OSI Discovery Series – Map No 24
Directions :
Ballina town is located at the north of county Mayo. It can be reached by the N26 road from Foxford or the N59 Sligo to Bangor Erris road.
Belleek Woods can be accessed from the Killala road out of Ballina. Turn right at the 80km/hr sign and follow the road for 2km to the Car Park on the left. Alternatively, if in town, take the road out beside the municipal offices by Dunnes Stores and there is a second carpark by the soccer pitch.
Description:
Situated near the estuary of the River Moy, the town of Ballina is a good place to find a variety of habitats.
The town itself hosts Swift and Swallow during the summer, whilst the River Moy often hosts Heron, Cormorant, swans, gulls and ducks.
Where the Brusna River (aka Bunree River) crosses the Sligo road is a good place to look for Dipper and Grey Wagtail.
Good views of waders, geese and harbour seals can be seen from the coast road towards Enniscrone when the tide is low (turn left immediately after the Brusna River bridge).
Belleek Woods hosts numerous woodland birds and Red Squirrels have been re-introduced over the last 10 years. There are good views of the estuary, the “duck pond” and marked walkways, making it well worth a visit.
Birds to be seen at Belleek include Treecreeper, Goldcrest, both thrushes, Cormorant, Heron, Wren, etc.
Neighbouring Sites include :
Loughs Conn & Cullin
Rare / Scarce / Unusual birds:
Laughing Gull (09/12/2000)
Goosander (2 in March 1993)
Belted Kingfisher (Dec 1978 to Feb 1979, shot on the Brusna River)
Birdwatch Mayo 