2025
Inch Wildfowl Reserve, Co. Donegal – Saturday 21st November 2025
Our reintroduction of a day away from Mayo was supported by six members. After the long drive we were delighted that the rain held off. With the poor forecast we decided to stay around the two hides close to the Pump House car park. On the lagoon there were plenty of ducks; mallard, wigeon, teal, goldeneye, tufted, shoveler, merganser and a scaup. We scanned the reed beds for the bittern without success nor did we spot the taiga bean geese. In the flooded fields adjacent to the lagoon were large flocks of whooper swans, greylag geese, black tailed godwits, lapwing and golden plover. Amongst them, an American golden plover and a few ruff were identified by a local enthusiast. Two buzzards surveyed the scene but no harrier was spotted. Five of us had arrange to stay overnight and enjoyed dinner together in the Harbour Inn. Our dinner was excellent but noisy as 40 school children were enjoying an after-concert treat! A revisit on our return journey and still no bittern or bean geese but they were reported on WhatsApp minutes after we left. C’est la vie!
On the return journey, a brief visit to and scan the “goose fields” at Lisadell, Co. Sligo revealed a large flock of barnacle geese. By now the forecast storm was in full throw, so no attempt to find the cackling goose!
To view a brief video taken from the Pump House Hide of duck activity, click on the link here https://youtu.be/uVOXBpPT2CA
Mulranny – Saturday 18th October 2025
Colin Guilefoyle led our small group on this grey damp day. Unfortunately, the brent geese had not arrived and there were only a few waders; ringed plovers, dunlin, redshankand oystercatchers. Moving to the quay there were cormorants and a few gulls. By now the weather had turned to a persistent drizzle and we debated whether to move on or call it a day. The latter prevailed!
Downpatrick Head – Sunday 13th July 2025
Our small group reached the cliff top to find that many of the guillemots had left! After our wonderful spring they were a week or more ahead of last year. A small number of kittiwakes had fledged, showing off their prominent M shaped wing bars whilst many were exercising in preparation of their first flight. A couple of guillemot chicks were spotted corralled against the cliff face by their parents. Very shortly they too would jump to join their fathers on a journey out to sea. He’ll stay with this juvenile bird until they return next year. Close to the top of the cliff on isolated ledges were the fulmars, many with their own fat downy chick. Other fulmars were pairing up and selecting future nest sites. They usually do not start breeding until they’re 8 – 10 years old. Eventually a pair of razorbills were spotted guarding their nook from guillemots nearby. They prefer to find a small cavity in the cliff face and don’t nest in colonies. No cetaceans were spotted this time but a group of scuba divers close to the stack provided alternative interest. But should they be there at this time of year?
Toormakeady Waterfall, Lake and Woods – Saturday 12th April 2025
Twenty members arrived for this outing on a gorgeous warm, still sunny day; the last of a very sunny warm beginning to April this year. Colin Guilfoyle led us up to the waterfall. On the gentle walk we were greeted by the cacophony of a recently fledged family of ravens and at the waterfall, a dipper posed for photos; shortly to be joined by two active grey wagtails. Our target species for the day achieved! We then walked up to the small lake hearing the songs of willow warbler and blackcap plus the call of a jay. At the lake were two pairs of little grebes. One pair had their floating nest out in the dormant water lilies and the other were courting. Moorhen, mallard, a jay, the tumbling fly pass of adult ravens and the chiding from a mistle thrush which was probably building its nest in an adjacent tall ivy clad tree. Thanks to all who attended and especially those who generously donated to our telescope fund.
Click on link to see video clip of a pair of little grebes. https://youtu.be/vYyJFVRwjAE
Louisburgh Sea Loughs and Shore – Sunday 16th March 2025
On a gorgeous cold but sunny spring day we were treated to some excellent birding. Led by Darren Ellis, previous NPWS ranger for this area, we started at Carrowmore beach. 18 people gathered to scan Clew Bay and the shoreline. Thankfully there were at least five telescopes between us as many of the birds were distant. Three types of diver were spotted plus a good variety of gulls and waders. After organizing a car share we moved on to Lough Baun. Lapwings were displaying then a peregrine was spotted sitting motionless in the meadow. A lapwing flew over and was taken down. Not the usual peregrine strike but very effective. Struggling to identify a brown duck with some white on its head beside the lough, it was joined by a male and swam away; a pair of scaup. Finally we moved on to Lough Roonah where a male merganser was seen. A good day’s birdwatching and thanks to all who attended, to Darren for leading and David Moore for the stonechat photo.
Tuesday 4th March – “Discovering Ireland’s Natural World” – An Illustrated Talk by Eoin Warner
120 people attended this excellent talk by Eoin which was divided into four sections, The Islands of the Air, Land, Dark and Sea. Each was illustrated by scenes from his wildlife documentaries. A truly wonderful evening for which we are most grateful for the sponsorship of the Heritage and Biodiversity sections of Mayo County Council.
Saturday 15th February 2025 – South Mayo turloughs
A huge thank you to the 15 people that turned up on a cool & misty day in South Mayo. A particular mention to the new faces, always great to meet like-minded people. Also a thank you to the two youngsters, Hilary & Ruth for their attention, enthusiasm and general entertainment! We visited three turloughs in total, Carrowkeel (front & back), Kilglasson & Greaghans.
Thanks to Mick Oates for leading this outing and writing the report and thanks to Mick and John Melville for the photographs.
Sunday 19/01/2025 – Belmullet
Our group of 8, six members of the Mayo branch and two visitors from Sligo’s, enjoyed an interesting half day on the Belmullet peninsula. At Belderra beach we saw a flock of long tailed ducks riding the rough seas beyond the breakers. Then on to Cross Lough where we had great views of two pairs of goldeneye plus a large flock of barnacle geese and various ducks. Down to Elly Bay to see brent geese, dunlin and other waders and ending up by Termoncarragh cemetery. Here there was a large flock of barnacle geese grazing, various ducks on the lake including shoveler and the briefest glimpse of a juvenile hen harrier quartering the reeds on the far side. . Grabbed the telescope, turned round and it was gone! C’est la vie!
2024
Sunday 15th December – Ross Beach and Killala
A cold grey winter day greeted our small group who gathered at Ross Beach. Fewer birds than usual were seen in the channel on a very low tide, though good views of great northern divers and Brent geese. Onwards to Palmerston Bridge where little was seen then a pair of Slavonian grebes were spotted 500 metres downstream. Plenty of teal, curlew, Brent geese with a few wigeon, mallard and redshank on the mudflats on entering Killala. Down at the quay a large flock of knot far out on the mudflats rose up in a tight murmuration and good sightings of gulls, little egret, Brent geese, red and greenshank, curlew, wigeon, teal and a little grebe in the harbour. A brief outing during which the rain held off and a good selection of birds seen. Many photo opportunities, but not of the Slavonian grebes!
Sunday 17th November 2024 – Clew Bay: Newport to Kilmeena
Stephen Meany led us around this area of Clew Bay which he knows so well from over 20 years of Irish Wetland Bird Surveys (IWeBS). Fifteen people set off in five cars around the lanes and inlets along this spectacular part of Clew Bay. At our first stop a dozen little grebes in three groups bobbed on the water and dived in unison. Stephen was disappointed as there had been many more birds during his IWeBS survey the weekend before. Moving on we spotted five mergansers, four resplendent males and a female, swimming towards us. We finally arrived at the causeway near Kilmeena with excellent views of birds on both sides. Our target species were mergansers and little egret which we achieved. Curlew, greenshank, redshank, dunlin and lapwings were our waders, then mergansers, teal, wigeon and mallard our ducks. Little egrets, little grebes, grey heron, brent geese plus various crows, gulls and songbirds made up our good count. Finishing at the causeway we drove back to our cars in Newport. Definitely an area for future reconnaissance!
Friday 15th November 2024 – Starling murmuration at Lough Carra
Nathy Gilligan reported a starling murmuration was occurring at Lough Carra close to the Moore Hall car park. Using WhatsApp “BWMayo Info” a meeting was arranged with just 24 hours’ notice. Just one person turned up. A good size murmuration was seen.
Saturday 26th October 2024 – Valley area of Achill Island
After meeting up in Achill Sound, our small group of 10 people set off in three cars to Lough Nambrack. On arrival there Nathy spotted a dog otter close by which disappeared into the reeds. A cob mute swan harried two whoopers from the lake. Apart from a few mallard there was a solitary diving duck in the distance. Was it a female scaup, structure suggested that, or tufted from the colour, or even an aythyan hybrid? Choughs were calling and eventually a pair were spotted in a field with grazing sheep. We walked up onto the machair. There on a small pond were a few whooper swans and a group of gulls, a greater black back with two juveniles, a pair of herring and a pair of common gulls. The soft day had turned to drizzle so we set off to Lough Doo and the pier. On the pier were three cormorants whilst on the rocks below were a few shags with a solitary juvenile cormorant amongst them and offshore a great northern diver was fishing. We moved on to Dooniver beach where another GND, this time in still in breeding plumage, was close to shore providing excellent views. By now the drizzle was persistent so we abandoned the walk along the wet shingle beach towards the outlet of lough Sruhill.
Sunday 8th September 2024 – Benwee, Kilcummin
Birdwatchers from Galway, Sligo and Mayo had concluded that this would be a good spot for a sea watch on this Sunday morning. Galway were set up before our arrival, and our small contingent was shortly followed by Sligo’s. About twenty people assembled to watch this pelagic autumn migration. Manx shearwaters in abundance interspersed with other shearwaters, skuas, petrels and gannets of differing ages including a good number of juveniles. Great to see after their losses to avian flu. Stars of the day were the skuas including a pair of artic and a pair of red throated divers both of which flew directly overhead, plus a flock of a dozen Sabine’s gulls flying by during a sunny moment.
Darren Ellis recorded the following sightings:- Arctic Skua 8, Gannet, Manx Shearwater (over a thousand), Peregrine juv. I, Sooty Shearwater, Cory’s Shearwater, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Red Throated Diver, Oystercatcher, Great Skua 24, Arctic Tern, Herring gull, G black backed Gull, Pomarine Skua, Leach’s Storm Petrel, European Storm Petrel, Sabine’s gull 12, Long Tailed Skua, Shag, Cormorant
Link to brief video of Shearwaters flying over the waves https://youtu.be/XBcvkXu4KHU
Sunday 21st July 2024 – Erris Head
Sligo branch had invited us to join their outing to Belmullet. When we met they decided to undertake the Erris Head Loop Walk. This did not suit a couple of our attendees who decided to visit Anagh and explore the shores of Blacksod Bay instead. So just two Mayo members joined the Sligo contingent. Shortly after leaving the car park we were greeted by cliff nesting house martins, then a dolphin who followed us for awhile. The highlights of the day were a fly pass by a pair of great skuas and a Balaeric shearwater which was accompanying a small group of Manx. A large number of fulmars were rearing chicks on the small island at the Erris Head whilst others were pairing up or selecting future nest sites. Fulmars start breeding when they are around 10 years old. Returning to the car park there was a deep inlet where some seals were hauled out and haunting cries of seal pups echoed from a sea cave. An excellent outing marred only by a light shower which coincided with the skuas flying over us. Lost my photo opportunity, the one included here was taken by Molly Bell from the Sligo team.
Sunday 14th July 2024 – Downpatrick Head
Arriving early for our 10am start we found that the car park was closed and all available parking was taken by overnight campervans. A quick WhatsApp message to our members and we duly parked along the roadside. Our small group then set off towards the cliffs. As we walked up a rock pipit fledgling, very close to the path, chirped to be fed whilst its parent chided it to be quiet. Some wheatear, meadow pipits and skylarks were also seen. On reaching the cliff top we were greeted by a small pod of dolphins, a couple of shearwaters well out to sea and an adult gannet making a closer fly pass. Viewing the cliff ledges there were loads of kittiwake chicks developing their flight feathers, showing their distinctive wing markings which are so different from the adults. A few guillemot chicks remained and at sea young guillemots could be seen, some very young and who had jumped very recently. Near the cliff tops some fulmars guarded their solitary chick who was being fattened up to be abandoned and fledge on its own. A small number of razorbills were spotted but no young. On top of the sea stack were herring and greater black backed gulls with numerous chicks. Returning via the blow hole we saw nine rock doves resting, a mix of adults and juveniles. An excellent visit to this iconic site and the weather was fine.
Sunday 26th May 2024 – South Inishkea Island
Saturday 4th May 2024 – Dawn Chorus Walk at Enniscoe
International Dawn Chorus Day is the first Sunday of May. This year we chose Saturday and our attendance was lower. About 16 people arrived for our 7am start to walk through the woods, down to Lough Conn and back to NMHC for breakfast. Merlin apps turned on, we scanned the woods. Lots of passerines identified but nothing unusual, though blackcaps were everywhere! Is this a natural increase, mimicry or a Merlin error? Any way the breakfast was great!
Sunday 21st April 2024 – Foxford
On a cool sunny day, we walked down the Admiral Browne promenade observing the birds by the river. The “resident” heron duly obliged, standing majestically beside the river. At the bend in the river Moy where the sand martin nest, there was a little activity. Three common sandpipers choosing their partner for the season became our main subject as they called and chased one another back and forth across the river, until a sparrowhawk tried to catch a chaffinch in the bushes then flew off above us. The species count was poor for this time of year and time of day. About twenty people attended and we recruited many new members to our branch.
Sunday 24th March 2024 – Newport
A fantastic turnout for this event despite the drizzly weather and lack of birds to see. Thanks to Karen Hunt for writing this report and maintaining our species list.
“An outing to Newport was organised by Birdwatch Mayo, with Sharon McGovern, a
local resident showing us the Heronry and Rookery, on the North side of the river.
Despite a damp start to the day, good numbers turned up for this event; twenty-six of
us, including two youngsters which is lovely to see. Cavities in the walled banks of
the Newport River are a nesting site for Jackdaws-plenty could be seen flying in and
out. A walk up to the wooded area gave us views of the ‘prehistoric’ Grey Herons
flying overhead, and the following at the mouth to Clew Bay: Mallard, Herring Gull,
Black-headed gull, Hooded crow, Lesser blackback. Redshank and one Greenshank
were also seen. The Redshank after ‘foraging’ and capturing food was being chased
and harassed by Black-headed gull!
Common species such as Wren, Troglodytes troglodytes, or cave-dweller, and Great
Tit were heard.
A scarcity of birds, but a nice opportunity to meet fellow bird/nature enthusiasts,
some coming from as far as Achill and North Mayo. We finished with refreshments at
the Grainne Uaille. Thanks to everyone that came along, and especially Sharon.”
Sunday 3rd March 2024 – Louisburgh Sea Loughs (Lagoons) and Coast
We gathered at Carrowmore Beach and met Darren Ellis, our leader for this event. After scanning the sea and shore we drove to the south of Lough Baun. On the lough were a variety of ducks including a solitary scaup, tufties, shoveler, wigeon, teal and mallard. Initially it was bitterly cold but the sun came out and its warm radiance stirred lapwings to display and a skylark to sing. Just off shore were three scoters with a female long tailed duck. Through our telescopes we had a good view. To finish we drove onto Cross Lough and Beach. Twenty people attended and Darren kept a list of 34 species seen. A good days birding again. Thanks to all who joined in.
Raven; Oystercatcher; Cormorant; Common Scooter; Black-headed Gull; Great Northern Diver; Gannet; Shag; Herring Gull; Whooper Swan; Lapwing; Skylark; Meadow Pipit; Stonechat; Jackdaw; Hooded Crow; Tufted Duck; Wigeon; Shoveler; Redshank; Scaup *; Long-tailed Duck *; Eider; Sanderling; Grey Heron; Great Black-backed Gull; Dunlin; Turnstone; Mallard; Mute Swan; Ringed Plover; Pied Wagtail; Starling; Wren; Magpie
Saturday 10th February 2024 – Carrowkeel and other south Mayo turloughs
This was our first event that was not led by a branch committee member, so our thanks to Mick Oates for introducing us to Carrowkeel turlough. Mick made this report of the outing:-
“ Blessed with great weather, the 13 strong group headed to Carrowkeel and some were lucky enough to spot an Egret and some Bullfinch enroute.
At Carrowkeel, we were immediately pleased to see Tufted Ducks, Teal, Wigeon, Coots, Shovelers , Mute Swans, Lapwings and even some Golden Plover all showing well in the sunshine.
Later, as we left Greaghans in Roundfort some of the group even spotted a Buzzard while enroute. In Greaghans we saw more Shovelers, Wigeon and Teal and some Whopper Swans grazing in a field nearby. While heading back to the meeting point in Taugheen, an unplanned roadside stop delivered more Coots, Swans, Tufties and Wigeon and Teal in a nearby turlough near Roundfort village.
A few decided to venture a few miles to Ballyglass where a Kestrel was spotted on the way. At Ballyglass, we were lucky enough to see more Ducks, a Moorhen and a lone Curlew on the far side of the bank.
Overall a really good outing with great people, sunshine and a wide variety of birds. A big thank you to all that travelled great distances to be there, and a special mention to the two youngsters Hilary and Ruth, who took down notes on everything the group saw. They have many a good day’s birding ahead of them.”
Your Mayo branch of BWI would be most appreciative of any similar offers to introduce our members to watch birds in our beautiful county.
2023
Sunday 12th November 2023 – Achill Island (Valley area)
Starting at Lough Nambrack, there were some mute swans, a flock of tufted duck and a little grebe. Whilst on the adjoining machair black headed gulls sheltered, golden plovers busily foraged and a large group of pied wagtails surrounded us. It is always helpful to have some local knowledge at our events. As we were about to move on Kathy said that close to the shore line there are often choughs. We drove up and were greeted by 4 choughs feeding whilst over on a flooded area were three whooper swans and an assortment of gulls including greater and lesser black backed and herring.
Moving on to Lough Doo there was little to be seen on the lake so we walked round to the pier where a few shags were resting and a great northern diver fishing in the bay. Lough Sruhill was our next stop for which we split into 2 groups. One viewing the lake from their cars on the north side whilst the other walked along the shingle beach from Dooniver back to the seaward outlet of the lough. The walking group had a close-up view of oystercatchers with a solitary bar tailed godwit. A few flocks were resting around the inlet including black headed and common gulls, dunlin and turnstone. Two pairs of red breasted mergansers, wigeon, a few cormorants and another northern diver. On returning, a snipe rose up from a rushy field. By now it was dusk so we all returned home. Thanks to Mike and Ciarán for carrying the telescope and tripod. Non walkers left earlier visiting Mulranny where brent geese and little egrets were seen.
Up to fourteen attended on a day when the weather forecast was poor. We avoided the showers and saw a great variety of birds. An excellent afternoon on Achill.
Saturday 14th October 2023 – Trawmore Bay and Claggan Strand
Pádraig Kehoe reported “A few of us gathered at Trawmore Bay near Claggan Island. We spotted some Oystercatchers in the distance and also waders (possibly Dunlins). One of our group suggested another spot “around the corner” which proved to be a marvellous find. A host of birds made their presence felt including Turnstone, Curlew, Oystercatchers, Sanderlings (or Dunlin) Greenshank and Redshank. Four of us then ventured to nearby Doolough Strand, where we spotted Starlings and some Rock pipits. Finally we went to Belmullet pier and saw two beautiful white egrets in the distance perched on green shrubbery basking in the afternoon sun, and also three large herons at the water’s edge. Thank you to Colin for his knowledge and also Shelagh and William for guiding us to the different spots.”
Sunday 17th September 2023 – Seawatch at Downpatrick Head
This event went ahead without our usual marketing (flyer, local newspapers etc.). The weather was not ideal but the forecast 3 hours gap between the showers did occur. Just 3 people attended and we observed the sea for a couple of hours. A few visitors enquired about what we were doing including a large family group from the USA. Frequent gannets and gulls of varying maturity were seen plus a solitary Cory’s shearwater. A few shags flew back and forth from the seaward side of the stack. No cetaceans but we enjoyed watching two fishermen in a small boat hauling in loads of mackerel!
Sunday 18th June 2023 – Annagh Marsh and Termoncarragh, Belmullet
Our small group gathered in the corner of Aldi car park. A local resident, Michael Reilly, offered to lead and we set off to the Annagh Marsh areawhere we stayed for over an hour. No phalaropes spotted today but there was plenty of activity. Thirteen non breeding greylag geese were identified at the back of the marsh. Sedge warblers, skylarks and meadow pipits singing constantly and snipe frequently “drummed”. A large flock of lapwings rose up with many fledglings whilst other lapwings tended to their younger chicks. It’s wonderful to see the benefits of excluding ground predators by fencing off this area. Redshank had also bred here as were the snipe.
As we were about to move on there was some commotion as a merlin flew over and attempted to catch a meadow pipit. What a sight and so close. We moved to BWI Termoncarragh reserve area and walked along the lanes. Many stonechats were feeding young and calling. Then a distant corncrake call was heard shortly followed by a reply from two birds much closer to our group. Near enough to record their iconic sound.
Just 7 attended and we were lucky to avoid the heavy rain which swept in. A clash with Mayo GAA senior football and Father’s Day plus the long drive to this beautiful corner of north Mayo were probably the cause. A merlin and corncrakes, a great day for Mayo birders!
To view a video of the corncrake breeding area and hear their call click on this link https://youtu.be/ZJYJrgWGFl8
Saturday 27th May 2023
Foxford, River Moy and Town
13 very enthusiastic birders set off from the car park along the river Moy just beyond the Woolen Mills. As we approached the area of the nesting sand martins we were taken aback by the amount of airborne Sand Martins. Initially it was difficult to hear them due to a very happy Willow Warbler singing his little heart out in the background ! As we attempted to hear the Sand Martins we were greeted by a Dunnock which perched on a nearby fence. Most of the group heard and some saw a Fly Catcher(s) in the trees opposite the sand martin bank along the road. As we walked back towards the town Mr (or Mrs) Heron posed for us on a gravel bank in the centre of the Moy. Along this tree-lined road we listened to the wonderful sound of the Gold Crest while looking at fish jumping in the river. On our arrival at St. Michael’s Church on the Swinford Road the Swifts put on a spectacular display particularly for that time of the day as it was only early afternoon. They lessoned in numbers as we prolonged our visit and their screeching faded. Two of the group went back towards the Moy and viewed/listened to grey wagtails and with the mention of a cup of tea the remainder of us proceeded to the Woolen Mills where we enjoyed great conversation and many types of cuisines. A perfect end to a lovely day !
Photos of Swifts, Sand Martins Nesting and Heron taken by Shelagh Delphyne
Dawn Chorus – Enniscoe
Sunday 7th May 2023
To celebrate international dawn chorus day thirty people arrived bright and early for this walk in the woods and down to the lakeshore. We split into two groups with one led by Nuala and Jon going clockwise and another led by Graham taking the opposite direction. Discarding telescopes for mobile phones we listened with our Merlin and BirdNet apps to identify a wide selection of tits, warblers, finches, thrushes plus many robins and wrens. By the lake Merlin identified artic/common tern and through binoculars a few were spotted far out on a tiny island though too far out to identify which species. As we walked slowly for a couple of hours the weather improved. In glorious sunshine we enjoyed coffee and tiffin from Knockbox which Morgan had kindly opened early to accommodate us whilst the North Mayo Heritage Centre had opened so we could use their facilities. Unfortunately the great spotted woodpecker was not seen though it has been heard again this year. Another successful outing at this venue.
Saturday 15th April 2023
Lough O’Flynn
Arriving at the lough we were greeted by a local gentleman with tales of woe about the demise of birds in the area. He was right with little to be seen on the lough though at this time of year there is a lull between the departure of our winter visitors and the arrival of our summer breeders. Twelve people turned up and we set off to the pier to scan the lough. A few mute swans on the far shore, solitary cormorant, a pair of lesser black backed gulls and a flock of over twenty sand martins clinging to the reeds just off shore and resting after their long journey. With limited access around the edge of the lough we decided to try a loop walk on the bog across the road. Large numbers of willow warblers were singing in the scrub, in fact I’ve never heard so many. Meadow pipits and one skylark in full song, a variety of tits including long tailed and a male reed bunting were spotted. The rain stayed off so those that stayed enjoyed a pleasant walk.
Sunday 12th March 2023
Belmullet
Following some advice from Dave Suddaby (BWI) Teresa and I (Graham Cawdell) did a recce on Saturday. The weather forecast had suggested that on Saturday there would be persistent rain and Sunday the better day. We were delighted to get some breaks in the rain and an opportunity to take a few photographs. On Sunday for our outing nine brave individuals were gathered in Aldi car park. We set off around the peninsula in 3 cars starting at Belderra then Cross Strand, Cross and Leam Loughs, Elly Bay and finishing by Termoncarragh cemetery to view the lough and surrounding fields. Viewing was difficult being too gusty to use a telescope and most birds were hunkered down for the day from the bitterly cold wind and rain. This area of machair always provides some surprises, notably a glaucous gull feeding on the carcases of two dead dolphins, close views of greylag geese and whooper swans, a few rock doves in rapid flight and a brief glimpse of a flock of twite.
Unfortunately, the large flock of barnacle geese with a solitary cackling goose was not visible on Sunday. Thanks to all those who braved this outing.
Barnacle Geese, Glaucous Gull & Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Saturday 11th February 2023
Birds of Killala Bay
New faces abounded at this event with 19 attendees from across Mayo. On an outgoing tide we stayed on the pier and waited as the birds were pushed towards us. With 5 telescopes amongst the group we were able to get good views of a variety of waders, ducks and gulls, and Brent geese, great northern divers and cormorants. Shellduck were squabbling over partners. Amongst the waders were a few bar tailed godwits and turnstones plus an abundance of dunlin on the far shore. With an Ireland 6 Nations rugby match about to start not all the group moved onto Ross Strand. Here one group viewed the bay and estuary from the car park picking up some mergansers far out in the bay, whilst another walked along the beach . A few black guillemots in their opposite winter attire were fishing in the river with more GNDs. A wonderful outing for the branch and a great win for Ireland’s rugby team.
Below shows Group of Birders on the pier, Great Northern Diver and resting Teal
Sunday 22nd January 2023
The Turloughs of South Mayo
Eleven branch members attended this outing on a pleasant cloudy winter’s day. After gathering at Roundfort Community Centre we decanted into 3 cars to drive down the lanes by Kilgasson and Greaghan’s Loughs. There was little wind and no rain so use of a telescope was feasible. Kilgasson was disappointing but five breeds of duck were identified on Greaghan’s including a few pairs of shoveler which some of the group had not seen before. Mallard, teal and lots of wigeon and tufted ducks constituted the others. After returning to Roundfort and a quick lunch break we drove in convoy to Ballyglass and walked down to the bird hide which is in need of a little TLC. Again there was a variety of ducks plus a few lapwing and curlew on the far shore. The group then split up to return home. Nathy and I (Graham) decided to investigate the turloughs at Balla and Tawny Lough. On the latter now in a little late afternoon sunshine were a few shovelers, tufties and wigeon. The turlough on the north side of Balla in front of the hide had minimal activity. About 30 whooper swans were on the turlough south of Balla. It was wonderful to see that they were in family groups and each adult pair had between two and four juveniles which indicates that they had a successful breeding season.
Group checking the Turloughs for birds
2022
Wednesday 7 December 2022
Announcement :
Notice is hereby given that the AGM of the Mayo Branch of Birdwatch Ireland will take place on Wednesday December 7th at 7.30pm at the Regional Training Centre (part of Áras an Chontae), The Mall, Castlebar.
All members of Birdwatch Ireland are welcome to attend, stand for election as officers and/or seek to join the committee.
Please note that only currently paid-up members of BirdWatch Ireland may vote at Branch AGMs, stand for election to a Branch committee or serve on a Branch committee.
If you would like to stand for election to the committee or indeed one of the officer positions (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary or PRO), please get in touch via message to our Facebook page, Twitter account or email birdwatchmayo@gmail.com.
Saturday 12 November – Glenamaddy Turlough & Kiltullagh Lough
A group of eleven met in the carpark overlooking the turlough at Glenamaddy.
We were delighted to see some new faces and gain some local knowledge, with thanks to Galway Birdwatch for sharing our event across social media.
The weather was grey and windy again, but no rain thankfully. At Glenamaddy all the birds were on the far shores, but with our telescopes we identified mallard, wigeon, lapwings, a black headed gull and then a large flock of white fronted geese arrived. A kestrel hovered over a field behind us.
Moving on to Kiltullagh, where the view is distant due to an intervening field, there were a few swans, whooper and mute, mallard and wigeon and in the distance high in the sky an enormous flock of golden plover (a few hundred). We were just thankful that we were not counting for IWeBS!
Finally, John and Nina, two locals who had been with us, showed the group a raised bog nearby which is being improved for the benefit of red grouse. Here we saw a second kestrel hunting and then mobbed by crows.
Sunday 9 October – Sea Loughs south of Louisburgh
A small group of hardy watchers proceeded from Louisburgh to Loughs Baun, Roonah and Cross to look for waterbirds wintering in the relatively mild weather of the West of Ireland.
Braving wind and rain, we observed Whooper and Mute Swan, Little Grebem, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Golden Plover, Herring, Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Curlew, Starling, Swallow (yes, one still around!), Rock Pipit, Cormorant and 4 Grey Seals at Roonagh.
Sunday September 4 – Seabird Migration at Kilcummin Head
Autumn time can bring large numbers of migrating birds along the North Mayo coast. For this outing at Kilcummin Head, unfortunately, numbers weren’t great.
It was a glorious sunny afternoon, with a light offshore breeze, as 7 people attended, including a member from the Sligo branch. No one had visited this site before, so we all had difficulty finding it! On arrival there was a lady watching for whales and dolphins who confirmed that there was little to be seen. The occasional passing gannet, a large group of cormorants and smaller groups of oystercatchers were the highlights of what was seen. A little disappointing, as Kilcummin Head regularly features on the Irish Birding website, but it is clearly a good spot to look out for passing migrants.
Saturday August 13th – Lough Carra at Moorehall
We visited the beautiful Lough Carra to observe its bird populations, meeting at the main carpark for Moore Hall, beyond Carnacon.
The birds weren’t great today, but the weather and location were superb.
Thanks to Kieran for leading this outing.
Wednesday June 15th – Swifts Talk & Observation
Lynda Huxley of Swift Conservation Ireland and ATU Mayo Campus PhD student, Jarek Majkusiak, gave a very informative and enjoyable talk in the meeting room of Castlebar Swimming Pool at 8pm, followed by an outside viewing of swift boxes on the exterior of the building.
Huge thanks to Lynda and Jarek.
Sunday June 12th – Downpatrick Head Seabirds
This was a joint event along with our colleagues from Birdwatch Ireland’s Sligo branch.
We met at 1pm in the carpark to visit wonderful Downpatrick Head and view the seabirds that nest on the cliffs.
The cliffs are accessible across a grassed sloped area and can be slippy when wet. The cliffs area itself is not fenced, so if you plan to visit, children should always be closely supervised by their parents / guardians.
Graham was the leader on this outing, so a big thanks to him.
Sunday May 8th – Dawn Chorus at Enniscoe House Woods, Crossmolina
We met at 7.30am in the main car park by the Heritage Centre. This was a ‘dual accessible’ event, where our lovely large group took a gentle, easy walk to the lakeside. Participants then decided to return to the Heritage Centre by one of two alternative routes.
See https://www.northmayo.ie/enniscoe-loop-walk
Saturday March 26th – Belleek Woods, Ballina
Our trip to see the woodland birds of Belleek and those of the River Moy estuary took place on a beautiful Saturday morning. While we didn’t get to spot any of the resident Red Squirrels, we did enjoy excellent views of both Treecreepers and Goldcrest. Other birds encountered included Cormorants and Mute Swan on the river, with Wren, Song Thrush, Coal Tits, Great Tits and Blackbird in the trees, along with Mallards and one mysterious duck hybrid on the duck pond.
Many thanks to Hazel, the local ranger with NPWS, for leading this stroll and for helping the group learn to identify the songs and calls of various woodland birds.
Sunday March 6th – Murrisk Abbey & Bertra Beach
Not the greatest selection of birds, but a gorgeous sunny day by the sea. We saw Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Teal, Stonechat, Wigeon, Great Northern Diver and various gulls.
We had a wonderful crowd of almost 50 people, including lots of children, at Gordon’s illustrated presentation on the birds of Mayo.
Saturday February 26th – Gordon D’Arcy Presentation at Westport Woods Hotel
A big bualadh bos to our new member, George, for organising this event and to the wonderful Gordon for facilitating.
Sunday January 30th – Mulranny
Birds seen at the salt marsh and from the pier included :
Cormorant, Razorbill, Brent Goose, Redshank, Greenshank, Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Merganser.
Big thanks to long-serving member, Helen, for leading on this occasion.
You can read a report on a past outing to Killala Bay during November 2008 here.
If you have any ideas for outings or events, or would be willing to arrange one, please let us know, by emailing birdwatchmayo@gmail.com.
Please note:
- All events are open to the general public (unless stated).
- Events are free of charge (unless stated), although we appreciate a donation towards the costs involved. This is optional but non BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) members are benefiting from the insurance cover provided by BWI.
- All outdoor events are subject to weather and local circumstances. However, it will automatically be cancelled if there is a MetEirean storm warning in place. Notice will be posted on our WhatsApp group “BWMayo Info” and on as many other social media platforms as feasible.
- Ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor events.
- We encourage children to our events (unless stated). However, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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