Number 81 Summer 2016 • ISSN 1393-3434

Species Focus also ... Great Skua: The Rockabill Roseate Terns Surprise colonist Site Guide: Roscommon turloughs WINGS SPRING 2016 settles in on west coast Reserve Focus: Knockadoon Head1 The Best Birdwatching Optics since 1970

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A new addition to the team! am delighted to join the team here at BirdWatch Ireland as Interim Chief Executive Officer. It is clear to me that this is one of the busiest periods for the organisation, with the field season in train and many events planned across the country. II hope that it will be a successful season all round. I am encouraged by the diversity of funding sources supporting the important work that we do. This has certainly helped us to regain some lost ground in relation to our finances, and I am delighted to report that 2015 was another year where the financial outturn was positive. I am looking forward to working with the team to build on these resources and to secure the organisation well into the future. This issue of Wings includes a Summary of the Accounts (see page 30) and details of the AGM, which is due to take place in Portlaoise on Saturday, the 25th of June (see page 16). This issue also features a photoshoot based on the terns of Rockabill Island off the coast of north county Dublin (see page 18). These stunning shots were taken by Brian Burke and are well worth a look. With the first of our Roseate Terns back at their breeding colonies already this year, we look forward to kickstarting the fieldwork for the EU-funded Roseate Tern LIFE Project. On a more worrying note, the 2015 Hen Harrier Survey results have revealed a further decline in the national population, by 10%. The team will be working hard to ensure Roseate Tern on Rockabill, Co Dublin. Photograph: Brian Burke the results of this report will inform future plans to secure a future for this top predator. Finally, I look forward to meeting you, our members, and A word of thanks to Mary Colwell for raising awareness to working with all of our enthusiastic and skilled staff and about our Cry of the Curlew appeal. Mary has set out on a volunteers to help the organisation deliver its conservation 500-mile walk across Ireland, Wales and England to raise money role to best effect. and awareness about the decline of breeding Curlew and she is encouraging donations to our work to save this iconic species, Declan O’Sullivan, through MyCharity.ie. Interim CEO, BirdWatch Ireland

Any item or product advertised in Wings is not Editorial Team: necessarily approved or recommended by Cóilín MacLochlainn, Oran O’Sullivan, Niall Hatch BirdWatch Ireland unless specifically stated. For any Published by: BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, advertising enquiries and best rates, please contact Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Greystones, [email protected]. Co Wicklow, A63 RW83 Telephone: (01) 281 9878 Copy deadline for the Autumn 2016 issue Email: [email protected] th of Wings is Monday, 27 June 2016 Web: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie BirdWatch Ireland Board Members: Charity number: Registered Charity No CHY5703 Kieran O’Byrne (Chair) Seamus Bridgeman COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Wings is the quarterly membership magazine Gerry Lyons (Secretary) David Fay Brian Lavery Jim Dowdall Roseate Tern on Rockabill, of BirdWatch Ireland (Cairde Éanlaith Éireann). John Lynch Co Dublin, by Brian Burke Contributions of photographs, drawings, letters, (see photo-feature, page 18) news items and articles are welcomed and should Inset: Great Skua, by Andy be addressed to the Editor. The opinions Hays (rspb-images.com) expressed by contributors are not necessarily (see Species Focus, page 14) those of the Editor or of BirdWatch Ireland. BirdWatch Ireland is the BirdLife International partner in the Republic of Ireland WINGS SUMMER 2016 3 Email: [email protected] Post: BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow Note: Please provide your name and postal address at end of letter. Letters may be edited or cut. Publication does not imply endorsement; the views expressed in any letters published on this page Letters are not necessarily those of BirdWatch Ireland.

Blackcaps in winter Sir, –This winter, we had a pair of Blackcaps

in our garden in north Co Dublin. We’ve REA MARTY ÚNA HOGAN ÚNA never seen them in the garden before and thought they were just summer visitors. Is this unusual? JILL KIERNAN (via Facebook) Dear Jill, – Blackcaps used indeed strictly to visit Ireland only for the summer, as older field guides will show. However, over the past couple Sparrowhawk (left) and Jay (right) in the garden of decades an increasing number of them have Abnormal Chaffinch in the garden begun to spend the winter here too, and they are now reasonably frequent winter visitors to Jay in garden Irish gardens. Abnormal Chaffinch Interestingly, the breeding Blackcaps which Sir, –You have helped me before to identify Sir, –In December, a Jay appeared in my come here for the summer still migrate to the birds which I have seen in the back garden, garden and seemed to be following my Mediterranean for the winter as they have and I have used your website to find others. daily-visiting Sparrowhawk in and out of the always done. The Blackcaps which now spend Perhaps you could help me to identify this trees in a playful manner [see photo].They the winter in Ireland migrate to us from a one [see photo] also. It looks like a finch of both appeared again two weeks later, with completely different population that breeds in some sort – I’m sure you will know what it is. similar antics observed. Is it very unusual to central Europe. Until very recently, all of the MARTY REA see a Jay in a suburban garden and to see one birds from this population used to migrate to (via Facebook) behaving in such a playful manner with a the Mediterranean too, but it appears that a Sparrowhawk? Dear Marty, –Your bird is indeed a finch of genetic mutation caused some of them to ÚNA HOGAN some sort: a Chaffinch with an abnormality, migrate in completely the wrong direction. (via email) probably genetic, that has caused it to lack Usually a mutation like this would prove pigment on most of its head. It probably isn’t Dear Úna, – In Ireland, Jays are fairly scarce fatal, and so the mutant genes would fail to be aware that it looks in any way odd. Please, let us visitors to gardens, unlike in Britain and on the passed on to the next generation. In this case, know if it sticks around, and also if you happen Continent where they tend to be less secretive however, the mutation proved to be a benefit, to notice any similarly white-headed youngsters and regularly visit bird tables. The Jay actually as these “mutant” Blackcaps found that they later in the year. – Niall Hatch wasn’t acting in a playful manner, despite how its could survive the winter very well in Irish and behaviour may have looked: it was being deadly British gardens, where there was lots of food. In serious and acting aggressively. Jays see fact, they fared better than their “normal” Sparrowhawks and other birds of prey as a relatives, and so have gradually been more threat, and when they encounter one they often successful at breeding back on their Continental BILLY CLARKE BILLY “mob” it, meaning they harass and annoy it in the nesting grounds. This in turn means that the hope that it will take the hint and leave the area. rogue migration gene has been inherited by They are also drawing the attention of other birds more young Blackcaps each year, and the towards the hawk, thereby ruining the element of numbers flying to Ireland for the winter are surprise upon which the hawk relies when slowly increasing. It’s literally evolution in action catching its prey. – Niall Hatch right in front of our eyes. – Niall Hatch

Missing Goldfinches Sir, – I have moved here from the UK and Yellowhammer feeding on grain have always fed the birds wherever I am. For several years I was buying a 2kg bag of Niger seed a week for the Goldfinches, and I had a Yellowhammers return flock of 25 to 30 birds constantly in the Sir, – Reading your news article on page 9 garden. MacLOCHLAINN CÓILÍN prompted me to write to you about One year, I noticed that they didn’t come, Yellowhammers [Wings, Spring 2016]. and the 2kg bag was lasting a month. I thought We were delighted to see a Yellowhammer they had gone. I asked the woman in the pet in our garden about three or four years ago – shop if she was selling a lot less Niger seed. She the first we have seen here for years. said, no, she was selling a lot more. “You used Since then, their numbers have increased to be the only one buying it, but now everyone and last year, and also this year, we have wants some,” she said. So the Goldfinches had counted up to eighteen or twenty at times not gone. They were just more evenly spread during the winter, feeding on grain we had around the village. The answer seems to be, left out for them. they go where they are fed. SUSAN WATERS Blackcap in garden in winter. EWIN & THREAS KINGSTON Dingle,Co Kerry Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

4 WINGS SUMMER 2016 By Dick Coombes

Montagu’s Harrier (female). Female Hen Harrier (for comparison). Photo: Neil O’Reilly Photo: Neil O’Reilly

In May, look for... In June, look for... Montagu’s Harrier Linnet Often confused with Hen Harrier A joy to behold on gorse bushes

Compared to, say, the south of Spain, we see precious few large A male Linnet in summer plumage, sporting bright-red breast, smoky-grey raptors in Ireland and so have little opportunity to perfect our bird of head and chestnut back, presents no identification challenge. Females, prey ID skills. Most of us are well familiar with the Common Buzzard immatures and indeed males outside the breeding season, however, fall into by now, thanks to the species’ amazing range expansion over the last the league of little brown jobs – the type that gives grief to the novice two decades or so, and successful re-introduction programmes have birdwatcher. Twite and Redpoll are possible confusion species, but the little made Red Kites a regular sight in eastern counties. The other most white flash on the wing and hint of chestnut on the upperparts are key likely large-winged raptor you could encounter, then, is a harrier. features for Linnet. Marsh Harrier is distinctive, and adult males of the other harrier A Linnet singing atop a gorse bush in full flower is a joy to behold. They species are pretty straightforward to identify. However, the chances like “unkept” habitats in open country – gorse-covered heaths, sand dunes, are it will be a female or immature bird that you are confronted with, arable farmland with plenty of thistles and so-called “waste land;” in fact and that’s where the fun starts. anywhere there is an abundance of their primary food – weed seeds. They Hen Harrier is the most likely contender, but if apparently enjoy hemp seed. Ireland’s building boom (and crash) may not it is May, and especially if it is on the south, have been popular, but it did create vast tracts of bulldozed ground on east or southeast coast, there is always which a bonanza of annual weeds could flourish, to the benefit of Linnets. the possibility that you are looking at a The Countryside Bird Survey and the latest Bird Atlas both indicate that much rarer bird – a Montagu’s Harrier. our Linnets are doing pretty well at the moment and even increasing – a Long, narrower wings, slimmer body, little surprising as other seed-eaters such as Yellowhammer have declined. narrower long tail and a strong facial Looking back a few decades to a less enlightened age, many were trapped and kept as cage birds and it is likely that the population declined pattern set it apart from Hen Harrier, considerably as agriculture intensified in the second half of the 20th century. but these differences are subtle enough Look out in June for family parties of Linnets as they start joining up to and only relevant if you know your Hen form what will become “winter flocks.” Harriers inside out. It is often down to the Montagu’s Harrier (male) buoyant “jizz” of the bird in flight and the rather Photo: Neil O’Reilly long, narrow primaries (wing-tips) that catch Linnet (male). Linnet (female). the eye and get your suspicions going. However, even the experts can Photo: Photo: struggle to separate Hen from Montagu’s. Indeed, they used to be Colum Clarke John Fox considered just variations of the one species – Hen Harrier – and it was only in 1802 that a certain Lord Montagu identified and defined the species which now bears his name. Montagu’s Harriers winter in Africa and breed patchily across Europe and in small numbers in southern Britain. In Ireland, breeding has been recorded or suspected several times, including in Wicklow in 1899 and 1919 and sporadically between 1955 and 1971 at several sites in Wicklow, Cork and Kerry. But sightings of single birds in spring are more the norm.

WINGS SUMMER 2016 5 Summer Diary (continued)...

Razorbill. Photo: Kevin Murphy

numbers dwindled, for their eggs and skins by collectors. They were In July, look for... finally hunted to extinction in 1852. Although maybe a third the size, the Razorbill bears a striking resemblance to its extinct cousin, in terms of colour scheme, overall Razorbill shape and especially the unusual, vertically flat bill. Both species evolved small, narrow wings, beautifully adapted to act as underwater flippers, but the Razorbill didn’t take it to the same Sea-cliff nester extreme as the Great Auk and retained the ability to fly, though the It is common knowledge that there are no penguins in the northern frantic whirr of wingbeats hemisphere – well, if we ignore Galapagos Penguin. That stark fact it maintains to stay does not deter the occasional adamant claim of penguins swimming airborne suggests that around in Dún Laoghaire harbour! Two hundred years ago, however, flight is far from effortless such a claim would not have been so outlandish – the Great Auk, a for this not-quite-penguin. large black-and-white seabird with an upright gait on land, was then Like many seabirds, widespread in the North Atlantic. Like its Southern Ocean Razorbills are truly pelagic, counterparts, it was flightless and, to early mariners, it was the spending most of their original “penguin.” Indeed, one of its former nesting sites off lives at sea, often far Newfoundland is called the Penguin Islands. Clumsy on land, they offshore. The only reason were easy prey, persecuted for their meat and down, and later, when for them to ever make landfall is to breed and, unsurprisingly, the nest is positioned right by the sea. Razorbills share cliff space with Guillemots, the other common auk in these waters. But the single egg is generally laid in a crevice or amongst boulders, much less precarious than the Great Auk in Glasgow Museum. Guillemot’s choice of a Photo: Mike Pennington narrow ledge, which necessitates a non-roll pointy egg design. Razorbill. The latest census of Irish breeding Razorbills, carried out in the Photo: Michael Finn early 2000s, puts the population at around 51,500 birds. More than half of them are in Antrim and Donegal, with Rathlin Island being by far the biggest colony in the country. Other major sites include the Cliffs of Moher and Lambay Island, but perhaps the easiest places to see them well on the cliffs are Ireland’s Eye off Dublin or Great Saltee Island in Wexford. The young will leave the nests in July and then the cliffs will be quiet again till next year.

6 WINGS SUMMER 2016 national News The burning issue Many fires are being lit outside the legal burning season. BirdWatch Ireland Policy Officer Oonagh Duggan reports. It is illegal to burn vegetation on farmland or hill land between March 1st Managed burning and August 31st, the period when birds are nesting. In the last few years, however, we have recorded many illegal or uncontrolled burning events While some fires are acts of arson, many are set by landowners who in the uplands, fires which devastated sites of importance for upland wish to clear land of rank vegetation in order to promote new and birds and killed many nesting birds and other wildlife. better grazing for livestock. BirdWatch Ireland has been working on this issue through talks with However, when a land manager wishes to burn scrub or heather, it the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to help ensure must be carried out within the legal timeframe and it must be assessed that farmers and land managers are informed that they are breaking using ecological assessment procedures to ensure that it will not impact the law, if they burn land between the first of March and the end of on protected wildlife species or habitats. August. Many landowners believe they will be penalised under the Single We need this message to be heard loud and clear, throughout the Farm Payment Scheme for having land that is not eligible under the summer months, to make sure vulnerable upland breeding birds are scheme. Land with scrub is not currently eligible for payment under the afforded the protection and safety they need to rear their young. Common Agricultural Policy, as it’s not considered suitable for grazing. As well as the importance of respecting the burning season limits, However, it’s important to understand that burned land is not eligible we also need to address the misunderstandings surrounding the for payment either, under the eligibility rules. perceived requirement to burn scrub to meet requirements for EU Wildlife legislation aims to ensure that upland vegetation burning funding for agricultural activities. times do not coincide with the breeding seasons of wild birds like Curlew, a Red-listed species in Ireland. Illegal burning this spring After Met Éireann forecasted a spell of dry weather in March, illegal burning in the hills and mountains kicked off after St Patrick’s Day, two weeks after the end of the legal burning season. Fires were reported in west Cork and Kerry, with fire services working long hours to tackle the spreading infernos. We documented many of the wildfires reported online and in newspaper articles, as residents voiced their concerns about massive fires racing across their landscapes, with flames leaping to the skies. In County Cork, the Bantry Fire Brigade posted photos of the impacts of the fires, including pictures of a burnt bird’s nest and a dead frog seemingly in full leap as it died when trying to escape the flames [see photos]. Some of the hill fires came dangerously close to houses, giving rise to concerns that people would lose their homes. The ensuing charred landscapes left no doubt that wildfires can have devastating impacts on habitats, wildlife and people. Bird’s nest burnt in moorland Frog burnt in moorland fire. fire. Photo: Ian Vickery Photo: Ian Vickery Worrying move Alarmingly, just before the general election in February, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, moved to amend the legislation on burning and hedgecutting in order to allow for burning in March and hedgecutting in August. Fortunately, the proposed changes (in the form of the Heritage Bill 2016) did not get through the Oireachtas before the Dáil was dissolved. BirdWatch Ireland, An Taisce, the Irish Wildlife Trust and the Hedgelaying Association of Ireland united to stop the Bill through an online public petition and advocacy work with politicians. The response from the public was swift. Within a few days over 10,000 people had signed the petition and,. at the time of writing, the figure stands at over 20,000 people – people who say ‘No’ to more hedgecutting and burning. A new government could resurrect this Bill at any stage, so the fight is not over yet. BirdWatch Ireland will continue to work on this issue through regular meetings with the Department of Agriculture and through communicating to farmers the importance of not burning at this time. We hope that this message will be heard loud and clear throughout the summer months. WINGS SUMMER 2016 7 national News Project Swift: where do they spend the winter? Geotagging project hopes to uncover migration route and final destination of Swifts migrating to Africa

Last summer, an exciting project was Birds were tagged in both Northern Seven Swifts in all were tagged at two launched to discover more about the Ireland and the Republic. This was the first nestbox colonies – one established by fascinating migration routes of Irish Swifts time Swifts, or indeed any birds of a small Mícheál on his house near Tubbercurry, Co and also to learn about their movements size, had been geotagged in Ireland. The Sligo, in 2010, and the other in Antrim town, on their wintering grounds in Africa. technology is state-of-the-art, with a light where Mark Smyth from the NISG The project is a collaboration sensor, a memory chip, a clock and a generously allowed access to his nestbox between BirdWatch Ireland, the battery packed into a tiny waterproof colony. Chris Hewson, a BTO expert on British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) tag weighing only 0.55-0.65 geotagging Swifts and Cuckoos, provided and the Northern Ireland Swift Group grammes, or about 2% of a Swift’s training to the Irish bird ringers and the (NISG). bodyweight. This is fitted to the tagging took place over an action-packed Swift with a specially-made three days. harness. BirdWatch Ireland’s Brian Caffrey, who The device, known as a light- has been involved in the project, said: “We level geolocator, logs the bird’s really hope all the hard work will pay off location each day using the and that, all going well, we can recover the time of sunrise and sunset to tags this summer and download the data. calculate longitude and This will provide a unique insight into one latitude – it is effectively a of our most enigmatic bird species.” long-term tracking device in

GRAHAM CATLEY GRAHAM a tiny back-pack. “The tags don’t transmit  For further information, check out: data,” said BirdWatch Ireland WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1hfX1Ki Sligo Branch member and active ringer Mícheál Casey. “Rather, the BLOG: “Life on the Wing” at project will depend on the birds’ safe http://bit.ly/26rdM0N return this year to the same nesting sites they used last year, so that they can be re- E-MAIL: [email protected] caught, their tags removed and the information on the chips downloaded.”

Request for Raven nest Bloom in the Park records and colour-ring Fantastic Bloom ticket offer for BirdWatch Ireland members! sightings Sligo Branch members Mícheál Casey For inspiration, education and entertainment, Log on to www.bloominthepark.com for and David McNicholas have been the place to be this June Bank Holiday more details on food, features, show gardens, ringing Raven chicks in their nests under weekend is the colourful Bloom Garden free seminars and entertainment. permit for several years in Co Sligo. Festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Have a wonderful day out and make sure This spring, they ringed several broods Organised by Bord Bia, this year’s event is you visit the Bord Bia Food Village, which of five. There are also longer-established five days long (9am to 6pm) and it takes celebrates the best of Irish food, showcasing Raven ringing projects in Mayo (run by place from Thursday 2nd June to Monday 6th numerous aspects of horticulture and Eoin McGreal and Irene O’Brien) and June 2016. agriculture. Connemara (run by Dermot Breen and The organisers are pleased to offer all If you don’t fancy driving, use the train and Irene O’Brien). The Mayo and BirdWatch Ireland members a special Bloom avail of the courtesy shuttle bus from Connemara monitoring projects have been using colour rings, so please report ticket offer for 2016. Book online only before Heuston Station to the 70-acre Bloom site in any sightings of colour-ringed Ravens to the event and use the promotional code the centre of the Phoenix Park. http://www.ring.ac. BIRD16 to get an extra €2 discount off The Sligo ringing team would either the early bird or advance ticket price welcome any reports of Raven nests in to Bloom. This offer cannot be used in Co Sligo. Please send your records to conjunction with any other offer. the Sligo Branch email address, Please note, kids go free as per previous [email protected]. years!

8 WINGS SUMMER 2016 national BirdWatch Ireland calls for sightings of Curlew pairs this summer and any breeding records Countryside Bird Survey contributes to Climate Change Indicator for Europe WINGS SUMMER 2016 SUMMER WINGS Further evidence of Curlew declines partial survey of inCurlew survey 2015,partial the race is or rushy pastures, between April and June. over such breeding as inland territory bogs asobserved one or two birds, displaying wetlands. Breeding are pairs usually birds together), at the coast or at large usually seen in flocks (i.e., three or more and Nordic countries) – the migrants are come to Ireland for the winter from the UK from flocks of migrant Curlews (which factors. in land use, predation and a range of other landscape as a result of habitat loss, changes been steadily disappearing from the Irish and distinctive long, down-curved bill, has priorities. one of the country’s highest conservation in recent decades and it now represents inCurlew Ireland have declined significantly across the country. Populations of breeding of possible breeding from pairs Curlew BirdWatch Ireland is keen to receive reports possible without of the thousands efforts extent of future climate change on birds. now in a better position to track the these climate impacts, meaning that we are the two subcontinents in the nature of showed a remarkable consistency between change indicator was then developed that common and widespread birds. A climate recent climate change on abundance in North America to quantify the impacts of monitoring data from across Europe and University, used long-term common bird journals – of the most prestigious international and the United States, would feature in one project, together with acrossothers Europe predominantly citizen-science driven began back in 1998, the results of this the annual Bird Countryside (CBS) Survey Whoever would have thought that, when The value and benefits of citizen science “With fewer than 100 recorded pairs in a Breeding can pairs easily be distinguished This iconic species, with its enigmatic cry These analyses would not have been A recent study, led by Durham News Science ! your help.” CBS to date – and we thank all of you for whoparticipants have in takenthe part testament to of the more efforts than 700 towards international research, are a including the significant contributions commented: “The outputs from this survey, CoordinatorSurvey Dick Coombes BirdWatch Ireland’s Bird Countryside the the United States. across taking Europeof part observers and  [email protected]. involved. Please contact Dick Coombes at underway – but there is still time to get Meanwhile, the CBS season is well http://bit.ly/1TlAwdp. change research are available at Curlew populationsCurlew by including a measure responded to concerns about declines in Agriculture, Fisheries and the Marine has management and monitoring programmes.” ispairs essential for the implementation of “Information on the location of breeding Ireland’s Senior Officer.Conservation Ireland,” said Dr Anita Donaghy, BirdWatch on to save this species from extinction in Here in Ireland, the CBS is funded by Curlew F For example, theof Department National Parks and Wildlife Service. urther details about this climate have been in response to climate change. Its colonisation of Ireland is believed to receive accesspriority to the scheme. Curlews on their land should therefore Scheme (Glas). Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment specifically aimed at protecting them in the  [email protected] breeding pair, contact Anita Donaghy, at For information, further or to report a Farmers withFarmers breeding . 9

MICHAEL FINN JOHN FOX national News Skydancer numbers fall again National Hen Harrier Survey shows worrying declines

As one of Ireland’s rarest birds of prey, the as Curlew and Red Grouse. long-term decline in the Hen Harrier The results of the national survey have population is of significant concern. The 2015 highlighted the importance of the Special National Survey of Hen Harriers (the fourth Protection Areas for Hen Harriers, which national survey since 1998-2000), which was held a significant proportion of the coordinated by a partnership of the Golden population in 2015 (44% of known pairs). Eagle Trust, Irish Raptor Study Group and However, recorded declines in Hen Harrier BirdWatch Ireland, showed that the national numbers of 27% within the SPA network population has experienced further declines, since 2005 show that the designated areas are not performing as they should to including within some former strongholds. maintain and enhance our Hen Harrier The national population estimate of 108 to populations. 157 breeding pairs in 2015 represents a BirdWatch Ireland’s John Lusby decline of almost 10% since the previous commented: “Populations within large parts national survey in 2010. of the SPA network are struggling and, As top predators, the decline of Hen without intervention through appropriate Hen Harrier (female). Photo: Neil O’Reilly Harriers may be linked with declines in management to restore the integrity of the availability of their preferred habitat, changes SPAs and their suitability for Hen Harriers, in habitat quality and associated effects on these declines will continue.” to identify the main threats to Hen Harriers food availability. The results of the 2015 national survey will and identify the best solutions for a It is likely that land-use changes over recent inform the Hen Harrier Threat Response sustainable future. If successful, the plan has decades have resulted in an increasingly Plan which is currently in preparation through the potential to deliver an effective fragmented landscape for Hen Harrier as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with framework for conservation of the Hen well as for other upland breeding birds, as input from a range of stakeholders, including Harrier and other priority upland birds and highlighted by similar declines of species such BirdWatch Ireland. The purpose of this plan is habitats.

‘This is not the Jedi way’: the Star Wars controvery continues

We love movies here at BirdWatch Ireland and, indeed, have been regularly involved with filming activities ourselves. It is really important, though, that film-making does not impact on the incredible habitats and species that make their home in the areas where humans decide to film. BirdWatch Ireland is closely monitoring the activities relating to the filming of the Star Wars series at Ceann Sibéal, Co Kerry, Brow Head, Co Cork, and Malin Head, Co Donegal, which will occur up to June of this year. All of the filming locations are within Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds, because they are home to internationally The beehive huts on the Star Wars set, Sybil Head. Photo: Céit Ní Dhomhnaill important habitats and species. The filming at Ceann Sibéal involves the The European Union’s Habitats Directive not happened. building of a replica village of beehive huts and our national regulations require that In addition, the fact that filming projects, (see photo), similar to those at Sceilig screening for Appropriate Assessment is especially on such a scale as this one, could Mhichíl off the Dingle Peninsula. This site is a undertaken to determine if it is likely that be exempt from planning permission very important one for Choughs and is a there could be significant impact on the requirements is mind-boggling. This is not designated SPA. Choughs are currently species and habitats listed for these sites. the Jedi way of doing things. breeding in the area and will be attempting If there is a possibility of an impact, then Our local Corca Dhuibhne BirdWatch to feed chicks during the filming, foraging on full Appropriate Assessment should be Ireland branch has been keeping us the grasslands around the film location. undertaken. As far as we are aware, this has informed of events on the ground.

10 WINGS SUMMER 2016 national News Successful prosecution in Peregrine persecution case NPWS operation on illegal poisoning of Peregrines leads to convictions against four individuals in Co Waterford

Bird of prey persecution has been a significant problem across County Waterford for some years now. Peregrine Falcons have been particularly targeted, leading to a situation where breeding success of the species has been substantially reduced in the county. This persecution has taken many forms, including shooting and poisoning. In March 2014, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff detected illegal hunting of Peregrines at Cappagh Quarry, Keereen Quarry and Carroll’s Cross Quarry in Co Waterford. Four dead Peregrine Falcons were discovered, along with two dead Sparrowhawks. In some of these instances poison had been placed on live racing pigeons, which were then tethered to stones or stakes at the top of cliffs to lure the wild predatory birds. The investigation by NPWS staff led to prosecutions against four individuals on a variety of charges under the Wildlife Acts. The cases were heard at Dungarvan District Court on February 15th 2016 and again on March 9th 2016. Stephen O’Brien, from Dungarvan, was convicted of 20 offences, including hunting protected birds of prey and using a live decoy on five different dates; he was fined €1,500 for each date. Kevin Crotty, also from Dungarvan, was convicted of 10 offences over five dates and fined €600. John Crotty, also from Dungarvan, was convicted of Peregrine Falcon. Photo: four offences, including hunting protected birds of prey on one date, Neil O’Reilly and fined €700, while Christopher O’Brien was convicted of obstructing an authorised person on April 16th, 2014, and also with the illegal possession of a number of protected wild finches; he was Dolphin Hotel Ecotourism Tours 2016 fined €700. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of a preserved All our tours are led by Anthony McGeehan Peregrine Falcon found at the home of Christopher O’Brien. Dolphin Hotel has been awarded  The NPWS believes that bird of prey persecution remains a significant problem in Waterford and would greatly appreciate Also available for private group information from farmers and members of the public. Dolphin Hotel bookings all People are encouraged to make reports, in confidence, to summer 01 888 3242 or to [email protected]. The Dolphin Hotel is proud to be In the event of NPWS staff not being available, please note that Places still available on the following: the first hotel on an Irish island An Garda Síochána can also enforce the Wildlife Acts. to achieve Ecotourism Ireland Summer Birdwatching Breaks certification 22nd-25th May €379 pps 17th-20th June €399 pps 3 B&B, 2 Dinners, 2 Lunches plus RIB boat trip Spring Alive Skylark Experience 29th May-2nd June, 4 B&B, 4 Dinners, 4 Lunches €495 pps In Spring Alive, run by BirdWatch Ireland Immerse yourself in island life with our new ecotourism and BirdLife International partners across experience. Explore Inishbofin’s stunning Europe, Central Asia and Africa, participants scenery, join Anthony McGeehan for a day are asked to log their first sightings of Swift, birdwatching, try your hand at sheep Swallow and Cuckoo. To take part, visit the farming, visit the uninhabited island of website www.springalive.net, where you Inishark. Skylark song guaranteed! can also learn about migration; download factsheets and lesson Bird Treasure Hunt plans for teachers; upload photographs, drawings and stories to 2nd-5th October our Spring Blog; take part in fun competitions; enjoy our 3B&B, 3 Dinners, 3 Lunches €385 pps online bird migration games; send postcards to your friends and, most exciting of all, track the progress of the birds on our Dolphin Hotel, interactive animated map. Inishbofin, Co Galway www.dolphinhotel.ie [email protected] The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa tel 095 45991 Enjoy Skylarks in song

WINGS SUMMER 2016 11 international News England’s last Golden Eagle feared dead

England’s only resident Golden Eagle is likely to incredibly sad news. “Raptors are at the top of have died after failing to appear this spring, wildlife the food chain, and eagle species need big areas

PIXABAY experts fear. to live. We must remember that decades of The bird, which has been residing near altering our landscape and habitats has caused Haweswater, Cumbria, since 2001, has not seen this iconic bird to no longer patrol the skies of by RSPB staff since November, though it would England.” normally be seen in spring, nest-building and Dawn Balmer, head of surveys for the British displaying or courting. The eagle was believed to Trust for Ornithology, said: “It seems likely the have been around 20 years old and it had lived eagle has died of natural causes. We can only alone since the death of his mate in 2004. hope that the small and vulnerable Golden Eagle “He was at an advanced age for an eagle, so population in southwest Scotland increases and it’s possible he died of natural causes,” said Lee expands, and that some eagles disperse into Schofield, site manager at RSPB Haweswater. England.” “His disappearance marks the end of an era. Golden Eagles arrived in the Lake District from He has been an iconic part of our landscape Scotland in the late 1950s. There are now an for the last fifteen years.” estimated 440 breeding pairs in the UK, mostly in A majestic Golden Eagle Adrian Long, of Birdlife International, said it was Scotland. – The Guardian, April 14th 2016

Birds send out a message on climate change

An international team of some southern countries where researchers led by Durham summers have been getting hotter University, in the UK, and including and drier. scientists from the RSPB and The UK population of the BirdLife International, has found Dartford Warbler, which used to be that, over a 30-year period from limited to the county of Dorset, has 1980 to 2010, populations of bird increased eight-fold since the early species expected to do well due to 1980s, though this warbler is climate change have substantially declining in Spain. outperformed those expected to Similarly, in North America, the do badly. American Robin has declined in The research, conducted in some southern states, such as collaboration with the United Mississippi and Louisiana, but States Geological Survey and increased in north-central states, published in the journal Science, is such as the Dakotas. European Bee-eaters are increasing, possibly as a result of climate change. the first real demonstration that Northerly-distributed European They have even started breeding in the UK. Photo: Simon Kova i č climate is having a similar, large- species are declining, potentially as ć scale influence on the abundance a result of changing climates. For there is a large-scale, consistent many of the world’s birds have of common birds in widely example, Willow Tit numbers have response by bird populations to already been impacted by climate separated parts of the world. declined in the UK by 80% in the climate change on two continents. change, mostly in negative ways. It In Europe, species such as the last 20 years. Co-author Dr Stuart Butchart, is a further warning that actions Wren have been increasing in The study’s lead authors, Dr Head of Science at BirdLife are urgently needed to minimise northern areas, where winters are Stephen Willis and Dr Philip International, said, “The study adds climate change and to help nature becoming milder, but declining in Stephens, believe the findings show to the body of evidence that and people adapt.” – Ed Parnell

Record count of Black-faced Spoonbills

An annual international census of Black- measures that have come into effect over faced Spoonbills in east Asia recorded 3,356 the last decade,” said Yat-tung Yu of Hong individuals in January 2016, an increase of Kong Bird Watching Society, the BirdLife 2.6% on the previous year’s count of 3,272, partner in Hong Kong. “Their numbers have and a record recent count for this beautiful increased because two major wintering sites but endangered Asian waterbird. – Taiwan and Hong Kong – are well Over 200 volunteers participated in the protected, and breeding sites in the Korean census, covering locations in South Korea, Peninsula have not been seriously disturbed.” Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan is still the largest wintering area for Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand. the species, where there were a total of “This record count reflects conservation 2,060 individuals counted. – Ed Parnell Black-faced Spoonbill. Photo:Yun-tak Chung

12 WINGS SUMMER 2016 international News Millions of songbirds still being killed illegally in Cyprus

A survey by the RSPB and BirdLife species are of conservation Cyprus has confirmed the large concern. Cyprus has two songbirds scale of illegal bird trapping still that breed nowhere else in the taking place in Cyprus, both with world: the Cyprus Warbler and the mist nets and with lime-sticks. The Cyprus Wheatear. Both of these survey found that as much as 19 km have been found illegally trapped. of mist nets could have been active Various measures are being taken during the autumn of 2015 within to tackle the problem. Approx- the survey area across the British imately one-third of the invasive Territory and the Republic of acacia trees which were planted on Cyprus. These trapping levels could the base’s firing range to attract have resulted in over two million migrant birds have been removed. birds being killed. Also, more than 5,300 lime-sticks The songbirds are illegally trapped were confiscated by enforcement to provide the main ingredient for agencies, mostly within the Republic the local delicacy of ambelopoulia, of Cyprus. illegally served in restaurants. Small-scale trapping of songbirds Trapped Olivaceous Warbler in mist net. Photo: BirdLife Cyprus Organised gangs are running this for human consumption on Cyprus illegal practice on an industrial scale, was practiced for many centuries, may be responsible for eight then placed in trees and bushes. which is estimated by the Cypriot but it has been illegal on the island million individual birds being Passing birds become stuck on the authorities to earn them €15 since 1974. illegally killed or taken alive each lime-coated sticks and fall prey to million annually. The problem of illegal killing of year. trappers. Lime-sticks are still used BirdLife Cyprus and other birds is widespread in the Historically, trappers have relied in many areas, but most trappers organisations have recorded over Mediterranean. A recent study by on lime-sticks, where stems of now use long lines of nearly 150 species trapped in nets or on BirdLife International estimated that pomegranate are coated in a invisible netting, known as mist lime-sticks. More than half of these 20 locations in the Mediterranean locally-manufactured lime and are nets. – Martin Fowlie

Beijing buntings beguile birders

Asia’s rarest bunting, the Rufous- 1970s, most likely as a result of the backed Bunting, has been found conversion of its grassland habitat wintering close to China’s capital – to arable farmland, and an increase the first record of this globally in grazing livestock. It is now known threatened species in the Beijing only from a restricted area of municipality for seventy-five years. north-east China. A single Rufous-backed Bunting Terry Townshend, a British birder was discovered at Miyun Reservoir, living and working in Beijing, and the 80 km north-east of central Beijing, BirdLife Species Champion for by local young birders Xing Chao Rufous-backed Bunting, said that, last th and Huang Mujiao on January 9 . year, the government had banned Rufous-backed Bunting. Photo: Terry Townshend By January 15th a remarkable nine the growing of crops close to the had been found. (The municipality’s reservoir, so the area around it had The Hong Kong Birdwatching Bunting on its breeding grounds in previous record was of two, seen been left uncultivated. Grasses and Society/The BirdLife China Inner Mongolia for several years, near the Summer Palace in 1941.) other wild plants produced a Programme and the China Bird with surveys undertaken in 2014 Rufous-backed Bunting has bumper crop of seeds, which Watching Society have been discovering nine new breeding sites declined drastically since the early attracted large numbers of birds. taking action for Rufous-backed for the species. – Ed Parnell

Forest & Bird launches strategic plan for New Zealand’s nature

Forest & Bird (the BirdLife partner in New biodiversity are key parts of the strategy. sure that these hard-fought-for protected areas Zealand) has launched a strategic plan for New For bird and nature lovers, the control and are fully protected and managed against threats. Zealand’s nature. It is based on a vision of eventually eradication of introduced rodents, The challenge goes on to see protected areas ecological resilience being at the heart of mustelids and possums, that have so decimated on land extended to protect the full range of everything the community does, and its mission New Zealand’s ecology, is a key, aspirational, but the country’s natural heritage. is to protect and restore nature. potentially achievable goal. A big part of that work will be built around Reducing climate-damaging emissions, building Over its 75-year history, the protection of finishing the identification of terrestrial resilience in ecosystems and promoting an New Zealand’s natural areas has been a key Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) economy that is both sustainable and enhances focus for Forest & Bird. Now it wants to make and seeing them protected. – Mike Britton WINGS SUMMER 2016 13 SPECIES FOCUS Great Skua

Great Skua on nest. Photo: Andy Hays (rspb-images.com)

Steve Newton profiles a dramatic and unexpected addition to Ireland’s breeding avifauna.

n the last 15-20 years only a single bird We now believe that a minimum of 15 species has been definitely lost to the First arrivals pairs breeds in Ireland and, given that it is Irish breeding avifauna – the Corn In the years prior to these counts, several impossible to check all the islands every year, Bunting. The last resort of this somewhat new small colonies appeared in the Western a maximum could be around 25 pairs. Isles and Inner Hebrides of Scotland, and the inconspicuous “LBJ” (little brown job) appearance of the first two pairs in the west Iwas the Mullet peninsula, County Mayo, and, of Ireland in the year 2000 was probably Why did they spread? in one of those coincidences, another related to this expansion. The discovery of Great Skuas breeding in species, a BBJ (you can guess what the ‘B’ These colonisers were found on two Ireland was greeted with surprise, for while stands for), appeared on the islands of uninhabited islands situated approximately 20 the bird is seen regularly on spring and southwest Mayo and north Connemara at kilometres apart, off the west coast of Ireland. autumn passage, it was imagined that, if about the same time – Great Skua. Skuas tend to be very aggressive when they anything, its range would contract northwards The Great Skua (Stercorarius skua) is have eggs or small chicks and are adept at in response to climate change, and here it was about the same size as a Great Black-backed striking human intruders with the back of spreading south. Gull, mottled and streaky brown with their feet if they come near their nests or The Scottish population increased through noticeable white patches on the wings when chicks. Their preferred nesting habitat is the 1970s and 1980s, perhaps on the back of seen in flight, and with black legs and a dark, coastal heath or grassland, but this can be on a wasteful fishing industry which produced powerful bill. both steep and fairly flat islands. plenty of discards. Likewise, it is thought that Members of the skua family are Since Great Skuas started to breed here, a discards helped fuel the big increase in renowned for being kleptoparasites – they small number of dedicated sea-kayakers and Gannet numbers in recent decades. obtain a significant proportion of their food seabird enthusiasts have attempted to track If discards did indeed help Great Skuas, requirements through piracy, stealing fish their fortunes, and their spread around the then why not the other skua breeding in from other seabirds. They do also scavenge Irish coast, reporting their findings to the Irish Scotland, the Arctic Skua? It is possible this discarded fish and offal thrown from fishing Rare Breeding Birds Panel [see box]. much smaller seabird could not compete with boats, and some are known to prey on Breeding was first reported in Northern Gannets, Great Skuas or other large seabirds other seabirds, such as the much smaller Ireland in 2010, on Rathlin Island. During the for the discards. petrels. 2008-11 Bird Atlas survey, breeding was Breeding Great Skuas are restricted to the confirmed in counties Galway, Mayo, Donegal Preying on seabirds North Atlantic, with most of the population and Antrim. When sandeels were in short supply around breeding in the Shetland and Orkney Islands The majority of the Irish breeding birds are the Shetlands, and Great Skuas could not get of Scotland, in Iceland and in the Faeroe still found on islands, mostly off the coast of enough by attacking seabirds, they took to Islands. Mayo, though an occasional pair nests on the killing Kittiwake chicks (and occasionally The largest known colonies are found on top of substantial coastal mountain cliffs. Birds adults) of this and other seabird species. the small island of Foula, west of Shetland, or pairs are also being seen in Donegal, for We still do not know why Great Skuas where 2,300 pairs nested during the Seabird example at Horn Head, and in Connemara. colonised Ireland following their southward 2000 Census, and on Hoy (Orkney), which One pair has successfully reared chicks in four spread in western Scotland, but it is possible held just short of 2,000 pairs. years, including 2015. that Ireland’s many seabird colonies helped 14 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Great Skua breeding distribution as recorded in the Bird Atlas survey (2008-11). Source: BTO Great Skua (showing white wing flashes). Photo: Andy Hays (rspb-images.com) them to spread. In St Kilda, Great Skuas are having a significant impact on Leach’s Storm-petrels, Keeping track of rare breeding birds which nest on remote sea-stacks. This means The work of the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel they have adopted a somewhat nocturnal habit to catch the petrels, which only fly in to From Great Skuas and Great Spotted We would welcome your data – past and their burrows during hours of darkness. Woodpeckers to Little Egrets and Reed present – on rare breeding birds in Ireland, Again, Irish colonies of storm-petrels may Warblers, the composition of Ireland’s north and south. We urge birdwatchers to have helped the skua expand its range, though avifauna is changing at a rapid pace. It is work within the law and if necessary seek little is known about the diet of Great Skuas apparent that climate change is playing a key appropriate licences to observe nests from in Ireland. They may fish for themselves, or role in the changing distribution of species, the Licencing Section of the National Parks kleptoparasitise other seabirds, or take one or with high-latitude and high-altitude species and Wildlife Service (in the Republic). both species of storm-petrel (European and (such as Red-necked Phalarope, Ptarmigan Northern Ireland records are shared with Leach’s) that breed on Mayo islands. and Dotterel) ‘retreating’ northwards and the UK’s Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP). It seems the Irish population is still temperate species from the continent and Further information on the work of the UK increasing, perhaps ‘backfilling’ the range Great Britain shifting north and west. panel is available on www.rbbp.org.uk. between Mayo and the potential source Recording rare breeders is not just of The Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel population in western Scotland, possibly the academic interest. Take, for example, the (IRBBP) hopes to have a website up and running later this year. – Steve Newton St Kilda colony. recent colonisation of Ireland by Great The age of first breeding in Great Skuas is Spotted Woodpeckers. The first proved around seven years, so recruitment of Irish- breeding attempts were confirmed in 2006  Please send your rare breeding bird reared young to the population may be and 2008, in counties Down and Wicklow records to the respective panel happening already; and this may also be respectively, and these charismatic birds are secretaries. Ireland: Gerry Murphy, [email protected]; fuelling the growth of the Irish population. now spreading to adjacent counties and UK: Mark Holling, [email protected]. During the summer of 2016, we will be westward. This information has clear surveying seabirds on many of the smaller conservation interest – recently described islands in Connemara and we hope to get a by Dick Coombes and Faith Wilson in the better picture of the status of Great Skuas 2016 issue of our journal Irish Birds – with there. As yet, no territories have been located forest managers able to monitor the in Kerry, where there is no shortage of presence of pairs and manage forest stock suitable islands. accordingly. Outside the breeding season, Great Skuas The recording of rare breeders, typically are migratory and regularly pass popular comprising 100 or fewer pairs of any seawatching headlands in both spring and species, is the main function of the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel.This information autumn. Their wintering area, on the basis of is used for conservation purposes, and is satellite tracking tags, appears to be off the very useful for the periodic reviews of our coast of northwest Africa. Red-listed species – the birds of greatest More work is definitely needed on this Dotterel. Photo: Dick Coombes conservation concern in Ireland. fascinating species. WINGS SUMMER 2016 15 BirdWatch Ireland AGM 2016 Make a Donation to BirdWatch Ireland Irish Wildbird Conservancy It’s never been more tax- Annual General Meeting efficient and easy to benefit BirdWatch Ireland, the leading Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) conservation charity in Ireland. of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy will be held at 14:00 hours sharp on Saturday 25th June 2016 at the Heritage Hotel, Tax refunds for donations from Portlaoise, Co Laois. all donors, PAYE or Registered charity Self-Assessed, for amounts In accordance with articles 36 and 37, Kieran O’Byrne falls to (CHY No. 5703) equal to or above 250, retire as Chairperson of the Board at this AGM. Seamus € now go directly to the charity at Bridgeman and Gerry Lyons fall to retire as members of the a blended rate of 31%. Board at this AGM. John Lynch and Stephen Wilson (who were For example, a donation of 250 will be co-opted since the 2015 AGM) will also fall to retire. One € grossed up at 31% regardless of the nomination (Gerry Lyons from Dublin) has been received for rate of tax paid by the donor, so on Chairperson of the Board. There are three nominations for a 250 donation to BirdWatch Ireland election to the Board. Nomination was received in respect of € the tax refund will be worth an Tony Culley of Dublin and the Board nominate John Lynch of additional 112.32 to us. Co Cork and Stephen Wilson of Co Wicklow. The number of € nominations for the Board is less than the number of vacancies You can even spread your on the Board. BirdWatch Ireland donation over the year by monthly The draft agenda is as follows: standing order of €21.00. 1 Adoption of agenda 2 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 20 June 2015 3 Annual Report of the Board 2015 Further details and forms 4 Annual Accounts 2015 are available from 5 Election of auditors Oran O’Sullivan at 6. Remuneration of auditors [email protected] 7 Election of Chairperson 8 Election of Board members 9 Motions for the AGM 9.1 That the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Where there’s a Will... Conservancy be updated in order to ensure compliance with the new Companies Act 2014 and in line with the Code of Practice Those of us who love wildlife and for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and Charitable the countryside would like to be Organisations in Ireland. Upon approval of the updating in principle the amended Memorandum and Articles of Association sure it will be there for the would be presented for adoption at a subsequent EGM (date to enjoyment of others long into the be agreed). future. When ensuring that your will provides for the family and friends you care for, Information will be provided, from Mason, Hayes & Curran at the you can also show that you have considered the AGM regarding the changes required to the Memorandum and Articles of Association. natural world that will be left for them.

Proposer: The Board BirdWatch Ireland (Reg Chy No 5703) has been making a difference to the future of our birds and 10 Reports from the Branches countryside for over forty years now. Our 11 To transact any other business as may be transacted at an annual general meeting. conservation work has already been helped greatly by the people who have chosen to leave a By order of the Board gift to BirdWatch Ireland in their will – people who have wanted to give something back to the Kieran O’Byrne world from which they gained so much pleasure. Chairperson BirdWatch Ireland Unit 20 Block D For more details, please contact: Bullford Business Campus Niall Hatch (01) 2819878, Kilcoole [email protected] Co.Wicklow or Oran O’Sullivan (01) 2819878, 22nd April 2016 [email protected] or log on to www.birdwatchireland.ie

16 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Chough. Photo: Eric Dempsey

BirdWatch Ireland Reserves County Cork: Knockadoon Head Knockadoon Head and tower Dave Suddaby describes the attractions of Photo: Dave Suddaby Knockadoon Head Nature Reserve, Co Cork

BirdWatch Ireland’s Knockadoon Head Nature Reserve, which includes part of Capel Island lying just 500 metres offshore, was established in 1996. Much of the area, including the seabed between the island and the headland, is protected as a National Nature Reserve, created in 1985. At Knockadoon, the reserve extends along a thin coastal strip which is predominantly diverse dry heath habitat along the clifftop, with the imposing structure of a derelict tower looking out towards Capel Island and the ocean beyond.

Exploring the reserve In spring, the resident birds start to set up their breeding territories. On the heathland, look out for Meadow Pipits parachuting in song- Work we are doing at Entry flight and listen for the song of Skylarks high in Knockadoon Head Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and the sky, while amongst the flowering gorse, The reserve and your support are vital in wildlife. There are several uneven grass pathways pairs of Stonechats will be heard “chacking” helping us to: crossing the coastal and heathland terrain; away. • Protect the reserve’s habitats and wildlife please keep to these pathways for your own From late March onwards the headland is a • Provide an environment to learn from safety and to avoid disturbing wildlife. This is a good place to look for the first returning and explore remote location with steep cliffs, so please be summer migrants. Often the first to be seen • Encourage amateurs and experts alike to vigilant. At times, there may be grazing animals are Sand Martin, Swallow andWheatear. undertake environmental studies present, so please take care and keep dogs on a When you scan Capel Island with your bins • Enhance the appeal of wildlife. leash and under close control. There is a derelict or ‘scope, notice the white, guano-splattered tower and look-out hut on-site; please take due rocks: these give away a breeding colony of Visitor information care and attention and, for your own safety, do Cormorants along with breeding Herring, How to find us not enter or climb these structures. Access to Lesser Black-backed and Great Black-backed By car or bike Capel Island is difficult and is by written permission from BirdWatch Ireland only. Further Gulls and possibly even a Peregrine –their The reserve is approximately 45 km east of information on the looped walk is available at presence is usually made known by any Cork city via the N25 and then the R633 www.walkingroutes.ie/1873-Knockadoon- sudden commotion among the birds. through Ballymacoda. Some 500 metres Head-Hillwalk.html. During the summer, the short, cropped before Knockadoon pier take the single-track heathland vegetation is full of colour, but, as the road to the right and follow to the end We hope you enjoy your visit! summer months progress towards autumn, where there is a small parking area. However, scanning out to sea, especially on a windy day, it is recommended to park at Knockadoon can reveal migrating seabirds such as Fulmars, pier and then follow the looped walk which Don’t miss..... Gannets and Manx Shearwaters and possibly takes you alongside and through part of the • Choughs feeding on the grasslands or flying rarer birds such as Sooty Shearwaters, petrels reserve. around the cliffs and skuas. The year’s first migrants arriving in spring By public transport • Autumn is often when small groups of Seabirds passing from mid-July onwards Choughs appear, feeding in the short cropped There are regular buses from Cork city to • Autumn migrants – endless possibilities! vegetation and probing for invertebrates with Youghal (numbers 40 and 260). Thereafter • their characteristic curved red bill. only taxis are available (approximately 16 km). • Occasional dolphins, porpoises and whales. WINGS SUMMER 2016 17 PHOTO GALLERY

Rockabill is summer home to thousands of terns (and two BirdWatch Ireland wardens). Common Terns (uppermost bird) outnumber Roseate Terns (lower bird) on Rockabill.

Roseate Tern on specially provided nestbox. Adults with fledglings in late summer. Note how the adult Roseates have more red in their bills by this time than they do at the start of the breeding season.

BRIAN BURKE – “This year will be my third season on Rockabill, off the coast of north county Dublin, protecting and studying the five breeding species that occur there in summer, with particular focus on the Roseate Tern. “Rockabill holds around 80% of the north-west European population of Roseate Terns, and careful management by BirdWatch Ireland has seen their numbers climb from 152 pairs in 1989 to 1,388 pairs in 2015. While the job isn’t always easy, it’s immensely rewarding and it’s an absolute privilege to work so closely with such fantastic birds. “I took all of the photographs shown here using a Nikon D60 camera and a Sigma 400mm telephoto lens, though I have now acquired a better 150-600mm Tamron lens which I am looking forward to using on Rockabill this summer!”

The Rockabill tern project has been in operation since 1989, thanks to the support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Additional support from EU LIFE from 2016 will help make further improvements to the conservation prospects of the priority species Roseate Tern on Rockabill and throughout its range in the UK and Ireland. (Project No: LIFE14 NAT/UK/000394) 18 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Adult Roseate Tern. Note pink flush on breast, a feature characteristic of this species.

As part of the project, we provide nestboxes for Roseate Terns, which has proved a great success. Note the viewing hide at top right, used to observe and study the terns.

The terns feed on the plentiful supplies of sandeels, sprats and other Roseate Tern chicks are well camouflaged. This helps to hide them from small fish in the Irish Sea, which are vital to the survival of the colony. predators during their early, flightless weeks.

WINGS SUMMER 2016 19 farming

A series exploring opportunities to balance farming and the environment in Ireland

In this series Alex Copland has visited a wide variety of places where farming and wildlife happily live together. All the farms visited so far have been fantastic examples of well-managed (or carefully non-managed) habitats, typical of lowland agricultural landscapes across Ireland. In this article, he takes a bit of a journey back to his roots and gets to go up in the world. Cregg Hill Farm, Letterfrack, Co Galway oming from a hill farm, I’ve always had a particular fondness for the uplands, not least for the wonderful landscapes and views they afford that, to my eye, are rarely matched in lowland

areas. The birds, too, are special. Okay, there ALEX COPLAND Caren’t really any Corncrakes or Barn Owls up there, and it is true that birds in the uplands also tend to be rather fewer and further-between compared to birds in hedgerow landscapes on lowland farms. However, when you do come across a bird in these areas you are never disappointed. Even the commonest Meadow Pipit has a spectacular song and display, as does the regularly-encountered Skylark (which is becoming increasingly scarce on lowland farmland); even Ravens tend to be more spectacular than their lowland corvid counterparts. There is also, on almost any area of upland habitat, that chance of something really special – a sky-dancing Hen Harrier perhaps, or the plaintive call from one of the last breeding Curlew. Such experiences are often unexpected, always unique and rarely forgotten. The opportunity to visit an upland farm, where wildlife is a special part of the picture, was therefore always something I’d looked forward to for this series, and I was delighted to get the invitation from Peter Walsh and Marie Louise Heffernan to visit Peter Walsh and Marie Louise Heffernan on Cregg Hill Farm. their farm in Connemara. The farm itself runs to about 300 acres for sheep, with roughly two-thirds comprising “hill” ground, with the reminder a combination of rough grazing and to mention the amazing landscape looking east towards Connemara meadows. However, this description doesn’t really do justice to National Park. the place. The “hill” offers views over Roundstone Bog to the Of course, despite the rugged, natural beauty of the area, uplands are a south, whilst to the north there are views to Clare Island – not challenge to farm. At Cregg Hill, the livestock aren’t checked by leaning over a gate, or even from the seat of a tractor. Given the exposed nature of the landscape, the sheep seek out hollows for shelter, and, with steeply sloping ground, the only way to check most of it is on foot. Although this inaccessibility, coupled with poor thin soils and rough ground, probably helped to prevent, here in the uplands, the kind of

ALEX COPLAND agricultural intensification we associate with lowland farms, the direct connection that comes from the farmer walking the land cannot fail to nurture a strong sense of stewardship, perhaps helping to play a part in maintaining the wildlife here. Peter and Marie Louise certainly have powerful links to, and an understanding of, this area of hill, heather and stone. Sheep have, at best, been a mixed blessing for the uplands, with over- grazing leading to erosion and damage to the thin soils associated with these habitats. However, without sheep, it is likely that many of these areas would have been afforested with exotic conifers and, although this remains a serious threat in many upland areas, those that are still open offer valuable habitats for some of our most threatened bird species. One of these species, Red Grouse, is a particular focus of management at Cregg Hill. John O’Halloran of Clifden Gun Club initiated a Red Grouse enhancement project here four years ago, in conjunction with Peter and A wet flush on the bogland at Cregg Hill Farm. Marie Louise. The management plan, approved by the NPWS, is planned on 20 WINGS SUMMER 2016 The view to the north from Cregg Hill Farm in Letterfrack. Photograph: Alex Copland

challenges, but one issue that Peter points out is the growth of With targeted management, Red tussocky Purple Moor-grass. Sheep don’t eat this coarse grass, and Grouse numbers are on the up and although hardier mountain cattle breeds could deal with it, EU legislation requires that farms with cattle have special handling there are increasing numbers of hares, facilities, and it all involves copious paperwork. This is understandably frustrating, particularly as derogations to avoid compliance with Snipe, Skylark and Wheatear... environmental regulations (such as high stocking densities or high levels of fertiliser inputs) are regularly available. As has been said a 20-year cycle with managed burning and before, more tailored and targeted schemes to support and predator control. John hopes this will be a facilitate farmers that actively want to farm for wildlife are pilot for other similar projects urgently required. throughout Connemara. As Peter says, In addition, Peter and Marie Louise feel that the “The project shouldn’t be done in work they are doing, and the food they are isolation – there is a need to producing, needs to be marketed better, with manage the whole landscape added value being attached to the environmental collectively.” goods they are delivering. The management is starting to We joke about a ‘Wild Atlantic Lamb’ brand and pay off, with Red Grouse numbers the worry that tourists may be put off by the on the up, and John reports prospect of savage sheep in Connemara, but increasing numbers of Irish Hare as introducing market supports for farmers delivering well as Snipe, Skylark and Wheatear. this landscape is something to consider. There are hopes that Golden Plover and Curlew will also benefit from the management being undertaken. ➤ If you are farming with an eye for wildlife and would like to In such a landscape, many challenges remain. Red Grouse share your experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Please Accessibility and weather are obvious Photo: Andrew Kelly contact Alex Copland at [email protected]. PETER WALSH PETER ALEX COPLAND

John O’Halloran of Clifden Gun Club. Wheatear. Photo: Rónán McLaughlin Heather regenerating following managed burn.

WINGS SUMMER 2016 21 by Cóilín MacLochlainn

The Roscommon turloughs

Mullygollan turlough near Castleplunket, Co Roscommon. Photo: Cóilín MacLochlainn

Cóilín MacLochlainn checks out some historic turloughs in Roscommon and east Galway.

Normally, our site guides describe places as it once was for these birds, sadly. ducks and swans in winter. In early summer, that are popular with birdwatchers or are Turloughs are also good for rare breeding Skylarks sing overhead and Lapwings hold within striking distance of major population ducks like Garganey, Pintail and Shoveler, and territory in the wet grassy margins. centres. This time, however, we look at an they might be where we find nesting A large turlough at Brierfield attracts area that is well off the beaten track and not Black-tailed Godwits or Whooper Swans. wintering ducks and swans; Shoveler, Pochard, often visited, in the hope that birders will These habitats support not just rare Garganey and Black-necked Grebe could check it out…because the turloughs of species but a wide range of other interesting breed here – and some of them have! It has Roscommon and east Galway are where breeders, including Lapwing, Snipe, Great some reedbeds and is best viewed from the some of Ireland’s rarest breeding waterbirds Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Coot and, north-east corner. Nearby Lough Shad is not have been found in the past, and may be more rarely, Redshank and Curlew. a turlough, but it may be worth a look. found again. Given the vagaries of weather, rainfall and South of Roscommon town, the Athleague A turlough is a type of disappearing lake the ever-changing nature of turloughs, a site area on the River Suck is worth exploring. found mostly in limestone areas of Ireland, that attracts rare grebes one year may not Ballincurly on the N63 is a useful winter west of the River Shannon. From the Irish do so the next; so every lake or turlough is wetland, while Keenagh and Lisduff to the word ‘turlach,’ meaning a dry place, a worth a look, if accessible. south of Athleague are damp, peaty places turlough tends to flood in winter but then Beginning with those at the north end, in that would have held Greenland White- dry out in summer as the water-table drops. the Castleplunket area, Mullygollan is a nice, fronted Geese in the past and may support Its limestone geology also means the water unspoilt turlough that hosts a variety of interesting wetland birds today, in winter or is alkaline and highly productive – good for summer. Look, too, at Ballaghdackery Lough the water snails and aquatic plants that and its islands, a little west of Athleague. waterbirds feed on. A little further south, the Mount Talbot In some years, some turloughs don’t dry area is worth a look, notably the wet out completely and their reedbeds or other grasslands and peatlands of Cloonlaughnan. emergent vegetation provide handy cover Look for Whooper Swans, Greenland for nesting waterbirds like ducks, swans, White-fronts and Black-tailed Godwits. grebes and coots. They have also attracted For anyone with time or energy to break the rare Black-necked Grebe to breed new ground, the River Suck in this area is sporadically, and Red-necked Grebe once. worth exploring and in particular its islands Most famously, Lough Funshinagh hosted a and quiet, rushy backwaters or ‘blind ends’ in colony of 300 or more Black-necked Grebes the lee of headlands. in the 1930s, but breeding later became Lough Funshinagh, though now a shadow sporadic. The lough is no longer as suitable Shoveler. Photo: Shay Connolly of its former self, is still a large if rather

22 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Mullygollan To Tulsk overgrown wetland. Take the narrow boreen Brierfield running along its eastern shore and scan from Clashaganny there. The northwest corner has the best Castleplunket To Strokestown reedbeds. Look for Shoveler, Pochard and Teal. Lough Shad Lough Croan, to the west of Funshinagh, was once important for Black-necked Grebes but now holds very little standing water (even Four Mile House when other places are flooded), except for a pond at the east end; the rest is covered in reeds. Check the east-end pool for breeding Garganey, Shoveler, Pochard, Redshank and To Castlerea

Lapwing…but don’t hold your breath. N61 The nearby complex of small lakes at Coolagarry may be worth exploring. This area N60 is a maze of narrow country roads, so be sure to bring a recent OS Discovery map of the To Lanesborough N63 area with you. Follow the R363 west to Ballyforan and River Suck ROSCOMMON Lough Ree check out Lough Aunaculskoy (before Ballinamore Bridge). It could be good. N61 East Galway If anyone is spending time in this area, then a number of lakes and turloughs in east Galway, N63 just a few miles west of the sites described Ballincurly above, are definitely worth a visit. The large lake at Glenamaddy and its associated wetlands are good-looking but are To Athlone Athleague mostly a winter site; look for Greenland Ballaghdackery Lough White-fronted Geese and the usual ducks at Keenagh the south end and along the western shore. South of Glenamaddy, off the R364, Lisduff Kiltullagh Lough is an interesting unspoilt turlough with a swampy west end; it hosts Mount Talbot Lough Funshinagh nesting Common Gulls. Approach it from the BALLYGAR north side, but be sure not to cross private Four Roads land without permission. Cloonlaughnan Follow the R364 south to Moylough To MountbellewBridge (where Summerville Lough might be worth a Ballinamore quick look) and take the N63 west until you Bridge reach the junction with the R332 at Lough Croan Horseleap Crossroads. Here, check out Horseleap Lough, an attractive and promising R363 overgrown turlough with an esker alongside. Lough Aunaculskoy Coolagarry Lough Follow the R332 west to Barnaderg and Ballyforan Dysert from there make your way north to Levally Lough, a lovely small lake which has hosted To Ballinasloe Black-necked Grebes. Look here also for Curlew, Redshank, Whooper Swan, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard and Wigeon. Peatlands along the Mountbellew road have held Nightjar in the past, so listen for its churring song if you are out at dusk. There are many other turloughs in the region, any of which could hold rare grebes. There are others further north in east Mayo, and further west in the Lough Cutra area of the east Burren. Again, new ground needs to be broken in these areas by birdwatchers with enthusiasm and energy. Please report your sightings of any rare or unusual breeding birds to the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel (for details, see box, page 15).

➤ Special thanks to Paul Hillis for his Black-necked Grebe (Lough Sheelin, Co Cavan, March 2014). Photo: Aidan G Kelly invaluable advice and assistance. WINGS SUMMER 2016 23 WILDLIFE GARDENING

Learn to love your weeds

Bullfinch feeding on thistle seeds. Photograph: Colin Rigney

Lynn O’Keeffe-Lascar continues her series on gardening for wildlife. In this instalment she tells us about the great value to wildlife of the wild flowers, often called weeds, that inhabit your garden.

In this and 374 to 225 vote is non-binding on the European Dandelion subsequent issues Commission and EU governments, it will The Common Dandelion is one of the most I’m going to give nonetheless carry strong moral weight, since it you advice to help important early flower crops for pollinators comes from the EU’s only elected body directly you create a – that’s honey bees, bumblebees and solitary representing EU citizens, and will force a beautiful bees. It has a very attractive yellow double ornamental discussion of the issues raised. flower for almost 10 months of the year, with NUTAN PHOTOGRAPHY NUTAN garden that will “The resolution calls for no approval of the main flush in March and April. It provide food and glyphosate for many uses now considered produces attractive seedheads, which shelter for birds acceptable, including: and other wild provide classic entertainment for children, creatures, with • non-professional uses [that’s the hobby and the seeds are eaten by Goldfinches. only some nettles gardener] Dandelions grow low enough to be mown and brambles! By in or close to public parks, playgrounds and over and will still flower. So, why not allow making some • gardens [that’s Tidy Towns, local councils and splashes of yellow in your lawn or paving?! simple changes or plant choices you can easily, and in any the OPW] space, grow food and habitat for wildlife. • where integrated pest management systems Daisy are sufficient for necessary weed control Well, this one is harmless enough: beautiful, [that’s farmers].” clear white blooms with a yellow centre, Battling with weeds flowering almost 12 months of the year, and Often at this time of year many gardeners In addition to that, there is a ban being introduced in the Netherlands, France and low enough to pass under the mower. It’s and Tidy Towns groups are locked in battle part of the classic children’s entertainment of with their weeds – the dandelions that can possibly Germany, so it looks like we’re facing a Roundup-free future…I know that that will making daisy chains. Daisy flowers are grow in any crevice, the daisies that infiltrate strike fear into the hearts of many! pollinated by small bees and hoverflies and the lawn, the nettles regrouping at the So, what happens when the shelves in your they add colour to lawns and gravel areas. bottom of the garden, the brambles local garden centre no longer have Roundup? You can buy ornamental daisies in autumn advancing from the field next door, the ivy How are you going to cope? and winter, in various colours, and they can climbing ever upward…encroaching… hybridise with your lawn whites to give more strangling. My advice is to use a mix of other options pinks. And of course there are taller daisies The easiest and most common weapon and to learn to love your weeds. to go for too, like the Ox-eye Daisy used against weeds is glyphosate herbicide A weed, after all, is just a beautiful plant in the or, as it’s more commonly known, Roundup, wrong place; so if you can accept the presence (Leucanthemum vulgare), a most attractive from Monsanto. Well, the European of some of them, then they are technically no wild flower. Parliament has just voted to greatly restrict longer weeds! Of course, some you’ll just have the use and availability of Roundup. to deal with, using other methods. Thistles and nettles As reported in April on the Ecologist Here, I give you the case for the defence for Moving on to those weeds that are harder website, www.theecologist.org: “While the some of our more common garden weeds. to love – notably thistles and nettles: you do

24 WINGS SUMMER 2016 not want either of these in your lawn or beside your paths, or on the way to the compost heap, or anywhere near your washing line. But here we come back to the question of the right plant in the right place. A patch of nettles and thistles down the back of your garden is a good idea – you can live with it, you can even visit it to see the Peacock butterfly caterpillars feeding on the nettle leaves, or the bees visiting the purple thistle flowers. Docks Docks are an even harder sell, even though they don’t sting or have thorns. But they are hated by gardeners – their roots are Dandelions. Photograph: Lynn O’Keeffe-Lascar impossible to get out and they have the ability to come up through any mulch. On the plus side, they produce thousands gloriously shiny and yellow. But mostly I of seeds, and these are eaten by Bullfinches, spend a lot of time digging them out of Further information amongst other birds. flowerbeds, gravel, mulch and vegetable beds! ● Lynn O’Keeffe-Lascar is an outreach horticulturist based in Co Galway. She is Brambles and ivy But if it really has to go? also an OPW gardener at Portumna Castle I’m personally more convinced by the If you can’t use Roundup, what can you do Gardens. Lynn is involved in school and arguments for brambles and ivy, both of with a plant that is definitely in the wrong community gardening, teaching adults and which I have previously written about place? Well, you can dig it out, you can cover transition-year students and helping Tidy glowingly in this column. They both provide it with plastic for a good while until it dies, Towns groups. Lynn can be contacted at essential nesting sites and also produce you can pour boiling water over it.... [email protected] or send her berries for birds, and they are extremely Or you could use other herbicides like the a tweet at @OkeeffeLynn. important flower crops for bees. Irish Organic Weedkiller (not approved for ● See the Garden Bird Year blog by Brambles spread very quickly, however, and organic use, by the way), a solution that is BirdWatch Ireland’s Oran O’Sullivan at should be contained by an annual chop, using basically vinegar…but, with repeat http://gardenbirdyear.blogspot.ie/. a secateurs and good thick gloves. Ivy should applications, it works! be sheared back a bit to keep the growth What will be interesting to see is whether ● For information on setting up or running dense in spring. the use of glyphosate will still be allowed in a community garden, or just to link in with our national parks – for the control of Hazel other community gardens, check out the (in the Burren), Rhododendron (in Killarney Buttercups Community Garden Network at and Glenveagh) and Gunnera (Connemara) – I’m afraid I can’t say much in favour of the www.cgn.ie. Under ‘Resources,’ you will Creeping Buttercup, my least favourite weed, and just how they will deal with invasive plant find a lot of links to useful advice. except that in meadow grass the flowers are species like these without it.

Common daisies T VOEKLER T ERIN SILVERSMITH ERIN

Six-spot Burnets on thistle flower

WINGS SUMMER 2016 25 By Stephen McAvoy

JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2016

Vega Gull (East Siberian Gull, or East Siberian Herring Gull (Larus vegae), Duncannon Harbour, Co Wexford, on January 10th 2016 – the first Irish and the first Western Palaearctic record. Photograph: Killian Mullarney

but this represents the first confirmed record for the Irish list. Glaucous-winged Gull is found in Europe. Found late on the 10th, it was seen from Seattle to the northwest into Alaska and again briefly on 11th and 13th, which allowed a far-eastern Russia. Identification is complicated lucky few birders to study this extreme rarity. by frequent hybridisation with Western Gull in Just over a week earlier, a keen-eyed birder the Seattle and Vancouver regions. Found on spotted an unusual gull in the gull roost at January 2nd, it remained on-site until the start Castletown Bearhaven, Co Cork, and, after of April at least. some debate, the consensus was that it was a Both gulls are likely to be benefitting from Record your sightings on BirdTrack Glaucous-winged Gull. Following several the open waters of the North-east and recent records in Britain and Denmark, this gull North-west Passages in summer and autumn. at www.birdtrack.net had been on the radar as a likely new species Another Pacific gull species that should be high Highlights Glaucous-winged Gull new for Ireland in • Co Cork Co Wexford hosts first European record • of Vega Gull • Brown Booby found dead in Co Cork CASCHERA VICTOR • Franklin’s Gull in Co Kerry • Influx of Glossy Ibises to the south coast

With more than twenty species recorded in recent years, Ireland is one of the best countries in the world in which to watch gulls. No less than two species were added to this impressive list during mid-winter, with top billing going to the Vega Gull discovered in Duncannon Harbour, Co Wexford, on January 10th. A widespread species in the north- western Pacific, it has occurred on several Firecrest (male) at Broadmeadows Bridge, Swords Estuary, Co Dublin, on March 27th, 2016. occasions across the Atlantic in Newfoundland, 26 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Franklin’s Gull, Cashen estuary, Co Kerry, January 28th. Photo: David O’Connor Glaucous-winged Gull, Castletownbere, January 8th. Photo: Dick Coombes on birders’ watchlists is Black-tailed Gull, which on BirdTrack (www.birdtrack.net) to chart the records included six together in Co Mayo, three has a similar range to Vega Gull and has distribution and numbers of the species. in Co Kerry and one in Co Louth. occurred in Newfoundland. Galway Bay was the the place to be for rare The only rare wader of note was the long- Birders searching for the Vega Gull found divers this period, with a single White-billed staying Spotted Sandpiper at Pillmore, Co several other rare gull species, the highlight Diver noted at Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, on Cork, which remained on-site until the end of being a first-winter Ross’s Gull off Hook Head, February 18th and a Pacific Diver at Tawin, Co February at least. Co Wexford, on January 20th. A Bonaparte’s Galway, on January 5th. The Forster’s Tern returned for yet another Gull graced the same area on the 23rd and 30th The two long-staying Cackling Geese winter at Galway Bay. of January, while two or three Caspian Gulls remained at Lissadell, Co Sligo, in the period. Unsurprisingly, there were several reports of were exceptional finds in Duncanon Harbour. The highlight amongst the rare ducks was an Little Auk following some strong gales. One Away from the south-Wexford gull American Black Duck found near Baltimore, found inland at Dundonald, Co Down, was hotspots, a second-winter Franklin’s Gull was Co Cork, on January 11th, remaining there until safely released back to sea. present at the Cashen estuary, Co Kerry, from the end of the month. Two King Eiders were It was a quiet three months for rare and January 24th to 28th. A Bonaparte’s Gull at logged this winter at opposite ends of the scarce songbirds, with the most unusual reports Kildavin, Co Carlow, on March 18th was a first country: Rosslare, Co Wexford, hosted a being of very late (or very early!) sightings of record for the county and a good inland female from January 14th onwards, while Co Swallow and Wheatear at the start of January. record. Not quite as rare, Kumlien’s Gulls Sligo held a stunning, but elusive, adult drake in A Yellow-browed Warbler overwintered were noted in five counties, including two each the north of the county from January 20th. near Killarney, Co Kerry, and up to four in Kerry, Donegal and Mayo. All in all, it was an Recent records of King Eider have been of Hawfinches were noted at the regular site of exceptional winter for gulls, and over the three females or first-winter drakes, so the Sligo adult Curraghchase Forest Park, Co Limerick. months it would have been possible to see male gave birders a good chance to see this Water Pipits were seen at regular haunts in seventeen different species in Ireland! species’ most attractive plumage. Wexford and Wicklow, and a Richard’s Pipit The other highlight was the continued influx Seven Green-winged Teals were logged in was a good spring find at Bunmahon, Co of Glossy Ibises along the south coast, with up the country, while there were five records each Waterford, on March 13th. A Firecrest gave to 20 birds noted visiting several sites in Co of American Wigeon and Lesser Scaup. At excellent views in Swords, Co Dublin, towards Cork. Smaller numbers were recorded in least twelve Ring-necked Ducks were present, the end of March, and another was present at Waterford, and one bird reached Co Down. including three in Co Tipperary. Ballycotton, Co Cork. Finally, a Little Bunting As ringing recoveries from previous influxes The drake Black Scoter was seen again, on was reported from Tory Island on the 16th of have shown, these are most likely birds from and off, at Glenbeigh, Co Kerry. Surf Scoter January. the increasing Spanish population, dispersing northwards. Other rare and scarce herons news was New for Ireland: a Brown dominated by long-staying birds. The Cattle Booby is found dead in Cork Egret at Tacumshin, Co Wexford, found in A Brown Booby was found as a tideline 2015, was present throughout the period, corpse at Owenahincha beach, Co Cork, on while another found at Castletroy, Co Limerick, January 2nd. The species is widespread in the CRONIN CIARAN was last reported in late February. The tropical Atlantic and Caribbean region, with Spoonbills remained at Cromane, Co Kerry, the nearest breeding grounds being in and Castle Espie, Co Down. Single Great Florida and the Cape Verde Islands. White Egrets were noted at Caledon, Co Intriguingly, the species is becoming a much th Tyrone, on January 25 as well as at the more regular visitor to the eastern nd Gearagh, Co Cork, on February 2 . seaboard of the United States, potentially The very mild winter meant there were due to changing sea temperatures. some low counts of scarcer winter wildfowl, This find represents the first Irish record, with only four Smew and seven Bewick’s though it will be placed in the relatively Swans recorded. If the current trend continues, little-used category D3, which currently also it seems likely that Bewick’s Swan will cease to includes records of Bridled and Royal Terns, be a regular winter visitor in the near future. It both found dead at North Bull Island in 1953 would be of great interest to BirdWatch Ireland and 1954, respectively. if birders put their sightings of Bewick’s Swans WINGS SUMMER 2016 27 Breffni Martin (Louth Branch) captured these images of migrating Golden Plovers and, inset, Brent Geese as they passed Cooley Point, Co Louth, in their thousands on April 20th.

To include news from your branch in Branching Out, please email Niall Hatch at [email protected]

shown that the planting and management of new hedgerows and trees appears to have a positive effect on the number of bird species found on the farm. Eoin also showed his impressive collection of bird photographs taken during the course of the survey. Westmeath Branch would like to congratulate the lads on a very impressive body of work and wish them all the best in the Young Environmentalist Awards competition. The future of bird EOIN SHORTALL COLLECTION SHORTALL EOIN conservation looks bright in Westmeath.

Enthralling talk on Ravens Tom McCormack (Kildare Branch)

Kildare Branch recently hosted a wonderful talk by conservation ranger Dermot Breen from the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the subject of Ravens in Connemara. Dermot monitors some 53 Raven nest sites in the region and had some enlightening facts on their behaviour and nest-site preferences. One of the facts that most surprised the Kildare audience was that only three of the nests were Pictured at Westmeath Branch’s November meeting were Eoin Shortall (left) and in trees. Also, the Ravens in the west produce an average of 3.8 chicks Callum Dunne (right) with Alex Copland (Senior Conservation Officer, BirdWatch Ireland) (centre), who they interviewed as part of their project for the BT Young per nest as against a national average of just over 3.1 chicks. Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2016. Dermot said that when a pair on Inishbofin was shot recently he and a colleague abseiled down a cliff to rescue their five chicks. They Young scientists study effects brought the birds to Raven Haven Aviaries in Co Laois, who have a licence to breed and rear Ravens. Thankfully, the chicks are doing well. of farming practices on birds Shay Cullen from Raven Haven Aviaries brought a three-year-old Richella Duggan (Westmeath Branch) Raven and some chicks along to the meeting. We agreed the adult bird was larger and far more beautiful that any of us would have At the Westmeath Branch’s April meeting Eoin Shortall, a transition imagined. Our thanks to Dermot and Shay for the presentation. year student from Moate Community School, presented an overview of a project he carried out jointly with classmate Callum Dunne, entitled “The Importance of Farming Habitats in Supporting Native and Migrant Birds and Wildlife.” The project was highly commended at this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and is now also entered into the semi-final stages of the Irish Eco-Unesco Young Environmentalist Awards 2016. Over a period of twelve weeks, Eoin and Callum surveyed the number of bird species found in a range of intensively and non- intensively managed habitats in the Moate locality. With help from other transition year students they also produced information leaflets on farming and birds, and the group is now involved in building nestboxes for Blue Tits, Kestrels and Barn Owls for local farmers involved in environmental nestbox schemes. Eoin has been a member of BirdWatch Ireland for the last five years and started attending Westmeath Branch meetings last year. He lives on a farm which has been in REPS and subsequent agri- NPWS conservation ranger Dermot Breen with a hand-reared Raven at the environment schemes for 10 years. Through his research, he has recent meeting of Kildare Branch at the Townhouse Hotel, Naas, on April 14th.

28 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Yellowhammer survey Tom Lynch (Clare Branch)

Clare Branch would welcome any reports of Yellowhammers seen in the county during BRANCH CORK the summer or early autumn months in the last two years. We are compiling a status report on the Yellowhammer in Co Clare and would like to give as accurate a picture as possible of the bird’s current distribution and numbers. We are especially interested in any sightings from the western part of the Burren, as most reports received last year were from the eastern half. It is fantastic to have this colourful native bunting still frequenting the rocky, scrubby, wildflower landscapes of the Burren and other areas in the county, especially as its numbers have been declining precipitously nationally. We estimate that around sixty pairs still nest in Clare, though some would argue that the number is higher. Please send The victorious 2016 Champions of the ‘Know Your Nature’ Primary Schools Quiz in north-east Cork pictured your records to Tom Lynch at with Paul Moore (Cork Branch). The team, from St Martin’s National School in Kilworth, are (left to right) Ronan O’Kane, Colm Lane, Ben O’Keeffe and Fiona Dunne. Schools in the region were invited to send teams [email protected]. to compete in what has now become an annual event. Twenty teams battled it out at the Corrin Event Centre in Fermoy. The branch intends to expand the quiz in the years ahead to encompass all parts of the county. Kildare bird surveys Paddy Sheridan (Kildare Branch) abundant breeders in the county, but sadly, Lullymore, Rathangan, to look for Curlews in a survey last year, branch volunteers there. Kildare Branch would welcome reports of found only eight pairs attempting to breed The branch is also interested in Whinchat any sightings of Whinchat, Dipper and in the whole of the county, all on bogs, and Dipper sightings as they believe these Curlew in County Kildare during the including two pairs on Moud’s Bog SAC. birds may be under-recorded in the county. breeding season this year. This year, at the beginning of May, the Please send any records to Paddy Sheridan Curlews were once described as branch held an outing to Lodge Bog, near at [email protected]. Crossword No 51 Complete this crossword correctly and you are in with a chance to win a copy of Doorstep Wilderness: A Wilder Side of Dublin, by Paul Hughes, published by the Collins Press, Cork, a book valued at €25. Send your entry to BirdWatch Ireland Crossword Competition, Unit 20, Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, to arrive not later than Friday 10th June 2016. The winner of Crossword No 50 was Jean Leahy from Cobh, Co Cork. She won a copy of Ireland’s Birds: Myths, Legends and Folklore, by Niall Mac Coitir.

1 2 3 4 5 6 Clues Across 1 At Rockabill, we host Europe’s largest colony of this rare seabird (7,4). 7 A stringed instrument of the violin family (5). 7 8 8 A woody plant smaller than a tree (5). 9 A park-like area where exotic animals are kept for public viewing (3). 10 A species’ place or position within its natural habitat, the space it fills (5). 9 13 The daughter of one’s brother or sister (5). 16 Small wader known for sudden zig-zagging escape flight when flushed (5). 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 Rare giraffe-like mammal found only in Central Africa (5). 22 TV presenter who looked in jest at 50 ways to kill his Mammy (3). 23 Short for massively-built thick-skinned herbivore with prominent horn (5). 24 First name of Nash, American writer of humorous verse, died in 1971 (5). 25 Relating to the measurement of depths of oceans, seas and lakes (11). 16 17 18 19 20 21 Down 1 Large, powerful, loudly croaking crow associated with our uplands (5). 22 2 Puts up with hardship without complaint (5). 3 To astonish or surprise with sudden wonder (5). 23 24 4 Trim the start of annual quarter to get Irish bookshop name (5). 5 Nesting platform of eagle, usually on cliff face (5). 6 The Brehon laws put seven Irish trees in this highest ranking category (5). 11 If there’s room there you can stay in it (3). 12 A frog’s jump, or an old-fashioned dance in ‘50s America (3). 14 A type, class or sort, maybe silk with no beginning (3). 25 15 If it wears this on its head and it’s black, it may be a warbler (3). 16 Rub hard or wash for vegetation of low trees and shrubs (5). 17 Very foolish or senseless person (5). 18 Paul McCartney’s opposite of ivory (5). 19 A form of oxygen that absorbs harmful UV rays in upper atmosphere (5). 20 Small but attractive English snake, sounds like it counts things (5). 21 Adjective for classic Grecian style or molecule with electrical charge (5). WINGS SUMMER 2016 29 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCOME 2015 The details that follow are a summary of accounts for BirdWatch Ireland in 0.01% 3.9% Other Income 14.8% Subscriptions 2015. A full set of accounts for the year ended 31st December 2015 is Investment Income available from BirdWatch Ireland on request.

The 2015 financial year delivered a surplus of €190,921, contributing to further 9.29% Donations & Bequests recovery of the organisation’s finances. Income during the year was derived from donations and from conservation work (projects, grants and tendered contracts) as 1.2% Grants well as funding from our work with businesses. 0.1% Development & Events Compared to the previous year the income increased slightly to €1,503,162, a 0.4% Advertising Income marginal 2% increase. There was also a 7% decrease in overall expenditure to €1,311,241. The total funds brought forward to 2016 were €1,421,886. 3.8% Shop Sales The organisation has continued to diversify its funding sources while also delivering conservation action for our most threatened birds. During the course of the year, partnerships with organisations such as the Cliffs of Moher, Dublin City Council, 66.5% Conservation Projects OPW and Apple were developed to grow our events work in a funded manner. Areas that need further development include retaining and growing our membership base; reducing costs further; and securing funding for our work on INCOME 2014 priority species. 0.1% Investment Income 0.5% Other Income Full details about our work in 2015 will be provided in the Annual Report. 15.3% Subscriptions

2015 2014 2.4% Donations & Bequests € € 1.2% Grants Incoming resources 0.1% Development & Events 0.4% Advertising Income Subscriptions 222,357 225,839

Donations & bequests 137,480 34,812 6.7% Shop Sales Grants 16,607 18,364 Developments & events 2,173 2,659 Other income 58,504 6,941 Advertising income 8,464 6,318 73.3% Conservation Projects Shop sales 57,546 100,066 Conservation projects 998,889 1,081,046 EXPENDITURE 2015 Investment income 142 766 Total incoming resources 1,502,162 1,476,811

29% Administration Resources expended & Development Expenses Shop – cost of sales (34,386) (57,821) Conservation project costs (899,278) (972,982) 3% Shop Sales Administration expenses (377,577) (382,429) Total resources expended (1,311,241) (1,413,232) Net incoming resources 190,921 63,579 68% Conservation Projects Other recognised gains & losses - - Profit on disposal of fixed assets - - EXPENDITURE 2014 Revaluation reserve - (365,060) Total funds brought forward 1,230,965 1,532,446

Total funds carried forward 1,421,886 1,230,965 27% Administration & Development Expenses Represented by: 2015 2014 Fixed assets 2,350,286 2,357,340 4% Shop Sales Net current assets/(liabilities) 36,818 (131,150) Other creditors (965,218) (995,255)

69% Conservation Projects Total 1,421,886 1,230,963

30 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Events in Summer 2016

Bird & Wildlife Events in Phoenix Park, Dublin JUNE Gardening for Birds and Wildlife – a guided walk Sunday 12th June at 2.00pm

JULY Badgers, Bats and Nocturnal Birds – a guided walk Wednesday 13th July at 9.00pm Bring torches. Children must be supervised.

AUGUST Cliffs of Moher Birds and Butterflies – a guided walk Please join us and marvel at the more than 60,000 seabirds Wednesday 17th August at 6.30pm found at the Cliffs of Moher during the breeding season. Events taking place every day at Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. Meeting point for all events is the For more info see www.cliffsofmoher.ie/seabirdfestival. Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Visitor Centre Opening Hours Phone 01 677 0095 9.00am-7.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 9.00am-7.00pm, weekdays

Seabird Viewing with BirdWatch Ireland Guides from the south platform Friday to Monday, 13th-16th May, 10am-4pm

Doolin Ferry Cruises

Tipperary Birds Project As part of the Cliffs of Moher Seabird Festival, join us for a series of Seabird Cruises with experienced BirdWatch Ireland guides. These special cruises will educate and entertain you as you take in the majesty of the iconic Cliffs of Moher and nesting seabirds.

Friday 13th, Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th and Monday 16th of May at 5.30pm each day

In partnership with Tipperary Heritage Office, and supported Booking is strongly advised as places are limited. by the Heritage Council, BirdWatch Ireland is delighted to Email [email protected] to book your place(s). invite you to join our schedule of summer events in Tipperary All cruises depart from Doolin Pier.

Lough Derg Wildlife Walk, Sunday 19th June Meet at Castlelough Wood car park (signposted from Portroe) at 2.30pm Events in Dublin City Swift Talk & Walk, Thursday 7th July As part of the Dublin City Urban Birds Project, funded by Meet at Clonmel GAA Centre, Dublin City Council, BirdWatch Ireland is delighted to invite Western Rd, Clonmel, at 7.30pm you to join us at the following events. Battle for the Bay Family Wildlife Discovery Day, Wednesday 3rd August Dollymount Beach, Clontarf, Co Dublin Cabragh Wetlands, Thurles Saturday 28th May and Sunday 29th May All-day event, 10.30am to 3.30pm Tea rooms open The Rose Festival St Anne’s Park, Dublin 5 For more information contact Ricky Whelan at Saturday 16th July and Sunday 17th July [email protected]

WINGS SUMMER 2016 31 EVENTS AND TALKS – MAY 2016 TO AUGUST 2016 Except where indicated, all events are free and Note 1: Many of our branches have websites open to all age groups, members, non- or Facebook pages, which provide information members, beginners and experts alike. on local events and talks – please find further Children under 14 years of age must be details below. Any queries, please email accompanied by an adult. Warm waterproof [email protected]. clothing and footwear is recommended for all Note 2: Outdoor events listed below may outdoor events. change due to bad weather.

Branch May June July August Sun 15th Dawn chorus Sun 19th Annual outing Sun 24th Butterfly walk at Kilbranish. Carlow outing to Milford Weir. to Little Tern colony at Meet at Kilbranish Loop car park at To be included on emailing list, Meet at 4.30am. Kilcoole with the 11am. write to: Fri 27th The Wildife of Wicklow Branch. Meet [email protected] Carlow, by Brian Power. at Kilcoole train station Find us on Facebook (Wild Carlow) Tinryland Parish Hall, at car park at 10am. ● Andrew Power (sec), 087 745 8436, 8pm. Sun 26th Outing to [email protected] Mountshannon, Co ● Paul Cutler (chair), Clare. Details later. [email protected] Sun 15th Dawn chorus Sat 11th Morning walk Cavan walk at Castle Lake in Ballyconnell Woods. www.cavanbranch.blogspot.ie Forest in Bailieborough. Meet in Realta car park Find us on Facebook Join us to celebrate the at 90am. Contact: To be included on emailing list, write to: 10th anniversary of this Heather 087 669 9681. [email protected] event at this venue! Tues 14th & Tues 21st See also The Anglo Celt (Cavan News) Meet at the lakeshore Evening walks to look ● Ashley Wynne (sec), 087 773 5487 car park, Shercock Road, for Swifts (weather [email protected] at 4.30am. permitting). Meet in Tesco car park, Cavan town, at 7pm. Swifts Sun 15th Dawn chorus Sat 25th Outing to August Outing late in Clare stroll in the Mullaghmore Mountshannon to see the month to the www.clarebirdwatching.com area of Burren National nesting White-tailed Sea Bridges of Ross. Details ● Tom Lynch, (065) 682 2145 (H) Park to hear the unique Eagles. Meet at the pier later. [email protected] birdsong of this very at 11am. Contact Tom ● Austin Cooney, (065) 682 4804 special place. Meet at Lynch before June 21st No dogs on outings, please the Grotto, Corofin, at to indicate your interest 5am. in a boat trip on the day. Sun 15th Dawn chorus Sun 24th A relaxing walk around Cork event at Castlemartyr Lough Beg near Ringaskiddy in Cork, www.birdwatchcork.com Wood. Meet at woodland led by Paul Moore. Meet in Find us on Facebook entrance (beside Ringaskiddy village just past the Emailing list: [email protected] Other outings will take Other outings will take entrance to Castlemartyr place as opportunities deepwater berth at 6.30pm. Suitable place as opportunities Text or email sign-up: 087 2734 975 resort) at 4.45am. for children. No rough terrain. ● Paul Moore, 087 690 8108 arise (e.g. if rare bird arise (e.g. if rare bird [email protected] sighted). See Facebook sighted). See Facebook ● Conor O’Keeffe, page or branch email. page or branch email. [email protected] ● Donal Sheehan, [email protected] Sun 8th Cape Clear trip Sun-Mon 12-13th We Sun 21st Pelagic boat West Cork (BirdWatch Ireland will join the Cape Clear trip to see seabirds, members only). Meet at Island BioBlitz 2016 dolphins, etc. BirdWatch www.birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie Baltimore pier at during the weekend and Ireland members only. Find us on Facebook 10.30am. Family €55; may take a pelagic boat Meet at Baltimore pier, To be put on emailing list, write to: adult €22; child €12; OAP trip. More information 8.30am. €50 pp. Booking [email protected] €7. Payment on the day. later on our website and essential (with Nicholas ● David Rees (chair), 086 215 2590, (Please ring in advance.) through our emailing Mitchell). Leader: Paul [email protected] Guide: Steve Wing. list. Connaughton. ● Nicholas Mitchell (sec), 087 121 5256 Sun 15th Dawn chorus Sat 27th We will join the [email protected] walk. Meet at Inchy Irish Whale & Dolphin ● Paul Connaughton (chair), Bridge, near Timoleague, Group for National 086 199 3613 at 4.30am. Leaders: Gannet (Shay Connolly) Whale Watch Day. Meet Nicholas Mitchell et al. at Galley Head at 2pm. Sat 14th Dawn chorus Sat 16th Nature walk at St John’s Donegal walk in Drumboe Woods, Point (with An Taisce). Meet at beach To be included on emailing list, Stranorlar. Meet in the just before cattle grid (8 km from write to: [email protected] woodland car park turn-off west of Dunkineely), 11am. ● Liz Sheppard nearest the town at Sat 30th Nature walk at Sheskin- (074) 914 7129 4.30am sharp. more, near Portnoo (with An Taisce). [email protected] Meet at parking area outside the ● Ethna Diver Rossbeg caravan site at 11am. [email protected] 32 WINGS SUMMER 2016 Branch May June July August rd th Tues 3 Guided dusk chorus walk in Sun 24 Shenick Island Rogerstown Bird Hide Dublin Fingal Ardgillan demesne. Listen to evening Walk. Meet at Brook www.bwifingal.ie, Twitter bird song. Meet in car park at Stream on South bwifi[email protected] The Northern Hide on 7.30pm. Strand, Skerries, at the BirdWatch Ireland ● James English, 087 234 5198 Sun 15th Guided dawn chorus walk in 8am. [email protected] Reserve at Rogerstown Turvey Nature Park, Donabate. Meet estuary has open ● Frank Prendergast (sec), 087 131 in car park at 7am. 9884, [email protected] access all year. More Indoor talks in Skerries Rugby Club, info on the branch 8.30pm. website. Tues 3rd How to make your records Sun 12th Bird walk to see July Watch terns and Dublin South count: BTO’s Birdtrack, by Stephen Sand Martins at Shanganagh other seabirds at www.southdublinbirds.com McAvoy (now with BTO). In cliffs, led by members of Coliemore Harbour, All talks in Fitzpatrick’s Castle conjunction with Dún Laoghaire- BirdWatch Ireland. Meet in Dalkey, each Tuesday in Hotel, Killiney, 8pm (free parking), Rathdown Co Council. Shankill Dart Station, July (5th,12th,19th, 26th) on first Tuesday of each month Sun 8th Explore Killiney Hill and Vico 10.30am. with members of from September to May. Road for sub-Saharan migrants, in BirdWatch Ireland. ● Eleanor Keane, 087 644 6029, conjunction with Dún Laoghaire- Guided viewing from [email protected] Rathdown Co Council. Meet in car 6.30pm to 8pm each [email protected] park at 10.30am. day. Sun 15th Dawn chorus walk. Meet in car park by Cabinteely House at 4am. Thurs 19th The Peregrine Falcon Thurs 16th Evening walk. Sat 16th Car outing to Dublin Tolka Ringing Project, by Anne Fitzpatrick, Meet at Phoenix Park Wexford. Meet at www.dublinbirding.ie Wildlife Ranger, Wicklow Mountains Interpretive Centre, Botanic Gardens at ● Dermot McCabe National Park. Botanic Gardens, 8pm. Knockmaroon Gate, 7.30pm. 8.30am or in Our 086 418 0241 Sat 21st Car outing to Wicklow to Sat 18th Outing to Howth to Lady’s Island, Wexford, [email protected] look for woodland birds. Meet at see breeding seabirds. Meet at 10.45am. Call All talks in Botanic Gardens Botanic Gardens at 8.30am or in at Botanic Gardens at 9.30am Dermot if you need a Auditorium, Glasnevin, at 8pm Upper Lake car park, Glendalough, at or Howth Pier (King Sitric lift. (car park opens at 7.30pm) 10am. Call Dermot if you need a lift. Restaurant end) at 10am. Bookings (when necessary) online at www.dublinbirding.ie or by email to [email protected] Sat 7th Outing at Nimmo’s Pier, Galway Galway, with Tom Cuffe. Meet at base www.birdwatchgalway.org of pier at 10.30am. Would suit [email protected] beginners and more experienced ● Marianne ten Cate birdwatchers. 087-237 8051 [email protected] Short outing on first Sat of month (Sept-May) at Nimmo’s Pier. ● To receive branch e-newsletter, contact Neil Sharkey (above). Galway Harbour (Jessica Curtin) Thurs 12th The changing fortunes of Thurs 9th Wildlife in the Sinai Thurs 14th The badger Sat 27th Childrens’ Kildare Ireland’s birds, by Brian Caffrey Peninsula in Egypt and the in Ireland: scapegoat or outing (with www.birdwatchkildare.com (BirdWatch Ireland). Townhouse rare Sinai Hairstreak Butterfly, criminal? by Dr Nicola accompanying adults) [email protected] Hotel, 8pm. by Andrew Power. Townhouse Marples (TCD). to Donadea Forest Park All talks are held in Townhouse Sun 15th Dawn chorus walk at Hotel, 8pm. Townhouse Hotel, for Heritage Week. Hotel, Naas, Co Kildare, at 8pm Castletown House, Celbridge. Meet in Sat 11th Outing to 8pm. Meet at the coffee shop ● Tom McCormack (chair) car park off Exit 6 (Hewlett Packard Mountshannon, Co Clare, to Sat 16th A walk along in the park at 10am. 086 254 7424 roundabout) on M4 at 4.45am. see the White-tailed Eagles. the Grand Canal from [email protected] Directions on our Facebook page and Meet at B&Q in Naas at Digby Bridge (south of ● Paddy Sheridan (sec) website. 8.30am to car-pool. Sallins). Meet in the car 087 687 2939 Wed 18th Dusk chorus walk at park beside the bridge [email protected] Ballinafagh Lake, Prosperous. Meet in at 10am. the car park at 7.30pm. For directions, see our websites.

Fri 20th Dusk chorus walk in Tues 28th Talk in the Parish July We will go on our Laois Garryhinch Wood, a joint outing with Centre, Portlaoise, at 8pm. annual island weekend Email [email protected] the Irish Wildlife Trust. Meet at Details later by email and on tour. Details later by to be included on emailing list. 8.15pm. Facebook. email and on Facebook. Indoor talks on last Tues of month, Tues 31st Talk to be held in the Parish Parish Centre, Portlaoise, at 8pm Centre, Portlaoise, at 8pm. Details ● Des Finnamore (sec), 086 229 later by email and on Facebook. 1637, [email protected] ● John Maher, 086 601 3483 ● Billy Burke (chairman)

Sun 15th Dawn chorus event. Meet at Mon 6th Bank holiday outing Sat 9th Outing in Limerick the UL Concert Hall car park at in Ballybunion, Co Kerry. Limerick city to look for To be put on emailing list, write to: 5.45am for a walk around the Morning: Meet in church car birds, trees, flowers, birdwatchireland grounds and along the riverbank. park, Ballyduff, 11am, to visit insects, etc. Meet at [email protected] Leader: Gordon Young. a bog and look for birds, Hump-backed Bridge ● Maura Turner, 087 792 7972 butterflies and wild flowers. (traffic lights), Park ● Clodagh Glasgow, 087 635 5691 Afternoon: Meet at Cliff Canal, Rhebogue, No dogs on outings, please House Hotel, Cliff Road, Limerick, at 10am. Ballybunion, at 2.30pm to see Leader: Pete nesting seabirds, plants, Beaumont. butterflies, etc, along cliffs. Leader: Geoff Hunt

WINGS SUMMER 2016 33 Branch May June July August Sat 7th Dawn chorus event. Meet Louth at Creggan Parish Church, www.birdslouth.blogspot.com Glassdrumman Rd, Crossmaglen, [email protected] at 5am (www.ringofgullion.org). ● Breffni Martin, (042) 937 Sun 15th Dawn chorus event. 6973, 087 914 5363, Meet in car park, Ballymascanlon [email protected] Hotel, 5am. All talks in Spirit Store, Dundalk Sun 15th Evening walk at Docks, 8pm Clogherhead (TBC). Meet in upper car park, Port Oriel, 7pm. Sat 7th Irish birdsong in spring, by Mayo Niall Hatch (BirdWatch Ireland). www.birdwatchmayo.org Community Centre (opp Find us on Twitter Westport Woods Hotel), Quay [email protected] Road, 6.20pm. Followed by walk Text updates: 087 643 2340 at 7.45pm. ● Hazel Doyle, 087 130 7230 ● Ruth-Ann Leak, 087 643 2340 ● Mick Hogan, 087 410 7277 Sun 15th Dawn chorus walk at Meath Newgrange Gold, Crewbane, Find us on Facebook Slane, Co Meath. Meet at Little Tern (Michael Finn) birdwatchirelandmeath entrance at 4am. Leader: Franck @gmail.com Ar Moenner. Breakfast after. No ● Paul Gallagher 086 086 9760 dogs allowed. Why not join the Wicklow and Carlow Branches on their annual outing to the Little Tern ● Franck Ar Moenner th 087 954 2325 colony at Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, on the 19 of June? Meet at Kilcoole train station car park [email protected] at 10am. For more information on BirdWatch Ireland’s Little Tern conservation work, see the Little Tern conservation project blog atwww.littleternconservation.blogspot.ie. Monaghan To receive information on branch For text updates, message Joe outings, etc, please forward your Or you could watch a variety of tern species and other seabirds at Coliemore Harbour, ● Joe Shannon, 087 918 5593 details to Joe Shannon by text or th th th th email. You will be notified about Dalkey, each Tuesday in July (5 ,12 ,19 , 26 ) with members of BirdWatch Ireland. [email protected] Guided viewing from 6.30pm to 8pm each day. [email protected] events taking place. Sun 15th Dawn chorus walk in Sun 26th An evening walk Thurs 25th Up with the Roscommon Mote Park, Roscommon. Meet at in Roscommon town to Lark: Irish Birds in 1916, by www.rosbirdwatch.blogspot.com Athlone end of park at 5am. look for nesting Swifts. Niall Hatch (Development [email protected] Meet outside Bank of Officer, BirdWatch ● Pádraig Rocke, 087 907 8849 Ireland, Roscommon Ireland). Hannon’s Hotel, [email protected] town, at 7pm. Roscommon, at 8pm. Sun 15th Dawn chorus event at Sun 19th South Sligo Sun 3rd Outing to Bunduff for Sun 7th Guided tour of Sligo Glencar Waterfall led by Trevor Woodland walk, led by orchids, butterflies,etc, led by Mount Allen Farm, eco- www.sligobirding.com Hunter. Meet at New Walk car Michael Bell. Meet at Michael Bell. Meet at convent in tourism site near Lough Find us on Facebook, park, signposted Sruth in Aghaidh Cartron at 10am, or Mullaghmore, 1.30pm. Allen, Roscommon, with Twitter an Airde, at 5am. Silver Falls (apts) car park Wed 6th Evening walk led by Tom Earley. €5 donation For text updates on Sun 22nd Boat trip to Innismurray, overlooking Ballisodare Michael Bell to find “screaming suggested. Meet at events and sightings, contact us weather permitting. BirdWatch Bay, 10.15am. parties” of Swifts and their nest Cartron car park at 10am ● Michael Bell, 085 175 1000, Ireland members only. Max sites in Sligo. In conjunction with or Silver Falls apts [email protected] number 12.Meet at Rosses Point Sligo Tidy Towns. Meet at Gilhooly (Ballisodare Bay) at ● Sandie McCanny (sec) at 7.45am for 8am departure. Hall (car park at side) at 7.30pm. 10.15am (car pooling). 086 804 6468, Returning 2pm. Payment to Sun 19th Birds and BirdWatch [email protected] secretary or chairman by May 9th. Ireland – afternoon talk by Any additional outings will be Michael Bell at Organic Garden posted on sligobirding.com. Centre Party (11am-5pm), Rossinver, Co Leitrim. Sun 15th Dawn chorus walk. Meet Sun 19th Wildlife walk at Thurs 7th Evening talk followed Wed 3rd Family Wildlife Tipperary at Templemore Town Park at 5am Lough Derg. Meet at car by walk to see Swifts in Clonmel Discovery Day at Cabragh www.tippbirds.weebly.com (note time change). park in Castlelough, not and look for nesting sites. Meet Wetlands, Thurles, from ● Kevin Collins, 087 237 3090 Sun 22nd Coach trip to the Burren. far from Portroe (west of at GAA centre, Western Road, 10.30am-3.30pm. Tea ● Jane Coman, (067) 31741 See website for details and phone Nenagh) at 2.30pm. Clonmel, at 7.30pm. rooms open. [email protected] 0504 22519 to book. Thurs 12th Submitting records Sun 12th Joint outing Westmeath using BirdTrack. Bloomfield House with Butterfly Find us on Facebook Hotel, 8pm. Conservation Ireland to birdwatchwestmeath Sun 15th Annual dawn chorus shore of Lough @gmail.com nd walk in association with Derravaragh with expert Indoor talks on 2 Thursday of Belvedere House, led by Alex Jesmond Harding every month, Bloomfield Hotel, Copland. Meet at reception in (weather-permitting). near Mullingar, at 8pm Belevedere House, Mullingar, at Meet in the Square, ● Tom O’Callaghan 4am. Castlepollard, at 1pm. [email protected] Check Facebook or email ● Richella Duggan us later to find out if it’s Marsh Fritillary [email protected] going ahead. Sun 15th Dawn chorus walk in Sun 19th Annual outing Wicklow East Coast Nature Reserve, to the Little Tern colony Find us on Facebook Newcastle, led by Oran at Kilcoole with the facebook.com/birdwatchwicklow O’Sullivan. Meet at the main Wicklow and Carlow To be included on emailing list, reserve entrance on Sea Road, Branches. Meet at write to: birdwatchwicklow Newcastle, 5am. We’ll look for Kilcoole train station car @gmail.com reedbed and woodland birds. park at 10am. OTHeR BRANCHeS: Corca Dhuibhne (West Kerry) Jill Crosher, 086 982 2104, [email protected] Kerry Frank King, 066 718 0129 Kilkenny Ken Kinsella, 086 403 9523, [email protected] Leitrim Kealin Ireland, 086 388 1535, [email protected] Waterford Paul Walsh, 086 170 1599, www.waterfordbirds.com 34 WINGS SUMMER 2016 National Parks and Wildlife Service

The mission of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is: n To secure the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems and maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna in Ireland n To implement the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the Wildlife Acts n To designate and ensure the protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), having regard to the need to consult with interested parties n To manage and develop the State’s six National Parks and 78 Nature Reserves n To implement international Conventions and Agreements to which Ireland is party, relating to the natural heritage

NPWS provides BirdWatch Ireland with financial support to undertake: n The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) n The Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) n Seabird monitoring and wardening at Kilcoole and other important seabird colonies

NPWS also contracts specific work packages to BirdWatch Ireland, including the development of agri-environment schemes for breeding waders on the Shannon Callows.

The NPWS is also funder and partner in the programmes to restore the Grey Partridge and reintroduce the Golden Eagle, White-tailed Sea Eagle and Red Kite.

7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 Tel: +353-1-888 3242 LoCall: 1890 383 000 Roseate Tern (Photo: Ita Martin) Fax: +353-1-888 3272 Websites: www.npws.ie, www.noticenature.ie E-mail: [email protected] YOUR MISSION. OUR VISION. AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT IRELAND BIRDWATCH IRELAND Kilcoole Tel: 012 819 878 GALWAY CAMERA SHOP Galway Tel: 091 565 678 CAMERA CENTRE Dublin Tel: (01) 6775594 WHELAN CAMERAS Limerick Tel: 061 415 246 MULTI AWARD WINNING OPTICS.

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