Osprey

I got nice surprise at the Coonagh Nature reserve last Saturday (28/4/2018) when a large raptor appeared high over the lower lagoon.  Luckily I had the camera to hand so got a few quick record shots of the bird before it disappeared off westwards towards the Shannon Estuary.  It looked like an Osprey from its size and behaviour but seemed very dark from the brief views of it through the bins and the camera lens. The id. was confirmed once I got the camera back indoors.

This is just the sixth record for Limerick and the first definite Spring record.  It was also a first for the site.   Osprey records are scarce in the west of the Ireland and spring records are scarcer still, so this was a nice one to come across, even if it was all too fleeting.

More Iceland Gulls

It was a great winter in Limerick City for Iceland Gulls.  By early March at least six different birds had been logged; four 1st winters, a 2nd winter and a third winter.  Amazingly by the end of the month at least two additional 1st winter birds were present, bringing the total for the winter to at least eight birds.

The 3rd winter (4cy) bird found in early March was proving to be a bit elusive initially as it ranged from Harvey's Quay up river as far as Corbally. Later in the month it proved to be more regular at Harvey's Quay, showing a distinct preference for the Shannon Rowing Club side of the Sarsfield Lock.

 

  

4cy Iceland Gull

Five 1st winter birds and the 3rd winter(4cy) bird were all visible on the short stretch of the Shannon between Bishop's Quay and Arthur's Quay on 30/3/2018 and again on 2/4/2018, the largest number of Icelands in one location recorded in Limerick



1st winter Iceland Gull of the nominate race Larus glaucoides glaucoides

One of the five 1st winter birds was the bird showing some characteristics of Kumlien's Iceland Gull, Larus glaucoides kumlieni, that was originally found in February. It is still showing a darker shade on the outer primaries along with darker secondaries and largely solid darker markings on the tail band. See photo below.   The bill also looks dark at a distance but closer views show the darker tone gradually fading towards the base. 

1st winter Iceland Gull with some characteristics of the Kumlein's subspecies

Gull Quest to Kilkee

I set out for Kilkee, Co. Clare on Saturday March 23rd to look for the 1st winter American Herring that was found there earlier in the week.  The bird had been seen there earlier in the morning by Murf, so I was hopeful it would show again at some stage.    Most of a loaf of bread later, I had to head for home without connecting with it.

As it was a fine bright day we managed to have some good birding, in spite of the yank no show.
First up was a 1st winter Iceland Gull at the shoreline, followed quickly by a  Red-throated Diver in the middle of the bay.  Next up was a 1st winter male Long-tailed Duck who obligingly came closer to the shoreline.

Long-tailed Duck

 Next up was an adult Iceland Gull that was attracted by the bread.

  

Adult Iceland Gull

We had a few interesting looking gulls including this adult Herring Gull below that apperared to have yellowish legs.  The primary pattern suggested the that it was the local race Larus argentatus argenteus rather than the northern race L.a. argetatus, which can have yellow legs.

Herring Gull with yellow legs.

There was nice mix of waders around, lots of Sanderling, some Dunlin, Oystercatchers, Redshank and a few Turnstone.

Turnstone

As luck would have I met a few Kerry birders when I was heading away and they eventually caught up with the bird later in the day.


Call back later for more details!