cape Clear on 14th April, 5 in Bantry on 30th August and up to 25 in December at Long Strand.

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common resident and autumn migrant. Under-recorded.

1996 All records received were from Dursey, where there were peak autumn counts of 33 on 21st October and 27 on 24th.

1997 The only record received was of 42 on Dursey on 24th October.

1998 Very few reported this year, with peaks of 5 on Dursey on 6th and 17th October.

1999 Again, very few records received. Three were on Dursey during January, a minimum of 5 on Sherkin Island on 9th October and 3 on Dursey on 31st December.

2000 Five were on Dursey for much of January, with a minimum of 10 on Sherkin on 8th October, a minimum of 12 on Dursey on 13th and 9 at Rocky Bay on 30th.

2001 13 on Dursey on 9th October, 20 at Garinish on 14th and 43 on Dursey on 21st.

2002 50 were at Inch Strand on 15th September, with 45 at Garinish on 16th October and 35 on Dursey the next day.

2003 All records received were from Dursey, where there were counts of 50 from 16th-17th October and 60 on 24th.

2004 Peak counts from Dursey were singles in April and May, 45 on 16th October and 1 in November. Three on Cape Clear on 15th April, singles there on 26th and 28th May, Bantry on 1st and 20th August and 50 at Ballycotton on 8th October were the only other records received.

Siskin Carduelis spinus Common resident, autumn migrant and winter visitor. Appears to be moderately irruptive, with large flocks seen in some years.

1996 Numerous reports were received during the breeding season, with birds recorded from Duke's Wood, Glendine Bridge, Prap, Coosane, Brosneen, Ballintlea

244 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Bridge, Bagwell's Hill, Knocknacareigh, Graig Upper, Banane, Knockakeo and Maulavanig. Outside the breeding season, there was a peak of 10 on Cape Clear on 14th October, 50 at Farran on 21st, 32 on Dursey on 24th, 31 at Ballintlea Bridge on 15th November and 25 at Gortnacarriga on 27th December.

1997 No reports during the breeding season this year. 60 were at Garretstown on 2nd January, with 80 there on 7th February. 16 were on Dursey on 10th September, with an impressive count of 250 at Currabinny Wood on 17th, 1 at Inch on 20th and 50 at Duke's Wood on 30th. 19 were on Cape Clear on 18th October, with 5 there the next day, 33 at Dursey on 24th and 1 at Inch Strand on 27th.

1998 The only report from the first half of the year was of 3 birds in a garden in Midleton on 18th January. During October there was a series of records from Sherkin Island from 2nd-10th, with a peak of 17 on 6th. Also, there was a single on Dursey on 18th.

1999 In the first half of the year there was a count of 70 at Doolieve Wood on 18th February, with 1 on Dursey on 23rd April. Birds were then reported from Sherkin between 11th and 17th October, with a peak of 9 on 14th.

2000 Few records received, all from autumn. A female was at Toe Head on 3rd September, with a minimum of 10 on Sherkin Island on 8th October, 1 on Dursey on 13th, 9 there on 14th and 18 there on 19th.

2001 Singles on Dursey on 3rd May and 20th October were the only reports received.

2002 60 were at Cuskinny on 9th January. Very few were reported in autumn, with a peak of 4 on Dursey on 14th October and “a few” on Cape Clear on 29th. 25 were at Ballymartle on 12th December.

2003 20 were at Ballyannan Wood on 16th February. In October, 1 was at Firkeel on 10th, 8 were at Galley Head on 14th, 2 there on 16th, 4 on Dursey on 17th and 10 at Galley Head on 18th.

2004 A male and female were in Cork City on 24th February. Interestingly, a recently fledged juvenile was seen at Courtmacsherry on the early date of 30th March (BINS). ‘Good numbers’ were reported in the Ballyhouras on 8th April, when 5 were at Donemark and 3 were in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. In October, 7 were at Galley Head on 11th, and 5 were on Dursey on 13th.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 245 Systematic List

Linnet Carduelis cannabina Common resident, autumn migrant and winter visitor. Under-recorded.

1996 High counts of 600 at Cloyne during January, 100 on Dursey on 13th August and 200 there on 21st September.

1997 170 were on Dursey on 30th August. During September there were 300 on Dursey on 9th, 100 on 11th and 70 on 28th. 100 were at Barry's Head on 18th October, with 70 at Roches Point on 2nd November.

1998 There were peaks of 80 on Dursey during August and 60 on 2nd October.

2000 20 were at Lough Beg on 8th January, with 100 on Dursey on 2nd September and 80 there on 2nd October.

2001 All records received were from Dursey, with peaks of 120 on 29th August and 100 on 2nd October.

2002 Again, all records received were from Dursey, with peaks of 150 during September and 200 on 19th October.

2003 As in the previous 2 years, the only records received were from Dursey, where there were peaks of 200 on 15th September and 150 during October.

2004 Peak counts on Dursey were 2 on 19th February, 10 on 27th March, 150 on 30th August, 120 on 5th September and 12 on 17th October. Elsewehere, 20 were at Bird’s Hill on 2nd January, 100 were at Knockadoon Head on 19th March and 60 were at Ballycotton on 8th October.

Twite Carduelis flavirostris Occasional passage migrant and rare winter visitor. This species was formerly more abundant in the county, breeding in West Cork and birds regular in winter at sites such as Ballycotton. Only 16 birds were recorded between 1980 and 1996.

1997 A flock of 20 were reported on Cape Clear on 20th September (S Banks).

2000 One was on Cape Clear on 4th August (CCBO).

2001 A good year by modern standards. 10 were on Cape Clear on 26th September (CCBO), with 1 near Slatty's Bridge on 30th December (T Gittings).

2002 One on Cape Clear on 5th October (SJ Wing), and 1 was at Ballycotton from 27th to 28th October (P Moore).

246 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 Singles on Cape Clear from 24th to 31st August (R Vaughan), Dursey on 13th October (DA Scott), and Garinish on 15th (K Grace, AAK Lancaster). The Dursey bird was the first there since 1993.

Lesser Redpoll Carduelis flammea Locally common resident, common passage migrant and winter visitor. Races other than ‘C. flammea’ are rare vagrants.

1996 There was a good count of 50 at Currabinny Wood on 2nd March. Birds were reported from suitable breeding habitat at Coosane, Ballintea Bridge, Banane, Graig Upper, Brosneen, Glendine Bridge, Knockakeo and Maulavanig, with a peak of 21 on Dursey on 21st October.

1997 Very few records were received, with 16 at Lough Beg on 26th January and a peak of 8 on Cape Clear during April.

1998 Again, few records received. A male in song on Dursey on 3rd June was reported to have characteristics of the race ‘rostrata’. Otherwise, there were 4 on Sherkin Island on 6th October, with 1 there on 10th and 2 on Dursey on 18th.

1999 In the first half of the year, there were 20 at Ballyvergan on 31st January, 8 at Rochestown on 18th April and 1 on Dursey on 30th. Birds were reported from Sherkin from 11th to 16th October, with a peak of 4 on 15th.

2000 30 were at Lough Beg on 15th January, with spring records from Duhallow and a peak of 2 on Dursey on 4th May. One was on Dursey on 5th July and there was a peak of 5 on Sherkin on 8th October. A bird on Dursey on 13th was reported to show characters of nominate flammea (or 'Mealy Redpoll').

2001 In spring, 2 were on Dursey on 5th May. Two were at the same location on 11th October, with 1 there on 20th and a count of 12 at Midleton on 27th. No other records received.

2002 A locally-bred juvenile was at Lisagriffin on 3rd June, with 2 at Garinish on 13th October and 4 on Dursey on 14th. No other records received.

2003 Six were at Ballyvergan on 2nd April, where a pair probably breeds each year (P Smiddy pers. comm.). Birds were common in all suitable habitat in the general Dungourney/Knockakeo area on 22nd May, with 2 at Ballyhonack Lake on 31st December.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 247 Systematic List

2004 Five were at Mallow on 3rd January. In April, ‘a few’ were recorded in the Ballyhouras on 8th and 12th. Peak numbers on Dursey were 2 on 1st May and 9 on 16th October. No other records received.

Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni Rare vagrant.

1999 One on Dursey from 4th to 10th October (K Grace, AAK Lancaster et al)*. This is the first Irish record of the species.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra Irruptive passage migrant, summer and winter visitor. Widespread arrivals in some years, following which birds may reside in an area and even breed. Numbers then decline and the species can become very scarce, until the next irruption.

1996 Widespread reports of small numbers of birds with records from Prap, Ballintlea Bridge, Maulavanig, Coosane, Inchageela, Banane, Skeheen, Brosneen, Knockacareigh, Glendine Bridge and Gortnacarriga, with no more than 4 birds at any 1 site.

1997 In the first half of the year, birds were reported from Ballintlea Bridge, Prap, Coosane, Banane and Killavullen, with a peak of 6 at the latter site on 4th June. From 17th June onwards it became obvious that a major influx was taking place, with birds reported from many areas throughout the county, although the height of the influx had passed after July. 14 were at Currabinny and 7 at Corafin Woods on 17th June, with 20 at Warrenscourt on 18th, 10 at Garretstown on 19th, 8 at Doolieve on 22nd, 30 at Leamlara on 25th, 45 at Currabinny Wood on 28th, 3 each at Inchageela and Leamlara on 29th, 1 at Kilcolman NNR on 30th (first for the reserve), and 17 at Farran the same day. On Cape Clear, 206 bird days were recorded between 26th June and 7th July, with a peak of 53 birds on 29th June, and sporadic records through July (CCBO). In July, 18 were at Mylane on 2nd, 12 at Knockgriffin on 3rd, 10 at Moneygaff West on 4th, 2 at Ballycotton and 3 at Grange on 5th, 5 at Tracton on 6th, 20 at Kilcolman NNR from 10th to 12th, 14 at Russell Hill on 16th and 12 at Kilbrittain on 21st. Other records from September to November came from Cape Clear, Duke's Wood, Cork City, Kilcolman NNR, Ballymartle and Dursey, with 6 at Kilcolman on 15th October the highest count in this period.

1998 The 3 highest counts this year were 20 at Warrenscourt on 14th January, 50 near Ballintlea Bridge on 13th May and 12 at Killavullen Forest on 23rd May. Otherwise, birds were recorded from Shanacashel, Garretstown, Coolkelure and

248 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List the Ballyhoura Mountains, with no more than 3 birds at any 1 site. The only obvious migrant was 1 on Cape Clear on 29th August (CCBO).

1999 Birds were reported from the Ballyhouras, Warrenscourt, , Ballycotton, Monteen Wood, Doolieve, Sherkin, Ballinphellic and Garretstown Wood, with the only notable counts coming from the latter site, where there were 16 on 10th August and 11 on 10th November.

2000 Very few reported this year. One at Doolieve on 14th March, 2 at Garretstown on 31st March, and 1 on Dursey on 30th October.

2001 One was near on 22nd February, 1 at Flagmount on 4th May, 9 at Garretstown on 7th October and 15 at Carrigulla on 1st November.

2002 A small influx appears to have taken place in August, with 14 at Ryecourt on 3rd, 8 at Garretstown on 9th, 30 at Piercetown on 21st, 6 at Riverstick on 26th and 15 at Ladysbridge on 28th. The only other records were 1 at Cape Clear on 12th October (CCBO), and 4 at Doolieve on 16th October.

2003 Few records received, with 4 at Moanbaun Wood (near Watergrasshill) on 10th January, 4 at Taurbeg on 8th July, 12 at Cape Clear on 26th October with 2 remaining the following day (CCBO), and 3 at Ballady on 29th October.

2004 One in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April was the only record received.

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus Very scarce passage migrant.

1996 A good year, with 3 birds recorded. A first summer male was on Dursey on 6th June (DA Scott)*, a female/immature was on Cape Clear from 5th to 17th September (R Mundy)*, with an adult female also there on 6th September (DP Boyle et al)*.

1997 Three records of singles, with a female/immature on Cape Clear from 4th to 6th July (NE Robinson et al)*, a first year there on 3rd October (AC Johnson, NE Robinson et al)* and 1 on Toe Head on 17th September (M Shorten)*. In addition, there were reports of up to 2 on Cape Clear on various dates from 18th to 28th September (CCBO).

1998 A female/immature was on Dursey on 7th June (DA Scott). A report of 1 on Cape Clear from 23rd to 26th September, joined by a second bird from 25th to 27th, and 1 remaining until 29th(CCBO).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 249 Systematic List

1999 A first-year was on Cape Clear on 5th October (SJ Wing)*. One was reported at Crookhaven on 7th October (BINS).

2000 A juvenile was on Cape Clear on 12th September (SJ Wing et al)*. There were reports that the above bird was present until 18th, with another bird also present there on 13th (SJ Wing). Also, reports of singles at Galley Head on 7th October (BINS) and Crookhaven on 8th (BINS).

2001 An adult male and female were on Cape Clear from 11th to 21st June, with the female being last seen on 18th July (P Phillips, SJ Wing et al)*. A juvenile was at the Old Head of Kinsale on 1st and 2nd September (H Hussey et al)*. In addition, there were reports of 1 on Cape Clear on 21st and 23rd September, with 2 there from 25th September to 1st October, 3 on 2nd October, and 1 remaining to 19th (CCBO), 1 at the Old Head of Kinsale on 2nd October (P Davis) and 1 at Ballycotton from 7th to 19th October (BINS).

2002 One was at Galanmore, near Firkeel on 1st June (DA Scott)*, with singles reported at Mizen Head on 3rd June (BINS), the Old Head of Kinsale on 12th September (BINS), and again on 16th October (I Hill). On Cape Clear, single juveniles were recorded on 2nd (O O’Sullivan)* and 18th October (M Carmody, C Cronin)*.

2003 A juvenile was on Cape Clear from 14th to 19th September (SJ Wing)*, with another bird reported from 25th to 27th September (CCBO), and a juvenile there on 12th October (M O’Keeffe et al)*. Elsewhere, singles were reported at Firkeel on 27th September, Sherkin on 12th October, and Crookhaven on 14th October (all BINS). Another was on Dursey on 16th October (DA Scott)*.

2004 A singing male was on Cape Clear on 27th and 28th May (C Cronin, SJ Wing et al)^, with a first summer male singing there on 2nd and 4th June (C Cronin, SJ Wing)^. In September, 2 were reported at Mizen Head on 14th (BINS), with 1 there from 16th to 21st (BINS). Singles were reported on Cape Clear on 20th (SJ Wing), and 30th September (SJ Wing).

Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Uncommon resident, widespread but never numerous. Under-recorded. The ‘northern’ race may be a rare vagrant?

1996 The only report received was 10 at Currabinny Wood on 25th December.

1999 A series of records from Sherkin Island, with 4 on 11th October and singles on 12th and 15th. One was at Firkeel on 24th October.

250 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 Birds were reported present in the Castletownbere area during the year, and 1 was at Ballyhonack Lake on 31st December.

2004 The only records received were singles on Cape Clear on 20th October, and Baltimore on 31st October, which was probably a northern race bird.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Rare passage migrant, with only 11 county records between 1978 and 1996.

1997 One was at Cape Clear on 8th August (S Fleischer), Kilcolman NNR on 18th October (AC Johnson)*, with 1 at Baltimore on 19th (R Mundy)*.

1998 A male was at Ballydehob on 1st May (JE Simms)*.

2004 A male was in a garden at Fountainstown on 12th April (D Fitzpatrick).

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Rare vagrant.

2000 A first year male was on Cape Clear from 4th to 10th October (D Weir, W McDowell, SJ Wing et al)*. This was the first record for the Western Palearctic of this North American warbler.

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Rare vagrant.

2001 One was on Cape Clear from 2nd to 6th October (D Weir, W McDowell et al)*. This was the 8th county record. Unfortunately, despite its long stay, this bird was not seen by many due to poor conditions for travelling to the island. All previous records of the species have also been on Cape Clear, in 1993, 1987, 1985, 1983 (2 birds), 1982, and 1976.

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Rare vagrant.

2003 An adult was at Dursey Sound from 20th to 27th May (E Carty, P Wolstenholme et al)*. This is the 1st Irish record of this North American sparrow.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 251 Systematic List

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus Very scarce passage migrant and rare winter visitor.

1996 One was on Dursey on 8th October, with 3 on Cape Clear on 9th October (CCBO), and 1 there on 16th (CCBO).

1997 One was reported on Cape Clear on 6th September (CCBO). Three records of singles on Dursey, with 1 on 10th and 11th September, 1 on 19th October and 1 on 20th October.

1998 One on Cape Clear on 24th and 25th September (CCBO), and 2 at Ballycotton on 22nd November.

1999 Two on Dursey on 4th October, 1 there on 12th and 1 on 13th. One on Cape Clear on 4th to 10th October (CCBO).

2000 Three records received. One on Dursey on 23rd September, with singles at Ballycotton on 11th and 18th November.

2001 All records received were from Dursey, with singles on 2nd, 18th and 28th October.

2002 One at Firkeel from 20th to 22nd September. A good series of records from Dursey, where there was 1 on 22nd September, 1 on 5th and 6th October, with a second bird also on 6th, 1 on 14th, 1 on 16th, 3 there on 17th and 1 on 22nd.

2003 A good autumn. On Dursey there was 1 on 8th September, 1 on 15th, 1 on 20th, 1 on 3rd October, 2 on 13th and 1 on 21st. Two were on Cape Clear on 12th October, 1 at Galley Head on 16th October, and 1 on Dursey on 21st.

2004 In October, 1 was at Ballycotton on 4th, 2 were on Dursey on 11th, with 1 there on 12th and 13th. One was at Galley Head on 2nd and 3rd November.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Scarce autumn passage migrant and occasional winter visitor.

1996 Most records received were from Dursey, where there were 3 on 26th September, 4 on 28th, 7 on 30th, 13 on 1st October, 5 on 4th, 13 again on 5th, 1 on 9th and 1 on 30th. Other records were of singles at the Old Head of Kinsale on 8th October and Cape Clear on 14th.

1997 There were 2 on Dursey on 9th October, with singles there on 13th, 17th and on 21st and 22nd. One was at Galley Head on 27th October.

252 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

1998 One was on Dursey on 2nd October, 1 at Inch Strand on 4th and 1 on Dursey from 7th to 9th.

1999 In autumn, there were singles on Dursey on 22nd and Cape Clear on 26th September, with singles on Dursey on 5th, Cape Clear on 9th and Sherkin Island on 15th October. One at Ballycotton on 7th November was less typical, and presumably the same bird was seen again from 14th to 17th November, with 1 at Mahon on 15th November. Three at Ballycotton on 27th presumably included the bird seen earlier in the month. One was in Cork City on 5th December.

2000 All records received were from Dursey, where a bird from 29th January to 3rd February was unusual. One was present on 29th September, with 5 on 30th, 1 on 1st October, 2 on 2nd, 2 on 9th, 1 on 14th and 1 from 19th-20th.

2001 There was a series of records from Dursey, where 1 was seen on 11th October, 2 on 12th, 1 on 15th, 2 on 16th, 1 on 28th and an unusual record of 1 on 8th December. Two were on Cape Clear on 16th, and 1 on 20th October and 1st November.

2002 Few were reported, all from Dursey. One was present on 12th October, with 2 on 27th, 1 on 28th and an unusual winter record on 5th December.

2003 Again, all from Dursey, with singles on 23rd September, 6th October, 21st, 31st, and 3rd November.

2004 In spring, 1 was on Dursey on 2nd May. In October, singles were at Lissagriffin on 2nd and Dursey on 5th, 13th, 16th, 17th and 28th. Nine were on Cape Clear on 28th and 31st October.

Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Locally common resident, most numerous in the south and east of the county. The breeding population from Carrigaline to Kinsale, Robert’s Cove and Oysterhaven areas appears to be flourishing, with a good population in the coastal area from Roches Point to Ballycotton, and other populations in the Midleton to Carrigtwohill/Ballintubbrid area and around Ballyhonack Lake (P Smiddy pers comm.). May be declining in the west of the county.

1997 For the first time since 1985, there were no records all year from Dursey or the neighbouring mainland (per DA Scott). The only record received was of 3 near Big Doon on 5th June.

1998 The only record received was of 2 birds at Ballyhonack Lake on 5th April.

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 253 Systematic List

1999 Five at Ballycotton on 17th March, 3 at Templeisque on 24th April, 1 near Cork City on 22nd June and 6 at Barry's Head on 29th August were the only counts received.

2000 Three were at Inch Strand on 2nd January, with 3 near the Curragh Graveyard on 20th July and 5 at White Bay on 17th September. No other counts submitted.

2001 One was on Great Island on 6th January, 1 at Lough Aderra on 20th April, 7 at White Bay on 7th October and 25 near the Curragh Graveyard on 26th December. No other counts submitted.

2002 Five were on Great Island on 5th January, 8 at White Bay on 3rd February and 5 there on 16th March. One on Dursey on 11th May was the first for the island since 1995. No other records received.

2003 Five were on Great Island on 4th January, with 10 to 20 at Castlemartyr on 27th February, 20 at Ladysbridge on 3rd March, 2 in north Cork on 21st April, 2 near Clonakilty on 22nd November and 30 at Ballyannan on 7th December.

2004 The only records received were 5 males and 3 females at Bird’s Hill on 2nd January, 3 males there on 8th February, 8 near Leamlara on 4th March, 4 near Ladysbridge on 14th March and a male at Knockadoon Head on 7th May. Singles were at Galley Head in June and October.

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana Occasional though almost annual passage migrant, mostly in autumn.

1996 An adult male was on Cape Clear on 20th September (DP Boyle)*, with a male on Dursey on 23rd September (AAK Lancaster)*.

1997 A female was on Cape Clear from 8th to 12th May (NE Robinson)*, and an immature was there on 11th and 12th September (C Barton, C Pollock et al)*. One was reported there from 22nd to 24th September (T Kilbane et al).

1998 One was on Dursey on 2nd September (K Grace, AAK Lancaster)*, with a female/first winter on Cape Clear on 21st September (J Diggin)*.

1999 A first winter was on Cape Clear on 29th August (C Knight et al)*.

2001 A first winter was on Dursey on 20th October (DA Scott)*.

254 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2003 Two were on Cape Clear from 31st August to 1st September (D Cully, SJ Wing et al)*. Three reports of singles from Dursey in September, on 4th (M O’Sullivan), from 14th to 16th (DA Scott et al)* and from 25th to 30th (DA Scott et al)*. Another was on Cape Clear on 28th September (DJ Radford et al)*, with presumably the same bird seen again on 30th September to 1st October (CCBO).

2004 One was on Cape Clear on 10th September (R Vaughan).

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica Occasional vagrant, with 9 county records prior to 1996.

1997 One on Dursey on 19th October (DA Scott)*.

1998 A male was on Dursey on 2nd June (DA Scott et al)*.

1999 A female was on Cape Clear on 6th June (G Oliver, SJ Wing et al)*.

2000 One was on Cape Clear from 13th to 20th October (E Carty et al, CCBO)*, with 1 on Dursey on 13th to 14th (K Grace)*.

2001 One was on Cape Clear from 19th to 26th October (SJ Wing et al)*.

2002 One was on Cape Clear on 22nd October (SJ Wing et al)*.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla Occasional vagrant, with 9 county records prior to 1996.

1999 A first winter was on Cape Clear from 12th to 23rd October (AG Kelly, SJ Wing et al)*.

2002 Singles were on Cape Clear on 14th October (CCBO), and the Old Head of Kinsale on 18th October (AA Kelly, P Kelly).

2003 One at Dursey Sound from 16th to 18th October was seen by many observers.

2004 One was on Cape Clear on 18th October (M O’Keeffe et al).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 255 Systematic List

Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Common resident in suitable habitat. Under-recorded. A poulation of at least 10 pairs occurred at Ballyvergan during the period (P Smiddy pers comm.).

1996 There was a peak of 3 on Dursey during October. No other records received.

1997 Up to 6 were seen daily during the autumn on Dursey. No other records received.

1998 There were up to 4 recorded daily on Dursey during August, with singles on various dates in October. No other records received.

1999 No records were received from Dursey, where it was the first year for some time that breeding was not recorded. Two were on Sherkin Island on 12th October, with 1 there on 15th. No other records received.

2001 The only records received were from Dursey where singles were seen on 23rd March, 5th May and 22nd July, with perhaps 11 seperate birds seen during October and 1 on 24th November.

2002 One was on Dursey on 3rd February, with a good count of 35 near Mount Gabriel on the same date. Two were on Dursey on 9th May, with singles there on 22nd October and 19th December. No other records received.

2003 The only records received were from Dursey, where there were singles on 1st January, 26th and 31st March, 13th October and 2 there on 27th October. The species has become scarce in the area in recent years (per K Grace, AAK Lancaster).

2004 Peak counts on Dursey were 2 on 26th February, 2 on 26th March, singles in April, May and August, 2 on 6th September, 3 on 18th October, 1 on 20th November and 2 on 5th December. Elsewhere, 5 were on Cape Clear on 13th April and 7 were in the Mullaghareirks on 24th April. No other records received.

Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra This species was a former breeding bird in the county, but now, as elsewhere in the country, it has been reduced to the status of an occasional vagrant. There have been just 9 county records since 1970.

1997 One was reported at Ballycotton on 31st March (BINS).

256 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

2000 One on Dursey on 1st May (DA Scott)* was the first on the island since 1990, although the species formerly bred there. One was on Cape Clear on 5th May (SJ Wing).

2003 One was on Cape Clear from 24th to 28th April at least (SJ Wing et al)*.

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus Rare vagrant.

2003 One on Cape Clear on 10th October (D Weir, SJ Wing et al)*. This is the 2nd county and 3rd Irish record of this American passerine, with the previous record also coming from Cape Clear, in 1982.

Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Rare vagrant.

2001 A first winter male was at Baltimore on 7th and 8th October (JA Coveney, S Farrell, D Fitzpatrick, AG Kelly et al)*. This was the 1st Irish record, at a particularly appropriate location! What was presumably the same bird was then reported from near Skibbereen on 10th October (C McNamee).

ESCAPES

Black Swan Cygnus atratus Escaped from captivity.

2000 One was at Ring Marsh on 18th March (PM Walsh).

2003 One was found on Cape Clear on 25th March (SJ Wing, M Gade et al), flying into South Harbour. It remained on the island until 3rd April, when it was found dead in the Waist.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Potentially a real vagrant, and some records have been accepted as such, but also a regular in captive collections, thus clouding the true status of the species. The following records refer to presumed escapes.

1998 A male was present on Ballyhonack Lake from 5th to 14th April (D O’Sullivan, H Hussey). What was probably the same bird was then seen at

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 257 Systematic List

Ballycotton on 20th and 31st May and again on 7th June (D O’Sullivan). A male was on Rostellan Lake from 3rd August to 13th September (J Dowdall, P O’Donoghue). A male found on the Atlantic Pond, Cork City on 15th November remained to the end of the year (H Hussey).

1999 - 2004 The male on Atlantic Pond remained throughout the period.

Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea This species is regularly found in captivity, with many migratory feral populations on the near continent. Records may not refer to genuinely wild birds. The species remains on Category D of the Irish list.

1995 One was at Ballycotton on 15th October (P Smiddy)*.

1996 A single adult female was recorded in Ballycotton on 23rd April and was last seen on 29th April (P Moore et al)*.

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Escaped from captivity.

1999 One was reported at Ballymaloe on 12th December.

2000 Presumably the same bird was at Ballymaloe on 2nd January.

Large Eagle sp Probable escape

2004 On 28th March, either a Bald or a White-tailed Eagle was seen circling over Cobh, and later near Midleton. The bird appeared to have a radio transmitting aeriel attached to one leg, consistent with methods used by falconers. Neither species is common in captivity, but this remains the most likely source of the bird.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri Escaped from captivity.

1999 1 in Carrigaline in November (H Hussey)

2000 2 in Carrigaline on 10th February (T Nagle).

2003 1 in Carrigaline on 21st March (T Nagle) and 3rd September (H Hussey).

258 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

List of observers

J Adamson J Diggin C Koot G Oliver P Adriaens S Doherty AAK Lancaster P Oliver G Allport D Doolan A Larss C Osthoff E Archer JF Dowdall P Leonard N Padwick D Astins S Dudley N Linehan D Perry P Axelsson A Duggan U Lotberg A Petersen I Barthorpe MA Duggan Lough Beg log book P Phillips ID Barthorpe A Durand J Lynch S Pierce C Barton BW Edwards M Mackey C Pollock R Beckebrede H Endean R Macgillicuddy RF Porter N Bennet S Enright D Manley JA Power C Bentley S Farrell BAE Marr K Preston DR Bird W Farrelly DG Mcadams J Quinlan M Blake JE Fitzharris A Mcgeehan S Reeves DG Borton D Fitzpatrick L Mcgrath I Rhys Jones G Bowman S Fleming C Maclochlainn B Richards DP Boyle DS Flumm EA Mclochlainn M Ridgway C Bradshaw C Flynn T Mee A Robinson D Breen C Foley C Mellon NE Robinson P Brennan J Foley OJ Merne MJ Rogers F Buckley O Foley DR Middleton P Rowe S Burke G Garner RT Mills B Ryan JJ Cahill K Gillon P Milne DA Scott Cape Clear Bird TC Gittings A Moore M Sheehan Observatory S Goethals P Moore M Shorten M Carmody G Gordon P Morck M Shrubb E Carty K Grace R Morgan A Simms V Caschera Y Guermeur B Moynihan JE Simms AP Chick DA Gunn L Muirhead P Smiddy L Christiansen J Hegg R Mundy C Smith M Coath I Hill J Murphy CA Smyth M Cobley RL Hislop JN Murphy M Smyth KP Collins J Hobbs T Murray RD Steele C Cook G Hunt T Nagle M Stewart D Cooke DA Hunter H Netley C Styles RH Coombes H Hussey R Neville MD Styles M Cornish CD Hutchinson A O’Donaill MGW Terry JA Coveney A James R O’Driscoll DJ Thomas M Cowming A Jeffery A O’Mahoney D Thomas M Cowming Sr AC Johnson D O’Sullivan M Thornton C Cronin A Johnson M O’Sullivan R Tureson K Cronin G Kohnston O O’Sullivan R Vaughan D Cully RLK Joliffe M O'Donnell G Walsh B Cummins I Jones P O'Donoghue PM Walsh PA Cummins AG Kelly F O'Duffy R Williams A D'alton P Kelly WJ O'Flynn J Wilson D D’alton TC Kelly J O'Halloran S Wing P Davis RJC Kennedy M O'Keeffe P Wolstenholme LJ Degnan P Keogh G O’Neill R Wolstenholme H Delaney Kilcolman T O'Mahoney E Dempsey Wildfowl Refuge B O'Mahony N Dent C Knight G O'Se

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 259 Systematic List

Records not accepted by the Irish Rare Birds Committee Decisions made 1996-2001

Ruddy Shelduck Courtmacsherry, 8th December-1st February 1997 Black-throated Diver 2, Knockadoon Head, 15th March 1998 Black Browed Albatross Mizen Head, 13th August 1968 Cape Clear, 1st June 1967 Cape Clear, 2nd September 1967 Albatross sp. Cape Clear, 17th May 1973 Cape Clear, 13th July 1968 2, , 26th August 1968 Cape Clear, 3rd September 1968 Cape Clear, 1st October 1967 Cape Clear, 5th June 1967 Cape Clear, 11th September 1967 Soft-plumaged Petrel sp Cape Clear, 8th October 1995 Fea’s petrel Ballycotton, 19th September 1999 Little Shearwater Cape Clear, 3rd September 1999 2, Cape Clear, 27th-28th September 1978 Cape Clear, 9th September 1975 Cape Clear, 6th June 1973 Cape Clear, 10th August 1973 Cape Clear, 10th August 1973 Cape Clear, 21st August 1973 Cape Clear, 6th September 1973 Cape Clear, 20th September 1973 Cape Clear, 18th April 1968 2, Cape Clear, 19th August 1968 2, Cape Clear, 9th September 1968 2, Cape Clear, 3rd October 1968 Cape Clear, 2nd June 1967 Old Head of Kinsale, 7th August 1967 Cape Clear, 27th August 1966 2, Cape Clear, 29th August 1966 ‘small’ Shearwater Cape Clear, 23rd June 1985 Cape Clear, 20th July 1981 Dursey, 26th September 1979 Old Head of Kinsale, 29th September 1976 Cape Clear, 27th August 1971 Cape Clear, 2nd July 1968 Cape Clear, 13th September 1967 Cape Clear, 15th September 1967 2, Cape Clear, 8th October 1967

260 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Systematic List

Cape Clear, 5th September 1966 Cape Clear, 21st September 1966 Cape Clear, 4th September 1965 2, Cape Clear, 5th September 1965 Cape Clear, 9th August 1964 2, Cape Clear, 22nd August 1963 Wilson’s Petrel Cape Clear, 17th July 2001 Cape Clear, 28th July 2001 Cape Clear, 13th August 2001 Purple Heron 2, Ballycotton, 9th May 1998 Red Kite Kinsale, 19th September 2001 Hobby Minane Bridge, 14th September 1997 Cape Clear, 22nd October 1997 Cape Clear, 27th September 1998 Red-footed Falcon Lissagriffin, 21st September 1991 Gyr Falcon Galley Head, 17th October 1999 Little Crake 2, Cape Clear, 23rd August-3rd September 1968 Cape Clear, 14th April 1964 Little/Baillon’s Crake Cape Clear, 4th October 1967 Cape Clear, 4th September 1966 Cape Clear, 12th September 1966 Cape Clear, 29th September 1966 Cape Clear, 20th March 1961 Semipalmated Plover Ballycotton, 29th September-2nd October 1993 Ballycotton, 9th-12th September 1993 Marsh Sandpiper Bantry, 10th January 1999 Terek Sandpiper Bantry, 15th November 1998 Pintail Snipe Ballyleary Bog, Great Island, 8th January-20th March 2000 Hudsonian Godwit Crookhaven, 12th July 1992 Greater Yellowlegs Ballycotton, 25th October 1999 Long-tailed Skua Cape Clear, 15th August 1997 Cape Clear, 4th October 1995 American Herring Gull Ballycotton, 9th February 1999 Foxhole, 5th April 1999 Yellow-legged Gull Whitegate, 5th December 2000 Cork City Centre, 31st August-24th September 1996 2, Baltimore, 14th July 1977 Royal Tern Roaringwater Bay, 10th July 1999 Calandra Lark Cape Clear, 15th May 1999 Citrine Wagtail Ballycotton, 6th August 1999 Desert Wheatear Cape Clear, 6th-8th August 1998 Cetti’s Warbler Cape Clear, 8th October 1975

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 261 Systematic List

Cape Clear, 24th August 1968 Paddyfield Warbler Cape Clear, 12th May 1999 Blyth’s Reed Warbler Cape Clear, 13th-19th October 1969 Marsh Warbler Firkeel, 13th-15th September 2000 Crookhaven, 24th August 1999 Cape Clear, 24th August 1999 Melodious Warbler Cape Clear, 30th April 1998 Wood Warbler Cape Clear, 19th September 1996 Lesser Grey Shrike Cape Clear, 14th December 1962 Yellow-breasted Bunting Cape Clear, 17th October 1997

Papers

The following pages contain papers relevant to County Cork.

Papers submitted by authors are not edited by the editors of this report, apart from minor editing of style and format. All content remains solely the work and opinions of the authors. This is not a peer reviewed journal, and it is the responsibility of the authors to have their work reviewed by appropriate agents, where this is considered appropriate.

We encourage authors of future papers to contact us with completed works, or ideas.

We also encourage authors, where possible, to make their work personal as well as scientific, by researching available information, and by adding personal observations, and interpretations.

262 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Papers

County Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Barry O’Mahony

During the 8 year period of this report, a total of 28,334 birds were ringed in County Cork. Of this total, 5661 were ringed as nestlings. A detailed breakdown of each year’s total is available in the list of birds ringed (Table 2).

A number of specific studies targeting various species contributed to the maintenance of high numbers of birds ringed. These included Blue Tit and Great Tit nest box studies at a number of woodland sites; continuation of reedbed ringing at East Cork sites; studies of the breeding biology of Robin and Song Thrush; Storm Petrel ringing at a series of selected headlands; a long-running study on Dipper biology; Swallow roost-ringing as part of a larger European project and continued activity at the Common Tern colonies in Cork Harbour. In addition to these specific projects, high numbers of migrant passerines are ringed each year at Cape Clear Bird Observatory.

The top 5 most frequently ringed species for each year are tabulated with their totals (Table 1).

Table 1. Most frequently ringed species in County Cork, 1996 - 2003

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Sedge Storm Storm Sedge Blue Tit Swallow Swallow Swallow Wbler Petrel Petrel Wbler 693 519 764 1060 1151 799 1382 501 Sedge Sedge Sedge Sedge Sedge Storm Sedge Dipper Warbler Wbler Wbler Wbler Wbler Petrel 775 Wbler 328 173 663 579 569 619 604 Storm Blue Tit Swallow Swallow Dipper Wren Dipper Dipper Petrel 405 520 494 221 128 202 260 531 Swallow Swallow Goldcrest Goldcrest Greenfinch Robin Wren Siskin 339 393 284 384 102 97 118 139 Storm Sand Great Blue Tit Dipper Common Blue Meadow Petrel Martin227 Tit 259 265 196 Tern 85 Tit 91 Pipit 88 132

Six species were added to the county ringing list in the period: Scops Owl, Thrush Nightingale and Olivaceous Warbler (1999), Barred Warbler (1997), Little Bunting (1999), and Rustic Bunting (2001).

Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 263

Table 2. List of Birds Ringed

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total

G N Diver 1 1 Fulmar 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10 66 76 Great Shearwater 1 1 1 1 Manx Shearwater 1 1 35 35 43 43 3 3 91 91 Storm Petrel 775 775 531 531 799 799 1382 1382 49 49 58 58 45 45 132 132 15112 15112 Leach's Petrel 3 3 Gannet 3 120 123 Cormorant 130 130 20 20 32 32 92 92 62 62 29 29 47 47 2 1360 1362 Shag 1 48 49 Little Egret 3 3 Grey Heron 2 2 3 36 39 Mute Swan 3 3 58 58 12 12 1 1 72 72 921 10 931 Canada Goose 42 42 Shelduck 11 15 26 Teal 9 9 Mallard 8 8 Pochard 2 2 Hen Harrier 2 24 26 Sparrowhawk 4 4 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 48 49 97

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 264 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Kestrel 1 1 1 1 8 23 31 Red-footed Falcon 1 1 Merlin 1 1 Peregrine 2 1 3 Water Rail 1 1 1 1 24 24 Spotted Crake 2 2 3 3 Corncrake 1 1 Moorhen 1 1 32 32 56 56 Coot 6 6 Oystercatcher 1 1 441 1 442 Ringed Plover 36 40 76 Golden Plover 15 15 Grey Plover 5 5 Lapwing 32 3 35 Knot 5 5 Little Stint 11 11 Pectoral Sandpiper 2 2 Curlew Sandpiper 27 27 Dunlin 41 41 934 934 Ruff 14 14

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 265 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Jack Snipe 1 1 Snipe 1 1 14 14 Black-tailed Godwit 30 30 Bar-tailed Godwit 39 39 Whimbrel 30 30 Curlew 1012 1012 Spotted Redshank 2 2 Redshank 408 408 Greenshank 6 6 21 21 Green Sandpiper 1 1 Common Sandpiper 7 4 11 Spotted Sandpiper 1 1 Turnstone 15 15 Wilson's Phalarope 1 1 Little Gull 1 1 Sabine's Gull 1 1 Black-headed Gull 186 13 199 Common Gull 2 2 LBB Gull 5 5 4 4 6 840 846 Herring Gull 98 98 45 45 16 16 10 10 39 39 16 2454 2470

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 266 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total GBB Gull 79 79 10 10 71 71 1 41 42 40 40 2 776 778 Sandwich Tern 27 27 2 27 29 Common Tern 75 75 14 14 70 70 54 54 85 85 49 49 61 930 991 Black Tern 3 3 Guillemot 4 4 Razorbill 2 3 5 Black Guillemot 2 2 2 2 9 9 Rock Dove 1 1 1 1 2 Stock Dove 23 23 Woodpigeon 1 4 5 26 25 51 Collared Dove 11 5 16 Turtle Dove 2 2 Barn Owl 1 1 5 18 23 Long-eared Owl 1 1 5 10 15 Short-eared Owl 3 3 Scops Owl 1 1 1 1 Swift 6 6 Kingfisher 1 1 2 2 7 7 Hoopoe 1 1 Wryneck 1 1 1 1 5 5 Yb Sapsucker 1 1

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 267 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Skylark 1 1 8 28 36 Sand Martin 215 12 227 44 44 90 90 34 34 8 8 2 2 16 16 9 9 4912 12 4924 Swallow 315 24 339 346 47 393 502 18 520 455 39 494 509 10 519 22 8 30 659 105 764 869 191 1060 7857 1280 9137 House Martin 2 2 1 1 1 1 44 44 Tree Pipit 1 1 2 2 4 4 Meadow Pipit 32 32 16 7 23 1 1 30 1 31 88 88 17 17 432 54 486 Rock Pipit 1 1 7 7 6 6 1 1 2 2 6 6 51 51 Grey Wagtail 3 5 8 3 47 50 30 30 1 9 10 9 9 3 5 8 3 7 10 8 8 70 506 576 Pied Wagtail 1 1 8 8 4 1 5 1 1 1 1 39 39 7 7 2 2 501 37 538 Dipper 41 176 217 21 164 185 11 215 226 23 173 196 29 192 221 21 152 173 38 164 202 52 208 260 603 2907 3510 Wren 83 4 87 52 52 139 139 106 106 50 50 128 128 118 118 100 100 2244 10 2254 Dunnock 21 21 20 20 61 61 47 47 44 44 49 49 41 41 34 34 1228 13 1241 Robin 17 5 22 30 11 41 110 65 175 83 92 175 50 13 63 92 5 97 53 10 63 52 14 66 1623 335 1958 Thrush Nightingale 1 1 1 1 Black Redstart 3 3 1 1 2 2 7 7 3 3 81 81 Redstart 2 2 1 1 2 2 18 18 Whinchat 1 1 1 1 Stonechat 1 1 7 41 48 25 101 126 19 163 182 1 5 6 9 9 11 11 6 3 9 182 489 671 Wheatear 1 1 3 3 1 1 11 7 18 Pied Wheatear 1 1 Grey-chkd Thrush 3 3

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 268 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Ring Ouzel 1 1 Blackbird 16 5 21 22 22 58 7 65 66 4 70 32 32 41 2 43 39 39 56 7 63 1250 124 1374 Fieldfare 32 1 33 43 1 44 Song Thrush 7 7 7 7 18 4 22 44 1 45 17 17 11 1 12 40 31 71 32 40 72 492 108 600 Redwing 2 2 3 3 1 1 108 108 Mistle Thrush 3 3 4 14 18 P Grhopper Wblr 1 1 Grasshopper Wblr 3 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 3 3 6 6 1 8 9 49 8 57 Sedge Warbler 1148 3 1151 663 663 579 579 569 569 328 328 501 501 619 619 604 604 16363 12 16375 Reed Warbler 204 2 206 102 1 103 96 96 63 63 39 39 76 76 81 81 65 65 2042 20 2062 Marsh Warbler 1 1 2 2 Icterine Warbler 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 11 Melodious Warbler 2 2 12 12 Olivaceous Warbler 1 1 1 1 Subalpine Warbler 1 1 Lesser Whitethroat 1 1 2 2 1 1 11 11 Barred Warbler 1 1 1 1 Whitethroat 3 3 9 9 8 4 12 35 35 2 2 20 20 30 30 14 14 246 4 250 Garden Warbler 2 2 5 5 3 3 1 1 10 10 8 8 3 3 85 85 Blackcap 2 2 33 33 13 13 32 32 4 4 27 27 25 25 34 34 408 408

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 269 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Pallas's Warbler 1 1 Dusky Warbler 1 1 Yellow-br Warbler 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 1 8 8 75 75 Wood Warbler 3 3 1 1 1 1 24 24 Chiffchaff 45 45 75 75 21 21 65 65 21 21 56 56 58 58 108 108 1456 1456 Willow Warbler 59 59 94 94 60 60 96 96 27 27 90 90 78 78 80 80 2112 15 2127 Goldcrest 15 15 83 83 284 284 384 384 15 15 30 30 29 29 120 120 3645 3645 Firecrest 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 53 53 Spotted Flycatcher 3 4 7 3 3 11 11 3 3 4 8 12 6 4 10 5 5 4 7 11 142 53 195 Red-br. Flycatcher 1 1 1 1 1 1 12 12 Pied Flycatcher 4 4 11 11 7 7 3 3 4 4 6 6 18 18 162 162 Long-tailed Tit 12 12 12 12 17 17 18 18 21 21 313 313 Coal Tit 39 39 57 3 60 34 27 61 30 62 92 15 30 45 16 4 20 4 4 23 23 679 151 830 Blue Tit 86 319 405 120 573 693 94 171 265 102 20 122 61 22 83 87 4 91 79 79 104 9 113 2204 2113 4317 Great Tit 33 132 165 65 194 259 36 88 124 51 10 61 21 13 34 30 30 16 16 77 6 83 990 986 1976 Treecreeper 2 2 5 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 69 3 72 Golden Oriole 1 1 3 3 RB Shrike 1 1 3 3 Jay 1 4 5 Magpie 2 2 5 5 1 1 3 3 2 2 1 1 30 13 43

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 270 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Chough 2 4 6 Jackdaw 4 4 1 1 3 3 19 22 41 Rook 2 2 2 2 1 1 74 74 Hooded Crow 10 66 76 Raven 1 3 4 Starling 1 1 1 5 6 2 2 1 1 6 6 9 9 134 20 154 House Sparrow 8 8 45 45 52 52 27 27 22 22 11 11 25 25 9 9 669 3 672 Red-eyed Vireo 6 6 10 10 Chaffinch 41 3 44 64 64 26 26 12 12 18 18 3 3 6 6 47 47 852 6 858 Brambling 3 3 1 1 3 3 60 60 Greenfinch 139 139 205 205 197 197 78 78 102 102 34 34 55 55 65 65 1702 5 1707 Goldfinch 2 2 6 6 2 2 10 10 2 2 6 6 8 8 132 11 143 Siskin 49 49 123 123 115 115 17 17 36 36 2 2 139 139 993 993 Linnet 2 2 3 3 6 6 10 10 3 3 8 8 6 6 200 200 Redpoll 3 3 2 2 4 4 5 5 3 3 2 2 55 55 Crossbill 2 2 4 4 Bullfinch 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 1 1 3 3 4 1 5 253 1 254 Hawfinch 1 1 Y rumped Wblr 2 2 Blackpoll Warblr 2 2 Lapland Bunting 1 1

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 271 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Totals 1975-2003 F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total F.g. pull total Snow Bunting 2 2 Yellowhammer 12 12 Ortolan Bunting 1 1 Little Bunting 1 1 1 1 Reed Bunting 20 20 4 4 11 11 11 11 8 8 27 27 25 25 42 42 616 616 Rustic Bunting 1 1 1 1 Rose-br. Grosbeak 5 5 6 6 Indigo Bunting 1 1 Bobolink 1 1

Totals 3427 1086 4513 2992 1166 4158 3578 904 4482 4016 800 4816 1565 539 2104 1607 217 1824 2389 317 2706 3080 635 3715 78634 16382 95016

Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003 272 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Selected Recoveries

Recovery details have been largely provided by the contributing ringers and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, although some have been extracted from the Irish Ringers' Bulletin and from Irish Birds. All recoveries are listed in the standard format detailing ring number, age code, date and place of ringing on the first line, followed by recovery method, date, location, distance and direction travelled on the second line. Recovery methods are described as reported by the finder. Controlled means that the bird was trapped more than 5 kilometres from where it was first ringed.

The following age codes are used: P = pullus (nestling); 3 = first year; 3J = first year, still in juvenile plumage; 4 = second year or more; 5 = 2nd year, i.e. hatched in previous calendar year. Sex, when known, is listed M or F. A selection of long distance controls is listed below.

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Red-throated Diver 1274795 P 10.07.94 Bressay, Shetland 1022 km Found dead 25.11.97 East Ferry SSW

Manx Shearwater FC96204 4 18.06.98 Bardsey, Wales 354 km Controlled 4 15.05.99 Cape Clear W

European Storm Petrel 2433501 5 04.07.94 Power Head 3370 km S Caught & released 06.01.96 off Cap Head, Corbiero, W Sahara

2450115 4 09.07.95 Power Head 323 km N Controlled 4 24.07.96 Rathlin O’Birne, Co. Donegal

2450257 4 31.07.95 Power Head 725 km N Controlled 4 19.07.97 Bearasay, Lewis

2482116 4 09.07.97 Power Head 2058 km Controlled 4 14.08.97 Nordland, Norway NE

2496885 4 23.07.99 Leganagh Pt, Sevens Hd 439 km S Controlled 4 20.08.99 Banneg Is, Finistere France

D012771 4 14.06.94 Faro, Algarve, Portugal 611 km Controlled 4 01.08.97 Leganagh Pt, Sevens Hd N

The popular ringing sites are Cape Clear, Toe Head, Seven Heads, Old Head of Kinsale and Power Head. Movements of birds to and from these sites over the period of this report are summarised in Tables 3 and 4 below.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 273 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Table 3. Movements of European Storm Petrel from Co Cork ringing sites: Year of ringing is tabulated versus finding location showing year of recovery with numbers of individuals in parentheses

Year of Ringing 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Co Waterford 96 96(4) 96(3),97 Co. Wexford 96 95,96(3) 96(8) 00(2) Co. Clare 96(2) Co. Donegal 96 97,96 99 Co. Down 96 00 Co. Mayo 97(3) England 97(5), 96 (5), 98 98 99, 00 Wales 97 99 99 Finisterre 99,00 Isle Of Man 96 96 01 Scotland 97 96(2), 97(6), 98 99, 03 Norway 97

Table 4. Movements of European Storm Petrels to Co. Cork Ringing sites: Year of Ringing 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Co. Donegal 96 99 Co. Waterford 96(4) 97 99 Co. Wexford 96 98 98 99, 00 Co. Clare 97 Co.Mayo 96 Co.Down 96(2) Wales 96(2) 99 99 Cornwall 96(6) 99(2), 98(4),97(4) 99(3),98(4) 99(2) 99 Isle of Man 97(3) 97(2), 98 98,99 Portugal 97

274 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Northern Gannet 1151164 P 01.07.80 Great Saltee Island 87 km W Fishing net 31.01.97 Youghal

1317214 P 29.06.93 Bull Rock 77 km NE Found dead 15.05.96 West Kilbride, Strathclyde

1323859 P 01.09.95 Noss, Shetland, Scotland 1028 km Found dead 22.01.02 Roches Point SSE

Common Guillemot GJ64406 P 27.06.82 Great Saltee Island 100 km Fishing net 14.03.95 Ballycotton WSW

GH26099 P 27.06.85 Great Saltee Island 100 km W Oil victim 17.11.97 Garyvoe

X16471 P 08.07.93 Isle of Canna, Skye & Lochalsh Oil victim 19.11.97 Knockadoon 583 km S

X12988 P 27.06.96 Sanda Isl., Strathclyde 417 km SW Fishing net 22.05.97 off Ballycotton

X64124 P 07.07.96 Isle of Canna, Skye & Lochalsh Oil victim 20.11.97 Gyleen 593 km S

X43822 P 01.08.96 Isle of Canna, Skye & Lochalsh Oil victim 18.11.97 Gyleen 593 km S

X72800 P 22.06.97 Fair Isle 929 km S Oil victim 18.11.97 Youghal

X74117 P 27.06.97 Sanda Isl., Strathclyde 398 km Oil victim 18.11.97 Youghal SSE

T7643 P 27.06.91 Sanda Isl., Srathclyde 472 km Found dead 15.05.97 Rosscarbery SW

T45806 4 07.07.87 Isle of Canna, Skye & Lochalsh Fishing net 12.03.96 off Ballycotton 594 km S

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 275 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Common Guillemot T56547 P 23.06.88 Sanda Isl, Strathclyde 420 km Fishing net 28.02.96 off Ballycotton SSW

T76638 6 27.06.91 Sanda Isl., Strathclyde 407 km Fishing net 15.02.96 Knockadoon Head SW

T77059 P 27.07.90 Kintyre, Strathclyde 416 km S Fishing net 27.11.96 off Ballycotton

T35614 P 20.06.87 Great Saltee Island 99 km W Fishing net 27.11.96 off Ballycotton

GJ66887 P 19.06.83 Great Saltee Island 119 km S Found dead 18.04.96 Ringaskiddy

GJ77258 P 23.06.82 Shiant Isl., Western Isles Fishing net 28.02.96 off Ballycotton 688 km S

Atlantic Puffin EK28099 6 24.06.82 Puffin Island, Co. Kerry 122 km Found dead 12.12.97 Howie’s Strand, Kilbrittan E

Great Cormorant 5134331 P 01.07.95 Ballycotton Island 57 km NW Found dead 11.02.97 Mallow

5191009 P 17.06.97 104 km Found dead 05.09.97 Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny NNE

5191012 P 17.06.97 Capel Island 242 km SE Found dead 07.04.98 St. Mary's, Scilly Isles

5134762 P 01.07.95 Ballycotton Island 72 km NW Found dead 5.08.99

5191250 P 14.07.96 Ireland’s Eye, Co. Dublin Found dead 03.04.97 near Fermoy 206 km SW

5195829 P 12.06.97 Ardboline Isl., Co Sligo Fishing net 14.08.97 Coulagh Bay 309 km S

276 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Great Cormorant 5118728 P 08.06.83 Capel Island Local Fishing net 15.10.96 Knockadoon Head

European Shag 1 1275956 P 21.05.91 Great Saltee Island 167 km Oil victim 12.01.98 Clonakilty WSW

1304960 P 06.05.92 Great Saltee Island 89 km W Fishing net 15.10.96 Knockadoon Head

Mute Swan 2 Z46634 6F 28.11.90 Cork Lough 98 km W Field record 24.07.96 Mizen Head

Z34995 4 11.09.89 Ballybutler Lake 88 km W Found dead 19.06.98 Skibbereen

Z57201 8M 22.08.85 Cork Lough 16 km S Found dead 09.04.96 Ringaskiddy

Mallard GP69766 4M 23.12.94 Strangford L., Co Down 425 km Shot 15.11.96 Long, Isl, Roaringwater Bay SW

Common Pochard GF61189 6F 18.03.96 Peterborough, Cambridgeshire 12.01.97 near Mallow 574 km W

European Oystercatcher 487260 3 29.06.95 Stranda, Iceland 1714 km Found dead 24.04.96 Garretstown SE

Eurasian Curlew FA62337 4 01.09.96 Holbeach, Lincolnshire Shot 22.11.97 Mallow 600 km W

1 There were 12 further reported recoveries in Co Cork of Shags from Great Saltee Island, all either same-year or following-year movements. In all cases the recovery method was fishing net or oil victim

2 Nine further movements of maximum 32 km from Cork Harbour were reported

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 277 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Common Snipe PLGHN02485 08.08.87 Jastarinia, Gdansk, Poland 1858 Shot 3 11.02.93 near Macroom Km W

Black-headed Gull 6170121 P 24.06.95 Rogaland, Norway 1240 km Field record 24.07.96 Bantry SW

6155154 5 12.06.96 Malmo, Sweden 1468 km Field record 27.07.96 Cork City SW

ET58176 P 22.06.97 Llyn Alaw, Anglesea Ring found 31.07.97 Unionhall 461 km SW

ER59786 P 13.06.92 Kendal, Cumbria 486 km SW Found dead 13.06.96 Kinsale

ES67582 P 30.05.95 Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire Found dead 22.11.96 near Iniscarra 481 km W

ES09505 P 12.06.93 Llyn Aled, Clwyd 426 km W Field record 6 24.07.96 Bantry

Herring Gull GH31660 P 04.07.85 Cape Clear Local Found dead 18.08.00 Cape Clear

Lesser Black-backed Gull GG70208 P 01.07.89 Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria 22.07.96 Cork 478 km SW

5048790 P 24.07.84 Kalsoy, Faeroes 1165 km S Found dead 05.02.93 Little Island, Cork Harbour

ISR 335181 P 29.08.93 Japdarbaer, Iceland 1581 km Long dead 03.09.95 Ballymacoda SSE

DKC4218824 P 27.07.88 Nolsoy, Faeroes 1131 km Dying 22.08.93 Ballycotton SSE

278 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Lesser Black-backed Gull GH8268 P 25.06.91 Cape Clear 114 km Found dead 02.07.98 Ballycotton Island ENE

GH50805 P 21.07.88 Cape Clear 190 km N Found dead 21.07.95 Inishmore, Co. Galway

GF57020 P 03.07.95 Cape Clear 1591 km S Field record 09.11.99 Algarve, Portugal

GH50909 P 29.06.88 Cape Clear 2126 km S Injured 08.11.01 Safi, Morocco

Sandwich Tern DK93882 P 14.06.96 Lady’s Isl. Lake, Co. Wexford Injured 3 01.08.96 Red Strand 191 km W

Common Tern XR37906 P 28.06.87 Cork Harbour 4207 km S Trapped, killed 04.03.96 Ngor, Senegal

XR79259 P 09.07.95 Cork Harbour 398 km NE Field record 07.07.97 Liverpool, Merseyside

Barn Swallow K311615 3J 22.08.95 Ballycotton 108 km Road casualty 15.06.96 , Bantry WSW

N316939 3J 04.09.97 Youghal 2277 km S Bird found 12.01.00 Tinghir, Ouarzazate, Morocco

P224468 3J 03.09.99 Youghal 9609 km S Controlled 24.03.00 Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, RSA

P224963 P 29.07.02 Churchtown 9341 km S Found dead 12.01.03 Pretoria, Transvaal, RSA

J246495 3J 11.09.02 Youghal 9146 km S Controlled 27.01.03 Gaborone, Botswana

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 279 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Barn Swallow J246458 3J 09.09.02 Youghal 9146 km S Controlled 04.02.03 Gaborone, Botswana

Sedge Warbler J936941 3J 16.08.95 Youghal 229 km E Controlled 06.05.96 Bardsey Island, Gwynedd

K581913 3J 08.08.96 Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone Controlled 15.08.96 Youghal 309 km S

K506372 3J 13.08.96 Youghal 363 km NE Found dead 24.08.96 Chester, Cheshire

N316646 4F 08.08.97 Youghal 1037 km Controlled 20.08.97 Villeton, Lot-et-Garonne, France

N316658 3J 12.08.97 Youghal 441 km N Controlled 13.05.98 Lockfoot, Dumfries & Galloway

N785440 3J 07.08.98 Youghal 515 km SE Controlled 17.08.98 Trunvel, Finistere, France

N785498 3J 11.08.98 Youghal 515 km SE Controlled 17.08.98 Trunvel, Finistere, France

P224801 3J 08.08.00 Youghal 630 km E Controlled 20.08.00 Stodmarsh, Kent

FRP3693656 3 18.08.91 l’Aiguillon, Vendee, France 785 km Controlled 14.08.92 Youghal NNW

J603069 3J 23.08.95 Youghal 1052 km S Controlled 19.09.95 Anglet, Pyrenees-Atlantique, France

H427402 3J 06.08.95 Belle L., Co Waterford Controlled 09.08.95 Youghal 65 km SW

H766641 3J 29.08.94 Youghal 675 km S Controlled 12.09.94 Ile Massereau, Loire-Atlantique, France

280 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Sedge Warbler H766431 3J 05.08.94 Youghal 641km ESE Controlled 22.08.94 Le Havre, Seine–Maritime, France

H766158 3J 25.07.94 Youghal 641 km S Controlled 22.08.94 St-V.d’Ymonville, Seine Maritime, France

F859950 4 03.08.91 Ballycotton 14 km E Controlled 4 01.08.96 Youghal

J935158 3J 29.08.94 Ballycotton 345 km E Controlled 4 12.05.96 Hinkley Pt., Somerset

J936941 3J 16.08.95 Youghal 229 km E Controlled 4 06.05.96 Bardsey Island, Gwynned

J963993 4 02.09.95 Youghal 260 km SE Controlled 4 11.05.96 Lands End, Cornwall

K444889 3J 27.08.96 Youghal 251 km SE Controlled 3 06.09.96 St. Mary’s, Scilly Isles

K444769 3J 01.08.96 Youghal 1059 km S Controlled 3 10.08.96 Guipuzcoa, Spain

K484174 3J 23.07.96 Youghal 515 km SE Controlled 22.08.96 Treogat, Finistere, France

K484426 3J 27.07.96 Ballycotton 510 km SE Controlled 3 08.08.96 Treogat, Finistere, France

K484774 4 03.08.96 Ballycotton 244 km Controlled 4 01.05.97 Lundy Is., Devon ESE

K484786 3J 03.08.96 Ballycotton 498 km Controlled 13.08.96 Portsmouth, Hampshire ESE

K487219 3J 26.07.96 Youghal 515 km SE Controlled 3 13.08.96 Treogat, Finistere, France

K484735 3J 03.08.96 Ballycotton 510 km SE Controlled 3 20.08.96 Treogat, Finisterre, France

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 281 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Sedge Warbler K487192 3J 26.07.96 Youghal 515 km SE Controlled 3 04.08.96 Treogat, Finisterre, France Controlled 3 07.08.96 Plovan, Finisterre, France

K484743 3J 03.08.96 Ballycotton 510 km SE Controlled 3 18.08.96 Treogat, Finisterre, France

K484786 3J 03.08.96 Ballycotton 498 km E Controlled 3 13.08.96 Portsmouth, Hampshire

K506199 3J 09.08.96 Youghal 229 km E Controlled 3 20.08.96 Bardsey Island, Gwynned

K506372 3J 13.08.96 Youghal 363 km Found dead 24.08.96 Chester, Cheshire ENE

K581913 3J 08.08.96 Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone Controlled 3J 15.08.96 Youghal 309 km S

K835341 3 16.08.97 Ballycotton 612 km Controlled 3 28.08.97 Icklesham, Sussex ESE

P420647 3J 29.07.01 Youghal 605 km Controlled 05.08.01 Icklesham, Sussex ESE

P420777 3J 01.08.01 Youghal 645 km E Controlled 15.08.01 Sandwich Bay, Kent

N419774 3 04.08.03 Ballycotton 675 km SE Controlled 11.08.03 Frossay, Loire Atlantique, France

Reed Warbler P420850 3J 05.08.01 Youghal 427 km SE Controlled 27.08.01 Poole, Dorset

K487262 3J 29.07.96 near Youghal 14 km SW Controlled 4 27.07.97 Ballycotton

6023984 3 05.09.96 Antwerpen, Belgium Controlled 21.09.96 Cape Clear 998 km W

282 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction Reed Warbler N535619 3 08.08.98 Arklow, Co. Wicklow Controlled 4 14.07.99 Ballycotton 167 km SW

P398243 4 10.06.01 Anglesey, Wales 273 km W Controlled 16.07.02 Youghal

K311161 3J 11.08.95 Ballycotton 14 km NE Controlled 23.07.02 Youghal

N354954 3J 04.08.98 Youghal 14 km SW Controlled 11.08.99 Ballycotton

KP49182 3 05.08.98 Elblag, Poland 1969 km W Controlled 3 01.09.98 Cape Clear

Grasshopper Warbler P196036 3 08.09.02 Youghal 605 km SE Controlled 19.09.02 Icklesham, Sussex

Pied Flycatcher AC59449 P 29.05.00 Overijssel, Netherlands Controlled 13.05.01 Cape Clear 1102 km W

Willow Warbler 5D6528 4 28.04.98 Cornwall 309 km Controlled 01.05.98 Cape Clear NW

Redwing NLA H188227 2 25.10.88 Noord-Holland, Netherlands Ring in Barn Owl pellet 27.02.94 Crookstown 916 km E

Blackcap J992166 3F 22.10.95 Lundy, Devon 283 km W Found dead 01.06.96 Ballincollig

K468092 3M 28.10.95 Scilly Isles, Cornwall Taken by cat 29.01.96 Fermoy 280 km W

European Siskin BLB 4513601 3F 29.09.93 Antwerp, Belgium 896 km W Controlled 23.01.94 near Ballincollig

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 283 Cork Ringing Report 1996-2003

Species Age Date ringed Place ringed Distance Ring No. Code & recovered & recovered & direction European Siskin N373105 6M 19.02.98 near Ballincollig 37 km NE Controlled 25.01.00 Kilworth

Acknowledgements

Contributors to this Report are P.Smiddy, J.O'Halloran, P.M.Walsh, O.J. Merne, M. O'Donnell (CCBO), M.A. Duggan, D.Watson, R.O’Keeffe and B. O’Mahony.

Barry O'Mahony Karma Healy's Bridge Carrigrohane Co. Cork

284 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

The status of Birds of Prey and Owls in County Cork

Tony Nagle

Hen Harrier over forestry – Barry Ryan

In this paper I examine published data on the various raptor and owl species occurring in County Cork and also include information gleaned from various observers over the last forty years in an attempt to establish population trends for these species in the county. There is far greater information available on some species, such as Hen Harrier and Peregrine thanks to recent national surveys. In contrast, comparatively little is known about other species such as Merlin and ironically, information is also sparse on the more widespread and numerous species such as Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Long-eared Owl. Consequently, any conclusions drawn on population status concerning some species will be speculative but nonetheless useful until more detailed information becomes available in the future.

There are some indications that Cork was more seriously affected by the whole organochlorine poisoning crisis of the 1960s than other parts of the country and this is particularly borne out by seemingly greater than average declines in Sparrowhawk and Peregrine numbers at this time. Species known to breed in the county are dealt with first and potential colonists are referred to later in the paper.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 285 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Introduction

County Cork presents a tremendous challenge to raptor enthusiasts due to its large size (7,456 square km or 74.5 10km squares) and the great variety of habitats that exist within its boundaries: coastal cliff; moorland; upland crag; coniferous forest (at various stages of growth); deciduous woodland; 3 large river valleys; rough grassland; rich pastureland; large reedbeds etc. The large size of the county presents problems in terms of observer coverage and the more populous east and south of the county tend to receive greater attention than the less well populated north and west.

In recent years, indications are that most species seem to be holding their own and some species such as Peregrine have probably never been as numerous as they are now. The county has gained at least one new breeding species in the last few years with the confirmation of breeding Buzzards at 2 different locations in 2004. Nevertheless, the situation is not entirely positive, as other species such as Merlin and Barn Owl are known to have declined in recent years.

Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

The Hen Harrier has long been a part of the avifauna of County Cork (referred to as “common” (Harvey 1845) and managed to hold on in areas of the county despite widespread declines elsewhere in the country as a result of persecution during the latter half of the nineteenth century (Ussher and Warren 1900). This decline (largely as a result of persecution) persisted until the species ceased to breed in the county probably sometime in the 1940s. Persecution by shooting interests continued in a serious manner until as recently as 1977 in which year the entire Kerry population was shot (F. King cited in O’Flynn 1983). Breeding resumed in County Cork in 1956 and thus began a remarkable recovery as the Hen Harrier adapted to nesting in the new conifer plantations that were to transform the landscape of the uplands. This recovery lasted until the mid 1970s when another decline began. The reasons for this decline have been well documented (O’Flynn 1983, Gibbons et al 1993) and primarily relate to the maturation of conifer plantations and extensive reclamation of marginal land in the uplands.

Cork has undoubtedly been affected by the decline in the Irish population since the mid 1970s (O’Flynn 1983), but the actual extent of the decline is difficult to measure. I have been unable to obtain an estimate of the Cork population in this period. An indication of the extent of the decline is provided by W.J. O’Flynn (pers. comm.) who remembers a combined total of up to 15 pairs in the Nagles and East Cork in the 1960s. A reasonable estimate of the Cork population in the early 1970s, given a national population of 250-300 pairs (Watson 1977), would be 40- 48 pairs (by using the current figure of 16%, see below). By the late 1970s, important areas such as the Ballyhouras were apparently deserted (O’Flynn 1983),

286 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork but Harriers were once again breeding on the Ballyhouras from 1980 onwards (C. Saich and P. Smiddy pers. comm.). Nevertheless, Ken Preston estimated that only 12-15 pairs were to be found in Cork in the mid 1980s (cited in Hutchinson 1989).

Hen Harrier populations have recovered somewhat from the very low numbers recorded by O’Flynn and Preston in the late 1970s and early 1980s and this is largely attributable initially to the continued planting of new areas with conifers and more recently, to the species ability to adapt to second rotation (restock) conifer plantations, a behavioural habit which seems to be rather more prevalent in Ireland than Britain (Norriss et al 2002).

A national survey carried out in the years 1998 to 2000 showed County Cork held at least 27 pairs of Hen Harriers. This represents about 20% of the known national total population of up to 131 pairs or 16% of the total all-Ireland population of up to 173 pairs (Norriss et al 2002). These figures effectively make the Hen Harrier the single most important breeding species in the county. Breeding pairs are largely confined to the north and northwest of the county with a small outlying population in the east. The population is concentrated in 6 areas:

Mullaghareirks*: 8 pairs Nagles: 7 pairs Ballyhouras*: 5 pairs Boggeraghs: 4 pairs Kilworth*: 2 pairs East Cork: 1 pair (*Additional pairs in adjacent counties)

Follow up surveys by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 2003 (Pollock and Barton) and the Irish Raptor Study Group (IRSG) in 2004 (Lyden and Nagle) over large areas of County Cork indicated that the Hen Harrier population had remained relatively stable since the last survey.

Early indications from the 2005 national survey indicate that the population has increased or at least remained stable in the north and west of the county but has continued to decline in the east:

Mullaghareirks*: 8 pairs Nagles: 9 pairs Ballyhouras*: 10 pairs Boggeraghs: 5 pairs Kilworth*: 1 pair East Cork: 0 pair (*Additional pairs in adjacent counties)

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 287 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

The increases in the Nagles and Ballyhouras can be explained in part by more thorough survey work but it would also appear that both areas have recently become premium harrier habitats with the current level of second rotation tree growth. There is evidence from both areas that Hen Harriers are also increasingly foraging over improved grassland.

In addition to the breeding sites above, there are a number of important wintering areas where Hen Harriers may be seen from August to March: Ballyvergan Marsh, Ballinamona Marsh, Power Head, various sites around the Minane Bridge area and Garretstown.

The Hen Harrier population in County Cork has probably reached carrying capacity in most areas of the county, with availability of suitable foraging habitat being the main limiting factor rather than nesting habitat (Norriss et al 2002). The species has become almost exclusively dependent on large, predominantly upland forestry plantations in the breeding season and is consequently subject to the periodic fluctuations in the availability of this habitat. Future expansion will depend on less extensive forms of agriculture in the uplands (a distinct possibility which may result from changes in EU farm policy) and on a more inclusive attitude from Coillte and private forestry companies in relation to the amount of suitable habitat i.e. young plantation that is made available in coming years. A carefully coordinated regime of planting schedules would help to stabilise the population. On the other hand, future declines are likely if the existing breeding habitat is not given the protection it deserves from a variety of sources such as unrestricted planting/replanting of conifers, insensitive location of wind farms, and quad-biking and scrambling activities.

Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

The Sparrowhawk is generally regarded as Ireland’s most numerous bird of prey, but the original Breeding Atlas (Sharrock 1976) gives the impression that the bird was very scarce or absent over large parts of the county, particularly the north, west and southwest. This absence may have been attributable to the effects of organochlorine poisoning which made the Sparrowhawk a very rare bird over large parts of eastern England in the 1960s (Newton 2001), but why the effects of DDT etc should be so pronounced in parts of Cork and not elsewhere in Ireland is difficult to explain.

Hutchinson (1989) cites the lack of tree cover in parts of southwest Cork as a possible explanation of the species’ absence, but this would only apply to the more barren areas of the 3 peninsulas and nowadays few 10km squares are without conifer plantations of some description. The second Breeding Atlas (Gibbons et al 1993) shows a somewhat improved picture in terms of Sparrowhawk distribution in the county but still contains some inexplicable gaps. Is it possible that the

288 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Sparrowhawk population in County Cork succumbed to the effects of organochlorine poisoning in substantially greater numbers than may have been the case elsewhere in Ireland? There is some evidence to suggest that this may also apply to the Peregrine (see below).

Virtually every one of the correspondents who supplied information for this paper felt that the Sparrowhawk was now doing well in their area and none believed that there had been any noticeable change in the population in recent years. Gabriel Noonan (cited in Hutchinson 1989) is one of the few people who have worked on Sparrowhawks in Ireland and his studies have shown the average density in County Wicklow to be close to 1 pair per 1km square or presumably about 90+ pairs per 10km square. A conservative extrapolation of these densities (which are rather high) at say 18 pairs per 10km square (which in turn allows for the less productive south western peninsulas and land over 300m), would give a population estimate of approximately 1,490 pairs for the county. Densities well in excess of 30 pairs per 10km square are likely to be found in many well-wooded lowland areas.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Throughout the 1990s the Buzzard has undergone a remarkable expansion of range in Ireland, as the Northern Irish population finally began to spread south and west (aided no end by the banning of strychnine in 1991). In 1980 there were thought to be 4 pairs in the Republic, 26 pairs by 1991 (Norriss 1991) and by 2001 the population was estimated to be 160 to 200 pairs, mainly in the counties of and North (O’Sullivan 2002).

It was only a matter of time before the species reached Cork, but it was felt that the counties of South Leinster and North Munster would have to be colonised first. The 1990s produced an increasing number of records of single birds in Cork, with individuals noticed wintering in East Cork from 1999 onwards (P. Smiddy pers. comm.), but apart from isolated pairs in Wexford and Kilkenny, the nearest breeding population was still confined to Wicklow and counties to the north. The first sighting of a pair in the county took place in the Hungry Hill area of the Beara Peninsula in August 1995 (M. Hartnett pers comm.). Single Buzzards were seen later in the same area in 1995 and again in 1997 and 2000 but there was no evidence of breeding. The appearance of a pair on a farm at Ballinrea, about 2 miles south of Cork city in the winter of 2001 was a welcome surprise. The birds departed from Ballinrea sometime in April and they (presumably) were relocated near Belgooly later in April. In April and again in June a single Buzzard was sighted regularly in the Lisgoold area of east Cork. No birds were seen again until December 2001, when 3 appeared in the Riverstick area. One of these was a juvenile, but breeding in the county, though likely, remained unproven. In the following months of 2002, Buzzards were seen at Robert’s Cove, Minane Bridge,

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 289 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Ballinrea, , Kilbrittain and Garretstown. Sightings continued at Riverstick, with 4 seen together in January.

Many sightings were made throughout March and April at a variety of the above locations, but sightings gradually petered out and no birds were seen between May 23rd and August 13th. Sightings of single birds increased until a pair was again seen near Belgooly in December and into January and February 2003. Single birds were also seen in March and April near Minane Bridge and near Lisgoold in April. Buzzards were not seen again until a pair turned up near Castlemagnier in North Cork in June (A. Gillespie pers. comm.). Single birds were seen near Lisgoold in July and near Cloyne in August. A pair of Buzzards was seen with 2 juveniles near Ballinascarthy in September and breeding was suspected in the area (P. Wolstenholme pers. comm.).

In 2004 single birds were seen near Cloyne in January, near Lisgoold in February and Great Island in March. A pair was seen near Belgooly in February with another pair near Lisgoold in mid March and at on the same day and another pair was near Cloyne, with single birds near Sandy Cove and Great Island. In May, single Buzzards were seen at a site in the Nagle Mountains,and at sites near Ballinspittle, Castlemagnier, Ballinascarthy, and pairs were seen in the vicinity of Garretstown and Lisgoold. In June, single bird(s) were seen near Lisgoold.

In June 2004, Pat Smiddy proved breeding at a site he had been monitoring near Cloyne. This site produced 3 fledged juveniles and history was made, the first ever documented case of Buzzards breeding in the county! In July, I finally proved breeding at a site near Belgooly that produced 1 fledged juvenile. In September, Dave Cooke saw 5 Buzzards in the air at Garretstown and it is highly likely that this was a family group that had nested locally.

In 2005, breeding was again confirmed near Cloyne, with at least 1 fledged juvenile (P. Smiddy pers. comm.), Belgooly, where there were 2 fledged juveniles and for the first time a site near Mogeely produced 2 juveniles (P. Moore and A. Jeffries pers/ comm.). An injured juvenile, (presumably from this pair) was found and is unlikely to fly again (injury unknown) and is now in captivity (P. Smiddy pers. comm.). Buzzards were reported from additional locations e.g. 2 separate sites in the Ballyhouras and an injured (road collision) adult bird (1 of a pair), which later died, was found near (J. Lynch pers. comm.). Furthermore, a pair was also proved breeding this year close to Youghal, but in Co. Waterford.

Given the increasingly wide range of sightings, I estimate that there are currently at least 8 pairs of Buzzards in County Cork: Ballinascarthy, Ballinspittle, Belgooly, Cloyne, Mogeely, Lisgoold, Castlemagnier and Castletownroche. The known

290 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork presence of birds at these locations may well be a reflection of observer bias and it is highly likely that there are more than 8 pairs in the county, which begs the questions:

• Is this current phenomenon a colonisation or a re-colonisation of the county?

• Where did our birds originate?

It is not surprising that there are so few references to Buzzards in Cork in the nineteenth century (which is the period when reliable recording effectively began), when one considers that by 1800, forest cover had reached an all-time low after centuries of clearance (Hall 1995). The only appreciable areas of woodland in existence at this time were to be found in the great demesnes and the Buzzard’s existence in these estates was felt to be totally incompatible with the intensive game-rearing practices of the time. Most birds of prey suffered heavy persecution throughout the nineteenth century, but the Buzzard’s strong propensity to feed on carrion made it an easy victim of the gamekeeper’s poisoned baits. Sheep farmers would also have disliked the Buzzard (mistakenly) and they would have persecuted the species (either directly or indirectly) with poison laid for other “vermin” in many of the upland areas and the peninsulas of the southwest where the Buzzard might otherwise have held on.

Smith lists “Buteo, the Common Buzzard” as number 2 in his “Catalogue of Carnivorous and Rapacious” birds (Smith 1750). Thompson makes an interesting mid-nineteenth century (1841) reference to Buzzards being not uncommon “in the neighbourhood of Waterford and Youghal”, while also implying that the species was absent from Kerry and Tipperary and was uncommon in Wexford (Thompson 1849).

A few years later, Harvey describes the Buzzard as “not common” in Cork (Harvey 1845). These are perhaps the last references to a remnant breeding population in the south of Ireland and consequently represent substantial evidence that the species did formerly breed in Munster. In my view, it is highly likely that the Buzzard suffered a drastic decline in Cork during the eighteenth century and finally succumbed to persecution sometime in the mid-nineteenth century. I have no doubt that this species would have been widespread and perhaps reasonably common throughout Ireland until the eighteenth century.

There are 2 theories regarding the likely origins of our present population: a) southward drift from the core population in the north and east of the island, and b) colonisation from the large Welsh population. The first theory is perhaps the more plausible given the current rate of expansion, but it does not explain the absence of Buzzards in counties to the north and east of Cork (apart from 1 or 2 pairs in

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 291 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford that would hardly constitute a ‘seed’ population).

The Welsh theory would explain this glaring gap in the Buzzards’ current distribution and it might also partially explain the apparent concentration of records in the east and south of Cork. Expansion from Wales has been considered as a possible source of the Wicklow population, where breeding was first recorded in 1978, 3 years before Buzzards bred anywhere else in the Republic (Norriss 1991). Furthermore, there is an interesting record concerning a pair shot near Kilbrittain Castle in 1886 at a time when the breeding population in the northern counties had been virtually exterminated (Ussher and Warren 1900). Were these birds one of the last surviving pairs in the country, or had they travelled from Wales?

My own view on the current re-colonisation of the county is that Cork, being the most southerly county in Ireland, acts as a form of receptacle for the small percentage of birds with a tendency to drift considerable distances southwards from the core population in the north and east of Ireland and once they have reached Cork, there is nowhere else to go! This theory is supported by the various sightings of Buzzards by Mick Hartnett on the Beara Peninsula between 1995 and 2000 and an earlier sighting by the late Bob Wilkinson on Sheep’s Head Peninsula in 1992 (CBR 1992). It is possible that single birds will remain in an area for a number of years until a mate eventually arrives. This may well have been the case with the Belgooly pair, where a single Buzzard was first seen near Riverstick in December 1997 and another bird was seen at Garretstown in June 1998 (P.M. Walsh pers. comm.). The likelihood of single birds being joined by a mate is increasing each year and thanks to a more benign attitude nowadays to birds of prey, the future of the Buzzard in Cork would appear to be favourable and it is likely to become a much more familiar sight in the coming years.

Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

The Kestrel may not be our most numerous bird of prey but it is certainly our most conspicuous. The “windhover” has become a familiar sight along the new road systems that radiate from Cork City. The Kestrel is more versatile than the Sparrowhawk in its choice of nest site and is therefore not restricted to wooded areas and nests are often located in old buildings, on cliffs and in quarries.

All of the correspondents reported that Kestrels were doing well in their respective areas and a few, notably Pat Smiddy, suspect that there may even be localised increases with breeding recently being noted in new areas. Kestrels appeared to be quite common in the upland areas of the Mullaghareirks, Ballyhouras and Nagles during the Hen Harrier surveys of 2004 and 2005 and the species has undoubtedly benefited from afforestation as plantations provide additional sources of prey in the

292 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork early stages of growth and nest sites (in the form of disused crow nests) in the later stages. The expansion of the Peregrine population may well be having localised impacts in some areas, particularly in coastal areas and Mike Fox has seen a Peregrine take a Kestrel in west Cork.

Surprisingly little work has been done on Kestrel diet in Ireland and the only 2 studies that I have encountered were done outside of the bank vole range in Ireland (Fairley and McLean 1964) and (Fairley 1973). These studies found that Irish Kestrels were feeding largely on field mice and birds. It would be very interesting to examine Kestrel diet within the range of the bank vole and to ascertain whether or not this new source of prey is being exploited to any great extent, as is the case with the Barn Owl (see below). Interestingly, Pat Smiddy has suggested that the increase he has noticed in East Cork may well be related to the relatively recent arrival of the bank vole in the area. If this were so, it is possible that Kestrel densities may be higher in areas with high bank vole populations such as forestry plantations in their early stages or indeed any lowland area with dense hedgerows.

The only work on Irish Kestrel population density that I have encountered is again the work of G.C. Noonan in Wicklow (cited in Hutchinson 1989), where he estimates an average density of about 5 pairs per 10km square. If this estimate is applied to Cork it gives the figure of 375 pairs. This estimate is considerably lower than the mean density of 20 pairs per 10km square used for the whole of Britain in the second Breeding Atlas (Gibbons et al 1993). The “extrapolated” figure of 10,000 pairs for the whole of Ireland, which in turn gives an average density of about 12 pairs per 10km square, (or 894 pairs in Cork) seems to me to be too high and I would be more inclined to use an intermediate figure of 8 pairs per 10km square which would put the population at 596 pairs. The fact that the single most important prey species for Kestrels in Britain, the field vole (Village 1990) does not occur in Ireland, may well explain our lower Kestrel densities. Nevertheless, it is possible that Kestrel densities are higher in parts of Ireland (such as Cork) that have been colonised by the bank vole.

Merlin Falco columbarius

Merlins are notoriously elusive and it can be very difficult to prove breeding even where birds are known to be present. In the first Breeding Atlas (Sharrock 1976), Merlins were proved to breed in only 3 10km squares in the county and even though they were reported from about a dozen other 10km squares, many of these were likely to have been over-wintering birds seen in the earlier (spring) part of the survey. In fact only about 4 of the “possible breeding” records are in 10km squares containing suitable breeding habitat. In the second Breeding Atlas (Gibbons et al 1993), breeding was confirmed in only 2 10km squares in the county, with “possible breeding” recorded in only 4 additional 10km squares. Strangely, the records from both atlases (with one exception) do not coincide. Combining the

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 293 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork records of both atlases helps to create a more accurate map of Merlin distribution given the paucity of knowledge pertaining to the species in the county.

In Cork, Merlins tend to be confined to the upland areas of the north, northwest, west and southwest and records are thinly scattered across the Ballyhoura, Mullaghareirk, Boggeragh, Derrynasaggart and Caha ranges. There are a few outlying areas, with a notable breeding record near in the original Breeding Atlas and a pair breeding in “east Cork” in the 1992 Cork Bird Report. There also seems to be a small population in the Durrus area and a pair was seen in a new 10km square near here in 2002 (H. Hussey pers. comm.).

Ken Preston did a considerable amount of work on Merlins in the early 1990s (CBR 1990, 1991, 1992) and proved breeding in the Ballyhouras (up to 3 pairs), Hungry Hill, Millstreet and Nadd. Ken also found the first pair of tree-nesting Merlins in County Cork as recently as 1990 (CBR 1991). This habit has since become the norm throughout Ireland and there are now thought to be very few ground-nesting pairs in the country.

The amount of available suitable breeding habitat (open moorland, though not necessarily heather dominated) has been drastically reduced since the first breeding atlas through a combination of increased afforestation and reclamation of marginal land in the uplands. Large areas of the remaining moorland in the Ballyhouras were planted with conifers in the early 1990s with the result that only 1 pair of Merlins was seen from 1996 onwards (J. Lyden pers. comm.) and only 1 pair was seen during the 1998 Hen Harrier survey. This situation has almost certainly been replicated throughout the county but it is impossible to assess the impact on the Merlin population given the historic paucity of information.

Considerable areas of suitable habitat still remain in most of the Merlin ‘strongholds’ in the county and 3 pairs were located in the Mullaghareirks during an IRSG survey of Hen Harriers in the spring of 2004 (Lyden and Nagle). Much of the remaining suitable habitat lies outside of the traditional Hen Harrier strongholds and remains relatively ‘unexplored’ in terms of raptor surveying. The Shehy and almost certainly continue to hold breeding pairs and this is likely to be the case also in the Derrynasaggart and Boggeragh Mountain. Intensive survey work in these areas could well yield surprising results. Analysis of past and recent records brings me to the conclusion that the Cork population of Merlins is probably in the region of 10 to 16 pairs.

Merlins are widespread in the autumn and winter months with the majority of records coming from coastal areas but wintering birds are also seen inland. In recent years I have seen Merlin hunting over dairy pasture well inland in south Cork on 3 separate occasions. A substantial proportion of our wintering birds are

294 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork likely to be of Icelandic origin as Ireland and Britain are the main wintering grounds for the Icelandic race subaesalon.

Peregrine Falco peregrinus

The Peregrine population in Ireland and elsewhere declined dramatically in the 1950s and 1960s as a result of the widespread use of organochlorine pesticides. The population decline in Ireland is reckoned to have been at least 40% and perhaps as high as 70% (Ratcliffe 1980). The Cork population would appear to have been particularly hard hit. While I have been unable to obtain an estimate of the breeding population prior to the 1970s, the fact that remote eyries were affected, such as Cape Clear, where breeding ceased in 1960 (Sharrock 1973) gives some indication as to how serious the problem had become. In fact, survey work for the original Breeding Atlas (Sharrock 1976) failed to find a single breeding pair in the entire county and breeding was suspected or thought “possible” at only 3 locations in Cork.

Breeding did not recommence on Cape Clear until the early 1980s (S. Wing pers. comm.). An indication of the beginning of a recovery is provided by the findings of an NPWS survey of the entire county in 1982 (for logistical reasons Cork and some other areas were not included in the 1981 national survey). This 1982 survey found a population of just 16 pairs (13 coastal and 3 inland), a rather small proportion (about 6%) of the estimated total island population of 278 pairs based on the 1981 survey (Norriss et al 1982), yet this number proved to be a marked improvement on the estimated population of a decade earlier which would have put the population in single figures (D. McMahon pers. comm.). Restrictions on pesticide use led to a gradual recovery and in the last 2 decades Peregrines have returned to practically all of their former haunts and have undergone a substantial increase in numbers as they take advantage of new man-made nesting habitats such as quarries and buildings.

Only 15 pairs were located in survey work for the second Breeding Atlas (Gibbons et al 1993) and it has been acknowledged (by Gibbons et al) that survey coverage in Ireland was not as complete as it should have been. Norriss (1995) refers to the fact that the recovery in Peregrine Increase in Co. Cork Peregrine numbers “was virtually complete” by 1991, apart from the continued low 70 60 level of occupation on the 50 Cork coast. The 1992 figure 40 of 28 pairs used below is an 30 20 estimate based on the 10 increases that occurred before 0 and after that year. In arriving 1972 1982 1992 2002

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 295 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork at this figure, I have taken into consideration the use of quarries as nest sites was only just beginning in the county (see below) and I am assuming that all available traditional sites were not yet occupied.

The Peregrine population, both nationally and in Cork, is now almost certainly higher than it has ever been. The coastal cliffs of east, south and southwest Cork have now probably reached maximum occupancy levels and the fact that low, sub- optimal cliffs are being used in some areas is further evidence to suggest that saturation point has been reached on the coast. Peregrines are breeding on 4 offshore islands and most of the available upland crags are now occupied in the Caha, Shehy and . In recent years a pair has even taken up residence at a site in Cork city! The only coastal areas with suitable nesting cliffs that Peregrines do not seem to have occupied fully are 2 of the western peninsulas, namely Sheeps Head and Mizen Head. The low density in these areas has been noted before (D. McMahon cited in Hutchinson 1989) and I believe this may be attributed to the fact that there are no appreciable seabird colonies on these peninsulas and in addition, the barren nature of the landscape, particularly towards the western ends where there are suitable nesting cliffs, is not conducive to supporting adequate densities of land-based prey species.

The use of quarries as nest sites, which was first recorded in the north and east of Ireland in the 1980s, was first noticed in Cork in 1992 (W. J. O’Flynn pers. comm.). Since then, Peregrines have occupied thirteen other quarries and this trend has allowed the species to colonise new areas that would previously have been unsuitable due to the lack of breeding sites. The main population concentrations are as follows*:

Coastal Cliffs: 36 pairs Inland Crags: 8 pairs Quarries: 14 pairs Urban: 1 pair Building: 1 pair (*Latest figures from 2002 survey and subsequent IRSG revision)

The Peregrine population of County Cork is now in the region of 60 pairs and this represents about 15% of the national total (B. Madden pers. comm.).

Quarries continue to be occupied and it is likely that other quarry sites remain to be discovered. The use of buildings by Peregrines, such as power stations and church steeples etc, which is now beginning to be seen in other parts of Ireland and which has become well established in Britain (J. H. Wells, 2004) has yet to be recorded in Cork. The only use of buildings known in County Cork had been a ruined castle that was used in the 1990s but not subsequently (D. Mc Mahon pers. comm.) and another similar site that was found in the 2002 survey (B. Madden pers. comm.).

296 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

The use of ruined buildings as nest sites would appear to be a long established if somewhat erratic behavioural trait and was recorded in neighbouring Kerry as far back as 1835 (Thompson 1849). Presumably the relatively recent trend towards nesting on large intact and often modern buildings (such as churches and power stations) will soon reach County Cork and this latest example of Peregrine adaptability presents further possibilities for population expansion in the future.

The banning of various organochlorine pesticides has removed the greatest single threat to the species. Persecution by man has largely come from elements in the pigeon racing community in recent years and this has been particularly serious in Wicklow and Waterford (D. McGrath 1987). I know of only one such case in Cork. Another threat to the species comes from the unauthorised taking of birds for falconry purposes and a particularly low eyrie in mid-Cork has been raided on a number of occasions in recent years. Thankfully such instances of persecution and deliberate disturbance have been rare in Cork, but the situation needs to be carefully monitored.

Barn Owl Tyto alba

In the years 1991-95 Dave Cooke and I carried out a random survey of Barn Owls throughout County Cork. With the aid of several press articles and an extensive network of contacts, we located Barn Owls at 33 different sites around the county. It soon became apparent that the majority of nesting sites were in buildings, ruined mansions in particular. This ties in well with findings in Britain where the majority of nest sites in the drier east of the country tend to be in tree cavities whereas most nest sites in the wetter west of Britain are to be found in buildings (C. Shawyer 1994). Factors other than climate are likely to be involved in choice of nest site and in areas of the county where large trees are scarce or absent, buildings are the obvious choice. Tree nesting has been recorded in County Cork, (R.T. Mills and C. Saich pers. comm.), but only very infrequently.

The Barn Owl has certainly undergone a major decline in County Cork and this became obvious very early on in the 1991-95 survey. We spoke to many landowners who would have been very familiar with the species in the past and in many instances owls would have been present until the 1980s. The reasons for this decline relate largely to changing farming practises, in particular: mechanisation resulting in the abandonment of threshing, rickyards and grain stores for horses; rodent-proof grain silos; reclamation of marginal land; hedgerow removal and perhaps most seriously in the last 3 decades, the changeover from hay to silage. All of these factors have led to reductions in prey availability. Demolition or renovation of buildings has led to a depletion of suitable nest sites and increased road traffic has resulted in higher road fatalities (Shawyer 1994).

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 297 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

In the 1991-95 survey we ranked sites as follows: “regular breeding” i.e. used every year; “occasional breeding” i.e. used intermittently; “possible breeding” i.e. breeding not proved but thought to be unlikely or used only as a winter roost. Many of our sites were judged by the presence and age of pellets so that pellets found indoors at a site would be removed (as part of a prey analysis study by J.S. Fairley et al 1996) and the site would later be revisited. If no pellets were found subsequently, the site would be deemed “possible” etc. Our survey was by no means complete but it certainly was representative and sites were visited\found throughout the county. We frequently received reports of Barn Owls from areas where we never found nest\roost sites and these sightings were taken into consideration when estimating population size which in 1995 we considered to be somewhere between 60 and 90 pairs. Other factors were taken into consideration to arrive at this estimate and these included: incomplete coverage of the county; widespread records of the species from Youghal in the east to Castletownbere in the west and the fact that several 10km squares known to us held at least 2 pairs.

In 2003-04 we revisited 17 of the original 33 sites and we established presence or proved breeding at 12 of these sites (Table 1).

Table 1. Status of Barn Owl breeding sites in County Cork

1991 – Status of Site 2003-04 Sites checked 2003-04 Positive 1995 Regular breeding 16 13 10 Occasional breeding 10 2 1 Possible breeding 7 2 1

Based on these figures, the decline of the Barn Owl is continuing, but some parts of the county seem to be more seriously affected than others. For instance, in northeast Cork there has been a drastic reduction in numbers of regular breeding sites in the last ten years. Out of a total of 8 sites monitored by Cyril Saich in the early 1990s, only 1 site is currently in use. On the other hand, in east Cork, Pat Smiddy has seen no change in the 4 regular breeding sites that he has been monitoring in the same period.

In our recent follow-up survey, 3 of the 16 “regular” sites that had been in use in the original survey have since been renovated and another site has been demolished. Renovation or demolition of sites is the principle cause of desertion in northeast Cork also (C. Saich pers. comm.). This would imply that the main causal factor in the continuing decline of the species is primarily related to the loss of nesting sites and this would certainly apply at the 4 renovated\demolished sites that

298 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

I am familiar with, where there is still plenty of suitable foraging habitat available. This situation is easily remedied by the erection of nestboxes in suitable locations and all that is required is a little bit of foresight in programmes such as the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) which could easily accommodate the practice.

Furthermore, Coillte and private forestry companies could considerably enhance their biodiversity status by erecting nestboxes on the edge of plantations, as has been done so effectively in southwest Scotland by the Forestry Commission (G. Shaw and A. Dowell 1990) and this would have the dual effect of increasing Barn Owl numbers and reducing the damage to young trees caused by bank voles, which have been shown to feature prominently in the diet of Barn Owls in County Cork (Cooke et al 1996; Farnsworth et al 2002).

Given the recent evidence of further declines in the Barn Owl population, a revised county estimate of 40 to 60 pairs would now seem more appropriate.

Long eared Owl Asio otus

The Long-eared Owl has long been described as “our commonest owl” even as far back as the late nineteenth century (Ussher and Warren 1900). This would not appear to be the case in Cork if one were to take the original Breeding Atlas (Sharrock 1976) as a source of reference for the species as the distribution map in the atlas appears almost completely blank for the county. This situation had to be the result of very little nocturnal survey work (Hutchinson 1989) and there is a similar dearth of records for 2 other nocturnal species, Barn Owl and woodcock.

The second Breeding Atlas (Gibbons et al 1993) illustrates a somewhat more positive picture for the species at least in the east and south of the county and this is largely attributable to the fact that 2 or 3 observers made a concerted effort to prove breeding in their local areas. There is very little information on Long-eared Owls nationally let alone in the Cork area but virtually every one of the correspondents contacted during the writing of this paper described the species as common or “doing well” in their part of the county and many of them kindly supplied breeding or suspected breeding records (most of which refer to the past decade). I proceeded to plot these records with my own and those gleaned from various Cork Bird Reports (1983-95) on a map in an endeavour to establish how widespread the species actually is in the county and to make an attempt at estimating population numbers.

Although I have very few records for the northwest and extreme southwest of the county (due entirely to sparse observer coverage), it is clear that Long-eared Owls are indeed widespread throughout the county, with pairs breeding on the western tips of the Mizen Peninsula (R. T. Mills pers. comm.) and the Beara Peninsula (D.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 299 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Cooke pers. comm.) and even in the suburbs of Cork City (Cork Bird Report 1994).

Dave Cooke has been one of the most regular contributors of Long-eared Owl records to the Cork Bird Report over the last twenty years or so and in this period he has been informally monitoring the species at 24 sites in the south and southwest of the county. He has proved breeding at 8 of these sites and strongly suspects breeding at all of the other sites and regards the species as very widespread in the county (D. Cooke pers. comm.). Paul Moore carried out a random survey of 5 conifer woods in east Cork in the early 1990s and proved breeding at each site (P. Moore pers. comm.).

The Long-eared Owl has undoubtedly benefited from the steady increase in commercial forestry over the last fifty years and smaller plantations rather than blanket afforestation tend to be more suited to its need to hunt in open areas (Avery and Leslie 1990). Very few 10km squares in the county are without at least one such plantation and in any case, Long-eared Owls are often found nesting in hedgerows and hawthorn clumps in many parts of England (Scott 1997). Birds were regularly seen at Cork City Dump in the 1990s and breeding was proved in 1994 (Cork Bird Report 1994).

Breeding has been recorded in habitat exceeding 500m a.s.l. in Britain (Gibbons et al 1993). Given that only about 1% of land in County Cork is over 450m a.s.l., it is highly likely that most 10km squares are capable of holding at least 1 breeding pair. Many of the 10km squares with breeding records hold at least 2 pairs and considering that no square was ever systematically searched it is highly likely that substantial numbers are missed even in those areas that have received coverage in recent years. A conservative estimate of 2 pairs per 10km square would give a population of about 150 pairs but I am more inclined to use a figure of 4 pairs per 10km square, which would give a population of 300 pairs and even this figure may well be an underestimate of the county population.

There is some evidence of autumn passage with birds being recorded most years at Cape Clear and less frequently at other coastal sites such as the Old Head of Kinsale, Galley Head and Dursey Island (Cork Bird Reports 1983-95). The origin of these birds is unknown, but it is likely that at least some of them are from Northern Europe (Hutchinson 1989).

Short eared Owl Asio flammeus

The Short-eared Owl has never been proved to breed in County Cork, even though breeding has occurred nearby in Limerick and Kerry (Hutchinson 1989). Birds have been seen in suitable breeding habitat within the county in the Mullaghareirks as far back as 1977 when the original attempt at colonisation in the neighbouring

300 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork counties was being made (Jones 1979). Birds were seen on several occasions in the 1990s (E. Sweeney pers. comm.). A pair was seen in suitable breeding habitat in June 2003 (H. Williams pers. comm.) and a single bird was seen in June 2004 (L. Lenihan pers. comm.). A pair of Short eared Owls was also seen in the Ballyhouras in July 1996 although breeding was not thought to have taken place (E. Sweeney pers. comm.) and a pair was seen in suitable breeding habitat in west Cork during the summer of 2002 (Tom Kelly pers. comm.). It is likely that the species is overlooked and most of the spring and summer sightings in recent years have been made by NPWS staff while monitoring Hen Harriers.

There is still much suitable habitat available in northwest Cork, although it is somewhat ironic that Short-eared Owls attempted to colonise the country at a time when Hen Harriers were undergoing a period of decline due to habitat loss (see above). It is believed that the sudden appearance of breeding Short-eared Owls in southwest Ireland in the late 1970s and thereafter was directly related to the spread of the bank vole (Jones 1979). In any case, the species is a regular winter visitor and has been recorded widely throughout the county.

Coastal salt marsh and farmland tend to be the favoured wintering habitats in Ireland (Lack 1986) and this would appear to be the case in Cork. Short-eared Owls are often seen at headlands such as the Old Head of Kinsale and Barry’s Head in the autumn but there are very few wintering records for these sites.

Analysis of Cork Bird Report records (1981-95) shows that 4 sites tend to be regularly used by the species in winter: Ballymacoda, Ballycotton, Clogheen Marsh and The Gearagh. Most sightings tend to be of single birds but multiple sightings of 2 or even 3 birds are occasionally recorded especially at Ballycotton and Clogheen. Indeed the largest number known to winter at a single site in the county was 7 birds that spent the winters of 1983-84 and 1984-85 at Clogheen (Walsh and Sleeman 1988). More recently, at Ballymacoda, up to 5 birds wintered and some even lingered into May 2005 (P. Smiddy pers. comm.). Wintering undoubtedly takes place at other (often less well known) sites around the county, for instance, up to 2 birds regularly wintered at Ballyleary Bog on Great Island until it was drained in the mid 1990s. My first experience of the species was when a friend brought me a dead owl (which had been found shot) in the winter of 1978- 79. This bird had been seen on several occasions in and around a small bog about 3km south of Bandon. There are many of these small marshy areas scattered around the county and Short-eared Owls could easily remain undetected in such places, for instance, Kennedy et al (1954) described it as “regular” in the “Schull area”.

An average of 4 to 6 wintering birds are reported each year, mainly at the aforementioned sites. These birds are most likely to be of British origin (Wernham et al 2002). The true wintering number is probably at least 10 to 15 birds given

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 301 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork that in Britain, a sizeable proportion of the population winter in upland areas (Lack 1986). These areas receive virtually no observer coverage during the winter months in Ireland.

Potential Colonists and Recolonists

Red Kite Milvus milvus

A very interesting eighteenth century reference describes Red Kites as “so common [in Cork] that they need no particular description” (Smith 1750) and Smith’s clear and unambiguous description of the species as “distinguished from all other birds of prey by its forked tail” can leave us with little doubt as to the former occurrence of this species in the county.

The Red Kite population in Britain at up to 667 pairs (Eaton et al 2004) is now higher than it has been for at least 200 years, thanks to an innovative re- introduction scheme that has established healthy populations in various parts of England and Scotland and has led to the reinvigoration and expansion of the Welsh population. A pair attempted to breed in Antrim in 2002 (Scott and McHaffie 2002) and a pair took up residence for about 5 weeks in 1998 near Cloyne (Irish Birds 1999). There is every possibility that the Red Kite may re-colonise Ireland in the coming years, but breeding is most likely to commence in the northeast or east of the Island.

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

Marsh Harriers formerly bred in at least 2 locations in County Cork, Ballyvergan and Ballycotton up until 1870 (Ussher and Warren 1900). The species was also referred to as “resident” in “Blarney, Inchigeela, andc.” (Harvey 1845).

In the years 1996-2003, there were 27 birds seen in the county (an average of more than 3 per year) and the majority of these have been seen at Ballycotton (4), Ballyvergan (6) and Kilcolman (6). Only 3 of the 27 birds seen in this period were males. All sightings were of single birds (CBR 1996-03). Breeding is a distinct possibility within the next ten years at 1 or more of the above sites, but only if more males begin to turn up in tandem with females! This reluctance of male birds to cross the Irish Sea has been noted before (Irish Birds 2002).

Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Until relatively recently the Goshawk was regarded as a rare vagrant and a considerable number of the Irish records refer to birds seen in Cork e.g. of the 16 records between 1965 and 1988, 8 were seen in Cork (Hutchinson 1989). There has been a similar dribble of records in recent years at Cape Clear and Dursey

302 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

(CBR 1988-92) but in 1991, there is an interesting inland spring record “near Mallow” and another spring record in 1993 at Kilcolman (CBRs 1991 and 1993). In the intervening years, a sizeable breeding population has become established in Northern Ireland (Scott and McHaffie 2003). It is likely that most Goshawks seen in Ireland have come from the growing British population but escaped or deliberately released falconer’s birds are also possible sources.

There is much speculation as to the extent of Goshawk colonisation in Ireland and it is sometimes assumed that the species is widespread and has become established in our larger conifer forests. Many so-called sightings undoubtedly refer to Sparrowhawks. Breeding outside of Northern Ireland has yet to be documented and given the highly sedentary nature of the species (Wernham et al 2002), colonisation of the Republic is likely to be slow. In Britain, where the population has really only begun to expand significantly since the late 1980s (Wernham et al 2002), it is estimated that about 20 imported birds were either released or else escaped on an annual basis between 1970 and 1982 (Marquiss and Newton 1982). This is almost certainly not the case in Ireland.

A number of reliable sightings of Goshawk have been reported in County Cork in recent years including the intriguing record of an immature male in September 2001 at the Gearagh. Furthermore, an adult female was observed at close quarters killing and eating a feral pigeon near Coppeen in October 2003 (J. Lynch pers. comm.). In spring 2003 a female was seen displaying in North Cork (C. Barton pers. comm.) and in 2005 a pair was seen soaring in South Cork (P. Smiddy pers. comm.).

It is possible that a small population is becoming established in 1 or 2 areas of the county. These birds are likely to have originated in Britain but at least 1 falconer’s bird has escaped in the county and remained at large in recent years (F. McMahon pers. comm.).

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Golden Eagles bred in County Cork at 2 locations in the Caha Mountains in the nineteenth century (D’Arcy 1999) and “on the borders of Cork and Tipperary, and at ” (Harvey 1845). It was probably more widespread in the county in earlier times. The ongoing success of the Golden Eagle re-introduction scheme in Donegal is likely to eventually lead to a slow spread southwards along the western seaboard with eventual recolonisation of Kerry and Cork (L. O’Toole pers. comm.).

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 303 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

The Osprey is an annual passage migrant and may be encountered anywhere along the coast primarily in the autumn. Between 1996 and 2003, approximately 22 birds were reported (there are more than 22 reports but some sightings refer to the same individuals). Only 3 of these birds were seen in spring and very few birds lingered for more than a few days. The Scottish population continues to grow and breeding has now commenced in Cumbria and at the re-introduction site at Rutland Water in England (Eaton et al 2004) and a pair unsuccessfully attempted to nest in Wales in 2004 (Lorcan O’Toole pers. comm.). There have been a number of records of summering pairs in Northern Ireland in recent years and the commencement of breeding is inevitable. There are no immediate signs of impending colonisation of County Cork but this may well change in the future once a breeding population becomes established on the island of Ireland.

Hobby Falco subbuteo

There is an intriguing eighteenth century reference to Hobbys breeding on the coast of Cork (Smith 1750). While accepting that some of Smiths descriptions and claims may appear somewhat outlandish and incorrect by modern standards (for instance Kestrel is omitted from his list of birds of prey), the fact that the description of the Hobby is quite accurate and is also referred to as “a bird of passage” is worthy of some consideration.

The Hobby is an almost annual passage migrant with 1 to 4 records in most years. The great majority of these sightings have been of short-staying single birds at coastal locations. Of the 17 or so records between 1996 and 2003 (CBR), 12 are autumn and 5 are spring records. Apart from a few intriguing sightings of 1 and occasionally 2 birds in the Minane Bridge area during the summer in recent years (J. Lyden pers. comm.), there has been no indication of any attempt at breeding.

Discussion

The various raptor and owl populations of County Cork are important in an all- Ireland context (Table 2). The 2 species on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern (Newton et al 1999), namely Hen Harrier and Barn Owl, still occur in substantial numbers in the county. Cork also holds proportionately important numbers of the 4 species on the Amber List; Goshawk, Merlin, Peregrine and Short-eared Owl. The overall picture is largely encouraging; particularly with reference to Buzzard and Peregrine but there are worrying trends, especially the ongoing decline of Barn Owl and Merlin and an uncertain future for Hen Harrier. Our very limited knowledge of the status of species such as Kestrel and Long- eared Owl has made it practically impossible to detect trends.

304 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Ongoing survey work is needed for all birds of prey, but particularly those where our knowledge is minimal. Furthermore, there is a wide range of topics awaiting study at postgraduate level and this has to be encouraged.

Table 2. Raptor and Owl population estimates in County Cork & Ireland

Species County Cork pop Ireland pop Hen Harrier 27 pairs 173 pairs Goshawk 0-2 pairs 9-11 pairs Sparrowhawk 1,350 pairs 11,000 pairs Buzzard 4-8 pairs 340 pairs Kestrel 596 pairs 4,166 pairs Merlin 10-20 pairs 230 pairs Peregrine 60 pairs 493 pairs Barn Owl 40-60 pairs 500 pairs Long-eared Owl 300 pairs 2,350 pairs Short-eared Owl 0-1 pair 2 pairs

(Data from Thompson et al 2003 and IRSG amendments)

It is likely that at least some of the species referred to above as ‘potential colonists’ will eventually breed in the county. Practical measures such as the erection of nest platforms at suitable locations could well enhance the likelihood of species such as Osprey colonising. Ireland ranks as one of the most impoverished countries in Europe in terms of its bird of prey populations, but this was not always so and most of the ‘potential colonists’ referred to above previously bred or at least probably bred in the country.

One means of redressing the current artificial situation is reintroduction and one former breeding raptor not referred to above, the White-tailed Eagle Halieetus albicilla, is an ideal candidate for such a scheme. This magnificent bird was once a familiar sight at coastal locations around the county and Harvey (1845) referred to it as “not uncommon”. This species has already been successfully reintroduced to western Scotland and with proper planning and adequate resources there is no reason why a similar project will not succeed in Cork or in neighbouring Kerry. I look forward with hope to a paper such as this in the Cork Bird Report of 2025, where White-tailed Eagles will once again be described as “common on the sea shores” as Smith regarded them in 1750!

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 305 Birds of Prey & Owls in County Cork

Acknowledgements

This paper could not have been written without the generous help and advice of the following correspondents and I wish to sincerely thank all who were involved: Colin Barton, Kevin Collins, Dave Cooke, Ciaran Cronin, Mike Fox, Andrew Gillespie, Tom Gittings, Mick Hartnett, Harry Hussey, Alec Jeffries, Tom Kelly, Liam Lenihan, John Lyden, John Lynch, Brian Madden, Richard Mills, Don McMahon, Frank McMahon, Paul Moore, Stephen Newton, David Norriss, Liam O’Flynn, Denis O’Sullivan, Mike O’Sullivan, Lorcan O’Toole, Claire Pollock, Cyril Saich, Mark Shorten, Pat Smiddy, Eva Sweeney, Paul Walsh, Jim Wells, Howard Williams, Mark Wilson, Steve Wing, Peter Wolstenholme.

References

Avery M, Leslie R. 1990. Birds and Forestry. T and AD Poyser, London Cooke D, Nagle A, Smiddy P, Fairley JS, and O’Muircheartaigh I. 1996. The diet of the Barn Owl in County Cork in relation to land use. Biology and Environment. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. D’Arcy, G. 1999. Ireland’s Lost Birds. Four Courts Press, Dublin Eaton MA, Noble DG, Cranswick PA, Carter N, Wotton S, Ratcliffe N, Wilson A, Hilton GM, and Gregory RD. 2004. The state of the UK’s birds 2003. BTO, RSPB and WWT, Sandy. Fairley JS, McLean A. 1964. Notes on the summer food of the Kestrel in Northern Ireland. British Birds 58: 145-148. Fairley JS. 1973. Kestrel pellets from a winter roost. Irish Naturalists Journal 17: 407-409. Farnsworth K, Sleeman DP, Buckley NJ. 2002. High numbers of Bank Voles in diet of Barn Owls Tyto alba in County Cork. Irish Birds 7: 142-143. Gibbons DW, Reid JB, Chapman RA. 1993. The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: 1988-1991. T and AD Poyser, London. Hall VA. 1995. Woodland Depletion in Ireland over the last Millennium. Woods, Trees and Forests in Ireland. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. Harvey Dr. 1845. Contributions towards a Fauna and Flora of the County of Cork in the year 1843. George Purcell and Co. Cork. Heselden R, Leonard P, Wilson J. 1987 and 1988. Cork Bird Report 1987-1988. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Heselden R, Leonard P. 1989. Cork Bird Report 1989. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Hutchinson CD. 1989. Birds in Ireland. T and AD Poyser, Calton. Jones E. 1979. Breeding of the Short-eared Owl in southwest Ireland. Irish Birds 1: 377-380. Kennedy PG, Ruttledge RF, Scroope CF. 1954. The Birds of Ireland. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh and London.

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Lack P, 1986. The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T and AD Poyser, Calton. Leonard P, Shorten M. 1990. Cork Bird Report 1990. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Leonard P, Shorten M. 1991. Cork Bird Report 1991. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Lyden J, Nagle A. 2004. South Munster Hen Harrier Survey 2004. Irish Raptor Study Group. Marquiss M, Newton I. 1982. The Goshawk in Britain. British Birds 75: 243-260. McAdams DG, Milne P, O’Sullivan O. 1999. Forty-sixth Irish Bird Report, 1998. Irish Birds 6: 3. McGrath D. 1987. The Peregrine Falcon in southeast Ireland, 1981-1986. Irish Birds 3: 377-386. Milne P, McAdams DG, Dempsey E. 2002. Forty-eighth Irish Bird Report, 2000. Irish Birds 7: 91. Newton I. 2001. The Sparrowhawk. Shire Publications, Princes Risborough. Newton S, Donaghy A, Allen D, Gibbons D. 1999. Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. Irish Birds 6: 333-344. Norriss DW. 1991. The status of the Buzzard as a breeding species in the 1977-1991. Irish Birds 4: 291-298. Norriss DW. 1995. The 1991 survey and weather impacts on the Peregrine Falco Peregrinus breeding population in the Republic of Ireland. Bird Study 42: 20-30. Norris DW, Wilson HJ, Browne D. 1982. The breeding population of the Peregrine Falcon in Ireland in 1981. Irish Birds 2: 145-152. Norriss DW, Marsh J, McMahon D, Oliver GA. 2002.A national survey of breeding Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Ireland 1998-2000. Irish Birds 7: 1-12. O’Flynn WJ. 1983. Population changes of the Hen Harrier in Ireland. Irish Birds 2: 337-343. O’Halloran J, Foley J.1981. Cork Bird Report 1981. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. O’Sullivan O. 2002. Wings. No. 25. Birdwatch Ireland, Dublin. Pollock C, and Barton C. 2003. Survey of breeding Hen Harriers in the Glanaruddery, and Mullaghareirk hills, April and May 2003. Cork Ecology and NPWS. Ratcliffe D. 1980. The Peregrine Falcon. T and AD Poyser, Calton. Scott D. 1997. The Long eared Owl. The Hawk and Owl Trust, London. Scott Don and McHaffie P. 2003. What impact do Buzzard and Goshawk have on other Raptors in coniferous forest? – preliminary findings. Irish Birds 7: 267-269. Scott Don and McHaffie P. 2002. Attempted nesting of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Northern Ireland during 2002. Irish Birds 7: 131-132. Sharrock JTR. 1976. The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland. BTO, Tring. Sharrock JTR. 1973. The Natural History of Cape Clear Island. Berkhamsted.

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Shaw G. and Dowell A. 1990. Barn Owl Conservation in Forests. Forestry Commission. HMSO, London. Shawyer C. 1994. The Barn Owl. Hamlyn, London. Shorten M, Styles M. 1992. Cork Bird Report 1992. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Shorten M, Styles M. 1993. Cork Bird Report 1993. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Shorten M, Styles M. 1994. Cork Bird Report 1994. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Shorten M, Styles M. 1995. Cork Bird Report 1995. BirdWatch Ireland, Cork. Smith C. 1750. The Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Cork. Vol. 2. A. Reilly, Dublin. Thompson W. 1849. The Natural History of Ireland. Vol. 1. Reeve, Benham, and Reeve, London. Thompson DBA, Redpath SM, Fielding AH, Marquiss M and Galbraith CA. (Eds.). 2003. Birds of Prey in a Changing Environment. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh. Ussher RJ and Warren R. 1900. Birds of Ireland. Gurney and Jackson, London. Village A. 1990. The Kestrel. T and AD Poyser, London. Walsh PM and Sleeman DP. 1988. Avian prey of a wintering Short eared Owl Population in southwest Ireland. Irish Birds 3: 589-591. Watson D. 1977. The Hen Harrier. T and AD Poyser, Berkhamsted. Wells J. 2004. A Talk on Peregrines. Irish Raptor Study Group Conference, Dublin. Wernham CV, Toms MP, Marchant JH, Clarke JA, Siriwardena GM and Baillie SR (Eds.). 2002. The Migration Atlas: movements of the birds of Britain and Ireland. T and AD Poyser, London. Wilson J, Pierce S. 1983. Cork Bird Report 1983. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Wilson J, O’Mahony B, Smiddy P. 1985. Cork Bird Report 1985. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork. Wilson J, O’Mahony B, Smiddy P. 1986. Cork Bird Report 1986. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Cork.

308 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Habitat change at Ballycotton

Ballycotton: habitat change & loss of wetland avian biodiversity, 1970-2004

Patrick Smiddy and John O’Halloran

Abstract

Ballycotton Bay, because of its ‘soft’ coastline, has been subject to a considerable degree of erosion over tens of thousands of years. Erosion and associated habitat change is ongoing; the greatest change obvious over the last 30 years being the disappearance of Ballynamona Lake and its replacement by an estuarine habitat. Overall change in the habitat in recent years is described, as is the change in some of the bird populations as a result of the disappearance of the lake. Interference by man is considered to be only partly responsible for some of the changes noted. However, with global warming now a reality, weather patterns may change and sea levels may rise, therefore erosion may be exacerbated in the future. Statutory and non-statutory bird and habitat protection measures at Ballycotton are briefly described.

(The name 'Ballycotton' has been used in recent years by ornithologists to describe bird records from the wetlands on the west shore of Ballycotton Bay. However, during the 1960s, a confusing variety of names were used in the ornithological literature, most of them known only to those with intimate local knowledge. We agree that 'Ballycotton' is the most appropriate name for the wetlands known to ornithologists as Ballynamona Lake, Shanagarry Marsh, West Bog and the beach from Silver Strand north to Ardnahinch Road. The following Ordnance Survey apply in descending order of size within the wetland area: Ballynamona, Ballybraher, Ballycotton, Shanagarry South and Monagurra. In this paper we have used only Ordnance Survey and other names as a general rule. However, we have departed from this rule in the case of some local colloquialisms, but in all cases where this is so we have clearly stated it at the first mention.)

Introduction and background

Ballycotton Bay is situated at the eastern end of the Cloyne Syncline, a band of low-lying carboniferous limestone extending eastwards from Cork Harbour (Charlesworth 1953). The bay has a ‘soft’ coastline resulting from glacial till deposited by a Scottish icecap that extended down the Irish Sea and west along the south coast. The Scottish till is overlain by further glacial material from an icecap that extended east from the Cork and Kerry mountains during the Munsterian Cold Stage, about 300,000 to 130,000 years ago (Mitchell and Ryan 1997). Such ‘soft’ coastlines are subject to erosion by the sea, and this natural process has been

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 309 Habitat change at Ballycotton ongoing at Ballycotton Bay for tens of thousands of years.

We know that woodland, dated at 4100 years BP, grew at Ballycotton in what is now intertidal habitat (Mitchell 1976). The roots of trees and a thick peat deposit can be seen at low tide at the present time, particularly at the southern end of the beach. Rising sea levels later drowned this woodland and caused extensive erosion of the clay cliffs. There would also have been extensive marshes in the area then, as indicated by the fact Bronze Age people ate Cranes Grus grus, the remains of which have been found in the peat deposits in the intertidal area at the southern end of the beach (Fisher 1966, Boisseau and Yalden 1998).

A comparison of 19th century Ordnance Survey maps (first edition 6 inch, 1842) with those of the present day clearly shows that several hundred metres of land have been lost to erosion around the shores of the bay over the last 160 years. This erosion has extended from the southwestern corner (Ballycotton townland) to the northeastern corner (Ballycrenane townland). Interestingly, 19th century maps show no inlet of the sea anywhere around the bay, although marshland is evident at the position of the later lagoon (known to birdwatchers from the 1960s onwards as Ballynamona Lake) and at Ballynamona townland (known to birdwatchers from the 1960s onwards as Shanagarry Marsh). Ballylongane Lake, near Garryvoe, apparently did not exist in the 19th century, although a sluice is shown near the present outflow. A sluice is also shown at the area that later became Ballynamona Lake. It appears that the discharge from Shanagarry Marsh was then a natural stream, as it is now. The shoreline from the southern end of the beach (known locally as the Silver Strand and referred to as such hereafter) extending north to Garryvoe consisted then of drifting sands and shingle. A road or track connected the Silver Strand with the present Ballynamona Road beach car park, indicating relative stability of the shoreline at that time.

1930 to 2004

Ballycotton became popular as a birdwatching site in the 1960s following the establishment of the Cork Ornithological Society (later known as the Cork Branch of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy, and more recently the Cork Branch of BirdWatch Ireland). Birdwatching visitors in the 1960s and 1970s will have known the site chiefly as an important coastal lagoon habitat. What visitors might not have realised was that this habitat was of very recent development. Ordnance Survey maps show that between the 19th century and the 1930s considerable changes had taken place, particularly from Ardnahinch Road south. Here the coastline had receded by several hundred metres and large sea inlets had formed at the position of the later lagoon (hereafter referred to as Ballynamona Lake) and further north at Ballynamona townland (hereafter referred to as Shanagarry Marsh). These inlets appear to have consisted mainly of saltmarsh with tidal channels, and spring tides regularly flooded them. Ballylongane Lake is shown as

310 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Habitat change at Ballycotton marshland liable to floods, as is the present low-lying land north of Garryvoe beach car park.

Hutchinson (1979) described Ballycotton in the 1970s as consisting of a shallow, brackish lagoon (Ballynamona Lake) behind a shingle bank, 3 smaller muddy pools, reedbeds and an extensive intertidal sandy beach. Two of the pools were situated in Shanagarry Marsh (known to birdwatchers as the Main Pool {south} and Allen’s Pool {north}). The third pool (later known as the American Coot Pool) was situated just south of Ballynamona Road beside the beach. Ballynamona Lake was described as an inlet of the sea until the 1930s when it was cut off and completely impounded by the development of a shingle bank. An exit channel to the sea had to be periodically excavated (during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s) as shifting sand and seaweed often blocked it during southeast winds (Hutchinson 1979). Hutchinson (1979) considered Ballycotton as important, not primarily for the number of ducks and wading birds occurring there, but rather for the diversity of species. He considered the site was subject to 2 major threats, planning applications for tourist developments being one. The main threat was considered to be the closure of the exit channel from the lagoon, which resulted in an increase in water levels, a loss of muddy shores and the rapid spread of Reed Phragmites australis.

Because of the perceived threat of tourist related developments (caravan parks etc) a strong lobby for the protection of the habitats at Ballycotton evolved. A report by the Biological Society at University College Cork (Anon 1972) outlined several reasons for the conservation of the Ballycotton wetlands. These were as follows; for the pleasure and enlightenment of the nation and of visitors from abroad, for promoting an opportunity for scientific research, and for advancing public conduct in relation to wildlife and physical features of profound interest and educational value. The same authors described the exceptional features of the Ballycotton area as follows; a wildlife habitat of outstanding merit, a unique display of geological formations, recreational facilities on one of the finest unspoiled strands on the south coast, and its proximity to Cork city.

Anon (1972) gave the important habitat at Ballycotton as consisting of 900 acres (364ha), half of which was intertidal, quarter being wetland and quarter being agricultural land. While acknowledging that considerable erosion had taken place in the past (“in living memory the coast has receded at least a quarter of a mile”), Anon (1972) suggested that a degree of stability had been reached. They pointed to a build-up of sand and shingle deposits forming a barrier between Ballynamona Lake and the sea. Reeds had expanded at 3 sides (south, west and north) in the mainly freshwater lake, where small-scale hand cutting for thatch sometimes took place. However, considerable concern was expressed about the consequences for the lake by the removal of gravel from the shingle barrier (Anon 1972). (Removal of gravel, though prohibited, was a common practice in the 1960s and 1970s at east

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 311 Habitat change at Ballycotton

Cork beaches; P. Smiddy personal observation). It is not known why the barrier (and the lake) formed, but it was probably connected to changing tidal currents as a result of erosion of the cliff around the Silver Strand.

However, during the 1970s concern was being expressed by the local community at Ballycotton about erosion of the cliff at the Silver Strand. It was feared that if this progressed out of control the access road to the village and pier would be threatened. The cliff around the road leading to the Silver Strand began to erode at an accelerated rate from the early to mid 1980s. Access to the Silver Strand soon became impossible from this road. In an effort to protect the road and the adjoining farmland, Cork County Council placed a boulder barrier wall beside the cliff around the road. Although this helped to slow the rate of erosion it led to other problems. The deposition of builders’ rubble was allowed behind this barrier, but this led to illegal dumping of rubbish. Domestic and household rubbish, furniture, farm implements, corrugated iron, wood and other farmyard objects, glass, wire, pipes, fishing nets, hedge, tree and grass cuttings etc were dumped there, which, despite the presence of ‘No Dumping’ signs is ongoing today.

To the casual observer, the shingle barrier separating Ballynamona Lake from the sea appeared stable during the 1970s and at least the first half of the 1980s. However, signs of weakness were evident in the late 1980s. The barrier was frequently topped by high seas during gales from the east and it was pushed westwards (into the lake) by at least 10m, and leakage of water through it became obvious. However, water seepage through the barrier was noted also in the early 1970s (Anon 1972). The outflow constantly needed attention and Cork County Council tried to keep it open and flowing. The outflow had to be opened while on the one hand trying to prevent flooding of adjoining farmland and the low-lying part of the Bog Road leading to Ballycotton, and on the other taking into consideration the conservation needs of the area. A too high water level prevented feeding by certain species and flooded nests in season, while a too low water level caused diving species to desert. With global warming now a reality (Cook and Harrison 2001), weather patterns may change and sea levels rise, therefore erosion and inundation of such low-lying coastal lands may be exacerbated further.

Cork County Council generally opened the outflow from Ballynamona Lake at its northeast corner, around the area where the natural drainage from the marsh took place before the formation of the lake (Ordnance Survey maps). If wind conditions were from the southeast or east, the opening soon closed again due to shifting sands, shingle and seaweed. However, unusually large openings to the sea were made on several occasions. In April 1984 a huge outflow was made illegally, and for a short period 40-50% of the bed of the lake was exposed. This cut soon closed and the water level in the lake was restored. Nevertheless, because it occurred in spring there was significant failure of breeding among waterfowl that year. For the

312 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Habitat change at Ballycotton next few years, water levels in the lake remained fairly static, at least over the critical periods for waterfowl (breeding season and winter).

In July 1990 another illegal cut was made in the barrier, but this silted up quickly and water levels rose again. In October 1990 Cork County Council made a large cut in the barrier, which exposed 33-50% of the bed of the lake. This cut began to close by wave action soon afterwards, and the level returned to normal very quickly. However, in March 1991 there was a very high water level in the lake and the barrier appears to have burst naturally as a result. This burst soon formed a cut that was deeper than any previous one, and for long periods during the summer of 1991 there was no water in the lake. By May 1991 the lake had become a truly tidal habitat, and it has remained like that since.

Exactly why the 1991 burst site did not close (as would be expected) remains unclear. The position of it may have been a factor. The 1984 and 1990 cuts were made at a point further south than the traditional site and this is where the 1991 burst took place. Therefore, the barrier was weakened at this point, and this (combined with high water levels) is almost certainly what led to the burst. The erosion of the cliff and road at the Silver Strand and the building of the boulder protective wall may have been factors in why it stayed open (see earlier). By 1990 the barrier was much weaker (narrower) than it was during the 1970s. A plausible explanation why the cut failed to close in 1991 (and one favoured by us) is that the boulder protective wall at the Silver Strand caused a change in currents and wave action along the beach. It was evident during the 1990s (and is at present) that ‘long shore drift’ was taking place. This had the effect of stripping the sand and shingle from the southern part of the beach and depositing it further north. It is our contention that had the 1991 burst not taken place, as described above, ‘long shore drift’ would have completely removed the barrier within a few years anyway. In terms of ‘damage’ and change to the lake and its birds, the result would have been exactly the same, but it would have taken just a few years longer to happen.

Currently, what was Ballynamona Lake is an inlet of the sea again, probably much as it was before 1930. The Reeds have been killed off by saltwater in all but the south shore where there is a freshwater stream discharging. The material (shingle and sand) that formed the barrier between the lake and the sea has been deposited along the shore mostly between Ballynamona Lake and Ballynamona Road car park. Here, a strip of low sand dune over 50m wide has developed over the last ten years.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 313 Habitat change at Ballycotton

The wetlands to the west of the Bog Road (known to birdwatchers as West Bog, but mostly in Ballybraher townland) have also changed somewhat since the disappearance of Ballynamona Lake. Here, 2 streams flow east along a flat valley bottom. The loss of the lake has meant a generally lower water level, but also some input of saltwater. The most obvious change is the retarding of the growth of Reeds through saltwater inundation, at least at the eastern end nearest the Bog Road.

The American Coot Pool was a mini version of Ballynamona Lake. However, because there was little danger of farmland or road flooding, Cork County Council rarely opened up the outflow to the sea (which also frequently became blocked by shifting sands). Deepening of drains in adjoining fields in the late 1980s starved this pool of water and currently it is completely overgrown with Reeds. There has been no open water and no connection to the sea for many years.

Shanagarry Marsh had 2 open water areas in the 1960s and 1970s (see above). The habitat consisted of saltmarsh, with Reeds (still present) at the western side where a freshwater stream entered the marsh. Reeds also occurred (still present) at the north side of Allen’s Pool, indicating a freshwater source, probably from springs. Spring tides regularly flooded the marsh. During the 1980s, drain deepening at the Main Pool reduced considerably the amount of permanent water. Attempts were also made around this time to infill with soil and cultivate part of the marsh near the Main Pool. This failed due to the sandy nature of the habitat. Spring tides still flood the marsh, often bringing in large amounts of seaweed and sand. Cord-grass Spartina anglica was first observed at Shanagarry Marsh in December 1971 (Anon 1972). Members of the Cork Branch of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy attempted to eradicate it by digging. However, Cord-grass still grows here but it has not spread to the extent feared, probably because of the lack of open mud.

Sandy coastal habitats (such as Shanagarry Marsh) are dynamic and constantly changing unless managed regularly and carefully with a specific aim in mind. While the Main Pool at Shanagarry Marsh dried out largely because of drainage works and silting by seaweed and sand brought in by high tides, Allen’s Pool lost most of its water through natural change. Allen’s Pool was also without any standing water on several occasions during the 1960s (Anon 1972). The difficulty of managing such a habitat was demonstrated some 5 years ago when BirdWatch Ireland (with funding from East Cork Area Development) with the co-operation of the landowner attempted to create permanent water once again at Allen’s Pool. A boulder dam was built across the outflow drain but the tide quickly bypassed this and created a new outflow. Therefore, the work carried out was rendered useless.

Currently, Shanagarry Marsh is an area of saltmarsh with very little open water apart from the freshwater stream. Large amounts of seaweed and sand are regularly deposited in the marsh by spring tides, causing a slow rise in the ground

314 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Habitat change at Ballycotton levels there. Without constant management (which is unlikely) Shanagarry Marsh may dry out even more in the years ahead, although this may eventually be reversed if sea levels rise as a result of global warming. The sand dunes, which separate Shanagarry Marsh from the beach, have also expanded by about 50m over the last twenty years.

Further north, Ballylongane Lake has changed considerably as well. This lake appears to have developed since the 19th century. It is said locally to have been man-made for shooting, and is known as the Quaker's Pond (the late Stephen Motherway personal communication). The low-lying topography of the land here would have made it very easy to build a low dam. In the 1960s and 1970s it was a shallow, reed-fringed lake with a muddy bottom. In the 1970s Cork County Council built a piped outflow with a sluice to carry water from a stream flowing from the west and north of Garryvoe. Drainage works in nearby fields tapped into this improved outflow during the 1980s and lowered the water levels in the lake considerably. Currently, this lake is just a mudflat that is being colonised by Reeds and other vegetation. Water builds up here only temporarily following heavy rains and high tides. The improved drainage through this sluice has also meant that wetlands to the north of Garryvoe have been possible to drain, although some fields here may still flood seasonally.

Elsewhere around Ballycotton Bay, erosion of the clay cliffs to the east of Garryvoe is ongoing at a rapid rate. However, Cork County Council has placed a protective wall of boulders by the cliff at Ardnahinch and at Garryvoe to protect clifftop caravan parks and the car park. Though frequently buffeted by storms, this has considerably reduced the rate of erosion. Whether this is sufficient in the long term in the face of rising sea levels remains to be seen.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, because of the increasing mobility of people due to the use of motorcars, Cork County Council embarked on the provision of parking facilities at beaches. Around Ballycotton Bay, such parking facilities have been provided at Ballycrenane, Garryvoe, Ardnahinch and Ballynamona. The parking area at Ballycrenane was built on a piece of freshwater marsh while at Garryvoe and at Ballynamona the parking areas were built on sand dunes.

Bird and habitat protective measures

Traditional wildfowling took place at Ballycotton down through the years (Anon 1972) apparently without detriment to the waterfowl populations. However, in the 1960s and 1970s a considerable amount of indiscriminate shooting took place (Anon 1972). Foreign fishermen from boats docked at Ballycotton Pier and other non-local shooters were mainly, if not entirely, responsible for this. In the 1970s, Ballycotton was declared a statutory ‘No Shooting Wildfowl Sanctuary’, and is indicated by signposts. This has worked very well and no recent breaches of the

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 315 Habitat change at Ballycotton law are on record.

However, while all birds (and many mammals) are protected under the Wildlife Act, 1976, this Act affords little protection to habitats. The Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 makes provision for the designation of Natural Heritage Areas, and it is proposed to so designate Ballycotton in due course. Apart from some protection afforded by the Planning Acts (see Cork County Development Plan), the only habitat protection measure in place at Ballycotton at the time of writing is a Special Protection Area designation under the European Birds Directive (EC 79/409). At Ballycotton, this designation applies chiefly to the intertidal, and covers an area of 93.56ha. This is inadequate, although it is proposed to extend this to privately owned lands of importance to birds as feeding and roosting habitats.

In August 1996 the then Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht produced a map showing Ballycotton as a proposed candidate Special Area of Conservation under the European Habitats Directive (EC 92/43). However, its inclusion was probably an error (Eamon Meskell personal communication). This is ironic, especially in view of the fact that the lagoon at Ballycotton (the main habitat lost due to the changes described here) would almost certainly qualify as a 'priority habitat' under the Habitats Directive. In addition, BirdWatch Ireland, in collaboration with the landowner, manages a small non-statutory nature reserve at Allen’s Pool in Shanagarry Marsh.

Birdwatching facilities

Apart from car parking areas, it has not been possible to provide much in the way of birdwatching facilities at Ballycotton due to private ownership of lands. In general, entry to private lands is forbidden without permission. However, birdwatching can be done from the beach and the public car parks and roads. Anon (1972) proposed that a permanent Bird Observatory with an observation hut be established at Ballycotton. However, this idea never progressed further. Information signs have been provided through sponsorship. Murphy's Brewery (now Heineken) sponsored a signpost showing local birds, situated on the public road near the Church of Ireland church, in 1987. This signpost was replaced in 1997 by one sponsored by the Department of the Environment (Environmental Awards Scheme) and BirdWatch Ireland. Three other bird signposts situated in the car parks at Ballynamona and Garryvoe and on the cliffs overlooking the sea at Ballycotton, were sponsored by East Cork Area Development as part of their East Cork Trail development (late 1990s). A birdwatching hide built in the dunes near Allen’s Pool in the 1990s was vandalised and no longer exists.

316 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Habitat change at Ballycotton

The birds

There is a history of wetland bird monitoring at Ballycotton going back to the 1960s. A very good series of count data exists for 1970 to 1975, 1980 to 1990 and 1995 to 2004. These data will allow an analysis of the effects of the drainage of Ballynamona Lake on the bird populations, particularly the ducks, swans and related species. These data are currently being analysed and will be published elsewhere (Smiddy in preparation). A summary of the changes in the status of some species is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Causes of change in populations of breeding and wintering ducks, swans and related species at Ballycotton, 1970-2004

Species Breeding Wintering Little Grebe (1) (1) Great Crested Grebe (?) ? Little Egret - 4 Grey Heron 5 5 Mute Swan (1) (1) Bewick’s Swan - (1), see Note 1 Whooper Swan - (1) Canada Goose - 5, see Note 2 Brent Goose - 4, see Note 3 Shelduck 5 5 Wigeon - 5 Gadwall (1) (1) Teal - 5 Mallard 1 1 Pintail - ? Shoveler (1) (1) Pochard (1) (1) Tufted Duck - (1) Water Rail 1 1 Moorhen 1 1 Coot (1) (1)

4 = increase caused by factors not related to 1 = decrease caused by habitat change habitat change 2 = decrease caused by factors not related to 5 = no major change in status habitat change 3 = increase caused by habitat change ? = cause of change unknown.

Breeding species are shown in italics. Where a species has ceased to breed or winter, the ‘cause’ is enclosed in brackets.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 317 Habitat change at Ballycotton

Notes: 1: Bewick’s Swans have declined considerably throughout their Irish range since the 1990s (Colhoun 2002), and their decline at Ballycotton coincided with this. 2: Canada Geese spend some time at Ballycotton in late summer and autumn and a few may stay for at least part of the winter. 3: Brent Geese have established wintering populations at 3 sites in east Cork and west Waterford since the 1980s (Smiddy personal observation). At Ballycotton, most feed on the lower shore but some enter the former lake at high tide.

Of the 21 species dealt with in Table 1, twelve are (or were) breeders. Nine of these have decreased due to habitat change, 6 of them disappearing from Ballycotton altogether. Of the 21 wintering species, twelve have decreased in number, 9 of them disappearing completely (but see Bewick’s Swan) due to habitat change. Only 2 have increased as wintering species, Little Egret and Brent Goose, both for reasons unrelated to habitat change. Only the Grey Heron and Shelduck have shown little or no change as breeders, while the same can be said of only 5 of the wintering species.

References

Anon. 1972. Report on the Ballynamona Wetlands, County Cork. Biological Society, University College, Cork. Boisseau, S. and Yalden, D.W. 1998. The former status of the Crane Grus grus in Britain. Ibis 140: 482-500. Charlesworth, J.K. 1953. The Geology of Ireland. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh. Colhoun, K. 2002. Waterbird monitoring in Ireland 2000/01: results of the seventh year of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS). Irish Birds 7: 43-52. Cook, C. and Harrison, P.A. (Eds). 2001. Climate Change and Nature Conservation in Britain and Ireland. UK Climate Impacts Programme, Oxford. Fisher, J. 1966. The Shell Bird Book. Ebury Press and Michael Joseph, London. Hutchinson, C. 1979. Ireland’s Wetlands and their Birds. Irish Wildbird Conservancy, Dublin. Mitchell, F. 1976. The Irish Landscape. Collins, London. Mitchell, F. and Ryan, M. 1997. Reading the Irish Landscape. Town House, Dublin.

318 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour: 1994/95 - 2002/03

Tom Gittings

Golden Plover – Barry Ryan

Introduction

Cork Harbour is one of the most important sites in Ireland for wintering waterbirds (Crowe and Boland, 2004), and its waterbird populations have been monitored periodically since the 1970s (Hutchinson and O'Halloran, 1984; Smiddy et al., 1995). Since the winter of 1994/95, annual monitoring has been carried out, as part of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS). This period has coincided with the “hibernation” of the Cork Bird Report. Therefore, the only published data from this period has been the summary data for selected species included in the I-WeBS reports (Colhoun, 1998, 2000, 2001a, b, 2002; Crowe and Boland, 2004; Delany, 1996, 1997). The present article continues the series of annual reports published in the Cork Bird Report in the early 1990s (Coveney, 1992; Leonard, 1993; Shorten, 1994) with the aims of: making available the results of the Cork Harbour counts; and reviewing trends in waterbird numbers and status during this period.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 319 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Coverage

For the purposes of carrying out waterbird counts, Cork Harbour is currently divided into 19 count sectors. These sectors are counted by 9 or ten counters. The objective is for each count sector to be counted around high tide on either the Saturday or Sunday of the nominated weekend in each month between September and March. The actual level of coverage achieved is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Coverage achieved in I-WeBS counts of Cork Harbour, 1994/95- 2002/03.

Count sectors not covered: Winter Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. 1994/95 1995/96 Bn, DE, DE, Dk, Dk LB, MC, MC, OE, Dk, LB, LB, MC, OE, RLS MC, OE, OE, RLS RLS RLS 1996/97 LB, MC, OE, RLS 1997/98 DE DE DE, Dk DE DE, Dk DE 1998/99 DE DE DE DE DE, Dk DE, LB, DE, Dk, MC, OE LB, MC, RLS OE, RLS 1999/00 DE, Dk DE, Dk DE DE DE, Dk DE, DE, Dk 2000/01 Bn, BMP, BMP, Bn, BMP, BMP, BMP, Ck, DE, Ck, Dk, BMP, Ck, LB, Ck, LB, Ck, DE, NCB, LB, MC, Ck, MC, MC, Dk, LB, RLS NCB, NCB, NCB, NCB, MC, OE, OE, RLS RA OE, OE, NCB, RLS RLS RA, RLS 2001/02 Bn, Bn, Bn, Bn, LB, Bn, OE, Bn, Dk, Bn, BMP, BMP, BMP, BMP, MC, OE, RA OE, RA Ck, DE, Ck, DE, Ck, Dk, Ck, LB, RA, RLS GSW, LB, LB, MC, LB, MC, MC, MC, NCB, NCB, NCB, NCB, OE, OE, RA, OE, RA, OE, RA, RA, RLS RLS RLS RLS 2002/03 BMP, Bn, OE, OE LB, MC, Dk Dk Ck, Dk, RA RLS LB, MC, NCB, OE, RLS

Blank cells indicate that full coverage was achieved. Cells with a diagonal line indicate that no co- ordinated I-WeBS count was carried out.

320 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Count sectors: Bn = Ballynacorra; BMP = Belvelly-Marino Point; Ck = Cuskinny; DE = Douglas Estuary; Dk = Dunkettle; GSW = Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water; LB = Lough Beg; MC = Monkstown Creek; NCB = North Channel-Ballintubrid; OE = Owenboy Estuary; RA = Rathcoursey and Ahanesk; RLS = Ringaskiddy-Luc Strand.

This shows that full coverage only occurred in 9 of the 62 months, and only in the winter of 1996/97 was anything approaching full coverage achieved throughout the winter (with only 1 month having missing counts). In all the other winters, the majority of months have at least 1 missing count, and the level of coverage was particularly poor in 2000/01 and 2001/02. Several count sectors were not counted at all in particular winters: the Douglas Estuary in 1997/98, 1998/99, and 1999/00; Belvelly-Marino Point, Cuskinny and North Channel-Ballintubrid in 2000/01; and Ballynacorra, the Owenboy Estuary and Rathcoursey and Ahanesk in 2001/02. National summaries of I-WeBS results have generally not mentioned the fact that there has been incomplete coverage of Cork Harbour, with the exception of Crowe and Boland (2004). This latter publication describes coverage in 2000/01 as incomplete, but makes no mention of incomplete coverage in other winters.

Coverage of the Douglas Estuary in 2001/02 was severely affected by bridge maintenance work, and many counts were considered to be gross underestimates.

Because waterbirds can move between count sectors, it is important to try and co- ordinate counts to avoid either double-counting the same birds in more than one sector, or missing birds as they move between sectors. The objective aimed for in the Cork Harbour counts is for all counts to be carried out on the same weekend. Figure 1 shows that this objective was only achieved on 16% of the counts, while nearly 50% of counts included sectors counted a week or more apart, and 15% of counts included sectors counted 2 weeks or more apart.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 321 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Figure 1. Degree of co-ordination of Cork Harbour counts. This graph shows the frequency distribution across all Cork Harbour I-WeBS counts of the number of days between the earliest and latest dates on which counts were carried out each month.

Fig. 1

10

9

8

7 s t

n 6 u o c

f o

5 r e b m

u 4 N

3

2

1

0 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 Number of days between earliest and latest count dates

322 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Data analysis

The aims of the data analyses were to: assess the current status of the waterbird populations of Cork Harbour; and to identify trends in these populations across the period covered by this review.

The accepted method for assessing the status of waterbird populations is to calculate the 5 year mean of the peak annual counts (Colhoun, 2001a). Therefore, to assess current status the most recent 5 years should be used. However, in the current data set, the most recent 5 years include 2 winters (2000/01 and 2001/02) with very poor coverage (see Table 1). Therefore, 5 year means calculated from these years will inevitably underestimate the populations of many waterbird species. Those species whose peak numbers occur in the autumn will be particularly affected as the worst coverage was generally during the autumn months. Because of this problem, I have calculated a second set of 5 year means using the most recent 5 winters excluding 2000/01 and 2001/02: i.e., 1996/97- 1999/00 and 2002/03. This second data set, however, includes 2 winters (1997/98 and 1998/99) during which the Douglas Estuary was not counted. Therefore, both sets of 5 year means are likely to be underestimates.

In order to identify trends in waterbird populations, I have calculated the annual maximum counts for each species. I also plotted out monthly count data for each winter to determine whether high counts may have been exceptional one-off peaks, and, for high counts, examined the dates on which individual sectors were counted to determine whether double-counting may have been involved. However, interpretation of these is complicated by the many gaps in coverage in the data set. The most significant gap in coverage is the absence of counts from the Douglas Estuary for the period 1997/98-1999/00. The Douglas Estuary, along with Dunkettle, forms a fairly discrete unit of Cork Harbour, which is physically separated from the other estuarine areas of Cork Harbour. Therefore, I have also calculated a second set of annual maximum counts excluding the Douglas Estuary and Dunkettle. This provides a more easily interpretable dataset for analysing annual trends. Even so, other gaps in coverage remain. Where the peak count of a species is in a month with gaps in coverage, I have examined the counts for the missing sector(s) in the same month of other winters and estimated an approximate value for the missing counts. I have also used a similar method to determine whether gaps in coverage in any particular winter could have resulted in the peak number in the dataset occurring in a different month from that in which the peak number actually occurred.

The methods described above assume that relatively predictable numbers occur in each count sector, or count sector combination. This is not always the case: sometimes exceptionally high or low one-off counts are recorded for particular count sectors. Therefore the interpretation of trends based on datasets that exclude

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 323 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour the Douglas Estuary and Dunkettle and estimate approximate values for missing counts, will contain some errors. An alternative method of deriving population trends from datasets containing missing counts is the Underhill Index method, used by Crowe and Boland (2004). However, this method assumes that the 3 factors which determine variation between counts (month, year and site) are independent (Underhill and Prys-Jones, 1994). While I have not carried out any formal analyses, visual inspection of the Cork Harbour dataset suggests that the assumptions of independence between site and month factors and between site and year factors does not hold for many species.

All the following discussions of annual trends are based upon the dataset of annual maximum counts, excluding the Douglas Estuary and Dunkettle (Table 3). Because the 1994/95 season only included one full count (January), I have excluded this season from consideration of annual trends.

Overall results

Overall, 82 waterbird species were recorded on I-WeBS counts during this period. These included eleven rarities (Black-throated Diver, Pied-billed Grebe, Red- necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Red- crested Pochard, Ring-necked Duck, Surf Scoter, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Laughing Gull) and one escape (Black Swan). Another 33 species were not recorded in every winter, because they are either summer/passage migrants, scarce winter visitors, or species that are not routinely monitored by I-WeBS counts (Water Rail, Jack Snipe and Kingfisher). There are also 6 regularly occurring waterbird species that are not reliably monitored by I-WeBS counts in Cork Harbour either because they are not counted in all sectors (Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull), or because I-WeBS count methodology is not appropriate for the species (Snipe). Where relevant, records of all the above species are included in the main body of this Cork Bird Report. The present article focuses on the 32 species that regularly occur in Cork Harbour during winter, and that are routinely monitored by I-WeBS counts. Annual maximum counts for these species in each winter are presented in Tables 2 and 3.

324 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Table 2. Annual maximum counts, including the Douglas Estuary and Dunkettle

1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 GN Diver 6 1 2 4 1 8 3 1 1 Little Grebe 64 54 67 75 56 50 58 59 60 GC Grebe 282 287 330 275 166 218 171 287 240 Cormorant 347 991 564 219 284 556 244 392 326 Little Egret 2 7 10 16 20 18 27 39 61 Grey Heron 51 130 91 117 71 61 114 57 97 Mute Swan 28 39 57 31 46 42 25 15 42 Shelduck 1841 2124 2621 1517 1875 1870 722 1108 1903 Wigeon 2601 2178 2262 1403 1683 1402 1272 1519 1931 Teal 986 1381 912 1033 994 1214 1139 1079 1492 Mallard 343 441 619 617 671 572 431 362 489 Pintail 17 93 42 58 63 41 2 74 73 Shoveler 55 101 54 123 103 148 74 48 103 Pochard 31 83 198 32 38 11 19 21 27 Tufted Duck 58 87 139 41 34 20 46 36 29 Goldeneye 35 30 35 12 18 14 18 28 11 RB Merganser 116 134 138 101 110 128 64 77 95 Moorhen 25 36 115 22 28 21 21 19 24 Coot 91 28 79 28 35 96 24 13 26 Oystercatcher 1364 1150 2709 2412 1587 1421 1698 1061 1570 Ringed Plover 0 56 145 64 59 52 78 66 28 Golden Plover 4431 1554 7525 1520 3000 3432 4009 6888 4262 Grey Plover 114 136 51 173 72 44 5 6 108 Lapwing 15204 10280 12099 7232 4861 4116 7267 2816 4016 Knot 17 37 39 20 16 17 80 79 306 Dunlin 12050 11094 12769 9413 8847 8240 6632 5155 4924 Blk-t Godwit 309 1411 1823 2060 2565 1692 1615 2128 3162 Bar-t Godwit 332 456 517 124 16 52 351 419 477 Curlew 1669 1421 1701 3031 2927 2223 1297 1329 1817 Redshank 1344 2269 2076 2146 2243 2269 1005 1138 2170 Greenshank 22 31 48 46 46 61 31 25 60 Turnstone 65 127 122 76 166 146 93 66 145

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 325 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Table 3. Annual maximum counts, excluding the Douglas Estuary and Dunkettle

1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 GN Diver 6 1 2 4 1 8 3 1 1 Little Grebe 64 51 65 75 56 50 58 56 52 GC Grebe 282 222 267 275 166 218 171 187 236 Cormorant 299 977 447 199 281 526 224 369 311 Little Egret 2 7 10 16 20 18 27 36 54 Grey Heron 30 107 76 95 71 61 94 37 48 Mute Swan 26 39 55 31 46 42 25 14 42 Shelduck 1719 1937 2205 1517 1875 1868 614 1005 1716 Wigeon 1692 1694 1749 1403 1683 1382 1022 1218 1606 Teal 902 1265 673 1033 994 1207 848 897 1210 Mallard 326 399 525 614 671 562 369 358 459 Pintail 17 93 42 58 63 41 2 74 73 Shoveler 48 100 54 123 103 148 74 48 95 Pochard 31 83 198 32 38 11 19 21 27 Tufted Duck 56 74 111 41 34 20 22 17 24 Goldeneye 20 4 14 12 18 14 1 2 6 RB Merganser 114 130 138 101 110 128 64 72 95 Moorhen 25 35 114 22 28 21 21 19 24 Coot 89 25 79 28 35 96 24 13 26 Oystercatcher 1352 1150 1439 1972 1489 1421 1698 944 1067 Ringed Plover 0 56 115 59 50 52 78 66 28 Golden Plover 630 1553 2670 1520 937 500 1130 1780 890 Grey Plover 114 130 51 173 72 44 5 5 91 Lapwing 11477 7400 8299 5832 4561 3116 5357 2266 2406 Knot 1 37 37 20 16 17 23 9 190 Dunlin 5493 6660 5769 9158 8297 6740 3332 4155 3764 Blk-t Godwit 256 1096 1348 2010 2480 1692 1615 1880 2322 Bar-t Godwit 63 59 232 114 12 36 31 49 47 Curlew 1486 1131 1475 2931 2847 2223 1297 1194 1297 Redshank 1153 1839 1840 2100 2243 2249 847 1053 1970 Greenshank 22 31 46 45 46 61 28 22 59 Turnstone 60 127 122 71 166 146 93 66 145

326 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Table 4. Mean annual 5 year maxima.

Importance Five year maxima thresholds 98/99-02/03 96/97-99/00 and 02/03 International National Great Northern Diver 3 3 50 - Little Grebe 57 62 - 30 Great Crested Grebe 216 246 - 35 Cormorant 360 390 1200 105 Little Egret 33 25 800 Grey Heron 80 87 4500 105 Mute Swan 34 44 2400 100 Shelduck 1496 1957 3000 125 Wigeon 1561 1736 12500 1000 Teal 1184 1129 4000 500 Mallard 505 594 20000 500 Pintail 51 55 600 20 Shoveler 95 106 400 40 Pochard 23 61 3500 350 Tufted Duck 33 53 10000 300 Goldeneye 18 18 3000 100 Red-breasted Merganser 95 114 1250 25 Moorhen 23 42 Coot 39 53 15000 300 Oystercatcher 1467 1940 9000 700 Ringed Plover 57 70 500 100 Golden Plover 4318 3948 18000 1500 Grey Plover 47 90 1500 50 Lapwing 4615 6465 20000 2000 Knot 100 80 3500 250 Dunlin 6760 8839 14000 1200 Black-tailed Godwit 2232 2260 700 80 Bar-tailed Godwit 263 237 1000 175 Curlew 1919 2340 3500 1000 Redshank 1765 2181 1500 250 Greenshank 45 52 3000 20 Turnstone 123 131 700 100

Internationally important species are shown in bold. Nationally important species are shown in italics.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 327 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Internationally Important Species

Two species (Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank) regularly occurred in internationally important numbers during this period (Table 4).

Black-tailed Godwit

Peak numbers in each winter were recorded in either September or October (Figure 2). However, one of the 2 winters with peak numbers in October had many missing counts in September. In fact, peak numbers of this species may well occur in August before the I-WeBS counts start. For example, in 1997/98, I counted 1,640 Black-tailed Godwits roosting in the Douglas Estuary on 20 August, which is substantially more than any I-WeBS count for this sector carried out during the period under review. Numbers generally decline sharply after the autumn peak and then fluctuate around a much lower level for the rest of the winter.

Figure 2. Seasonal trends in numbers of Black-tailed Godwit in Cork Harbour (excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle). 1995/96 1996/97 2500 1997/98 1998/99 2000 1999/00 s d r

i 2002/03 b

1500 f o

r e

b 1000 m u N 500

0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month

No data is included for 2000/01 and 2001/02 due to the poor levels of coverage in those winters. Note there was no count in November 1997.

The annual maxima varied between 1,411-3,162 over this period, in part reflecting the absence of count data from the Douglas Estuary (one of the main sites for this species) from many of the winters. However, analysis of data, excluding the Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle, and taking account of the missing count sectors in 1995/96 and 2000/01-2002/03, indicates that there was a trend of increasing

328 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour numbers from 1995/96-1998/99. This was followed by a sharp fall in numbers in 1999/00 with numbers increasing again over the following 3 winters to reach a similar level in 2002/03 to that attained in 1998/99. In 1998/99, the peak count of 2,565 (September) probably represents an overall Cork Harbour population of over 3,000, taking account of the lack of coverage of the Douglas Estuary. The peak count of 3,162 in 2002/03 (October) was probably not affected significantly by gaps in coverage (as the count sectors not covered rarely hold many Black-tailed Godwits).

The trends described above do not match those reported at a national scale by Crowe and Boland (2004) for the winters 1995/96-2001/02. However, the latter are based on mid-winter (November-February) counts. In Cork Harbour there does not seem to be a consistent relationship between autumn and mid-winter numbers (Figure 3). In mid-winter, Black-tailed Godwit counts are highly variable because large flocks appear to spend most of their time feeding on fields, only visiting the estuarine habitats erratically. Therefore, I-WeBS counts, which largely do not cover fields around Cork Harbour, do not reliably represent the actual numbers of Black-tailed Godwits in the Cork Harbour area in mid-winter.

Figure 3. Relationship between autumn and winter peak counts of Black-tailed Godwits in Cork Harbour.

1500 1400 1300 k

a 1200 e p

r 1100 e t n i 1000 w - d i 900 M 800 700 600 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 Autumn peak

All counts exclude Douglas Estuary and Dunkettle. Data has been adjusted to take account of missing count sectors as follows: 1995/96 autumn + 150; 2000/01 autumn + 300; 2000/01 winter + 200; 2001/02 autumn + 300.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 329 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Redshank

Peak numbers in most winters were recorded in late autumn (usually November), with the exception of 1995/96 (January). In some winters, numbers remain high from the late autumn peak through the mid-winter period (December and January), while in other winters they decline sharply after the late autumn peak (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Seasonal trends in numbers of Redshank in Cork Harbour (excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle).

1995/1996 1996/1997 2500 1997/1998 1998/1999 2000 1999/2000

s 2002/2003 d r i b

1500 f o

r e

b 1000 m u N 500

0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month

No data is included for 2000/01 and 2001/02 due to the poor levels of coverage in those winters. Note there was no count in November 1997.

The annual maxima varied between 1,005-2,269 over this period. However, in the winters of 2000/01 and 2002/03 the key count sectors (Belvelly-Marino Point and North Channel-Ballintubrid) were not covered in the late autumn period. Excluding the winters of 2000/01 and 2002/03 reduces the variation in the annual maxima to between 2,076-2,269, suggesting a remarkable degree of stability in the Cork Harbour Redshank population. However, this does not take account of the missing counts from the Douglas Estuary (which can hold large numbers of Redshank). Excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle increases the variation in the annual maxima to between 1,839 and 2,249 for the same period. These adjusted maxima show a peak in the winters of 1997/98-1999/00 (2,100, 2,243 and 2,249) with lower numbers in 1995/96, 1996/97 and 2002/03 (1,839, 1,840 and 1,970). Given that the 3 winters with peak numbers lacked counts from the Douglas Estuary, it is likely that the Cork Harbour Redshank population peaked at over 2,500 in the late 1990s.

330 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Nationally Important Species

Nineteen species regularly occurred in nationally important numbers during the period under review (Table 4). In addition, while formal thresholds have not been set, the numbers of Little Egrets in Cork Harbour are surely of national importance: in each winter for which national data is available, the Cork Harbour maxima was at least 10 % of the national maxima.

Three of these species (Shelduck, Dunlin and regularly occur in numbers that are greater than 50 % of the threshold for international importance and I discuss trends in the numbers of these species below.

Shelduck

Peak numbers in most winters occur in mid-winter (December and January). Much lower numbers usually occur outside this period, but exceptionally high numbers occurred in March 1996 (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Seasonal trends in numbers of Shelduck in Cork Harbour (excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle).

1995/1996

2500 1996/1997 1997/1998 1998/1999 2000 1999/2000 s d r

i 2002/2003 b

1500 f o

r e

b 1000 m u N 500

0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month

No data is included for 2000/01 and 2001/02 due to the poor levels of coverage in those winters. Note there was no count in November 1997.

The annual maxima varied between 722-2,621 over this period. However, excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle and the winters of 2000/01 and 2002/03 (which contain many missing counts) reduces the variation to between 1,517-

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 331 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

2,205. Apart from high numbers in the winter of 1996/97, there appears to have been little annual variation in Shelduck numbers over this period. Taking account of the usual annual peak in the Douglas Estuary (c. 200) and the missing counts from Lough Beg and Monkstown Creek in January 2003 (usual combined annual peaks of 200-300), suggests that the Cork Harbour Shelduck population would have exceeded 2,000 in every winter except 1997/98.

Dunlin

Peak numbers in most winters occur in mid-winter (December and January) with high numbers also sometimes occurring in November and February (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Seasonal trends in numbers of Dunlin in Cork Harbour (excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle).

1995/1996 1996/1997 10000 1997/1998 9000 1998/1999 8000 1999/2000 s 7000 d

r 2002/2003 i b

6000 f o

r 5000 e

b 4000 m u 3000 N 2000 1000 0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month

No data is included for 2000/01 and 2001/02 due to the poor levels of coverage in those winters. Note there was no count in November 1997.

The annual maxima varied between 4,155-12,050 over this period. However, excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle and the winters of 2000/01 and 2002/03 reduces the variation to between 3,764-6,750. These adjusted maxima show a peak in December 1997. However, on this count the Ballintubrid and Weir Island sectors (which held 1,620 Dunlin on this count) were counted a week earlier than the adjacent Belvelly-Marino Point and North Channel-Ballintubrid sectors (which held 5,450 Dunlin). As Dunlin numbers in the Ballintubrid and Weir Island sectors are very variable, it is quite possible that some double-counting occurred as a result. Taking this into account, as well as the missing counts from the Douglas

332 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Estuary, the adjusted maxima indicate that the Cork Harbour Dunlin population fluctuated around 10,000-12,000 in the late 1990s, with no evidence of any significant decline up to the winter of 1999/00. Much lower numbers were recorded from 2000/01 onwards, but interpretation of this data is complicated by the amount of missing counts. However, the peak numbers at most of the key sectors, when they have been counted, have been much lower than in the late 1990’s indicating that there has been a real decline. In 2002/03, the peak number, allowing for the missing counts, probably did not exceed 5,000 birds, a dramatic decline from the numbers present in the late 1990s.

Curlew

Peak numbers in most winter were recorded in either September or October. Numbers from November-February are generally, although not always, significantly lower than the autumn peak and show considerable fluctuations (Figure 7). This probably reflects the tendency for a large proportion of the Cork Harbour Curlew population to feed on fields during the winter, and to only use the estuaries as nocturnal roosts. Evening counts, which I have carried out, of roosting Curlews on the Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water suggest that I-WeBS counts routinely underestimate the mid-winter Curlew numbers.

Figure 7. Seasonal trends in numbers of Curlew in Cork Harbour (excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle).

1995/1996 1996/1997 3000 1997/1998 2500 1998/1999

s 1999/2000 d

r 2000 i b

2002/2003 f o

r 1500 e b m

u 1000 N

500

0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month

No data is included for 2000/01 and 2001/02 due to the poor levels of coverage in those winters. Note there was no count in November 1997.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 333 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

The annual maxima varied between 1,289-3,031 over this period. Excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle and the winters of 2000/01 and 2002/03 does not significantly reduce this variation (1,131-2,931). These adjusted maxima suggest that numbers were significantly higher between 1997/98-1999/00 compared to 1995/96-1996/97. The 2002/03 maximum suggest a return to the 1995/96-1996/97 levels, even taking into account the missing counts in September 2002 (which could have reduced the 2002/03 maximum by around 300). Taking account of the missing counts, it is likely that the Cork Harbour Curlew population was approaching the threshold for international importance (3,500) during 1997/98- 1999/00, but in 2002/03 did not significantly exceed 2,000.

Other nationally important species

One other nationally important species, Northern Lapwing, shows clear evidence of a substantial decline during the period under review. Interpretation of the data is complicated by the number of missing counts in the mid-winter period (when Lapwing numbers peak) in 2000/01 and 2001/02, and the fact that numbers at individual sub-sites tend to fluctuate substantially across the mid-winter months. However, even when poor coverage is taken into account, numbers in 2001/02 and 2002/03 probably did not significantly exceed 5,000, compared to peak counts well over 10,000 at the start of this period.

One nationally important species, Little Egret, shows a clear increase during the period under review. This is not surprising given its recent colonisation of Ireland. However, there also has been a change in the seasonal patterns of egret numbers in Cork Harbour (Figure 8).

During the winters of 1995/96-1999/00 there were no strong seasonal trends, with numbers remaining fairly similar throughout the I-WeBS season. However, in 2000/01-2002/03 numbers show a marked peak in September/October with mid- winter numbers less than 50 % of the autumn peak; note that this change in seasonal trends would be even more marked without the effects of the poor autumn coverage in 2000/01-2002/03. This change coincides with the development of the Cork Harbour breeding colony (Colony C in Smiddy, 2002) and presumably reflects the occurrence of young birds from this colony in autumn before they disperse away from Cork Harbour.

334 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Figure 8. Seasonal trends in numbers of Little Egret in Cork Harbour (excluding Douglas Estuary/Dunkettle). 1995/1996 1996/1997 60 1997/1998 1998/1999 50 1999/2000

s 2000/2001 d

r 40 i

b 2001/2002

f o

2002/2003

r 30 e b m

u 20 N

10

0 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Month

Taking account of the missing count data, most of the other nationally important species do not show any consistent trends of either increase or decrease across the period under review. In particular, it is important to note that there is no evidence for a decline in numbers of Bar-tailed Godwits in Cork Harbour, and it is likely that numbers have consistently remained above the threshold for national importance, contrary to Colhoun (2001a; 2001b) and Crowe and Boland (2004). The low counts in the winters of 1997/98-1999/00 were due to the lack of coverage of the Douglas Estuary during this period.

Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit – Barry Ryan

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 335 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

Conclusions

Waterbird populations of Cork Harbour, 1994/95-2002/03

Two species (Black-tailed Godwit and Redshank) regularly occurred in internationally important numbers during this period. Black-tailed Godwit numbers probably peaked at over 3,000 in 1998/99 and 2002/03. Redshank numbers probably peaked at over 2,500 in 1997/98-1999/00.

Twenty species regularly occurred in nationally important numbers during this period. Three of these species (Shelduck, Dunlin and Curlew), occurred in numbers that are greater than 50 % of the threshold for international importance. Shelduck numbers peaked at over 2,600 in 1996/97 but otherwise probably remained fairly stable at around 2,000 each winter. Dunlin numbers were probably fairly stable at around 10,000-12,000 in the late 1990s, but have declined since 2000/01 to less than half this number. Curlew numbers probably peaked at around 3,500 in 1997/98-1999/00. Other nationally important species that show strong trends across this period are Lapwing (decline of over 50 %) and Little Egret (rapid increase). Contrary to published data, there has probably been no significant change in the status of Bar-tailed Godwits and numbers of this species remain nationally important. The decline in total waterfowl numbers in Cork Harbour reported by Crowe and Boland (2004) is probably largely due to the declines in Lapwing and Dunlin numbers.

Has it been worth the effort?

The level of coverage during this period is not impressive: in only 1 winter was anything approaching full coverage achieved. This is not to say that incomplete counts are worthless. Firstly, any count, however incomplete, that exceeds either national or international importance thresholds is of nature conservation (and possibly legal) significance and provides data to justify the continued conservation importance of Cork Harbour. However, it could be argued that, at this stage, the conservation importance of Cork Harbour is well established and the effort of annual I-WeBS coverage is not justified simply to confirm the status quo. Secondly, as I have attempted to do in this article, with sufficient local knowledge and taking gaps in coverage into account, even incomplete counts can indicate annual trends in species populations. Obviously, however, a considerable degree of caution needs to be attached to such interpretations and only large-scale trends (such as the 50 % decline in Lapwing and Dunlin numbers) can be reliably detected. It is unfortunate that the national summaries of I-WeBS results have largely ignored the incomplete coverage of Cork Harbour, with the result that misleading interpretations of species status and trends may be derived from these summaries (e.g., the apparently non-nationally important status of Bar-tailed Godwit in Crowe and Boland, 2004).

336 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

One of the key objectives of I-WeBS is to monitor national waterbird populations. Therefore, a relevant question to consider is to what extent has the poor level of coverage in Cork Harbour affected national population estimates and trends? For several species, Cork Harbour holds a significant proportion of the national population (based on the data in Table 1 of Crowe and Boland, 2004): e.g., Shelduck (c. 30 %), Black-tailed Godwit (c. 30 %), and Redshank (c. 20 %). For these species, the Douglas Estuary holds 20-30 % (Black-tailed Godwit), or 10-15 % (Shelduck and Redshank) of the Cork Harbour population. Moreover, although Cork Harbour only holds around 7 % of the national Bar-tailed Godwit population, the Douglas Estuary holds around 90 % of the Cork harbour population. Therefore, the lack of coverage of the Douglas Estuary in 1997/98-1999/00 will have reduced the overall national population estimates of these species by 6-9 % (Black-tailed Godwit), 6-7 % (Bar-tailed Godwit), 3-4.5 % (Shelduck) and 2-3 % (Redshank). As Crowe and Boland (2004) describe changes in population indices of greater than +2 % and less than –1 % as representing increases or declines, it seems that the lack of coverage of the Douglas Estuary in 1997/98-1999/00 could have had significant effects on detection of national trends in waterbird populations.

One potentially important factor that I have not considered in detail in this article is the potential effects of lack of co-ordination between count sectors on the accuracy of overall counts. Figure 1 shows that on many counts, different count sectors were counted days or even weeks apart. This is, however, a rather simplistic analysis because 3 groups of count sectors are relatively isolated and each group is counted by a single observer in one counting session: Saleen, Aghada and Whitegate; Monkstown Creek, Ringaskiddy-Luc Strand and Lough Beg; and the Owenboy Estuary. Therefore, lack of co-ordination of these count sectors with the overall count may not be a significant factor, at least over a period of a few days. However, movement between count sectors in the Inner Harbour and the North Channel will occur over this period of time, due to factors such as tidal cycles between spring and neap tides and weather conditions. Even over short time periods (within counts) movement can occur due to disturbance. There are also some predictable patterns of movement that occur, such as waders feeding on the silt lagoon at Dunkettle on the rising tide, and then moving to the Douglas Estuary roosts at high tide. All these factors mean that, in my view, counts carried out more than a day or 2 apart in different count sectors in the Inner Harbour and the North Channel are highly likely to have been affected by movement of birds between count sectors, and that, for certain groupings of count sectors, careful co- ordination of counts carried out on the same day is required to avoid this effect.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 337 Waterbird monitoring of Cork Harbour

The future

It is clear from the information presented in this article that achieving adequate I- WeBS coverage of Cork Harbour is difficult. I want to emphasise that I am not criticising either the count organisers, or the counters (except for one individual, who shall remain nameless, who is responsible for the lack of coverage of the Douglas Estuary in 1997/98-1999/00!). As a counter throughout this period, and count organiser in recent years, I fully appreciate the difficulty of the task. There has been an attrition of experienced counters over the years, and a difficulty in finding replacements. Key sectors of Cork Harbour are difficult and challenging to count, and require counters with wader identification skills, and good local knowledge. Even when enough counters can be persuaded to take on sectors for a winter, inevitably some counters will not be able to do counts in particular months and, in these circumstances, it can be very difficult to provide cover given that familiarity with the count sector is necessary. Moreover, simply achieving the required number of counts is no guarantee that reliable data has been collected, but attempting to achieve close co-ordination of count dates and times would pose a further strain on the already fragile volunteer goodwill.

It may be the case that there simply is not a sufficient pool of willing and experienced volunteers to achieve adequate I-WeBS coverage of Cork Harbour at present. While I-WeBS monitoring of Cork Harbour has the potential to produce valuable data, completion of I-WeBS counts should not be considered as an end in itself and regular audit of the quality of the data generated is necessary.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to all those who participated in the counts: Anita Donaghy, Tom Gittings, Carla Hill, Harry Hussey, the Hutchinson family, Alec Jeffrey, Lesley Lewis, Eleanor Mayes, Paul Moore, Tony Nagle, John O'Halloran, Barry O'Mahony, Denis O'Sullivan, George Phipps, Mark Shorten, Pat Smiddy, Jim Wilson, Mark Wilson. The counts were co-ordinated by Mark Shorten (1994/95), Carol Styles (1995/96 and 1996/97), Paul Moore (1997/98-2001/02) and Tom Gittings (2002/03). Data were supplied by the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I- WeBS), a joint scheme of BirdWatch Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service and The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, and I am grateful to Olivia Crowe for facilitating this and other assistance.

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References

Colhoun, K. (1998) I-WeBS Report 1996-97: Results of the third winter of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey. Birdwatch Ireland, Dublin. Colhoun, K. (2000) I-WeBS Report 1997-98: Results of the fourth winter of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey. Birdwatch Ireland, Dublin. Colhoun, K. (2001a) I-WeBS 1999-00: summary of the sixth I-WeBS season. I- WeBS News, 2-14. Colhoun, K. (2001b) I-WeBS Report 1998-99: Results of the fifth winter of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey. Birdwatch Ireland on behalf of the I-WeBS partners (BWI/NPW/WWT), Dublin. Colhoun, K. (2002) Waterbird monitoring in Ireland 2000/01: Results of the seventh year of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS). Irish Birds, 7, 43-52. Coveney, J.A. (1992) Cork Harbour counts: an interim report. Cork Bird Report, 1991, 71-75. Crowe, O. and Boland, H. (2004) Irish Wetland Bird Survey: Results of waterbird monitoring in Ireland in 2001/02. Irish Birds, 7, 313-326. Delany, S. (1996) I-WeBS Report 1994-95: Results of the first winter of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey. IWC Birdwatch Ireland, Dublin. Delany, S. (1997) I-WeBS Report 1995-96: Results of the second winter of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey. Birdwatch Ireland, Dublin. Hutchinson, C.D. and O'Halloran, J. (1984) The waterfowl of Cork Harbour. Irish Birds, 2, 445-456. Leonard, P.G. (1993) Cork Harbour Counts 1992-1993. Cork Bird Report, 1992, 74-80 and 100. Shorten, M. (1994) Waterfowl counts in Co. Cork in the winters 1992/93 and 1993/94. Cork Bird Report, 1993, 69-72. Smiddy, P. (2002) Breeding of the Little Egret Egretta garzetta in Ireland, 1997- 2001. Irish Birds, 7, 57-60. Smiddy, P., O'Halloran, J., Coveney, J.A., Leonard, P.G., and Shorten, M. (1995) Winter waterfowl populations of Cork Harbour: an update. Irish Birds, 5, 285-294. Underhill, L.G. and Prys-Jones, R. (1994) Index numbers for waterbird populations. I. Review and methodology. Journal of Applied Ecology, 31, 463-480.

Tom Gittings 3 Coastguard Cottages Roches Point Whitegate Co. Cork

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 339 Current Ornithological Research at UCC

Current Ornithological Teaching & Research at University College Cork

John O’Halloran and Thomas C. Kelly

Introduction

Research on birds at the Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science UCC occurs at all levels of the Departments activities. Many of the courses taught by the Department have some element of ornithological research lectures, practicals and field visits. Field courses in Ireland and Portugal include identification skills training. In fact, UCC is one of a small number of universities, which offers specific modules on ornithology. This undergraduate, final year module, in the Zoology degree is module made up of both field and lecture classes based around population assessment and life-time reproductive success.

Graduate training in ornithology at UCC is largely based around specific research project, with students working towards either Masters or Doctoral degrees. The final component of ornithological training is at Post Doctoral Level and this is again based around individual research projects.

UCC also prides itself in being one of the major ornithological centres in Ireland, to that end we have organized 4 national ornithological research meetings in 1985, 1991, 1997 and 2002. These meetings have provided a great opportunity for researchers to meet, share and discuss strategies in ornithological research in Ireland. We also are involved in many collaborations nationally (e.g. Aer Rianta, COFORD, Bird Watch Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dept of Agriculture), Europe (e.g. Central Science Laboratory, Universities in France, UK, Netherlands) worldwide US, Iceland and Bermuda. The ornithological research at UCC is made up committed and imaginative, innovative researchers who continue to further the research on birds in Ireland.

Below are a list of research of some of the major projects and their abstracts underway at UCC. If you require further information on any of the projects below please do not hesitate to contact either of us at UCC or at www.eri.ucc.ie or www.zeps.ucc.ie

340 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Current Ornithological Research at UCC

Maximising the biodiversity impacts of REPS Copland, A.1, Casey, C.1 and O’Halloran, J. 2 1BirdWatch Ireland, Crank House, Banagher, Co. Offaly, 2Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, UCC, Cork.

The aims of this project are to determine if the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) is having a positive impact on farmland biodiversity (using birds as indicators) and to develop ideal management prescriptions for farmland birds that can be incorporated into future REP Schemes (or successors). It is also envisaged that this project can contribute towards establishing a method for biological monitoring of REPS. This project started in January 2003, and will run until December 2005. Data collection consists of bird and habitat survey fieldwork in 3 geographical locations: South-east (Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny); North-west (Leitrim, Sligo, south Donegal and east Mayo) and Midlands (Offaly, North Tipperary, east Galway and south Westmeath). Fieldwork will be carried out to survey both summering and wintering bird populations. The survey unit for fieldwork is an individual farm unit consisting of a continuous holding of at least ten hectares. Survey farms will be identified as REPS or non-REPS. Furthermore, these sites will be paired (REPS to non-REPS) to match farming enterprise, geographical location and size. Some sites will be surveyed in just 1 year (summer and winter), while others will be surveyed in each season (3 summers and 2 winters). During the course of the project, it is hoped that at least 100 farms can be surveyed (48 farms have already been surveyed in the summer 2003 season). Fieldwork consists of 2, early morning bird survey visits, mapping all birds present on a farm, and lasting for a maximum of 5 hours. This is followed by a habitat survey, classifying the interior, margin and boundary of each field or habitat unit (including the farmyard) that is present. Notes are also taken of adjoining habitats. Bird records can then be assigned to a detailed measurement of habitat that they are using. At present (half-way through the first field-season) there are no results available, and no data analysis has yet been carried out.

Monitoring countryside breeding bird populations (CBS) Coombes, R.H.1, Crowe, O.1, Lysaght, L.2, Noble, D.3, O'Halloran, J.4, O'Sullivan, O.1 and Wilson, H.J.5 1BirdWatch Ireland, Rockingham House, Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, 2Heritage Council, Rothe House, Kilkenny, 3British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, UK, 4Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, UCC, 5National Parks and Wildlife, 7 Ely Place, Dublin.

The Countryside Bird Survey began in 1998, and is the national programme for monitoring the distribution and change in abundance of breeding bird populations in Ireland. It is based on a stratified (the Republic of Ireland was divided into 8 regions) random sample of pre-selected 10-kilometre squares on the island’s

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 341 Current Ornithological Research at UCC

National Grid. Bird data are collated in the extreme south-west corner of every 10 km square selected; 2 parallel north-south or east-west transects, each 1 km long and approximately 500 metres apart, are walked and field observers note all birds seen or heard during 2 separate visits. Approximately 300 squares have been regularly covered since 1998. The most widespread species between 1998 and 2000 included Wren, Robin and Blackbird, all present in greater than 90% of squares surveyed, while the most abundant species were Rook, Wren and Starling. Trend analyses were carried out on 56 species. However, as these analyses were based on just 3 seasons of data, extreme caution was urged in the interpretation of results, which implied significant declines in Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tit and increases in Sand Martin, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Stonechat, Sedge Warbler, Jackdaw, Hooded Crow, Linnet and Yellowhammer. Nonetheless, this survey is ongoing and it is expected that further analyses, with the inclusion of more data (temporal and spatial), will consolidate conclusions based on species trends. The CBS is also contributing to a pan-European scheme currently in progress; data from 18 European states monitoring breeding bird populations and are being amalgamated and analysed by a central coordinator based in the Czech Republic. Results on species trends will be produced by the end of 2003, and will reflect the condition of farmland and woodland breeding bird populations in Europe. Additionally, plans are underway for further analyses within the island of Ireland as a whole; it is expected that similar data collated in Northern Ireland, as part of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) run by the BTO in the UK, will be combined with that of the CBS, to allow analyses of all-Ireland trends, at both an all-island and a regional level.

Biometrics of the Moorhen in a high-density population Cummins, S.T. 1, Stronach, N. 2 and O’Halloran, J. 1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science/Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings Prospect Row, Cork, 2Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh, Cork.

We captured and measured 30 free flying Moorhens Gallinula chloropus at Fota Wildlife Park during April and May 2002. Birds were caught using mist nets and weighed, maximum chord measured, sexed and a number of measurements of the yellow taken. We found that in 9 of the 30 birds there was serious damage to the primaries. The mean (+ sd) wing length for birds with undamaged wings was 180.00+ 6.3 mm, but only 146.6 (+) 13.9 for birds with damaged wings. We conclude that the damage to the wings was brought about by aggressive interactions with conspecifics at Fota where the density of birds is very high. Many aggressive interactions where observed and we believe the damage to the wings was inflicted by the sharp bills of territorial birds

342 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Current Ornithological Research at UCC

The over wintering behavioural ecology of the Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) Daly, E., Kelly, T.C. and Lewis, L. Dept. of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science and Environmental Research Institute, University College, Cork.

The over wintering behavioural ecology of the Greenshank is being studied at Courtmacsherry Bay in County Cork. A primary objective of this study is to census and map the distribution of Greenshank over the winter months and to explain the resulting pattern and behaviour in the context of factors such as prey availability.

Plumage temperatures of Dippers Cinclus cinclus on the roost and in the hand in Ireland Davenport, J., O’Halloran, J. and Smiddy, P. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

The outer breast plumage temperature of Dippers Cinclus cinclus roosting beneath river bridges was measured using an infra red thermometer over the environmental temperature range –0.8 to +10.9°C. Plumage temperature was close to and directly related to the temperature of the birds’ surroundings, but was significantly higher (ΔT = 2.81°C), suggesting a sustained heat loss across the plumage corresponding to 1.8-13.1% of metabolic rate (depending upon environmental temperature and whether heat loss was by conduction or free convection). Plumage temperatures were also measured in dippers held in the hand for measurement of body weight and various biometrics. In the hand temperature was much elevated over environmental temperatures (ΔT = 16.9°C at 0°C). Calculations indicate that heat energy equivalent to at least 117-129% of basal metabolism is lost from the plumage throughout the handling period, a significant energetic cost to the bird.

Management of habitats on the Shannon Callows with special reference to their suitability for Corncrake Donaghy, A. 1, O’Halloran, J. 1 and Green, R. 2 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, 2Department of Zoology, Cambridge University, England.

The Corncrake population on the Shannon Callows has been declining since regular censusing began in 1978. The introduction of conservation measures, which have been successful in other parts of the range, have slowed the rate of decline but not brought about a population recovery. Adult and juvenile birds are being trapped and fitted with radio tags and their movements tracked to gain an insight into their ecology, habitat use and survival. There is particular emphasis on the latter stages of the mowing season, (which has been delayed to one August as part of the conservation measures) when cover in grassland is scarce. It has been

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 343 Current Ornithological Research at UCC found that 2nd brood chicks are still vulnerable at this stage, with many not fledging until late August/early September. Some are killed during mowing operations; others leave the callows during the peak of mowing as a result of disturbance and seek quieter refuges nearby. If these refuges are scarce or too small, birds are vulnerable to mammalian predation. A combination of further delays in mowing, and provision of suitable adjacent refuge habitats is likely to improve the survival of 2nd brood chicks and may give rise to a population increase.

The behavioural ecology of the Irish Dipper (Cinclus cinclus hibernicus): why Dippers dip? Doyle, U.,1 Crook, A., 1 Smiddy, P.2 and O’Halloran, J.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, 2Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork.

Dippers are the only passerine birds that rely exclusively on freshwater ecosystems. Five species of dipper are distributed across the globe. They reside in shallow, fast-flowing streams and rivers, and spend their time feeding on submerged invertebrate larvae and defending their territory. Even though all 5 species differ in size and plumage, they exhibit the same characteristic ‘dipping’ movements, (from which the dipper derives its name). The significance of this highly conspicuous behaviour has yet to be adequately scientifically addressed. Moreover, it is not known if dipping serves as a form of communication, and if so, what information it may convey about the signaller. This research seeks to address the adaptive significance of dipping behaviour in the Irish Dipper Cinclus cinclus hibernicus.

The significance of high contrast Dipper colouration Doyle, U.,1 Crook, A., 1 Smiddy, P.2 and O’Halloran, J.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, Ireland. 2Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co Cork.

The dipping movement which characterises Dippers is made all the more perceptible in the European species, Cinclus cinclus by the presence of a bright white breast (bib). This contrasts greatly with the surrounding dark plumage. Furthermore, underneath the white bib lies a chestnut coloured band. This high contrast plumage has yet to be investigated but may have an important role in visual signalling, particularly because of its conspicuousness in the habitat in which this species lives. This research seeks to quantify the potential significance of dipper colouration. Over the course of winter 2002-03, bib measurements and feathers samples were taken from 88 individuals caught on the roost from rivers in Co. Cork. Individual variation in bib/band, size and brightness is being examined. In order to fully understand the information (if any) being signalled by the bib, the relationship (if any) between individual bib morphology and brightness, dipping behaviour, breeding history and territory quality is also being explored.

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Irish versus French Dippers - a comparative study Doyle, U.,1 Crook, A., 1 Smiddy, P.2, D’Amico, F.3 and O’Halloran, J.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, 2Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, 3University of Pau, France.

A comparative study on the French population of the dipper Cinclus cinclus was carried out in 2003. This unique study involved a direct comparison of the behaviour and plumage characteristics of the European and Irish dipper. While still riverine, Cinclus cinclus is known to occupy a different habitat to the Irish Dipper Cinclus cinclus hibernicus. In Ireland, the habitat is closed, sheltered and complex. Areas studied by Frank D'Amico in France constitute a more open habitat. It is not known if these 2 subspecies of Dipper exhibit the same behavioural and colouration patterns. In order to answer this question, and to help further understand the function of dipping, comparative work was carried out on C. cinlcus. Not only is this study the first of its kind to quantitatively address the role “dipping” plays in the science of animal communication, but it is also unique in that it is the first directly comparative work to be carried out between these 2 populations.

The breeding and wintering population, densities and territory sizes of the Robin, Erithacus rubecula L., on farmland in south-west Ireland Fennessy, G. and Kelly, T.C. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

Baseline data was collected on Robin, Erithacus rubecula, territory density and territory size on farmland in southwest Ireland. Four farmland sites in Cork were surveyed using a CBC type methodology during 1997 and 1998. The effects of site and season on the observed density estimates were investigated. Both breeding and wintering territory densities were found to be markedly higher than published estimates from British farmland. Winter territory density was approximately 50% higher than breeding season territory density, reflecting the fact that many Robins hold individual territories during the winter period. Territory density (in a given season) varied significantly between the survey sites. The results of this study emphasize the importance of expressing territory density in terms of (i) area (ii) length of field boundary. Colour-ringing was employed to assess the breeding and non-breeding territory sizes of Robins at 2 of the farmland sites. Robins appeared to hold smaller territories on farmland in southern Ireland than in England and it is argued that this may allow greater packing of Robins in the Irish landscape.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 345 Current Ornithological Research at UCC

The role of habitat type and hedgerow variables on breeding season densities of Robins Erithacus rubecula L., in south-west Ireland Fennessy, G. and Kelly, T.C. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

This study investigated the role of habitat and hedgerow structure on breeding season territory densities of Robins, Erithacus rubecula, in southwest Ireland. Population densities varied significantly between habitat types. The highest Robin territory densities were encountered in semi-improved grassland sites and the lowest values recorded were in suburban gardens. The mean territory density per hectare in all the farmland habitats was notably higher than typical published British estimates. The quantity of available hedgerow appeared to be an important factor in determining Robin abundance. However, there was also a relationship between various hedgerow structural components and territory density on farmland. Our analysis indicated that high, bushy hedgerows with narrow banks and low basal vegetation positively influenced the number of Robin territories per hectare. It was also concluded that if basal vegetation becomes overgrown, that at some critical point, it may impede detection of prey by Robins, even if there are many available foraging perches. Relationships between Robin abundance and the structure of hedgerows are considered in terms of their conservation significance.

What differences? A comparison of breeding performance and nesting success of Robins Erithacus rubecula L., in Britain and Ireland Fennessy, G. and Kelly, T.C. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

This study describes the breeding performance of Robins, Erithacus rubecula, in Britain (1962-1998) and Ireland (1949-2000) and examines temporal, habitat and regional variation within these data. Nest records from both islands were analysed allowing comparisons to be made between many aspects of reproductive output e.g. clutch size, hatching rate. Though the breeding success of Robins in Ireland was shown to vary considerably from those in Britain in a number of key respects, several trends and relationships in reproductive output common to British and Irish Robin populations were identified. For example, warmer spring and/or breeding season temperatures on both islands appeared to be related to an earlier onset in laying. Also, laying commenced relatively late in British and Irish woodland compared to other habitat types. The success-rate of nests at the egg stage of Robins in Britain and Ireland has shown a marked increase in the past few decades. Notable differences identified included the finding that clutch and brood sizes tended to be smaller in Ireland than in Britain. The overall probability (success- rate) of Robins’ nests fledging at least 1 chick was revealed to be distinctly greater in Ireland. Robins in Ireland did not show the pattern of increased productivity with laying date found in the British Robin population. Differences and similarities in the breeding performance of the Robin in Britain and Ireland are

346 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Current Ornithological Research at UCC discussed in terms of current ecological theory.

A study of the provisioning and diet of nestling Robins Erithacus rubecula L., using video analysis Fennessy, G. and Kelly, T.C. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

This study investigated the provisioning strategies employed by adult Robins, Erithacus rubecula, of both sexes. It used colour-ringing and video-analysis to quantify the contribution made by parents in the feeding of nestlings. Almost 470 hours of footage were taken, and frame-by-frame analysis allowed the dietary composition to be assessed. Overall, adult flies (Insecta, Diptera) adults, Earthworms (Lumbricidae) and unidentified insect larvae were the 3 most common dietary taxa provisioned to Robin chicks. Parents appeared to operate flexible provisioning strategies, varying the dietary composition and feeding rate depending on brood demand. Female Robins appeared to increase their feeding rate when provisioning larger broods, while males’ feeding rate remained relatively static. The changes in the prey provisioned by adults to larger broods suggested a temporary deviation from the optimal model of maximising net energetic gain. Despite the observed differences between small and large broods in terms of prey composition and provisioning rates per chick, there were few incidences of brood reduction recorded

Bird aircraft interactions in relation to ambient light conditions Fennessy, G.1, Kelly, T.C.1, O’Callaghan, M.J.A. 2, Bourke, P.D.2, Sheehy, S.1 and Bolger, R.3 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, 2School of Mathematics, University College Cork, 3Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport, Dublin.

The response of birds to visual cues may be affected by ambient light conditions. In poor light the bird may be slower to detect a moving aircraft. However, in very bright light critical visual cues such as the landing lights may not be readily discernible. Previously a relationship was established between barometric pressure and the frequency of bird strikes. Thus more strikes occur on days with lower than average barometric pressure but there is also a small peak at very high atmospheric pressure levels. This study will establish the relationship between ambient light conditions and the avoidance behaviour of birds to moving aircraft. An Extech data logging light meter was used to measure ambient lux values under contrasting conditions. At the same time detailed observations of bird-aircraft interactions were recorded. Most observations concerned the rook (Corvus frugilegus) but data were also collected on the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus), Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), the Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) and other species commonly overflying the active runways at Dublin Airport. Interspecific

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 347 Current Ornithological Research at UCC differences in avoidance response are highlighted and the results are discussed in the overall context of the birds’ ability to predict the time to collision (TTC).

Roost site usage in an estuarine wader population Gittings, T. 3 Coastguard Cottages, Roches Point, Whitegate, Co. Cork.

I have been studying the roost site usage of the wader population of the Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water complex in Cork Harbour since 1995. Fourteen different roost sites have been used by significant numbers of birds during this period. Artificial roost sites created as compensatory measures for a new road scheme have been used after an initial habituation period. While particular species do show preferences for particular sites, abrupt changes in roost site use for no obvious reason also occur. I plan more detailed analysis of my data to investigate the effect of weather and tidal conditions on roost site usage.

Diurnal patterns of habitat usage by Oystercatchers, Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew Gittings, T. 3 Coastguard Cottages, Roches Point, Whitegate, Co. Cork.

Three species of wader show interesting patterns of diurnal movements at the Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water complex in Cork Harbour during the winter period (Dec-Feb). Diurnal variation in the numbers of these species using the site is not related to the tidal cycle. The majority of the Oystercatcher and Curlew population feed on fields and use the estuary for roosting at night. The birds that feed on the mudflats appear to continue to feed into the night. From my observations, the field and mudflat feeding birds, on any one day, appear to form separate populations with no interchange. Black-tailed Godwits also feed on fields but show a much less predictable pattern with large flocks sometimes present on the estuary during the day. The same birds appear to use both fields and mudflats for feeding. A consequence of these diurnal patterns is that the midwinter I-WeBS counts severely underestimate the populations of Oystercatchers and Curlews at this site, and show high variability for Black-tailed Godwits.

The Ecology of the Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos, in Ireland Kelleher, K. and O’Halloran, J. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

Many farmland bird species in Western Europe have declined over the last 30 years. The Song Thrush is one such species, which has undergone a considerable population decline of 60-70% in Britain. Changes in our landscapes due to changes in agricultural practices are the key factors behind such bird population declines. Hedgerow removal and land drainage are just some examples of the changes that have occurred in our landscape, although these changes have been on a slower rate and scale within Ireland than other Western European countries like

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Britain. Due to the lack of long-term bird population data in Ireland the situation of the Song Thrush population and the influence of changes of agricultural practices is not very clear. In this study we attempted to look at various aspects of the Song Thrush’s basic ecology in relation to the Irish landscape. One aspect involves equating changes in the distribution and breeding status of the Song Thrush across the Irish Republic with changes in agricultural practices in the same time period. To complement this extensive investigation of possible agricultural influence on Song Thrush population a survey was undertaken across 4 different farming regimes (cattle‚ sheep‚ tillage and mixed) during 2 seasons (spring/summer and winter). In conjunction with the bird surveys a survey of the habitat structures within the different farmland survey plots was also undertaken. The information collected will be used to investigate differences in Song Thrush density/territory between the seasons, farmland use and habitat structures. Another major ecological aspect of the Song Thrush studied involved monitoring breeding attempts and recording various aspects of its breeding biology such as clutch size, number of fledglings etc. Chicks and some adults were ringed (B.T.O. ring and individual colour ring) and an array of measures was taken (in particular wing length, tarsus length and weight). In addition nesting habitat was surveyed to assess if there was any relation between nesting success and surrounding habitat. Also random non-nesting areas were sampled in order to ascertain what particular habitat structures are important to Song Thrushes when choosing a nest site n the first place. Other aspects investigated by this project include nestling diet using faecal analysis, possible pesticide accumulation in eggs and tissue and possible ant- predator behaviour of the larger chick while in the nest.

Some observations on the migration of the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) Kelly, T.C., Mackey, M., Cadhla, O.O., Cummins, S., Meade, J., Crangle, S. and Crème, G. Dept. Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, National University of Ireland Cork. University College, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

Casual observations since 1990 have shown an extensive over-land autumnal migration of L. fuscus. Large flocks, sometimes numbering up to 2,000 birds, have been seen in fields in Dublin, Kildare, Tipperary and Cork. The race always appears to be graellsii so the source area is probably Scotland and the north of England. The over-wintering population in Co. Cork shows some evidence of bimodality, indicating perhaps that the migration is continuous including flocks in the process of departure as well as those returning to the breeding colonies. A distinct south-south-west offshore movement of Lesser Black backed Gulls was detected during extensive late summer and autumnal surveys of the Rockall Trough and its margins from July 1999 through to September 2001. These flocks often consisted of adults and recently fledged chicks and some or most may have originated in Iceland.

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The changing pattern of bird strikes caused by pigeons at an Irish airport Kelly T.C.1 and Bolger, R.2 1Department of Zoology Ecology, and Plant Science, University College, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork, 2Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin.

Four species of pigeon (Columbiformes; Columbidae) have been recorded at Dublin Airport, namely Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), Feral/Racing Pigeon (Columba livia var domestica), Stock Dove (Columba oenas) and Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocta). With the exception of the Collared Dove, aircraft have struck each of these species. Moreover, there is evidence of a sharp increase in the frequency of bird strikes involving pigeons at Dublin Airport since the mid-1990s. This trend is of concern because a) the columbid taxa involved are flocking species and b) are relatively heavy, in the 300 g-600 g range; internationally, in Belgium and Ethiopia respectively, 2 civil aviation transporters have been brought down following bird strikes involving pigeons with the loss of 35 lives. The pattern of pigeon-related bird strikes at Dublin Airport for the period 1990-2002 is analysed and the possible causes of the recent increase are discussed.

Seasonality of bird strikes: towards a behavioural explanation Kelly, T.C.1, Bolger, R.2, O’Callaghan, M.J.A. 3 and Bourke, P.D.4 1Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University College, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork, 2Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, 3Department of Applied Mathematics, University College, Cork, 4Department of Statistics, University College, Cork.

It is well known that in the northern hemisphere there is a strong seasonal element in the annual pattern of bird strikes. This study undertakes a statistical analysis of an 11 year data set collected at Dublin Airport. It attempts to identify statistically significant trends in the seasonal trajectories of bird strikes, both in general and in respect of individual species and in comparison with seasonal trends in the abundance of birds generally and at Dublin Airport in particular. Hypotheses relating to the idea of “open” (i.e. intervals of through-put of naïve and young birds) and “closed” (i.e. intervals when throughput is declining or at a minimum) periods are tested. The results are discussed in the context of the probable ability of birds to learn to avoid aircraft. If birds possess a spatio-temporal memory then it is likely that this ability, or the lack of it, may explain some of the observed trends in the seasonal distribution of bird strikes.

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The effect of length of daylight on bird-strike rates Kelly T.C.1,4, Bourke, P.D.2, O’Callaghan, M.J.A.3, Fennessy, G.1, Bolger,R.4, Sheehy, S.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, National University of Ireland Cork, 2Statistics Department, National University of Ireland, Cork, 3Department of Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland, Cork, 4Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport, Dublin.

Most bird-strikes occur in late summer and early autumn. This seasonal pattern is not explainable solely by the seasonal increase in aircraft movements. One factor which appears to be important is the length of daylight. To investigate this, we have examined the pattern of bird-strikes at Dublin Airport for the period 1990- 2002. There is clear evidence that bird-strikes in July and August occur throughout the relatively long hours of daylight, whereas they occur over a shorter interval as day-length declines in late autumn - early winter. Thereafter, the pattern is complicated by strikes involving the Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) a proportion of which occur during the hours of darkness. Regression analysis has been employed as a means of quantifying the amount of variation in the number of bird-strikes explained by daylight-length. However, the relationship between the length of daylight and the number of bird-strikes is confounded to some extent by the fledging of the year's crop of young birds: initially these individuals through inexperience are at greater risk of collision, but this risk will decline as the birds mature, which coincides with the shortening of daylight-hours.

Observations on the colony site selection and ecto-parasites of the Sand Martin Riparia riparia Kelly, T.C, Smiddy, P., Tolehurst, B., Hague, M., Crawford, C. and McMorran, R. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, National University of Ireland, Cork.

The Sand Martin is a colonial nesting insectivore which is host to a wide variety of different ecto-parasites. This study addresses 2 questions. First, what factors influence the selection by the Sand Martin of particular locations for its nesting colonies? Second, how does colony structure (e.g. number of nests, density, location, substrate, and dimensions of the burrows) interact with the burdens of ticks (Acarina; Ixodoidea) and fleas (Insecta, Siphonaptera)?

The new survey of Clare Island - birds Kelly, T1, Cussen, R.1 and McCarthy, T.K.2 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, National University of Ireland, Cork, 2Department of Zoology, National University of Ireland, Galway.

The birds of Clare Island are being re-surveyed. The seabird survey has been completed. The Fulmar colony at 4,000+ AONs is one of the largest in Ireland. The terrestrial bird survey is ongoing. The results suggest that some important

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 351 Current Ornithological Research at UCC changes in both the species composition and relative abundance of, for example, the Corvidae, have taken place since the earlier surveys.

What caused the population crash of the Herring Gull Larus argentatus on the south coast of Ireland? Kelly, T.C1, O'Farrell, B.1, O'Callagahan, M.J.A.2, Smiddy, P.1 and Crème, G.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, National University of Ireland, Cork, 2Department of Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland, Cork.

The Herring Gull population has undergone a dramatic population crash along the south coast of Ireland since the early 1980's. This study addresses the possible causes of the population crash from a number of different perspectives including pathogens, food supply and competitive interactions with other species. Simple mathematical models have been employed to simulate the population decline that has clearly occurred because of an apparent sudden increase in adult mortality.

Ecological disturbance and its effects on estuarine benthic invertebrate communities and their avian predators Lewis, L.J., Kelly, T.C. and Davenport J. Department of Zoology, Animal Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

Despite their conservation importance, estuaries increasingly face a wide variety of pressures. Such disturbances may cause perturbations at differing levels of the ecosystem. For example, human coastal developments may bring about a direct physical change to the environment while also altering the composition of benthic invertebrate communities and hence, the distribution and foraging success of their predators, namely wading birds. Human disturbance, such as recreational activities, on the other hand, may disturb wading birds causing them to avoid feeding in areas that they would normally use. However, following the termination of the disturbance, birds can theoretically resume their normal foraging distribution. Ecological disturbance however, is different in that the ecology of the system is changed over a course of time and the change itself may exert varying pressures on the ecosystem. An example is the growth of dense mats of green macroalgae within sheltered bays and estuaries, attributed to an increase in nutrients to the system (eutrophication). Previous studies have documented the effects of algal mats on the estuarine ecosystem. These include a change in the physico-chemical properties of the sediment, a change in the nutrient cycling of the system and subsequent negative effects on benthic invertebrate communities. Given these effects, there are likely to be both direct and indirect effects on predators of the system, namely wading birds. To investigate such disturbances, studies have been carried out at Clonakilty Bay, West Cork, Ireland and are on- going. An example includes the effects of an estuarine pipeline on benthic invertebrate communities and wading birds. Further, the complex effects of algal

352 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Current Ornithological Research at UCC mats as an ecological disturbance have been investigated since 1998.

Habitat selection and foraging behaviour of shorebirds in an estuary impacted by algal mats Lewis, L.J., Kelly, T.C. and Davenport, J. Department of Zoology, Animal Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

Increased nutrient inputs to coastal areas may lead to the growth of dense mats of green macroalgae within sheltered bays and estuaries. Previous studies have documented the effects of algal mats on the estuarine ecosystem. These include physico-chemical changes of the sediment, changes in the nutrient cycling of the system and the often negative effects on benthic invertebrates. These effects may amount to a significant disturbance to the local ecology as a whole. Therefore there may be important consequences for the distribution and foraging success of wintering shorebirds. This paper presents a selection of results from a 2-year study (2000-2002) at Clonakilty Bay, West Cork, Ireland. The relationship between shorebird distribution, invertebrate densities and environmental variables were examined with particular reference to the cover and biomass (dry weight) of algal mats. The responses of Black-tailed godwits Limosa limosa and Redshank Tringa totanus are particularly considered. Further, foraging studies aimed to assess whether the foraging success within algal-affected sites was profitable. This included measuring prey intake of shorebirds together with measurements of prey densities, prey size and biomass (mg ash-free dry weight). Estimated energy intake values could then be calculated. The study provides an insight not only into shorebirds foraging within algal-affected areas but also highlights differences in foraging behaviour of shorebirds at an Irish estuary, with those at other wintering sites on the migratory route.

Bird diversity of forested, lowland agricultural landscapes Mullins, D.3, Pithon, J.A.1, Kelly, T.1, Moles, R.3, and O’Halloran, J.1 1Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Lee Maltings, University College Cork, 2Department of Life Science, University of Limerick, 3Department of Chemical and Environmental Sciences, University of Limerick.

The effects of coniferous plantation forest cover on bird diversity and abundance were investigated at landscape scale in low-lying agricultural parts of Co. Waterford. Three landscapes, each 2000 ha in area, were selected for study, 2 with approximately 33% forest cover and one open site with only 8% forest cover. The landscapes were surveyed for birds using Irish Countryside Bird Survey transect methodology in winter 2001/2 and in 2002 and 2003 breeding seasons. A GIS of the 3 sites was developed using aerial photographs, other geographical data and ground-truthing. As part of this, a digitised map of major habitat types (classified according to an adapted version of the Heritage Council’s habitat classification)

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 353 Current Ornithological Research at UCC was created. Using ‘moving window’ software (Chloe), a number of bird diversity measures (e.g. species richness, rarity index, individual species abundance) were related to landscape structural features at 3 different spatial scales (windows of 200m, 600m and 1km), using more or less complex habitat coding schemes (5, 9 or 15 habitat categories). Work in progress aims to determine the most appropriate scales and levels of complexity of habitat description, for studying bird-landscape relationships and the structural indicators which best explain bird species richness and diversity in forest-farmland mosaic landscapes.

The spatial ecology of wildfowl in Courtmacsherry Estuary, West Cork, Ireland, with particular reference to Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Murphy, S., Kelly, T.C. and Lewis, L.J. Department of Zoology, Animal Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

A study was conducted between the months of October 2001 and February 2002 in order to establish the spatial distribution of 4 wildfowl species: Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, Teal Anas crecca, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and Wigeon Anas penelope. Obvious and distinctive patterns of distribution were found for each wildfowl species. Each species exhibited statistically significant preferences for particular areas of the estuary. Shelduck numbers increased steadily to a peak in January 2002, whereas the other wildfowl species showed greater monthly variation. Shelduck and Mallard densities were unaffected by the tidal state whereas Teal and Wigeon densities exhibited significant variation with regard to different states of the tidal cycle. Shelduck distribution was related to the distribution of its favoured prey Hydrobia ulvae.

Assessing heavy metals and stable isotopes in migratory and resident swans in Ireland and Iceland O’Connell, M. and O’Halloran, J. Environmental Research Institute, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

Birds are exposed to many sources of lead contamination; however, the vast majority of lead poisoning in birds is considered to result from the ingestion of spent lead shot used in waterfowl hunting and discarded angling weights. The toxic significance to wildfowl is considerable as the lead shot or weights swallowed and ground up in the gizzard, releasing lead into the bloodstream causing sub-lethal to chronic poisoning ultimately resulting in death. The overall blood lead levels of the Mute swan, Cygnus olor, have declined considerably in Ireland since 1983 with an overall 36 % drop in levels. However due to high persistence of this metal in the environment, it continues to pose a threat to both Mute and Whooper swans in Ireland, the UK and to Icelandic migrants. This project aims to carry out a detailed risk assessment of blood lead levels in both species, as well as using stable isotope analysis to trace their migratory routes and pinpoint sources of contamination over a wide geographical scale. It has also been

354 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Current Ornithological Research at UCC recently found that lead can modulate various functions of the immune system i.e. significantly decrease levels of antibody synthesis resulting in increased susceptibility to infection. It may be possible to establish a connection between these effects and amount of lead exposure. Also a routine strategy of cloacal swabbing and blood smears has been incorporated into the fieldwork protocol creating a better picture of the general health status of these birds. Overall a general assessment of the mitigation measures which might be used to minimise the risk of lead exposure to these birds will be developed and contribute significantly to building new competence for research in the area of assessment of stable isotopes in wild animals.

Lead levels in feral pigeons in Cork City O’Halloran, J. Kelly, TCK, and Power, L. Environmental Research Institute, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

We examined the blood lead levels of feral pigeons in Cork City during the winter of 2000/2001. A total of 42 birds were captured using traps, blood sampled from the brachial vein and released. Birds were aged as either first year birds or adults. The blood was analyzed for lead. Almost 98 % of the birds had blood lead levels which would be deemed to be below what is described as lead poisoned (40ug PBb/100ml of blood). The median blood lead for adult birds was 2.7 ugPb/100ml of blood (0.2-46.6) and 3.1 ugPb/100ml for yearlings. The birds showed no signs of lead poisoning (based on weight, condition and blood haemoglobin values). These data provide a baseline for future monitoring of urban pigeons, particularly in since the removal of lead from petrol in 2000.

The population dynamics of Dippers Cinclus cinclus in southern Ireland O'Halloran, J.1 Smiddy, P.2, O’Mahony, B.3 and Doyle, U.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science/Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings Prospect Row, Cork, 2Ballykenneally, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork, 3Karma, Carrigrohane, Co. Cork

We have been studying the population of Dippers Cinclus cinclus hibernicus since 1989. Our main study area focuses on rivers in east Waterford, east, north and south Cork. Our main objective is to look at long-term population trends in Dipper populations through estimating each of the demographic parameters each year. Breeding parameters (timing of breeding, clutch size and brood size at hatching and fledging) provide the main data, while roost counts and numbers of breeding attempts give us some estimate of population size. We have also calculated nest survival for the nesting, incubation, and fledging period of the breeding cycle. We have found no evidence of a decline in the roosting or breeding populations of Dippers although patterns within and between rivers vary annually. Further analyses are underway to examine the breeding biology at the individual rivers.

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The overwintering ecology of a fish eating bird community of an estuary: Courtmacsherry , Co. Cork Roycroft, D., Hallihan, E., Coleman, M. and Kelly, T.C. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, National University of Ireland, Cork.

This study has monitored the spatial ecology, diurnal activity budgets and feeding behaviour of 6 fish eating bird species over 3 consecutive winters at Courtmacsherry Bay in Co. Cork. Particular attention has been given to the diving behaviour and food of the Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer).

The Ecology of Seabirds and Marine Mammals in a fluctuating Marine Environment Roycroft, D., Ingram, S., Kelly, T.C. and Rogan, E. Dept. of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

Seabirds and marine mammals constitute an important element of the marine ecosystem in the coastal waters of southwest Ireland. In order to adequately understand the ecological requirements of these species, areas of importance, not just for breeding but also for feeding and refuge, must be identified. In this study, we examine habitat use of seabirds and marine mammals in 2 sample areas, using a combination of shore-based observations and boat transects. The 2 sites chosen, Bantry Bay and the Shannon Estuary, differ both bathymetrically and hydrographically; the former is a deep water ria characterised by cold water upwellings and the latter, a shallow estuary with strong tidal currents. The aims of this study are (1) to map the distribution of seabirds and marine mammals at course, meso- and fine scales in 2 embayments (2) to determine seasonal variations in distribution within the study sites and (3) to correlate the distribution of these top predators with oceanographic and bathymetric features. Preliminary results show that the relative abundance of many seabird species, particularly auks, shearwaters and kittiwakes was higher in Bantry Bay than in the Shannon Estuary. A higher species richness was recorded in the Shannon Estuary however. Shearwaters, Storm Petrels and Minke Whales were predominantly recorded in deeper areas of the study sites, close to the open sea, while divers (Gaviidae), Cormorants, Shags, Black Guillemots and Black-headed Gulls showed a preference for more inshore areas. The Laridae were the only family to be distributed ubiquitously throughout the 2 study sites. Autumn and summer appear to be the most important seasons for many species, with peak numbers of auks, Gannets, shearwaters, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, skuas and marine mammals occurring at this time. This study is ongoing and further results will be presented on completion of fieldwork.

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Seabirds and rope mussel aquaculture in Bantry Bay Roycroft, D., Kelly, T.C. and Lewis, L.J. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

Concerns about the environmental implications of mariculture activities in Ireland have grown in recent years in response to the rapid expansion of the industry. Annual rope mussel production has increased from 3,707 tonnes in 1994 to 9,000 tonnes in 1999 (Aquaculture Ireland). However, the influence of this activity on the seabird community still remains largely unknown. Bantry Bay is now one of the main production areas for rope mussels in Ireland and thus constitutes a suitable site for study. An assessment, commenced in 2001, of the habitat use by seabirds and seals of 3 areas of rope mussel aquaculture and 3 control sites, is being carried out in the inner portion of Bantry Bay. Seabirds and seals within these areas are censused on a regular basis, and their behaviour and feeding activities are documented. Preliminary results show that significantly higher numbers (P<0.05, Mann Whitney U-test) of Laridae, Phalacrocoracidae and Phoecidae were present in areas of rope mussel aquaculture than in control sites. Species richness was also higher in areas of rope mussel aquaculture as terrestrial and semi-terrestrial birds such as the Hooded Crow, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover were recorded perching on the suspension buoys. Certain species (i.e. Red- throated Divers) were only recorded in control sites however, and further collection of data is in progress to facilitate more detailed analysis of the results.

Bird mortality as a result of collision: do patterns of injury emerge and does individual profile affect strike rate? Sheehy, S.1, Kelly, T.C.1,4, Bourke, P.2, O’Callaghan, M.J.3, Fennessy, G.1, Bolger, R.4 and Smiddy, P.1 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College, Cork, 2Department of Statistics, University College, Cork, 3 Department of Applied Mathematics, University College, Cork, 4Aer Rianta, Dublin Airport.

Post-mortem examinations were carried out on a number of individuals of bird species involved in collision incidents, including aircraft and road-vehicle. Predated birds were also studied. A number of characteristics were recorded for each cadaver including age, sex, body-condition, moult sequence and the time of year in which the bird was killed. For birds struck by aircraft, the aircraft type, phase of flight and the part of the aircraft struck were also recorded. While injuries were described qualitatively the emphasis of this study was on developing a quantitative classification of injury. This index will be used in quantitative comparisons of the range and combination of injuries associated with the different categories of bird mortality. The profile of birds involved in collision incidents is discussed as well as the trends in injury patterns associated with other sources of avian mortality. The relevance of these results in terms of active avoidance behaviour and cognition in birds is considered.

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Field measurement of flight kinematics and energetics both in and out of ground effect for a variety of bird species: old assumptions examined and a new computer model presented Shorten, M.O., Davenport, J., Kelly, T.C., and Shorten, P. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

Field-based observations of a number of morphologically different bird species flying were made using both high-speed and standard digital video. Observations were made from a bottleneck in a stream along which birds commuted to and from feeding areas. Distance markers were set on both banks of the stream allowing calibration of flight distances through triangulation, and consequently instantaneous speeds and accelerations. Footage of flight over a certain height above the water surface (explained in text) precluded accurate estimation of distances flown, and was discarded. Expected speeds for each species were calculated and reduced to sea level, using the most recent revision of the computer programs of Pennycuick (1989). In the absence of direct measurement of the observed birds mean data for wing and body morphologies of the different species were used. Morphometric data for observed species were taken both from the literature as well as specimens measured during this study, ensuring that all followed a comparable protocol. Observed differences from expected flight speeds are discussed in the context of environmental conditions and established theories of wing-in-ground effect flapping flight. A computer program that accounts for observed ground effect savings is presented.

How much time do bird species spend in wing-in-ground effect flight, and is it worth the effort? Time budgets of various flight styles and associated energetic costs calculated from wingbeat frequency Shorten, M.O., Davenport, J. and Kelly, T.C. Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork.

Field-based observations of a number of morphologically different bird species were made using both high-speed and standard digital video. Observations were made from sites in a variety of habitats. This allowed a several bird taxa to be observed, each with morphology and ecology related to its habitat. Wingbeat frequencies were calculated from able through analysis of video footage obtained. Morphometric data for observed species were taken both from the literature as well as and specimens measured during this study, ensuring that all followed a comparable protocol. The ratio of between numbers of flights observed in, and out of ground effect flight was calculated for each species. This number, as well as observed wingbeat a frequency is discussed in a number of contexts, including various theories of wing-in-ground effect flight (low flight within a morphologically-determined specific altitude range). Environmental factors and

358 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Current Ornithological Research at UCC their effects on flight style are also considered.

Experimental measurement of flight kinematics in and out of ground effect for 5 morphologically different raptor species Shorten, M.O. 1, Davenport, J. 1, Kelly T.C. 1 and Nicholson, J.2 1Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Maltings, Prospect Row, Cork. 2Bird Control Ireland Ltd., Littlebridge Inches, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

The flight of 5 raptor species (4 falcons and 1 hawk) was videoed using a high- speed digital camera in a sheltered grass field with a very short sward. Birds were trained to fly in a straight line at a number of different heights by altering the height of the perch from which they launched themselves, as well as the height of a lure. Specific flight heights were chosen according to the approximated wing morphology of the species, ranging along an even gradient from more than 2 times b (where b is the wingspan), to the lowest height the at which species would fly. In so doing altitudes ranged from above those where wing-in-ground effect was a measurable quantity, to well within the range of values where it should be detectable. Wing shape and body mass data were measured for each bird. With these data, as well as kinematic analyses of flight style, assessment of the accuracy of established flapping flight models of ground effect was possible for each species in a semi-natural setting. Possible reasons for ground effect flight aptitudes of one species over another are discussed.

Assessment of avian biodiversity at different stages of the forest cycle (2001- 2002) Wilson, M., Pithon, J., Gittings, T., Giller, P.S., Kelly, T.C. and O’Halloran, J. BIOFOREST Project, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

As part of the BIOFOREST Project, we surveyed avian diversity in 44 plantation forests throughout Ireland in the summers of 2001 and 2002. Our study sites represented 3 different species compositions (pure Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis, pure Ash Fraxinus exelsior, and non-intimate Sitka Spruce/Ash mix) at 5 stages of the forest cycle (4-8 years old, 9-17 years old, 23-29 years, 35-50years and 50+years). We report the influence of forest type and growth stage, in the light of relevant environmental and management variables, on bird community composition and species richness. Indicators of bird species richness were identified from these variables, and from the bird species found in these forests. These findings are discussed in the light of species richness values for plant and invertebrate groups found by other research groups within the BIOFOREST project.

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Avian biodiversity of afforestation sites, and initial impact of afforestation on open habitats (2002-2004) Wilson, M., Pithon, J., Gittings, T., Giller, P.S., Kelly, T.C., and O’Halloran, J. BIOFOREST Project, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

As part of the BIOFOREST Project, we are investigating the avian biodiversity of open habitats prior to, and shortly after afforestation. Pairs of sites were selected from areas in Ireland which 7 years previously, as far as could be established from aerial photographs, local knowledge, and ground truthing, had been vegetated with one of the following commonly afforested habitats: blanket bog, wet heath, wet grassland, and improved grassland. Each pair was comprised of 1 site which had retained its original habitat cover, and another which had been planted with sitka spruce about 5 years previously. In conjunction with this paired-site approach, we conducted bird surveys in 5 areas of open habitat immediately before they were afforested. We will visit these new plantations next year in order to assess the impact which planting has made on the bird communities of these sites. This study will report on the diversity of bird communities in the 4 open habitats being investigated, and on the short-term effects of afforestation on each of the 4 habitats being investigated.

Investigation of influence of aspects of forest management on avian biodiversity in plantation forests (2003-2005) Wilson, M., Pithon, J., Gittings, T., Giller, P.S., Kelly, T.C., and O’Halloran, J. BIOFOREST Project, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

The first part of this project comprises a survey of birds in twelve Irish plantation forests, with different configurations of unplanted open space within the forests. The principal species planted in each of these forests was Sitka Spruce, and range in age from 31 to 59 years. Birds were surveyed at twelve points in each forest, located on forest roads, rides, non-linear open spaces, exterior edges and in areas of closed canopy, in order gain a representative sample of the open spaces present in each forest. The data collected will be used to examine the influence of open space on the distribution of birds within the forests, and, by comparing between forests, the relationship between the overall configuration of open space and the avian biodiversity of each forest. The second part of this project will be an experimental manipulation of open space at the establishment stage of conifer plantations, testing the hypothesis that best configurations of open space for avian biodiversity in newly reforested sites can be predicted from our studies on open space in mature forests.

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Assessment of birds of conservation concern in forested landscapes (2003) Wilson, M., Pithon, J., Gittings, T., Giller, P.S., Kelly, T.C., and O’Halloran, J. BIOFOREST Project, Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College Cork.

Hen Harriers are rare breeders in Ireland, and the majority of the population occurs in areas with high proportions of forestry plantation in the landscape. However, the value of forestry plantations to Hen Harriers is highly variable. While it is likely that this value is determined by factors such as the growth stage of the forest in question and the composition of the broader landscape in which the forest is situated, the effects of such factors are poorly understood. As part of the BIOFOREST Project, and working in collaboration with National Parks and Wildlife (DoEHLG), BirdWatch Ireland, and the Irish Raptor Study Group, we will use data collected in a survey of breeding Hen Harriers in Ireland, carried out between 1998-2000, in conjunction with digitised landscape data available to the project, to investigate the relationships between Hen Harrier site occupancy and success, and variation in afforested areas from the sub-compartment to the landscape level.

Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge support of The Higher Education Authority under the Programme of Research in Third Level Institutions (Cycle 2 and Cycle 3), EPA, COFORD, Coillte, DAFF, RSPB, BTO, Aer Rianta, as part of the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork. Pat Smiddy and all who support ornithological research at UCC.

John O’Halloran and Thomas C. Kelly Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science Environmental Research Institute Lee Maltings University College Cork Cork

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 361 Short Articles

Swallows fostering young House Martins and other Swallows

Patrick Smiddy

On 9th August 2004 a young House Martin Delichon urbicumwas given to me by a householder who had found it on the ground below a damaged nest on his house at Knockadoon, Co. Cork. The martin was fully feathered but was not able to fly. On 22nd August 2004, during a heavy fall of rain, 2 young martins were found on the footpath below a washed out nest in Youghal, Co. Cork. I collected these birds next day and found them to be about the same age as the Knockadoon bird. As part of ongoing studies on the breeding biology of Swallows Hirundo rustica in east Cork (Smiddy 2003), I was aware on each occasion of a Swallows nest with chicks at about the same developmental stage as the young martins. The Knockadoon martin was placed in a nest containing 5 Swallows, while the 2 Youghal martins were placed in a nest containing 4 Swallows. I was unable to monitor the progress of the Knockadoon martin due to a holiday absence, but on my return the nest was empty and there was ample evidence of successful fledging of the young. The nest containing the Youghal martins was monitored over several days and both the Swallows and the martins are known to have fledged successfully.

On 8th September 2005 a Swallows nest at Knockaveelish, Co. Waterford, known to contain 4 young of ringable age, was visited. The nest was found on the ground with 1 dead chick among the debris. Three other chicks, in perfect health, were huddled on the ground nearby. It being so late in the season I was aware of only one other Swallows nest containing young (2), several days younger than these. I transported and placed the 3 young in the nest already containing the 2. It rained all the next day (9th) but on 12th all 5 young were doing well. On 15th September I was given 3 young House Martins from a nest that had fallen off a house at Killeagh, Co. Cork. These martins were within a few days of fledging. Given the lateness of the season I was forced to place these martin chicks in the Swallows nest that already contained 5 young. Unfortunately I was not able to visit the Swallows nest over the next few days but on 21st September it was empty. All the evidence pointed towards the young of both species fledging successfully.

Reference

Smiddy, P. 2003. Swallow Hirundo rustica breeding biology in east Cork. Irish Birds 7: 304.

362 Cork Bird Report 1996-2004 Short Articles

What’s a bloody Englishman doing in Cork?

Graham Gordon

I first started ‘watching’ birds when I was about ten years old. By secondary school-leaving age I’d begun to get pretty serious. By the age of twenty-one I’d developed into one of those nasty, full-blown British twitchers you see occasionally here in Ireland who will stop at nothing to get any ‘lifer’ they require. Hitch-hiking through the night, existing on little sleep, less food, I was once one of a hardy bunch of young souls who were prepared to suffer for their passion in a way that perhaps only religious fanatics had ever done in the past. The extent of my obsession was exemplified in 1986 by the fact that (even though I couldn’t drive) myself and a colleague from the University of East Anglia went on to record more birds in the UK than anyone else in the country that year – 325 to be precise.

Unlike my Irish birding friends who, quite understandably, would not count anything outside their own national territory as part of their ‘list’, back in 1988 I had no such restrictions on doing just the opposite. I think I’ve identified - at least to my own satisfaction - why the terms ‘Britain and Ireland’ have always existed synonymously for me, as a British birder, and why the appearance of a Yellow- bellied Sapsucker on Cape Clear Island, County Cork that year provoked no misgivings whatsoever in terms of counting it on my ‘list’. I hope I don’t offend anyone here if I explain my reason. You see, ever since I was a lad, I’ve looked at books that were called ‘the Guide to the Birds of Britain and Ireland’, the ‘Atlas of Breeding Birds of Britain and Ireland’; and as one who always preferred the geographical maps of the world to the political ones, it was perfectly natural for me to want to see such a rare American visitor to ‘our’ shores!

And I did. And I also saw the Thayer’s Gull (the currently accepted first for Europe) that graced Cork Rubbish Dump, the Lough, and (briefly) Cobh Harbour back in the early nineties. And on those trips I began to harbour – as a number of visiting Brits did, and no doubt still do – a deep yearning for the chance to birdwatch what we all saw as an infinitely beckoning landscape, aching with the possibility of us finding our very own American passerines, gulls and shorebirds that we were now squashing in our hundreds to view on the Isles of Scilly and other such overcrowded environments. Having already chosen my university college course in East Anglia not for its reputation in the world of academia but for its proximity to Cley, and having taken up a job in the British Civil Service not out of some altruistic view to helping humanity but for its flexi-hours and long holidays – in other words having made life decisions on the basis of my obsession – it was, perhaps, quite possible that one day I would.

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First, though, an interlude. Putting birdwatching above all career and marital aspirations – a mis-spent youth that stumbled on in to a long period of extra time – I ended up in Cape May, America. What I saw in 9 years in Cape May this is not the place to tell you. Except to say that, as repetition took hold in the flatlands of Cape May and I saw the yearly cycles unfold (and I’ll be honest with you: failing to become legal!), I began to yearn once again for a new challenge. Now, more than ever, those deep-seated Irish landscape clichés that I bet you’re all going to hate me for, began to take hold. Coupled not just with my earlier sense of being an Englishman wanting to stay ahead of the crowds was now also that strangely passionate American yearning for gentle, rolling hills, emerald green fields, wave- splashed Atlantic shores, historic ruins, a return to the past… cheesy, I know, I’m sorry, but nonetheless true.

By now my obsession with birding had inevitably peaked and waned somewhat and my time outdoors enjoying environment and landscape was sometimes equally divided with time spent taking photographs. In fact, when I decided to return to Europe, to Ireland, to live in Cork, my first idea was to spend time in one of the city’s colleges, practising the ‘art’ of photography. Armed with camera, binoculars and telescope, I could now (possibly for the first time in my life?) be said to be doing something ‘constructive’ and officially sanctioned! And now, we get to the crux of what I have to tell you… and it’s a bit of a mystery I have to say that I can’t really fully explain without regurgitating some of the facts. These are the scarce birds I ‘found’ in my first term at college, during which time I took frequent weekend breaks out to ‘the wilds’ of Cork County and Kerry: Red-backed Shrike on my third day in Ireland at Dunquin and a Scarlet Rosefinch in the same field there 6 weeks later (okay, they’re in Kerry and outside the scope of this article but just bear with me); 2 Ospreys in successive days, 1 at Ballycotton, 1 at Clonakilty; a Pectoral Sandpiper at Ballycotton; a Red-throated Pipit flying over Galley Head, on call, in late September.

Now it might seem this is a trifle boastful and maybe it is but it’s not meant to be and it’s really just source material for me to begin to illustrate a point – a point about Cork and not about me. You see, the thing is, I told you I was once a birding nut and I was, but despite the countless hundreds of hours I trudged through the field in north-east England on the coast-line where I grew up I never had anything like this kind of ratio of ‘success’ with the scarce and rare birds I found. Don’t get me wrong, when you eschew all other areas of your life as secondary you’re bound to become pretty accomplished at whatever it is that you do, and I certainly found my share of Dusky, Greenish and Radde’s Warblers – ‘typical’ East coast British stuff – but the time I put into it was, oh I’d say, 6 or 7 times the amount that I do now. Because this same strange phenomenon (to me anyway!) has continued throughout the following 2 years, right up to stumbling into a Tawny Pipit this May first on the very tideline at Ballycotton where the previous summer I’d bumped into Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Citrine Wagtail. My record includes 2

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Bonaparte’s Gulls and a Yellow-browed Warbler in the centre of Cork City; Rosefinch, Melodious Warbler and another Yellow-browed on the Old Head of Kinsale; several Pectoral Sandpipers, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper and half a Semi- pee at Ballycotton (Phil Davis found the other half of it!). Bully for me…!

So what’s going on? I haven’t suddenly become a better or sharper birder in my years of self-imposed exile in America… in fact, I’ll admit, I’ve probably become a lot worse! I’m a lot more relaxed these days than I ever was, partially because of the camera, and my concentration span finds it hard to maintain itself for more than 3 hours without wanting to head off for a cup of tea or a pint (although I do sit outside if offered the chance). There really is only one thing I can put it down to and that is that County Cork, as I once hoped all those years ago, has far more going on undetected waiting to be discovered by anyone with a reasonable desire to want to advance their knowledge of bird migration and bird vagrancy anywhere along its south coast (if you’re ‘into’ that sort of thing, of course!). Some of my new Irish friends are still covetous about what they imagine is going on up and down the English south and east coasts and, true, there are occasionally some very, very nice falls or movements of migrants that Cork, particularly in spring, may possibly lack, but always, I’ve discovered there is something going on out there that would make my old British friends’ hearts green with envy. Andre Robinson, a friend of mine from England and America, recently saw 70 Willow Warblers in one morning on the Old Head of Kinsale. I never saw such a thing in fifteen years birdwatching in England.

Where I think the ‘problem’ lies in relation to any kind of comparison between historical records of migrants, scarcities and rarities in Britain and Ireland is that over there, many top birding areas are bird reserves run by wardens and visited by dozens of visitors each day and a number are close to centres of fairly dense urban populations where it’s possible to ‘nip-in’ on a lunch break from work or set yourself up for an intensive search of an area for, say, a season, every night or every morning before or after the daily grind. Apart from Cape Clear and, perhaps, Ballycotton, I don’t see anywhere in Cork where it’s possible to combine these elements of living, working and birding close-by, so it takes more effort to get out to some of these places with the most potential: the Old Head of Kinsale, Knockadoon, etc.

But I tell you it’s worth it! Pick yourself a patch. Make sure you get there as early in the morning as you possibly can. Spend a good few hours there. Then more. Take a picnic. Walk the dog. Maybe take a camera or a sketchbook and perhaps pretend you don’t really care whether or not you see anything good but instead just enjoy the air. And the gentle rolling hills. And the emerald green fields. And the wave-splashed Atlantic shore. But keep your eyes open. And your ears. Be sharp. And remember to have faith. Build up the mystery. There’s a lot going on out there we don’t know… It could just be you who discovers it.

Cork Bird Report 1996 – 2004 365 Short Articles

The County Nature Trust (CNT) is a Nature Trust. A striking and limited, non-profit company (No. effective logo, its name is also 358404) established in 2002 with the highly symbolic. Hopefully it will objectives of acquiring and/or act as a reminder of our commitment managing reserves for wildlife and to: by promoting awareness of wildlife issues through communication, HELP wildlife in our area by research, education and training. Habitat management, The membership of the CNT is Education of the public, presently made up of people with diverse backgrounds and experience Locally focused work and a dealing with local community People friendly approach groups, public bodies and the media with regard to conservation issues If you would like to join the County throughout the region. Nature Trust please visit our website at Furthermore, we have a wealth of academic knowledge and expertise http://countynaturetrust.tripod.com and a thorough grounding in habitat Or contact Dara Fitzpatrick, and environmental management. Chairman, CNT at

The Gatekeeper butterfly has been [email protected] selected as the Logo of the County

Mission Statement

Our mission is to see our counties rich in wildlife by protecting and positively managing species both common and rare for the betterment of nature and the enjoyment of the public.

We are committed to sustainable development in a means supporting the biodiversity of nature. We shall achieve our mission by acquiring and managing reserves for wildlife and promoting awareness of wildlife isues through communication, research, education and training.

The County Nature Trust would like to congratulate the Editors of the CBR for their voluntary efforts in compiling this report.

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