Sightings Archive 2006 – 2013

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2006	2007	2008	2009
2010	2011	2012	2013

2013

Date	Bird Reported	Observer
6 July	Golden Eagle sighted over Lough Gill, nr Ballycroy	L O’Loughlin
26 May	Immature Cuckoo heard calling near Clydagh Bridge, on Pontoon Road out of Castlebar	J Milroy
23 May	Kittiwake at Killala Also Swift, House & Sand Martins in Ballina	Nuala
19 May	Pair Red-throated Diver in summer plummage calling & fishing off Carrowmore Strand, Louisburgh	R-A Leal
2 May	Pair Buzzards seen over Castlebar	J Milroy
24 April	Cuckoo heard calling over bogland, near Belacorrick, north Mayo	Nuala
2 April	2 Green-winged Teal, both mlae, one on Termoncarragh Lake and one on Carrowmore Lake	M Reilly
30 March	Ringed-billed Gull on Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 20 Manc Shearwater off Annagh Head	M Reilly
21 March	Swallow seen in Swinford	D Suddaby
16 March	Jay at Letterkeen, Shramore, Newport 3 Arctic Skua over Clew Bay viewed from Mulranny Beach	M Reilly

15 Feb	Pair Red Grouse spotted in Croaghmoyle, nr Catlebar (close to tv booster station)	P McNally
7 Feb	Little Aux found by cat on garden near Foxford	D Lavelle & R-A Leak
1 Feb	Waxwing seen in garden near Bofeenaun	F & E McNamon
19 Jan	Coloured Ringed Sanderling returned to Clew Bay area for last 3 years after summer in Iceland, seen on Gortnagarryan Strand, Emlagh, Louisburgh click for photo click for sightings over last 3 years (pdf)	K Murphy
16 Jan	Approx 200 Golden Plover near Kilcummin Head	P & S Jones

2012

Date	Bird Reported	Observer
13 Nov	Waxwings in Westport	W Stringer
11 Nov	Waxwings in Mulranny	via R-A Leak

29 June	Marsh Harrier still at Termoncarragh, Iceland Gull 2nd calendar year, Dun naMbo Termoncarragh 1 x Great Skua and 40 x Puffin off Annagh Head	M Reilly
26 June	Female Marsh Harrier, 2nd year adult, Termoncarragh on the Mullett	D Suddaby & M Reilly
19 June	Report of Hobby taking Swallow at Clongee Fisheries, Foxford	S Sowrey

11 May	Swifts flying over Castlebar & Foxford	R-A Leak
8 May	Corncrake heard in Mayo – click for the first of this years’ Corncrake Report	T Gordon
7 May	Whitethroat arrived and singing nr. Attymass	R-A Leak
7 May	Flock of 19 Pale Bellied Brant Geese, unusual for the area. Also flock of 9 whimbrel, first sighting for the year, at White Strand, Killadoon, Louisburgh.	D Cabot
5 May	One first winter Glaucous Gulkl at White Strand, Killadoon, Louisburgh.	D Cabot

29 Apr	Cuckoo, Sedge Warbler & Grasshopper Warbler near Knockmore	R-A Leak
28 Apr	Dusk Chorus at Lough Lannagh – 26 species including Blackcap, Reed Bunting, juvenile Robin, WillowWarbler and Mute Swan calling!	Branch Outing
28 Apr	Sand Martins in Foxford	R-A Leak
22 Apr	Cuckoo at Gurteenamuck, Foxford and Crimlin, Ross, Castlebar	S O’Donnell
21 Apr	Snow Bunting at Downpatrick Head, north Mayo click for photos	R Hanford
4 Apr	Blackcap in Drummin Wood nr Foxford	J Milroy
2 Apr	8 Sandwich Tern at Old Head, nr Louisburgh	W Stringer
1 Apr	Dodo near Foxford	Flora I Pol
1 Apr	Wheatear on Achill	W Stinger

31 Mar	Swallows near Westport	W Stringer
28 Mar	White Tailed Sea Eagle (green star) seen in Clew Bay area	W Stringer
25 Mar	Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff at Tourmakeady	W Stringer

14 Feb

Two Tundra Bean Geese, one dark Canada Goose and three Greenland Whitefronted Geese at Ardoone on the Mullet

M Reilly

23 Jan	2 Iceland Gulls at Killala Harbour, one adult and one first winter click for photos	R-A & M Leak
12 – 13 Jan	3 Glossy Ibis on Termoncarra Wetlands – Belmullet	D Suddaby & M Reilly
8 Jan	12 Glaucous Gulls on the Mullet – Cross Beach / Annagh Beach 1 Glaucous Gull on Doohoma Beach, south of Belmullet Consisting of 2 adults, 6 second and 5 first winter birds, some feeding on the numerous Grey Seal carcasses casualties of the altrocious weather over their pupping and breeding season on the overshore islands	M Reilly
2 Jan	2 Ring-necked Ducks (male) and male Green-winged Teal on Carrowmore Lake, Erris 2 Mediterranean Gulls – adult and first winter – Belmullet Docks	M Reilly
1 Jan	346 Barnacle Geese at Carrowholly, Westport	W Stringer

2011

Date	Bird Reported	Observer
16 Dec	Ring-billed Gull on Lough Conn – click for photos	C Clotworthy
9 Dec	Red-breasted Merganser on Lough Conn, Knockmore	T Boccaccio
6 Dec	Ringed-necked Duck and Green-winged Teal (both mlae) Carrowmore Lake, Erris’ Adult Mediterranean Gull Belmullet Docks Cakling Goose and Canada Goose with Barnacle Geese at Termoncarragh Adult male Black Brant with female Light Bellied Brent with their two hybrid offspring at Leam Lough, Belmullet	M Reilly
3 Dec	Pair White-tailed Sea Eagles, one with blue tag, Killadoon, nr. Louisburgh, then seen flying south towards Connemara	D Cabot
3 Dec	1 Long-tailed Duck & 4 Barnacle Geese at Killala	Branch Outing

27 Nov	Approx 300 Common Scoter, Bartragh Island, Killala Bay, unusual for this area	S Meany
27 Nov	Only 1 Crane seen at Belderig	W Stringer
26 Nov	2 Eurasian Cranes still at Belderig, click for photos	M Casey
25 Nov	2 Cranes at Belderrig, click for photos	P Coultry
20 Nov	Eurasian Cranes in fields at Belderig, north Mayo	H Mooney et. al
20 Nov	Approx 1,200 Tufted Ducks on Lough Cullin, Foxford / Pontoon	R-A Leak & S Meany
16 – 20 Nov	Great White Egret Lough Conn, Knockmore – click for photos Last seen on the morning of 20th, being chased away from the lake by the Grey Heron	T Boccaccio et al.
11 Nov	Brambling in garden near Westport	W Stringer
11 Nov	Great Northern Diver, Pontoon Bridge, regular winter visitor to this area	R-A Leak
8 Nov	Immature Long Eared Owl in garden near Foxford	A Bell
6 Nov	17 Chough, Clare Island	W Stringer
5 Nov	Snow Bunting at Croaghmoyle (Castlebar booster station), also seen same place 2 years ago so possibly regular visitor	P McNally
5 Nov	Sighitngs from Killala Harbour & Estuary: 2 x First winter Black Guillemot, 10 x Red-breasted Merganser, 5 x Little Egret, 200+ Brent, 2 x Red-throated Diver Also several Redshank, Bar-tailed & Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwings, Curlew. Shelduck, Sanderling, Dunlin, Cormorant, Grey Seal	R-A & M Leak W Stringer D Daly
4 Nov	Sightings from the Mullet: Termoncarragh – Juvenile Red-backed Shrike (first reported for area?), Cackling Canada Goose with Barnacles, 2 Tree Sparrow, 18 Twite Annagh Head & Beach – 2 Snow Bunting, 1 Lapland Bunting, 1 American Golden Plover Belmullet Docks – 2 Med Gulls	W Stringer
4 Nov	17 Little Egret still at Westport Quay	W Stringer

31 Oct	Blackcap in garden near Liscarney, Westport	S Churcher
27 Oct	49 Light-bellied Brent Lecanvey	W Stringer
27 Oct	17 Little Egret at Westport Quay	W Stringer
20 Oct	4 Swallows in Tesco cp, Claremorris	C Benson
20 Oct	Whoopers arrive in Achill and Foxford	O Calvey & R-A Leak
16 Oct	Snowy Owl seen regualrly over past 2 weeks on mountain between Ballycroy and Geesala	K Lindsay
16 Oct	Upland Sandpiper still residing nr Glebe, Termoncarragh, Belmullet	P & A Kelly
16 Oct	3 Wheatear at Leecanvey 47 Chough on machair at Silver Strand, west of Klladoon	W Stringer
12 Oct	Upland Sandpiper nr Glebe, Termoncarragh	M Reilly
10 Oct	Swallows reported still present in Ballyhaunis and Ballina areas	via R-A Leak
7 Oct	Approx 200 Brent Geese arrive at Killala	M Kenney
Earl-Oct	Report of Buzzard seen near Attymass	via R-A Leak
Oct / Sept	Reports of White-tailed Sea Eagle seen regulalry in north Mayo	via R-A Leak

17 Sept	6 Light-bellied Brent, 42 Red-breasted Merganser, 23 Bar-tailed Godwit at Murrisk Abbey	W Stringer
3 Sept	Buzzard being ‘Buzzed’ by Rook, Culleens, 10 miles north Ballina	Trudy

29 Aug	Sightings from North Mayo between 8.30am and 11am 1 Great Skua Downpatrick Head 8+ Tree Sparrow, 3 Storm Petrel, 9 Great Skua, 3 Artic Skua, 27 Sooty Shearwater, Kilcummin Head	R Sandham
15 Aug	Mallards in eclipse seen along with immature Black-headed Gull on Lough Lannagh, Castlebar Click Here for Photo	J Milroy

14 June	Red Kite seen over Bohola / Straide	R Stone
7 June	Ring-billed Gull (adult) at Gornor Abbey Pier, Lonn Conn, Crossmolina	M Reilly
Early June	Reports of White-tailed Sea Eagle seen in North Mayo	D McLoughling et. al.

21 May to 1 June	Canada Goose at Barnatra saltmarsh and Carrowmore Lake (presumed feral bird)	M Reilly
31 May	Iceland Gull in furst summer plumage at Annagh Beach on the Mullet	M Reilly
30 May	Third Whooper swan now on Roonagh Lough, nr Louisburgh	D Cabot
12 May	Spotted Flycatchers in the grounds around the GMIT, Castlebar	J Milroy
11 May	Adult Whooper Swan previously at Corragaun Lough, Killadoon, now at Roonagh Lough, Killadoon, nr Louisburgh where it has joined another adult that has been present there for weeks.	D Cabot
9 & 10 May	Buff-breasted Sandpiper,Annagh Beach, on the Mullet	M Reilly
7 & 8 May	Swifts arrive in Castlebar, Killala and Foxford	R-A Leak
5 May	Report of Sand Martins nestimg in bogland where turf has been cut, Hollymount area	via J Milroy

26 Apr	Immature Whooper Swan on Lough Nambrackkeagh, Curryane between Swinford & Kilkelly	R-A Leak
25 Apr	Reports of Cuckoo across the county
23 Apr	1 adult Whooper Swan, 13 Greylag, 25 Shelduck and 22 Sandwich Terns at Roonagh Lough, Killadoon, nr Louisburgh 1 adult Whooper Swan also at Corragaun Lough, Killadoon, Louisburgh, also marked passage of Golden Plover in breeding plumage over last 2 weeks	D Cabot
23 Apr	Whitethroats at Knockmore House Martin near Attymass	R-A Leak
21 Apr	25 Whimbrel near Balla	C Benson
20 Apr	Common Sandpiper and Grasshopper Warbler at Lough Rusheen, Castlebar	J Milroy
18 Apr	Approx 80 Golden Plover in a field between Knockmore and Ballina	Trudy
18 Apr	Second Corncrake heard near Carne House on the Mullet	T Gordon
17 Apr	Barn Owl near Westport	J O’Grady
17 Apr	Cuckoo at Doughmakeon, nr Louisburgh	A Osbourne
17 Apr	Corncrake heard at Carne Hill on the Mullet, assumed same one reported on 9th	T Gordon
16 Apr	Sightings from Belmullet – 5 Common Eider, 6 Long-tailed Duck, 8 Purple Sandpiper and 6 White Wagtail at Cross; 3 Gadwall, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 40 Twite and 50 Black-tailed Godwit at Termoncarragh	M Reilly
16 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler at Askillaun, Nr Louisburgh	A Osbourne
16 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler in heather and scrub at Dooleeg, Ballacorich	D McNicholas & W Woodrow
15 Apr	Cuckoo at Dooaghtry, Killaddon, Louisburgh	D Cabot
15 Apr	Cuckoo heard at Sarnaught, Castlebar 8.00am	P Lavelle
14 Apr	Dotteral at west end Clare Island	E McGreal
13 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler heard at Clogher Bog near Belcarra	L Huxley
12 Apr	Blackap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler at Moorehall Woods	L Huxley
10 Apr	25 Golden Plover in summer plumage at Raheen Bar wind farm, near Castlebar Also Cuckoo seen in flight (not calling so maybe female)	P McNally
10 Apr	First House Martin spotted at Inishea Islands	D Cabot
9 Apr	First report of Corncrake at Carne Hill on the Mulllet	T Gordon
8 Apr	Killala Habour – Black Guillemot in summer plumage Ross Strand, Killala – 110+ Brent Geese feeding on the strand while Swallows fly overhead	R-A Leak
7 Apr	18 Great Northern Divers in small group off White Strand, Tullavbaun, Killadoon	D Cabot
3 Apr	8 WillowWarbler and 1 Blackcap at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar	J Milroy
2 Apr	Chiffchaff near Castlebar Swallow over Castlebcourt Hotel, Westport and over the Quays at Westport	J Milroy D Cabot
1 Apr	Tullavbaun, Killadoon- first Willow Warbler and Swallow of the area Juvenile Peregrine Falcom and three Chough also seen at the same location	D Cabot

29 Mar	First Sand Martin of the area, Tullavbaun, Killadoon	D Cabot
27 Mar	First Wheatear of the area, Tullavbaun, Killadoon	D Cabot
24 Mar	2 male & 1 female Wheatear, Merlin and Raven feed nestlings nr Ceide Fields	Chris Benson

26 Feb	Red-throated Diver off Kilcummin Head in full breeding plumage with red throat Green-winged Teal in Killala harbour – drake paired with female Eurasian Teal Iceland Gull at Lacken Strand – first winter bird 3 Long-tailed Duck at Barnasock Point, Moy Estuary – 2 males and female with males displaying & calling	M David M Casey
18 Feb	Goosander seen on Erriff River	E McGreal
9 Feb	Sightings from Cross Lough on the Mullet: 50+ Barnacle Geese, 14 Whooper Swan, 12 Mute Swan, 70+ Curlew in flight, 6 Redshank 12+ Tufted Duck, 3 Teal, 8 Mallard, 3 pairs Scaup	M Kenney
7 Feb	First winter Glaucous Gull at Annagh Beach, on the Mullet Kingfisher on the Muihin Rover outlet from Carrowmore Lake, nr Bangor Erris	M Reilly
3 Feb	Black Brant at Leam Lough on the Mullet American Coot on Termoncarra Lake	M Reilly
2 Feb	Sightings from Killala Harbour 9.30am – 11.30am Weather grey and overcast, light SW wind and light to heavy showers: 50 – 60 Brent Geese (Light-bellied), 40+ Curlew, 20+ Bar-tailed Godwit Numerous Redshank, Cormorant and Oystercatchers 6 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, , 30+ Wigeon, 4 Teal (no sign of Green Winged Teal) 2 Little Egret, 6+ Hooded Crows 3 Male & 1 Female Red-breasted Merganser Black Guillemot – either 1st winter or just starting to moult to summer plumage Pied Wagtail	M Kenney

19 Jan	Snow Goose plus 2 Pink-footed Geese at Termoncarragh, Belmullet Green Winged Teal and Ringed Neck Duck on Carrowmore Lake along with 2 Greeland Whitefronted Geese by the lake	M Reilly
6 Jan	American Coot still on Termoncarragh Lake, Belmullet along with four Coot at the northern end 1st Winer Snow Bunting, female, also seen at Termoncarragh Three Goosanders, one male and two female, at the Bangor end of Carrowmore Lake, Bangor Erris	M Reilly
4 Jan	Little Egret at Killala, up to 5 seen so far this year but possibly more	D Walshe
3 Jan	Buzzard seen eating roadkill at Ballintean, Killala	C Dunleavy
3 Jan	American Coot seen at Termoncarragh, Belmullet Mealy Redpoll at Glenlara, Belmullet – click for photos	S Feeney, D Skehan & M Casey

2010

Date	Bird Reported	Observer
Late Dec	Kingfisher flying over Moy in Ballina	D Walshe
25 Dec	Waxwings feeding with garden birds in Killala	C Dunleavy
12 Dec	Green-winged Teal, Killala	Branch Outing
10 Dec	2 Brambling, garden near Westport	W Stringer
7 Dec	1 Brambling and 7 Waxwing, garden near Westport	W Stringer

29 Nov	Adult Black Brant at Carricklahan, (returning bird)	M Reilly
27 Nov	Snow Bunting at Annagh Beach	M Reilly
27/28 Nov	Up to 43 Waxwing seen at Carrowbaun, and Westport town 11 Little Egret at the Quay	W Stringer
25 Nov	13 Little Egret roosting at Westport Quay	D Fabby
25 Nov	American Coot at Termon Lake and Graveyard along with one Lapaland Bunting and 50 Twite Snow Goose, one Snow Bunting, 16 Twite, 5 Slavonian Greve and 1 Red-necked Grebe at Trawmore Shraigh, 7km outside Belmullet at Tir Saile	J Murphy
Mid-Nov	Sightings from Erris: Hen Harrier ringtail (female) at Lean Lough n the mullet (12th); Snow Goose (adult with morph) at Trawmore Shraigh, Belmullet (15th); Black Brant and Green-winged Teal male at Killala Harbour (18th); Pink Footed Goose & American Coot at Termoncarra Lake on the Mullet (21st) – Americam Coot originally seen by D Suddaby on 15th	M Reilly
17 Nov	Ross Strand area, Killala Bay : 20 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1 Little Egret, 10+ Curlew, 10+ Redshank Killala Harbour: 200+ Brent Geese, Oystercatchers, Curlew and Redshank in good numbers, 8 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Greenshank, 2 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 3 Turnstone	M Kenney
16 Nov	31 Waxwing at Lough Lannagh (cemetery) car park	J Milroy
10 Nov	Male Green-winged Teal and male Ringed-neck Duck at Carrowmore Lake, Erris	M Reilly
10 Nov	Sightings at River Brusna / Moy, Ballina: Treecreeper, Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Gull, Brent Geese, Wigeon, Redshank, Curlew	P & S Jones
3 Nov	Several hundred, if not thousands of Duck on Lough Cullin, probibly Tufted, also 1 Great Northern Diver	J Milroy
3 Nov	Over 2,000 Golden Plover at Balllyglass, Claremorris	D Fabby

31 Oct	Shrule Turlough – 10 Whoopers, 100+ Golden Plover and 30+ Lapwing	P Clerkin
24 Oct	Sighitngs near Murrisk – 20 Wigeon, 3 Little egret, loads Mallards, 25+ Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, few Turnstone, Black-tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover, Curlew	M & M Harris
20 Oct	Birds at Killala Harbour: 20+ Bar-tailed Godwit, 17 Whoopers, 12 Brent Geese, 5 Heron, 12+ Curlew, 20+ Oystercatcher, 6 Little Egret, 4 Mallard, 5 Red Breasted Mergansers, 6+ Greenshank, 20+ Ringed Plover, 30+ Redshank, 10+ Teal, 2 Turnstone	M Kenney
20 Oct	Whoopers arrive at Lough Cullin – 54 to date, along with 80 Golden Plover	J Milroy
20 Oct	2 Whoopers on Walshpool Lake, near Belcarra	via J Milroy
18 Oct	Sightings from Kilcummin Head between 8am and 3pm: (wind from west with squally showers) – 3 Sooty Shearwaters, 14 Great Skuas, 4 Pomarine Skuas, 5 Manx Shearwater, 4 Great Northern Divers, 3 Barnacle Geese, 30+ Kittiwake – also a Sunfish	M Kenney
16 Oct	Whooper seen at Clew Bay	via J Milroy
13 Oct	Osprey seen catching fish on Lough Carra	G McDonagh
13 Oct	Redwing between Foxford & Pontoon	J Milroy
9 Oct	4 Whoopers arrive at Schruillbeg Lake, Dookinella, Achill	O Calvey
1 Oct	Kingfisher seen clearly from pier at Killala	R-A Leak

26 Sept	1 Common Redpoll caught with 50 Lesser Redpoll in Westport. The Common Redpoll is a rare winter visitor from Scandinavia	W Stringer
26 Sept	House Martins seen still feeding young in nest at Ballindine	C Benson
20 Sept	Juvenile Osprey at Lough Carra	C Huxley
19 Sept	Bairds Sandpiper at Annagh Beach on the Mullet – click for images Letter Yellowlegs on Achill and Snowy Owl at Belmullet – click for images Lesser Yellowlegs	J Murphy
8 Sept	Little Egret seen at Lough Carra	L Huxley
Sept	Sightings in Cooragaun Lough, Tallabaun & Killadoon : 11th Sept : 1 Bar-tailed Godwit on passage 11th Sept : 2 Ruff on passage, probably different from those on 8th Sept 10th Sept : 60 Sandwich Terns on passage, maximum for a week 10th Sept : 32 Curlew, very few last year, maximum for the moment 8th Sept : 4 Ruff 8th – 11th Sept : 7 Red-breaster Mergansers, probibily bred in the area 8th Sept : 1 Whimbrel on passage 6th Sept : 130 Lapwing, high numbers for the area 6th Sept : 7 Greenshank on passage but wintering population increasing 6th Sept : 7 Redshank on passage 6th Sept : 30 Wigeon, first arrivals	D Cabot

August	Sightings in Cooragaun Lough, Tallabaun & Killadoon 30th Aug : 20 Golden Plover, first major arrivals after one on 29th Aug 27th Aug : 16 Chough, local birds	D Cabot
25 August	Juvenile Ruff at Lough Cullin (seen from car park nearest Foxford Station on R318) Still there on 27th click for photos	J Milroy, D Fabby & R-A Leak
15 Aug	11 Brent Geese seen flying over Silver Strand, Louisburgh	W Stringer
9 Aug	45 Curlew and 13 Whimbrel at Cornfield, Hollymount	Chris Benson
1 Aug	Large numbers (200+) Mute Swans on Lough Cullin	John Milroy

26 May	First summer Glaucous Gull at seen Lough Lannagh again	R-A Leak
22 May	Kingfisher at Kiltane, Bangor Erris – unsual sighting for the location and time of year	M Reilly
20 May	Turtle Dove seen between Westport in Aughagower	J Newman
10 May	1st Summer Glaucous Gull at Lough Lannagh (click for report and photo – external link)	M & R-A Leak
8 May	6 Whimbrel at Palmerstown Bridge, nr Killala	R-A Leak
5 May	5 Brent Geese, 6 Whimbrel and 1 First Summer Kittiwake at Killala Harbour	J Milroy & D Fabby

30 Apr	Iceland Gull, 1st Summer, 4 White Wagtail, 1 Greenland type Wheatear and 50 Whimbrel at Cross along with 12 Black-tailed Godwit at Leam Lough, both on the Mullet	M O’Reilly
28 Apr	Swifts flying over Foxford	R-A Leak
25 Apr	Whitethroat nr Attymass	R-A Leak
25 Apr	Whitethroat and 20 Whimbrel at Cornfield, Holymount	C Benson
24 Apr	Wheatear in the car park of Tesco, Ballinrobe	C Benson
24 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler at Askillaun, Louisburgh	A Osborne
23 Apr	House Martins inspecting old nest on the Westport / Castlebar road	C Benson
22 Apr	6 Sandwich Terns and 7 Whoopers at Roonah Lough	W Stringer
22 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler at Cornfield, Hollymount	C Benson
20 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler at Logmore, Belmullet	T Gordon
20 Apr	Report of Corncrake north of Castlebar	Unconfirmed
20 Apr	Cuckoo heard along the west road outside of Louisburgh Cuckoo also heard at Crimlin Church	M Devereux S O’Donnell
17 Apr	Cuckoo calling at Slaughter Hill, Westport, previously seen on 8th & 9th	P Hughes
17 Apr	Several Great Northern Divers on Lough Conn, assumed to be resting during their migration north	J Milroy
17 Apr	Cuckoos reported at Knockmore, Westport and Castlebar	S Meaney, P Hughes & via J Milroy
16 Apr	Cuckoo heard at Shanvolahan, N Mayo Also heard at Ballinlough / Kilmeena	J & N Freestone L McElderry
15 Apr	Cuckoo heard at Glenhest	H van Pesch
15 Apr	16 Brent Geese still at Mulranny	W Stringer
14 Apr	4 Blackcap at Moore Hall	C Huxley
14 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler at Derrycorrib, Erris	M Reilly
13 Apr	12 White Wagtails at Cross on the Mullet	M Reilly
10 Apr	Black Duck at Sruhill (Dooinver) Lough	M O’Briain
10 Apr	Sedge Warbler near Knockmore, Ballina	R-A Leak
9 Apr	Reports of Swallows and Willow Warlbers from accross the county
9 Apr	Peregrine Falcon, Castle Burke, Lough Carra	L Huxley
8 Apr	3 Swallows seen at Ballinlough, Kilmeena , Westport	L McElderry
8 Apr	58 Brent Geese at Keel, Achill	M O’Briain
7 Apr	105 Great Northern Divers and 50 Red-throated Divers off north-east corner of Achill 2 Whooper swans at Lough Doo 48 Barnacle Geese in Inishgallon	M O’Briain
7 Apr	Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Cornfield, Ballinrobe	C Benson
6 Apr	52 Brent Geese and 2 Purple Sandpiper along shoreline in Dooinver	M O’Briain
6 Apr	3 Swallows seen at Cornfield, nr Ballinrobe	C Benson
4 Apr	200 Sand Martins and 60 Swallows feeding over the reed beds Keel Bridge, nr, Partry	L Huxley

28 Mar	Wheaters seen at the deserted village on Achill	R-A Leak
17 Mar	Black Brant on Leam Lough on the Mullet	M Reilly
11 Mar	1 Male Black Duck at Sruhill Lough, Achill 25 Brent Geese on Dooinver Beach, including 2 Dark-bellied	M O’Briain
10 Mar	Drake Goosander and drake Ring-necked Duck on Carrowmore Lake, nr Bangor, Erris Drake Green-winged Teal and hybrid Norther Shovler X Bluewinged Teal at Corss Lough on the Mullet	M Reilly
7 Mar	1 x Common Sandpiper and 1 x Greenshank seen near Belmullet	C Benson
4 Mar	7 Razorbills seen off Kilcummin Head – click for photo	J Foss
4 Mar	Little Egret seen at Palmerstown Bridge (between Killala and Ballycastle, N Mayo) – click for photo	J Foss
28 Feb	Male Black Duck at Sruhill (Dooinver) Lough, Achill 38+ Great Northern and 12 Red Throated Divers off north east coast of Achill 1 Whooper at Dugort Machair	M O’Briain
28 Feb	Outing to Killala produced good sightings including Grey Plover, Red-necked Diver, Black Guillemot and Long-tailed Duck	Branch Outing
27 Feb	10 Purple Sandpipers on shoreline opposite Sruhill Lough, Achill 4 Barnacle Geese on Inishgallon Island	M O’Briain
26 Feb	44 Brent Geese (including 3 ringed) at Dooinver Beach on Achill 2 Eider Ducks at Achill Sound north of Clogmore 2 Whoopers at Keel Lake	M O’Briain
11 Feb	Juvenile Peregrine seen at Kilcummin Head, North Mayo	J Foss
10 Feb	Purple Sandpiper at Bartraw Beach, Murrisk also several mixed divers seen off shore (Red Throated and Great Northern)	J Milroy
24 Jan	American Black Duck at Dooninver Lough on Achill	L Benson & S Kingston
23 Jan	Green-winged Teal at Carrowmore Lake, nr Bangor, Erris	M Reilly
18 Jan	Ring-necked Duck seen again on Carrowmore	S O’Byrne
14 Jan	Male Ring-necked Duck seen on Carrowmore Lake,Bangor, Erris	M Reilly
13 Jan	1 Little Egret at Corragaun Lough, Tullavbaun, Killadoon	D Cabot
5 Jan	One first winter Glaucous Gull on Annagh Beach, on the Mullet	M Reilly
4 – 11 Jan	High concentration of birds feeding on machair at Tullavbaun, Killadoon including 300 Redwing, 20 Fieldfares, 100 Starling, 20 Meadow Piptits and 260 Golden Plover	D Cabot
First 2 weeks Jan	Sightings from Achill – 19 Whoopers on Keel Lake (11 juveniles) along with 3 Male Wigeon, 12 Curlew, 30 Tufted Ducks, 20 Mallard and 10 Mute Swan 5 Pochard,, 2 Mallard and 3 Mute on Dookinella (Sruhillbeg) Lake Good numbers of Redwings, also Lapwings , Shelduck, Rock Doves and a Peregrine Falcon	O Calvey
4 Jan	1 Female / Immature Long-tailed Duck off Dooinver beach, 40 Great Norther Divers off the Dooinver coastalong with 8 Common Scoters – Achill	M O’Brien
3 Jan	48 Whoopers at Keel Lake 1 Peregrine Falcon at Sruhill Lough, 1 Water Rail at the frozen pond at Dooinver – all on Achill	M O’Brien
2 Jan	Male Black Duck at Sruhill Lough (Dooniver) 2 Greylag Geese at Keel Lake – both on Achill	M O’Brien
1 Jan	Water Rail along with 20 Snipe near Kilmaine	N Sharkey

2009

29 Dec	Male Hen Harrier seen at Ballintubber	C Benson
28 Dec	Whoopers Swans seen on Rathbawn Lake, Castlebar 6 Oystercatchers and Redwing seen on Mulranny Golf Course	K McGreal
18 Dec	Buzzard east of Kilmaine	N Sharkey
18 Dec	1 whitephase Gyr Falcon in the bog / sika spruce are at Kilmovee	P Smyth
15 Dec	One Little Egret and a flock of Pochard (including 3 males) at Belclare, Westport	M Rabbette
14 Dec	2 Eider Ducks seen in the channel at Achill Sound, also the Black Duck still at Sruhill	M O’Briain
13 Dec	Male Black Duck at Sruhill (Dooinver) Lough (NE Achill), also 37 Great Northern Divers off Dooinver Coast, Achill	M O’Briain
11 Dec	9 Purple Sandpipers on shoreline opposite Sruhill (Dooinver) Lough (NE Achill)	M O’Briain
9 Dec	Long Eared Owl at Cooneal, between Ballina & Killala	M Gawley
6 Dec	Little Auk found on road between Kilkelly & Swinford. Taken care of overnight and safety released on 7th	via RA Leak
2 Dec	600 Golden Plover, 130 Lapwing and 31 Whooper Swans – in flooded areas around Ballyvary and Bohola (N5)	J Milroy
30 Nov	Great Northern Diver on Carrowmore Lake, Black Redstart at Annagh Head, both in Erris	M Reilly
29 Nov	Long-billed Dowitcher confirmed at Leam Lough, Mediterranean Gull at Belmullet Docks, Iceland Gull, Frenchport all on the Mullet	M Reilly
24 Nov	Snowy Owl seen perched at Enniscrone near pier	M Hannan via M Gawley
16 Nov	Peregrine Falcon at Fahy Lough, Ballycroy	L McDaid
10 Nov	3 Brent Geese with rings feeding at Mulranny	L McDaid
10 Nov	7 Whooper Swans, Keel Lough, Achill	L McDaid
10 Nov	1 Black Redstart at Annagh Head and 10 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Terrmoncarragh, Belmullet	M Reilly
9 Nov	One Snow Bunting near Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscone, along the Devlin River, feeding with mixed group of finches, Reed Buntings, Skylarks and pipits	M Gawley
6 Nov	5 Greenland Fronted Geese, Fahy Lough, Ballycroy	L McDaid
5 Nov	2 Snow Bunting (one male, one female) Keel Machair, Achill	L McDaid
29 Oct	Yellow-legged Gull on Annagh Beach, along with one Blackcap and a juvenile Buzzard at Annagh Plantation – on the Mullet	M Reilly
25 Oct	6 Little Egrets at Killala – see photo of 5 of them	M Casey
24 Oct	One drake green-winged Teal on Carrowmore Lake, Erris (returning bird) and one male Ringed Ouzel at Terrmoncarragh on the Mullet	M Reilly
22 Oct	Kingfisher and Spotted Redshank at Palmerstown Bridge, nr Killala	M Reilly
20 Oct	8 Little Egrets at Killala, nr Ross Strand	J Donnelly
18 Oct	Spotted Redshank at Killala (opposite NCF)	RA Leak
18 Oct	Large group of Fieldfare with few Redwings arrive in Attymass	RA Leak
17 Oct	Sightings from The Mullet – 1 Yellow-browed Warbler, 1 Tree Pipit., 11 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 40 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 1 Merlin	C Benson
15 Oct	1 Little Egret at Keel Lake, Achill	O Calvey
15 Oct	12 Whoopers arrive at Lough Conn (12 adults and 2 juvenile)	D Fabby
11 Oct	1 Snow Bunting on Mweelin, Achill	W Stringer
10 Oct	250 Brent Geese, along with good views of Grey Plover, Dunlin, Wigeon, Redshank and Godwit at Moyne / Ballysakeary Moy Estuary	M Gawley
2 Oct	2 Whooper Swans on Lough Doo along with 32 Tufted Ducks at Keel both on Achill	L McDaid
2 Oct	1 Ring-necked Duck (male in eclipse) on Carrowmore Lak 2 Curlew Sandpipers (juv) on Annagh Beach	M Reilly
1 Oct	Buzzard reported near railway walk behind Westland Housing Estate, Westport	via M Hogan
1 Oct	1 juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Tranmore Shraigh 3 Slavonian Grebe of Shraigh Beach, on the Mullet, along with 1 Peregrine Falcon	M Reilly
30 Sept	26 House Martins seen flying south over Westport	M Hogan
29 Sept	1 Buzzard and 1 Merlin along with 14 Chough at Annagh Marsh Seawatching at Annagh Head 6pm – 7pm : 35 Sooty Shearwater, 40 Great Skua, 17 Pomarine Skuas, 7 Arctic Skuas, 1 Great Northern Diver, and 40 Barnacle Geese	M Reilly
26 Sept	1 Snow Bunting at Annagh Head	M Reilly
24 Sept	1 juvenile Sabines Gull and 2 Grey Phalaropes – seawatching at Annagh Head	M Reilly
23 Sept	American Golden Plover (different than one spotted on 22nd) Annagh Beach on the Mullet	D Suddaby
22 Sept	1 Buff-breasted Sandpiper and 1 American Golden Plover (adult moulting) at Dunnambo Gladree on the Mullet	M Reilly
22 Sept	1 Black-browed Albatross flying south at Annagh Head, Belmullet 1 Solitary Sandpiper seen initially at Annagh Head then between Termoncarragh and The Glebe area	D Suddaby
19 Sept	9 Lapland Bunting and 1 adult Long-talied Skua at Erris Head and 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull at Annagh Beach on the Mullet	D Suddaby
19 Sept	Seawatching at Kilcummin Head – 200+ Sooty Shearwater, 16 Great Skua, 2 Pomarine Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 2 Storm Petrel, 1 Leach’s Petrel, 1 Sabine’s Gull	J Donaldson
19 Sept	Lesser Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap, 2 Chiffchaff and 100+ Twite at Erris Head, on the Mullet	C Benson
18 Sept	2 Mediterranean Gull at Belmullet Docks (1 adult and 1 x 1st Winter) 2 x 2nd Winter Ring-billed Gulls at Annagh Head and Annagh Beach on the Mullet	D Suddaby
18 Sept	Peregrine at Ballinrobe	C Benson
18 Sept	1 Adult female Snowy Owl on Termon Hill in the Mullet	D Suddaby
17 Sept	7 Lapland Bunting on Annagh Head and Termon Hill	D Suddaby
15 Sept	1 Curlew Sandpiper at Ballycastle Strand 1 Little Stint at Lacken Back Strand Seawatch at Kilcummin Head – 10 Great Skua, 3 Artic Skua, 1 Merlin	J Donaldson
15 Sept	Snowy Owl at Termon Hill and 1 male Ring-necked Duck at Carrowmore Lough, Bangor	C Cronin
13 Sept	Juvenile Little Stint with Dunlin at Roonah Lough, Louisburgh. Also Knot, Lapwing and First Winter Med Gull (showing Darvic Ring)	D Breen
13 Sept	Good views of first winter Citrine Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail at Corragaun Lough, Killadoon	D Breen
9 Sept	130 Greylag Geese on Terrmoncarragh Lough, on the Mullet	M Wright
7 Sept	1 Lapland Bunting at Termon Hill on the Mullet	D McAdams, JL Copte
7 Sept	1 eclipse male Ring-necked Duck at Carrowmore Lake, near Bangor Erris
6 Sept	1 adult female Snowy Owl at Termon Hill on the Mullet	D McAdams, JL Copte
5 Sept	5 Gadwall below Palmerstown Bridge, Killala – Ballycastle Road	S Meaney
4 Sept	Seawatching at Kilcummin Head between 6.50am and 7pm – 12 Great Sheawater, 70 Sooty Sheawater, 128 Great Skua, 5 Pomarine Skua, 16 Arctic Skua, 11 Sabine’s Gull, 2 Storm Peterel, 5 Leach’s Petrel, 3 Puffin, 139 Arctic Tern, 30 Sandwich Tern	J Donaldson, S Feeney, N Keogh et al
3 Sept	Seawatching at Kilcummin Head between 7am and 7pm – 6 Cory’s Sheawater, 1 Baleric Shearwater, 195 Sooty Shearwater, 70 Great Skua, 17 Arctic Skua 3 Pomarine Skua, 19 Sabine’s Gull, 1 Grey Phalarope,6 Leach’s Petrel, 141 Arctic Tern	D Charles, P Doherty, J Donaldson & S Feeney
2 Sept	9 Swift over Killala (late sighting)	D Charles
29 Aug	6 Brent Geese at Killala	S Meaney
21 Aug	Juvenile Ruff at Leam Lough, Belmullet	M Reilly
11 Aug	Snowy Owl seen at Tarmon Hill, Belmullet	R Hunter
8 Aug	Female Snowy Owl on Tarmon Hill, Belmullet	D Suddaby
3 Aug	Rock Dove seen on Clare Island	M Casey
12 July	2 Wood Warblers heard in Drummin Woods, between Pontoon & Foxford (opp 2nd car park)	J Milroy & S Meaney
11 July	40 Whimbrel at Cornfield, Hollymount	C Benson
10 July	Approx 50 Swift flying over Healey’s Hotel, Pontoon	J Milroy
10 July	American Golden Plover in Summer plumage at Roonah Lough, L755765	P Lonergan

24 June	10 Greenshank, Castleconnor, Moy Estuary and 1 Cuckoo at Rathmeal, Ballina	J Donnelly
23 June	2 Osprey seen fishing on Ballinlough, north of Westport	via S Meaney
20 June	Seawatching report from Kilcummin including good numbers of Manx Sheawater	S Feeney & J Donaldson
12 June	Spotted Flycatcher seen around Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar	J Milroy
22 May	1 Cuckoo, 4 Black Guillemots, 7 Whimbrel and 6 Great Northern Divers (3 in summer plumage) at Rathfran Bay	J Donnelly
20 May	6 Corncrake heard near Roonagh Pier and 1 at Doonakeon, West of Louisburgh	T Gordon
19 May	1st Summer Female Snowy Owl see on Inishkea North	D Suddaby
17 May	House Martins seen in Ballyvary	RA Leak
16 May	1 Yellow-legged Gull in Belmullet Town, 1 Ring-billed Gull and 1 Long-tailed Skua at Cross Lough on the Mullet	D Suddaby
14 May	21 Pomerine Skuas in two groups rafting of Mulranney Pier	M Reilly
14 May	White-billed Diver at Inishboffin	via W Stringer
13 May	One Curlew Sandpiper in summer plumage on Shraigh Beach, Belmullet, along with a mixed flock of Dunlin and Sanderling	M Reilly
11 May	Swifts over Castlebar	J Milroy & RA Leak
10 May	17 Swifts over Westport	W Stringer
2 May	Whitethroat at Cornfield, Hollymount	C Benson
28 Apr	Corncrake Update – flurry of Corncrakes have arrived in the last 24 hours with one reported at Doolough, two at Carne House, Belmullet and one at Glebe. Also three on Inishturbot, one or two at Aghy and possibly one in Belmullet town.	T Gordon
28 Apr	6 Redshank, representing at least one breeding pair locally, along with 4 Red-breasted Mergansers (3 males, 1 female) at Corragaun Lough, nr Killeen, Louisburgh	D Cabot
28 Apr	10 Greylag Geese, 6 Adult Whooper Swans, 8 Tufted Ducks and 1 Common Sandpiper at Roonagh Lough, nr Louisburgh	D Cabot
27 Apr	Whimbrel at Tullavbaun, nr Louisburgh	D Cabot
27 Apr	30+ Whimbrel outside Knock, (Ballyhaunis Road)	J Milroy
26 Apr	2 Sedge Warblers at Lough Lannagh	J Milroy
24 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler heard at Aghinish, w of Louisburgh	A Osborne
23 Apr	Cuckoo heard at Carrajames, Belcarra	L Huxley
22 Apr	11 Whimbrel near Ballindine	C Benson
19-24 Apr	Corncrakes heard nr Roonah, w of Louisburgh; east of Claremorris and 2 on Inishturbot	T Gordon, M & B Lyons & D Godden
20 Apr	1 Whimbrel at Lough Carra	L Huxley
19 April	Buzzard soaring over Cornfield, Hollymount	C Benson
22nd Mar – 8 Apr	Sightings on Inishkea Island including 3,000 Barnacle Geese, 1 Gry x Saker Falcon and satellite tracked geese. For full details of sightings click here To track the satellite tagged Barnacles click here	D Cabot
20 Apr	Whimbrel seen at Lough Carra	L Huxley
19 Apr	Female Ring-necked Duck still present at Cross Lough, Killadoon with Tufted Duck	D Cabot
14 Apr	Grasshopper Warbler on Clare Island	E McGreal
14 Apr	60 Light-bellied Brent at Lacken, nr Killala	S Meaney
13 Apr	1 male Ring-necked Duck at Cross Lough on the Mullet, along with 1 first winter Ring-billed Gull and 1 adult Glaucous Gull 1 male Ring-necked Duck at Carrowmore Lake nr Bangor	D Suddaby
12 Apr	Blackcap heard singing in woods at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar	J Milroy
12 Apr	5 House Martin at Ashford Castle, Cong	M Reimann
12 Apr	Female Ring-necked Duck at Cross Lough, Killaddon, Louisburgh	D Breen
12 Apr	Second Cuckoo reported, Sarnaught, Castlebar	W Lavelle
11 Apr	First Cuckoo reported at Ballinlough, north of Westport	L McElderry
7 Apr	Swallow at Killadoon, w of Louisburgh	E McGreal
5 Apr	Willow Warbler singing at Cornfield, nr Holymount	C Benson
4 Apr	Swallow nr Attymass	RA Leak
4 Apr	276 Brent Geese at Lecanvey, Louisburgh while Sandwich Terns fly overhead – winter meets summer	W Stringer
3 Apr	2 Willow Warbler heard, 4 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin nr Belcarra	L Huxley
3 Apr	100 Swallows at Loch Cullin along with Willow Warbler and Whoopers	S Meaney
30 March	Corncrake on Inisturbot, first for the season	via T Gordon
27 March	Sandwich Tern seen near Berta, nr Murrisk	D McLoughlin
22 March	2 Buzzards and 1 Wheatear at Lough Furnace, nr Newport	L McElderry
21 March	Chiffchaff singing at Cornfield, nr Hollymount	C Benson
20 March	Wheatear at Roonagh Lough and Sand Martins at Carrowmore, west of Louisburgh	E McGreal
19 March	Buzzard seen at Cornfield, nr Hollymount	C Benson
19 March	100+ Whooper Swans along with 300+ Golden Plover at Cloonglowa, nr Ballinrobe	C Benson
17 March	Gyr Falcon seen at 1pm from Annagh Head on the mullet; previously seen near Frenchport on 15th	M Reilly
16 March	Snow Goose with Greylags at Cross Lough and 40 Twite at Termmoncarragh both on the Mullet	M Casey
16 March	Little Gull, Westport Quay	D Fabby
12 March	1 Little Egret, tidal marsh, Murrisk, Clew Bay	D Cabot
12 March	1 adult Glaucous Gull, Corragaun Lough, nr Killadoon. Unusual at this location, present since 6th March and feeding on carrion	D Cabot
6 March	1 Iceland Gull, Achill Sound	C Benson
5 March	100+ Whoopers at Cloongowla, Ballinrobe	C Benson
2 March	Waxwings seen feeding in Ballina Town	M Gawley
27 Feb	2 Iceland Gulls on the River Moy, Ballina Town	J Donnolly
19 Feb	4 Glaucous Gull near Louisburgh	E McGreal
12 Feb	Buzzard seen near Ballinrobe	J Knight
11 Feb	Willow Warbler heard singing at Aughagower, Westport	M Hogan
7 Feb	Male Blackcap in Westport town	W Stringer
7 Feb	One 1st winter Iceland Gull feeding in a field at Tonemore, nr Belmullet 11 Glaucous Gulls around the Mullet including 2 adults at Annagh Beach, 1 adult first winter and 1 third winter Cross Lough, 2 first winter on beach south of Cross Point, 1 second winter on beach N of Casilean nr Aughleam One adult Ringed-billed Gull at Elly Strand 3 Purple Sandpiper at Caislean	M Reilly
7 Feb	Albino Redwing seen in fields near Belcarra	R A Leak
4 Feb	2 Jays at Sheskin Lodge, Sheskin Forest nr Bellacorrick, Erris	M Reilly
2 Feb	9 Crossbills, 1 Merlin and 1 Woodcock at Oweniny Bog, Bellacorrick	A Copland

31 Jan	Glaucous Gull seen at Barnabaun, Killadoon, w of Louisburgh	W Stringer
30 Jan	Iceland Gull along with 3 Glaucous Gulls seen at Cross Lough, Louisburgh	D Fabby
28 Jan	Pink Footed Goose seen with Whoopers from the Ballyhaunis Road, Knock	J Milroy
28 Jan	First winter Snow Bunting seen at Partry	E McGreal
25 Jan	Glaucous Gull seen at Keel Strand, Achill	L McDaid
22 Jan	One Iceland Gull seen at Lough Roonagh, west of Louisburgh	E McGreal
22 Jan	One only Pink Footed Goose, one Greylag Goose and 140 Light Bellied Brent at Trawboy, Ballycroy	M Reilly
20 Jan	Long-eared Owl seen near Crossmolina	via C McElhinney
20 Jan	2 Iceland Gulls, one adult and one first winter, seen between Dooyork and Kanfinalta Point, east side of Blacksod Bay on the Mullet	M Reilly
18 Jan	One drake Ring-necked Duck and one drake Green-winged Teal seen on Carrowmore Lake near Bangor, Erris	D Suddaby
18 Jan	20 Pink-footed Geese and one white phase Snow Goose seen at Cross Lough on the Mullet	D Suddaby
18 Jan	One Black Brant seen at Leam Lough on the Mullet	D Suddaby
18 Jan	One first winter Iceland Gull and one first winter Glaucous Gull seen at Annagh on the Mullett	D Suddaby
11 – 16 Jan	Two Great Northern Divers frequenting Knockmore Bay, (sw of Ballina)	L Mitchell
13 Jan	White morph adult Snow Goose with Greylag flock at southern end of Cross Lough on the Mullet. Also 20 Pink-footed Geese, including the neck-collarded individual, on the Mullet	M Reilly
12 Jan	Barn Owl heard around Newport . Second time heard in this location	L McDaid
9 Jan	Brent Geese at Mulranny, counted 98 individual birds including 4 with rings	L McDaid
8 Jan	Little Egret in garden near Knockmore, Ballina	S Meaney
8 Jan	Three 1st winter Ring-billed Gulls at Cross Lough on the Mullet, also one 1st winter and one 2nd winter Ring-billed Gull at Belmullet Docks	D Suddaby
8 Jan	1 adult Mediterranean gull at Belmullet Docks	D Suddaby
8 Jan	1 Black Brant at Carricklan near Belmullet	D Suddaby

2008

31 Dec

Snowy Owl found injured near Foxford – click for details and photo

N O’Hagan

31 Dec

Barn Owl seen near Westport

W Stringer

28 Dec

Sightings From Erris / Belmullet:
Carrowmore Lake – Ring-necked Duck still present, seen at the north end
Pickle Point, Belmullet – Ring-billed Gull just off the harbour, along with an adult Mediterranean Gull
Termoncarragh Lake – 19 Pink-footed Geese including one with a neck-collar ‘LNC’ which was ringed at Meikle Loch, Aberdeenshire, Scotland on 12th April 2007. Also c500 Barnacle Geese.

R Bonser & J Jones

28 Dec

1 Little Egret seen at Westport Quay

R Bonser & J Jones

27 Dec

400 Golden Plover at Carrowholly, Westport

M Hogan

25 Dec

300 Golden Plover, 2 Grey Plover, 250 Light-bellied Geese at Killala

M Hogan

19 Dec

Whooper Swan with ring number ASV back in Aughagower, Westport with 3 juveniles. She was first ringed as an adult in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1995 by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
For details of where she has been seen since first ringing, click here

E McGeal

18 Dec

1 Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans) at saleen, Belmullet

D Suddaby

16 Dec

36 Greenland White-fronted Geese at Erris

M Reilly

16 Dec

1 drake Ring-necked Duck on Carrowmore Lake, 1 Hen Harrier seen near Bangor

M Reilly

14 Dec

Buzzard seen near Leenane

D Fabby

12 Dec

King Eider still present at Frenchport Pier and seen from sculpture near Annagh Head

D Suddaby & M Reilly

10 Dec

First winter male King Eider Duck at Frenchport Pier, Annagh on the Mullet, along with 1 Glaucous Gull and 1 Iceland Gull

D Suddaby

10 Dec

40 Twite seen at Dunnamo Gladree, on the Mullet

M Reilly

9 Dec

Male Hen Harrier seen north of Castlebar

W Lavelle

6 Dec

30+ Woodcock in wood near Hollymount

C Benson

1 Dec

4 Waxwing seen feeding on a rowan tree at Garryduff near Castlebar. Keep an eye out around rowan trees, especially near churches and gardens for starling shaped birds which are buff in colour and sometimes show a small crest. This is a good time of year to spot them

M McLoughlin

1 Dec

1 male and 1 female Shoveler seen at Westport Quay, unusual for the time of year at this location, although are common in other areas of Mayo

M Hogan

23 Nov

2 Merlin near Hollymount

C Benson

22 Nov

Wigeons in field near Hollymount (locally scarce)

C Benson

22 Nov

3 Little Egret and 1 Kingfisher seen between Annagh and Murrisk, west of Westport

D Daly

22 Nov

Ring-billed Gull at Rosclave, just south of Newport

S Meaney

20 Nov

Seawatching at Kilcummin Head:
51 Grey Phalarope, 1 Little Auk, 6 Twite, 6 Common Scoter, 7 Great Northern Diver, 6 Red-throated Diver
Small passage of common auks, gulls and Gannets

S Feeney

18 Nov

3 Buzzard over Mullafarry Quarry near Killala, 4 Little Egret at Killala

J Donnelly

17 Nov

1 first winter Glaucous Gull at Annagh Beach on the Mullet

D Suddaby

16 Nov

1 Green-winged Teal still on Carrowmore Lake near Bangor

M Reilly

15 Nov

23 Light-bellied Brent Geese (including juveniles) at Lecanvey (between Westport and Louisburgh). They use this area when the small river flows into the sea at low tide as they have access to their feeding site

L Shelley

13 Nov

1 juvenile Eider Duck at Annagh Beach on the Mullet

M Reilly

13 Nov

6 Long-tailed Duck off Belderra on the Mullet

M Reilly

11 Nov

2 Black-throated Diver, 2 Great Northern Diver in Broadhaven Bay and 12 Black Guillemot at Shanahee on the Mullet

M Reilly

11 Nov

1 juvenile Common Tern at Annagh Beach, on the Mullet

D Suddaby

11 Nov

1 Snow Goose (adult, white morph) at Termoncarragh Marsh on the Mullet

D Suddaby

9 Nov

Seawatching at Kilcummin Head today:
A cold but enjoyable day. Total counts 0900-1500 hrs – 12 Great Northern Divers, 6 Red-throated Divers, 6 Little Auks, 262 Grey Phalaropes (lots of groups in double figures, very few singles), 1 Sooty Shearwater, 2 Manx Shearwater, 1 juvenile Little Gull, 6 Great Skua, 1 Arctic Skua, 1000 Kittiwakes, 30 Fulmars, 2 Storm Petrels, 1 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Twite, 2 Snow Bunting flew in off the sea.
Good number of Gannets, very small numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills

S Feeney

9 Nov

1 adult male Black Redstart seen at Cogaula, near Westport. Last year on 29th Oct, a Black Redstart was found accidentally trapped in a building under construction at Aughagower, near Westport, but was released alive and well

O Norris

9 Nov

2 Black-throated Diver, 4 Great Northern Diver, 1 Arctic Skua, 1 Peregrine, 2 Chough, 2 Light-bellied Brent Geese. 15 Greenland White-fronted Geese and c500 Barnacle Geese – all seen on the Mullet

D Pearson

9 Nov

5 Crossbill and 1 Woodcock (first of the winter) near Hollymount

C Benson

8 Nov

5 Great Northern Diver, 8 Common Scoter, 1 Bonxie, 1 Sooty Shearwater and 1 Harbour Porpoise at Kilcummin Head. Also good numbers of Gannets, Kittwakes and Fulmars and some Guillemot and Razorbills

D Pearson

8 Nov

4 Little Egrets at Killala seen together very close to the road in the marshy area between Killala and Ross. Also over 800 Light-bellied Brent Geese seen in Killala Bay.

W Stringer

7 Nov

137 Whooper Swan in the fields near Foxford. This is the area that last year had many ringed swans.

D Clarke

7 Nov

1 Snow Goose with 7 Greylag Geese at Annagh Marsh and 2 Merlin at Annagh Head, as well as 8 Shoveler Duck at Termoncarragh, all on the Mullet

M Reiily

6 Nov

1 Long-tailed Duck at Westport Quay – an unusual visitor for the area

D Fabby

4 Nov

1 drake Green-winged Teal at Carrowmore Lake, near Bangor

M Reiily

4 Nov

1 Ring-tail Hen Harrier near Geesala, Belmullet

M Reiily

2 Nov

1 drake Pintail Duck at Cross Lough and 460 Light-bellied Brent Geese at Carne – both on the Mullet

M Reiily

2 Nov

72 Whooper Swan, 14 Mute Swan, 26 Tufted Duck at Lough Nagelia, Killawalla, Westport. This lake has had large numbers of Whoopers at this time of year in the last few years when they stop off before heading further south. They are usually gone in a couple of days.

W Stringer

2 Nov

420 Golden Plover, 170 Lapwing, 230 Tufted Duck, 860 Wigeon, 62 Greylag Geese at the turloughs 10km east of Ballinrobe.
The turloughs and fields 8-10kms east of Ballinrobe can hold very large numbers of Whoopers, waders and ducks at this time of year, but they tend to move from one area to another – even at different times of the day. In November 2007, this area held over 600 Whoopers and thousands of waders such as Golden Plover and Lapwing, as well as thousands of duck.

W Stringer

1 Nov

1 adult Mediterranean Gull at Belmullet Docks

M Reiily

1 Nov

14 Purple Sandpiper with Turnstone near Roonagh, west of Louisburgh.
If you see Turnstone, check carefully to see if there are any Purple Sandpiper with them.

W Stringer

1 Nov

1 Little Egret at Rosmoney, north of Westport.
There have been up to four seen in the Westport Quay area recently.

Kevin O’Reilly

October 2008

1 Male Hen Harrier north of Castlebar (30th)
Fieldfare at Ballinlough, north of Westport (30th)
Large numbers of Redwing reported from all round the county (30th)
10 Red-breasted Merganser at Claggan/Inishcuttle, Kilmeena, Westport (30th)
1 Green-winged Teal on Carrowmore Lake, near Bangor (27th)
17 Pink-footed Geese on The Mullet (27th)
1 Arctic Tern, Old Head near Louisburgh (26th)
1 White-rumped Sandpiper, Leam Lough on the Mullet (24th)
30 Light-bellied Brent at Mulranny (23rd)
400 Golden Plover near Hollymount (23rd)
6 Swallow at Knappagh, Westport (21st Oct)
1 Ring-tail Hen Harrier near Hollymount (20th Oct)
1 Greenland Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa) on the Mullet (15th)
1 Male Ring-necked Duck still on Carrowmore Lake, Bangor (13 Oct)
1 Curlew Sandpiper at Annagh Beach on the Mullet (11th)
Cuburni (Icelandic race) Redwing, near Belmullet (8th)
Tree Pipit, seen near Belmullet (8th)
1 Greenland Wheatear at Leam on the Mullet (7th)
1 x Long Billed Dowitcher
2 x Pink-footed Geese
1 x Carrion Crow
4 Whooper Swans
All seen at Ronnah Lough, nr Kileen, (W of Louisburgh) (7th)
Snowy Owl – still at Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet (6th)
Little Blue Heron – Letterfrack, Co Galway – first record for Ireland (5th)
37 Whoopers (including 4 young) on Loch Cullin – first report of Whoopers this season (5th)
Long-tailed Duck (female) and 4 x Whoopers in Knockmore Bay – Lough Conn (3rd)
72 x Golden Plovers – Pontoon, Lough Conn (3rd)

Sightings from Belmullet on 5th October

1 x Snow Bunting
6 x Whooper Swans
100 Golden Plover
at Termoncarragh
75 x Barnacle Geese flew past Annagh Head 3-3.30pm
200 Golden Plover opposite Eagle Island

on 4th October
75 x Barnacle Geese flew past Annagh Head 6-7pm, along with
1 x Sooty & 5 x Manx Sheawater

on 3rd October

4 x Whooper
3 x Scaup
At Cross Lake
7 x Slavonian Grebe
2 x Red Throated & 6 x Great Northern Divers, 400 x Common Scote
At Shraigh
200 x Golden Plover, Tranmore

on 20th September
8 x Scaup, Cross Lough

Sightings form Lacken Strand / Killala Bay Area – 2nd October
7 x Pink Footed Geese
c250 Golden Plover
1 x American Golden Plover
1 x Curlew SandpIper
2 x Little Stint

Good Variety of Birds Seen from Kilcummin Head during September & October, including :
417 Grey Phalaropes
Skuas & Shearwaters

September
Contributors:
Chris Benson, Stephen Meaney, John Milroy, R Sauer, Dave Suddaby

Pomerine Skuas – 200 at Kilcummin Head, and over 30 on Loch Cullin (30th)
Tufted Duck – several hundred gathering on Loch Cullin (30th)
Snowy Owl – still at Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet (28th)
Swift – seen flying near the Ballinrobe Road, Westport (28th)
Snow Goose – Termoncarragh (26th)
Red-Eyed Vireo – near Annagh on the Mullet (18th)
Pectoral Sandpiper – near Annagh on the Mullet (18th)
Barn Owl – seen between Pontoon and Ballina (17th)
Cormorants (31) and Pied Wagtails (50) in good numbers at Castle Burke, Lough Carra (12th)
Little Gull – seen amongst Sandwich Terns at Unneraboy / Bertra, Murrisk (10th)
Kingfisher (3) and Yellowhammer (1) seen near Aughagower (9th)
Snowy Owl – still at Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet (8th)
7 x Lapland Bunting at Termon Hill, Blacksod, Belmullet (8th)
11 x Crossbill, at Termon Hill, Blacksod, Belmullet (8th)
Kingfisher – seen at Castle Carra, Lough Carra (7th)
Baird’s Sandpiper – Leam Lough, Belmullet (7th)
Long-Tailed Skuas – 9 seen at Broadhaven Bay, Belmullet (4th)
Pied Flycatcher – near Belmullet (4th)

August

Contributors:
Chris Benson, Dermot Breen, Micheal Casey, Michael David, Jackie Donnelly, Sean Geraghty, Wendy Stringer, Dave Suddaby

Brent Geese – 10 seen at Westport Quay (28th)
Juvenile Little Egret – seen with two adults at Westport Quay (30th)
Mediterranean Gull – juvenile, Westport Quay (29th)
Kingfisher – seen near Hollymount (29th)
Snowy Owl – Seen in the Fallmore / Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet (28th)
Spoonbill – seen in vicinity of Westport House (25th)
Ruff – 3 juvenile seen among 20 juvenile Black-Tailed Godwits at Lough Baun, Nr Roonah (17th)
Red Throated Diver – first summer seen on the River Moy, near the Cathederal in Ballina (7th)
Mediterranean Gulls – 2 seen at Belleck shore, River Moy between 9th & 20th July
Juvenile Peregrine seen over Partry Mountains (2nd)

July
Contributors:
Chris Benson, Mick Hogan

Buzzard – heard at Westport House (29th)
Barn Owl – nr. Holymount (21st)
Whooper Swan – 1 seen flying SE, near Holymount (20th)
Curlew – 58 near Holymount (19th)
Ring-Billed Gull – seen at Lough Mask (4th)

June
Contributors:
Derek McLoughlin, Stephen Meaney;

Basking Shark – along with Common and Bottle Nosed Dolphin, off the coast of Achill (2nd)
Great Skua – Caher Island (1st)

May
Contributors:
Chris Benson, Dave Cabot, Eoin McGreal, Chris Huxley, John Milroy, Michael Reilly, Wendy Stringer

Marsh Harrier – over Lough Carra (31st)
Great Spotted Woodpecker – Moore Hall, nr. Castlebar (25th)
Iceland Gull – still present at Belmullet Docks (25th)
Iceland Gull at Broadhaven Bay, Belmullet (17th)
Iceland Gull – in 2nd winter plumage at Ballycroy (15th)
Barnacle Geese – satellite tagged whilst on Inishkea Islands on 4th April.
Subalpine Warbler – on the Mullet (14th)
Spotted Flycatch – Old Head, Louisburgh (13th )
Little Egret – one present at Corragaun Lough, nr Killadoon, the first one seen there (6th)
Sedge Warblers – 7 heard calling around Grannard in North Mayo (5th)
Whimbrel – 16 at Dugort, Achill (4th)
White Wagtails – 2 at Dugort, Achill (4th)
Chough – 6 at Dugort, Achill (4th)
Whimbrel – continuous movements of flocks at Tullavbaun, nr. Killadoon – 17 at (3rd), also 36 at Tipp, and 50 at Elly, Belmullet on same day , 5 seen at Tullavbaun the following day (4th), followed by 7 more on 7th and 21 on 8th
Common Sandpipers – 3 seen at Carrowmore Lake, Erris (2nd) and one on the coast at Tirrane, Belmullet (3rd)
Corncrakes – 2 different ones calling at Aghany, Roonagh, nr Louisburgh (1st)

April
Contributors:
Chris Benson, Dave Cabot, Don Cotton, Dave Fabby, Lynda Huxley, Derek McLoughlin, Lee McDaid, Eoin McGreal, Ruth-Ann Leak, Brendan Lyons, Lynn Mitchell, John Milroy, Ann Osbourne, Michael Reilly, Ger Rogan, Wendy Stringer, Jimmy Tarpey

Corncrake – heard calling near Roongh, Louisburgh (30th)
Buzzard – seen flying over Westport (30th)
Whitethroat – near Hollymount (29th)
House Martin – over Knockmore Bay, Lough Conn (28th)
Swift – over Knockmore Bay, Lough Conn (28th)
Whimbel – 2 at Cross, Belmullet (23rd) – also 17 at Lecanvey (26th) and 100 at Cornfield, Hollymount (28th)
Grasshopper Warbler – near Louisburgh (21st)
White Wagtail – at Cross, Belmullet (23rd) and on Keel Strand, Achill (19th)
5 male Barnacle Geese – fitted with satellite transmitters on Iniskeas on 5th April – still resident on 22nd.
Common Sandpiper – seen at Moore Hall (22nd)
Cuckoos – reports from across the county (from 21st)
Yellowhammers – seen Knappagh, Farnaught and Cloona, nr Westport (22nd & 20th)
Whimbrel – 33 at Lough Aghinny, Hollymount (22nd)
Grasshopper Warbler – heard near Hollymount (21st)
Cuckoo – near Kilkelly (17th)
Sandwich Terns – 2 at Lecanvey (17th)
Whimbrel seen at Lecanvery (17th)
Redwing – one late leaver seen near Hollymount (15th)
‘Jaleel’ the Super Whooper – after a failed attempt to reach Iceland returned to Achill regaining strength before attempting the journey again. At Termoncarragh, Belmullet on 16th.
Light Belled Brent Geese -131 still at Lecanvey (16th)
‘Horned’ / Slavonian Grebe – Shraigh, Belmullet (10th)
Glaucous Gull – Clare Island (9th)
Willow Warblers – first report from Belcarra on 3rd, then influx across county on 8th
2 Lesser Canada Geese – seen on Inish Kea island (7th)
Gyr Falcon – dark phase bird seen on Inish Kea island (7th)
Swallow – arrived near Bangor, Erris (7th)
Chiffchaff – first report from Brackloon Woods, near Westport (6th)
Glaucous Gull – Killadoon, nr Lousiburgh (5th)
Bekan Lake, near Ballyhaunis – hosted Whooper swans, Wigeon and Swallows – our winter and summer visitors meeting (4th)
Fieldfare at Lough Lannagh (3rd)
Redwings still present near Westport (3rd)
Chiffchaff near Hollymount (2nd)
Swallow near Hollymount (2nd)
Sand Martin near Hollymount (1st)
Immature Peregrine near Hollymount (1st)
Sandwich Terns at Beltra Strand (1st)
Wheatear – Termoncarragh, Belmullet (1st)

March
Contributors:
Richard Bonson, David Cabot, Fred Carroll, Tim Gordon, Eoin McGreal, Derek McLoughlin, Anne Molloy, Michael Reilly, Lorraine Shelley

Sand Martins – Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh (31st)
Iceland Gull – first winter, Broadhaven Bay Docks, Belmullet (31st)
Sand Martins – Killala (29th)
Snowy Owl – seen in Blacksod area on the Mullet (25th)
Iceland Gull – Bertra Island (25th)
Brent Geese – 12 at Bertra Island (25th)
Sand Martin – Partry (23rd)
Whooper Swans – 40 at Roonagh Lough, Killadoon, Nr Louisburgh (21st)
Barnacle Geese – 45 at Roonagh Lough, Killadoon, Nr Louisburgh (21st)
Grey Plover – 2 at Roonagh Lough, Killadoon, Nr Louisburgh (21st)
Greylag Geese – 2 at Roonagh Lough, Killaddon, Nr Louisburgh (21st)
Hen Harrier – female seen near Dooaghtry, Killadoon, nr Louisburgh (17th)
Wheatear – seen at Keem, Achill (17th)
Golden Plover – 628 seem on Dooagh, Tullavbaun, Killadoon, nr Louisburgh (9th)
Iceland Gull – second winter, seen at Broadhaven Bay, Belmullet (5th)
Ring Necked Duck – 3 seen (drake, female & 1st winter female), Doogan Lough, Newport (1st)
Iceland Gull – Elly Bay, Mullet (1st)

February
Contributors:
Eoin McGreal, John Milroy, Michael Reilly, Wendy Stringer

Glaucous Gull – Clare Island (28th)
Purple Sandpipers – 11 seen with Turnstone at Bunatuckeen Strand, nr Roongh (W of Louisburgh); also 5 seen at Aughleam, Belmullet (27th)
Little Egret – Leam Lake, Barmagh, Belmullet (27th)
Glaucous Gull – Roonagh Lough (nr Louisburgh) (27th)
Mediterranean Gull – Carne, Blacksod Bay, Belmullet (5th)

January
Contributors:
Lynda Huxley, Lee McDaid, Eoin McGreal, Derek McLoughlin, John Milroy, Michael Reilly, Lorraine Shelley, Wendy Stringer, Dave Suddaby

Little Egret – in field near Claremorris (22nd)
Birds seen around Blacksod Bay / Broadhaven Bay included – Cackling Goose, Black Brant, Ring-Necked Duck, Green Winged Teal, Mediterranean, Glaucous, Icelandic Gulls (21st)
Green Sandpipers – 3 seen near Claremorris (21st)
Red-Necked Grebe – 2 seen off Srah, Balcksod Bay Belmullet (21st)
Light Bellied Brent – Rockfleet Castle (20th)
‘Hawkeye’, ringed Brent Goose feeding on Mulranny saltmarsh (14th)
Glaucous Gull – Doughmakeon (w of Louisburgh) (11th)
Ring-Necked Duck – seen on Carrowmore Lake, Erris (11th)
Purple Sandpipers – 3 seen with a group of turnstones at Roonah, Nr Louisburgh (8th)
Pintails – pair seen at Berta / Murrisk Abbey (8th)
Buzzard – spotted flying over Lahardane, Nr Ballina (6th)
Iceland Gull – Mulranny Pier (5th)

2007

Reported Sightings in December 2007

Contributors:
Wendy Stringer, Mick Hogan, Eoin McGreal, Chris Benson

Female Hen Harrier – near Hollymount (30th)
Female Blackcap – in garden in Killala (26th)
Iceland Gull – Carrowmore (24th)
Glaucous Gull – Clare Island (18th)
Ringed Light Bellied Goose at Mulranney (11th)
Barnacle Geese – 118 seen at Rosmurrevagh, nr Mulrraney (11th)
Ringed Necked Duck – male seen on Doogan Lough, nr Newport (13th)

Reported Sightings in November 2007

Whooper Swans & Light Bellied Brent – good numbers seen across the region
Green Winged Teal – Carrowmore, Erris (16th)
Greenland White Fronted Geese – 26 seen at North Claggan Mountain, Ballycroy (17th-McD)
Super-Whooper Swan – satellite tracked from Iceland, recnetly seen in Greaghans, E of Ballinrobe (14th-WS)
To keep up to date with all the ringed swans and geese, see
http://www.wwt.org.uk
Little Auk – found dead on Barnynagappul Strand, Doogort, Achill (3rd-LMcD)
Mourning Dove – Inishboffin (3rd-TG)

Reported Sightings in October 2007

Black Redstart – Aughagower, Westport (29th-MC)
Spoonbill – 3 seen at Killala (29th-WS)
Little Stint – 2 seen at Killala (29th-WS)
Little Egret – 7 seen at Killala (29th-WS)
Merlin – seen at Westport Quay (26th-LS)
Siskin – several flocks migrating into Mayo over Killala (20th-MC)
Blue Winged Teal – Kilkerin, Partry (20th-LH)
Spoonbill – one still present at Westport Quay (21st-WS)
Tufted Ducks – over 700 seen on Lough Cullin (21st-RAL)
Fieldfares – present near Pontoon (21sr-RAL)
Little Egrets – 3 at Westport Quay & 5 at Killala (21st-WS & 20th-MC)
Glaucous Gull – first winter, seen at Roonagh Lough, Kiladoon, nr Louisburgh (16th-DC)
Swallow – four still resident at Hollymount (15th-CB)
Yellow-browed warbler – Belmullet (13th-CB)
Blackcap – Belmullet (13th-CB)
Redstart – Belmullet (13th-CB)
Chiffchaff – Belmullet (13th-CB)
Firecrest – Belmullet (13th-CB)
Redwings – moving across the county, can be heard calling at night (11th-WS)
American Golden Plover – seen in Tramore Bay, Srah (6th-GM via DMcL)
Common Scoter – 558 seen in Blacksod Bay, Belmullet (6th-GM via DMcL)
Red Necked Grebe – 2 seen in Blacksod Bay, Belmullet (6th-GM via DMcL)
Hen Harrier – Termoncarragh, Belmullet seen in Blacksod Bay, Belmullet (6th-GM via DMcL)
Greylag & Pink Footed Geese – first sightings (2 grey & 1 pink) seen at Roonagh Lough, Killadoon, nr Louisburgh (5th-DC)
Buzzard – Kilmeena, Westport (3rd-EMcG)
Ruff – seen at Corragaun Lough, Killadoon, Nr Louisburgh (1st-DC)

Reported Sightings in September 2007

Redwings – seen at Glenlara, Belmullet, (28th/29th – CB)
Hobby – seen at Glenlara, Belmullet (29th-CB)
Swallows – still present, 4 seen at Agughagower and 1 at Straide (29th-MH)
Merlin – seen on Belmullet (28th-CB)
Snowy Owl – Seen in the Fallmore / Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet,(Last reported sighting, 27th – WS)
Hen Harrier – seen flying at Killadoon, nr Louisburgh (28th- BV)
Garden Warbler – Glenlara, Belmullet (27th & 29th-CB)
Pectoral Sandpipers – 2 seen among a group of 107 golden plover at Dooagh, Tullavbaun, Killadoon (23rd-DC)
Chiffchaffs in song – two hear in Pontoon area (21st-RAL & JM)
Snowy Owl – Seen in the Fallmore / Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet,(21st-via WS)
Wigeon – seen at Westport Quay (12th-WS)
Teal – seen at Westport Quay (12th-WS)
Little Egret – 8 seen at Westport (12th-WS)
Red Necked Grebe – Blacksod Bay, Belmullet (10th – DS)
Lesser Yellowlegs – Annagh Beach, Belmullet (10th – DS)
Red Throated and Norther Divers, Killala Bay (MG-9th) Brent Geese – 7 seen over Bartargh Island, Killala Bay (MG-9th)
Grey Plover – 27 seen at Moyne Killala Bay (MG-9th)

Annagh Head -sightings 8th Sept

Fea’s / Zinos Petrel
2 Great Shearwater
2 Pomarine Skuas
188 Sooty Shearwater
Seen by Richard Bonser visiting from the UK
sightings 10th Sept
4164 Great Shearwater
249 Sooty Shearwater
1 Balearic Shearwater
1 Sabine’s Gull
16 Pomarine Skuas
11 Artic Skuas
16 Great Skuas (Bonxies)
See between 8 & 11 am by DS

See full list of sightings at Coirragaun Lough on 8th

Teal – 20 seen at at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(8th-DC)
Wigeon – 18 seen at at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(8th-DC)
Chough – 20 seen at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(8th-DC)
Water Rail – heard at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(8th-DC)
Greenshank – 9 seen at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(8th-DC)
Dunlin – flock of 50 seen at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(2nd-DC)
Pectoral Sandpipers – 2 seen at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(2nd-DC)
White Wagtails several seen at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(2nd-DC)
Peregrine – male seen at Coirragaun Lough, nr. Louisburgh(2nd-DC)
Little Egret – Annagh, Murrisk (30th Sept – BV & 2nd-WS)
Whimbrel – 2 seen at Emlagh, Louisburgh (2nd-WS)
Peregrine – Seen flying between white & silver strand, Clew Bay (1st-BV)

Reported Sightings in August 2007

Sparrowhawk seen feeding in a garden near Louisburgh (11th – AO)

Reported Sightings in July 2007

Green Sandpiper – seen at Hollymount (21st-CB)
Water Rail – two seen in the graveyard at Islandeady (18th – MH)
Merlin – seen near Knock from N17 (13th – CB)
Hen Harriers – pair seen at Killadoon, nr Louisburgh (2nd – BV)

Reported Sightings in June 2007

Arctic Skua – Loch Mask (10th-EMcG)
Collard Pratincole – Belmullet (6th-MH)
Great Skuas – pair seen on Caher Island (3rd-KM)

Reported Sightings in May 2007

Whimbrel – 18 seen at Erris Head, Belmullet(21st-DMcL)
Long Eared Owl – Beleek Woods, Ballina (17th-JM)
Buzzard – seen between Castlebar and Westport (7th-WS)

Reported Sightings in April 2007

Grasshopper Warblers – reported across Mayo (29th-WS&RAL)
Whitethroats – reported across Mayo (29th-WS&RAL)
Sedge Warbler – Carrowmore, Louisburgh (27th-LS)
Swift – Castleburke, Lough Carra (23rd-JM)
Shearwaters – Enniscrone a
Divers in summer plumage – good numbers of both northern & red throated at Enniscrone (21st-MG)
Harrier – possibly male Hen or Montague – Ballintubber (20th-ES)
Cuckoo – Westport & Knockmore, almost a week earlier than last year (19th-WS, 20th-LS&RAL)
Corncrake – confirmed west of Louisburgh (18th)
Starling – ringed in Lithuania, found dead at Holymount (15th- via MC)
Blackcap – singing at Lough Lannagh (15th-JM)
Gannets – seen diving off coast near Louisburgh (17th-LS)
House Martins – 4 seen at Lennane (13th-LS)
Swallows – seen arriving across the county – (10th-RAL)
Brent Geese – 113 seen at Lecanvey (10th-WS)
Snow Bunting – Clare Island (10th-EMcG)
Chiffchaff – first reported for the season, Aghagower (Sraheen) (9th-LS)
Whinchat – Aghagower (Sraheen) (9th-LS)
Barnacle Geese – 146 seen at Cross Strand, Louisburgh (9th-RAL)
Whoopers, Barnacle, Greylag and White Fronted Geese – still at Lough Ronnagh, Cross, Louisburgh (8th-LS)
Tree Sparrow – Fallmore, Belmullet (7th-JG)
Peregrine – Keem Bay, Achill, also Basking Shark near shore (6th-BV)
Swallows – 2 seen at Louisburgh (6th-TG)

Reported Sightings in March 2007

Whinchat – seen on White Strand (31st-WS)
Willow Warblers arriving across the county
Redwings – 3 still present at Lough Lannagh (28th-JM)
Chiffchaffs – 2 heard at Lough Lannagh (28thJM)
Wheater – Claggan, Achill (25th-LS)
Icelandic Gulls – 8 or seen at Annagh / Terrmoncarragh, Belmullet – (24th-MC)
Glaucous Gulls – 2 seen at Annagh / Terrmoncarragh, Belmullet – (24th-MC)
Snow Bunting – 20 seen near the top of Nephin (23rd-WL)
Whoopers – approx 50 seen in V formation over Pontoon, heading NW possibly migrating (22nd-JM&RAL)
Green Winged Teal – seen at Lissadell (15th-MC)
Sand Martins – four seen at Old Head, Louisburgh (12th-WS)
Willow Warbler – seen at Kileeran, Lough Carra (12th-L&CH)
Peregrine – seen active at Dooneen, South of Enniscrone (1st-MG)
Brent Geese – 300+ (2 ringed) grazing on the golf links, Enniscrone (1st-MG)
Icelandic Gulls – 2 seen at Enniscrone (1st-JD)

Reported Sightings in February 2007

Surf Scoters – 12 seen flying low across the water from Roonagh Pier, Louisburgh (26th-LS)
Icelandic Gulls – 14 seen near Connaugh Gold in Easkey, Co Sligo (25th-SF via MC)
Little Egrets – 5 seen at Killala harbour (25th-ME via MC)
Little Egrets – 2 still resident in Clew Bay, seen at Westport Quay (20th-LS)
Brent Geese – 360 at Enniscrone (19th-MG)
Buzzards – 2 seen together at Glenwood, Sligo (18th-BB)
Ringed Billed Gull – Westport Quay(17th-WS)
Shags- 8 seen at Bunlough Point, Delvin, Louisburg (17th-LS)
Black Guillemots – 4 at Roonagh Pier, Louisburgh (1 in summer plumage).
Plus 2 in summer plumage at Bunlough Point, Devlin, Louisburgh (16th-LS)
Snow Buntings – seen at Termon Hill, Belmullet on 14th(uncomfirmed)
Little Egrets – 2 at Mulrraney, appear to be over wintering (15th-JO’D)
Snowy Owl – seen on Belmullet on 11th(uncomfirmed)
Long-Tailed Duck – Bilberry Lough, between Westport & Castlebar (4th-LS)
Smew – Browntown, Loch Carra (2nd-LS)
Glaucous Gull– 2, Sruhir Strand & Roonagh Lough, Killeen, Louisburgh (6th-LS)
Icelandic Gulls – 2 at Enniscrone (1st-JD)q

Reported Sightings in January 2007

Icelandic Gull – 1st year winter seen at Belmullet Harbour (24th-JS)
Barnacle Geese – 24 grazing on improved grassland Roonagh Lough (24th-DC)
Greylag Geese – 8 seen with 19 adult whoopers grazing on on improved grassland Roonagh Lough (24th-DC)
Glaucous Gull– seen at Bunlough Point, Delvin, Louisburgh (14th-LS); Also one second winter seen on Roonagh Lough (26th-DC)
Hen Harrier – on adult seen near Roonagh Lough (26th-DC)
Little Egrets – 2 at the Quay, Wesport and 1 at Murrisk – (6th-WS); 4 (poss 6) at Killala – (3rd-via RAL)
American Golden Plover – 1 seen among a group of 140 Golden Plover at Westport Quay (6th-WS)
Great Northern Divers – 3 moving into summer plumage Porturlin, North Mayo (5th-RAL); 2 at Killala – (3rd-via RAL)
Peregrine – 1 seen at Killala (3rd-via RAL)
Spotted Redshank- 1 seen at Killala (3rd-via RAL)

2006

Reported Sightings December 2006

Scaup – 20 seen on Cross Lough, Belmullet (28th-JG)
Glaucious Gull – Termancarragh / Annagh area, Belmullet (28th-JG)
Peregrine – seen rocketing along Carrowmore Strand, nr Louisburgh (28th-BV)
Light Bellied Brent – approx 50 at Mulranney, 2 ringed (23rd-JM)
Grey Plover – Clew Bay, (16th-JM)
Leaches Petrel – found at Bilberrry Lake (4th-JM)
Ringed Ouzel – Cloonagh, Westport (2nd-via LS)

Reported Sightings November 2006

Twite – between Louisburgh & Roonan (12th-BV)
Male Hen Harrier – Knockmore, Ballina (LM)
Tufted Ducks – approx 1500 on Loch Cullin (12th-RAL)
Little Stint – Scurmore (11th-MG)
Little Egret seen at Rossclave, Clew bay (5th-HvP)
Brent Geese at Lecanvey Pier (8th-LS)
Red Breasted Mergansers – Westport Quay (8th-LS)
Ruff at Scurmore, Killala Bay (2nd-MG)
Wigeon – seen in hundreds in Killala Bay (2nd-MG)
Golden Plover – flock of over 1000 seen at Dooneen (2nd-MG)
Great Nothern Divers – 5 seen off Old Head (2nd-JM)
Red Throated Diver – Lecanvey Pier (1st-LS)

Reported Sightings October 2006

Family of Yellow Hammers – visiting garden near Westport (30th-WS)
Fieldfares – arrived in Party (28th-WS)
Whimbrel – Pigeon Poont, nr Westport (27th-NS)
Whoopers & Geese arriving, can be seen flying to their wintering grounds (various-25th)
Redwings – moving across the county, can be heard calling at night (25th – JM)
Barn Owl – seen between Westport and Newport (24th-NS)
Great Northern Diver – seen regularly by Poteen Island, Loch Conn (22nd – LM)
Little Egrets (3) – arrived at Kilalla (21st – LM)
Tree Sparrow – seen in garden near Newport (20th- DMcL)
Wigeon – 50 seen at Melcomb, Newport (19th- DMcL)
Turtle Dove – in a garden near Louisburgh (19th-LS)
White Rumped Sandpiper – Annagh Beach, Murrisk (16th-DS)
Lapwings – seen in good numbers near Kilalla (12th-J&NF)
Little Egrets (2) seen at Annagh, Murrisk (14th-WS)
Snowy Owl – Seen in the Fallmore / Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet, since 9th Sept. Identified as 2nd winter female. Latest report of sighting 11th Oct (via WS)
Ruff – Scurmore near golf links, Enniscrone (MG – 10th)
Lesser Yellowlegs – Seen at Cross Loch, Belmullet (8th-WS)
Snow Bunting
Seen on the Belmullet penninsular, near Snowy location (4th-KD&8th-WS)
Whooper Swans – reported arriving across Mayo (3rd-WS)
Teal – seen at Melcomb, Westport (3rd-DMcL)
Lapland Bunting – seen flying over near Snowy Owl site (4th-KD)
Twite – 100+ still on the Mullet, not returned to their wintering ground as yet (1st-DMcL)
Light Bellied Brent Geese – Dooneen, nr Enniscrone (1st-MG)
Wigeon, flock of 200 – Dooneen, nr Enniscrone (1st-MG)

Reported Sightings September 2006

Common Rosefinch, seen on the Belmullet penninsula (30th Sept – CM & SD)
Pied Flycatcher, seen on the Belmullet penninsular (30th Sept – CM & SD)
Lesser Yellowlegs, seen on the Belmullet penninsular (30th Sept – CM & SD)
Little Egrets – 2 returned to Annagh, Murrisk (21st-CB) (24th-WS)
Purple Sandpipers – good numbers seen west of Westport (16th-WS)
Snowy Owl – Seen in the Fallmore / Deirbhile’s Twist Stone Circle, Termon Hill, Blacksod, area, 15 miles south of Belmullet, since 9th. Identified as 2nd winter female. Latest report of sighting 10am 24th (DS/TG-9th), (MD-10th) (via RAL – 14th) (WS-15th) (TG-20th) (SM-21st) (WS-23rd) (RAL-24th)
Three Curlew Sandpipers – along with 40 Dunlin at Corragaun Lough, Kiladoon (13th-DCt)
Merlin – seen on the Ballinrobe Road near Castlebar (13th-CB).
Merlin – 2 seen near Kiladoon (13th-DCt)
Female Hen Harrier – Bartragh Island (10th-MG)
Grey Plover in summer plumage – on sand banks by Bartragh Island (10th-MG)

Reported Sightings in August 2006
August is a quiet month, there were no reported sightings

Reported Sightings in July 2006

1 Little Egret, Westport Habour (11th) (WS)
3 Whimbrel, Annagh, Murrisk (11th) (WS)
6 Common Sandpipers, Barnabaun, Killadoon (14th) (WS)

Reported Sightings in June 2006

Large bird of prey seen regularly between Westport and Castlebar (WS)

Reported Sightings in May 2006

Turtle Doves near Westport (17th) (AM)
Glaucous Gull, Belderrig Harbour, North Mayo (17th) (JM)
35 Whimbrel, Belderrig Harbour, North Mayo (17th) (JM)
Buzzard seen regularly few miles south of Ballina (16th) (via WS)
Short Eared Owl, Annagh Beach, Belmullet (14th) (DMcL)
16 Whimbrel, Lough Carra, Castleburke – locally called ‘May birds’ (7th) (JM)

Reported Sightings in April 2006

Immature Golden Eagle over Bellacorrick (uncomfirmed)
Osprey seen over Loch Cullin, Pontoon (19th) DmcL
Egret spotted at Carraholly, Nr Newport (16th) via email
Corncrake at Roonagh (15th) via WS
Cuckoo heard on Achill (15th) via WS
‘Hawkeye‘ goose seen at Mulranney (9th) WS
Swallows reported across the county (4th)
2 Common Cranes seen in Porturlin area, NW Mayo, last seen flying east (3rd) unconfirmed via JK/DS
18 Gadwall near Moor Hall, Loch Carra (2nd) JM
Sand Martins over Loch Carra (2nd) JM
4 Sandwich Terns at Mulranney (2nd) WS
Golden Plover in Summer plummage on Loch Cullin (1st) JM

Reported Sightings in March 2006

Golden Plover in summer plumage on Lough Cullin (28th) JM
Short-eared Owl collided with a car near Ballina – but appeared unharmed (22nd) viaRAL
Female Long Tailed Duck among 50 tufted ducks at Bilberry Lake, 5 mls o/s C’Bar off Westport Rd) (21st) JM
Male Ring Necked Duck on Lough Doogan (19th) WS
10 Great Northern Divers near Lecanvey Pier (14th) SG
Green Sandpiper at Lough Baun (12th) EMcG

Reported Sightings in February 2006

Male Hen Harrier, Derrynadiva, (2 mls N Cbar) (18th & 21st)
60 Bar Tailed Godwits Back Strand, Beltra (14th) JM
Little Egret Annagh, Murrisk (14th) JM
Hen Harrier (female) Loch Cullin (11th) SM
2 Little Egret – Ross Strand, Killala (5th) J&NF
7 Yellowhammers – Knappagh, Westport (5th) WS
6 Crossbills – Tavanaghmore, Knockmore (5th) LM
1 Male Ring-necked Duck/ 16 Tufted Duck Lake Doogan Newport /C’bar Road (5th) WS
1 Ring-billed Gull Westport (5th) CM
2 Little Egrets – Annagh, Murrisk (5th) WS
4 Black-throated Divers, 1 Red-throated Diver – Lecanvey Pier (5th) CM
1 Little Egret – Greggans Ballycroy (1st) DF

Reported Sightings in January 2006

Little Egrets (3) at Annagh Island, Murrisk – first report of three birds together
Little Egrets (3) at Ross Strand, Killala (different birds to Murrisk)
Buzzard (1) near Attymass (unconfirmed sighting on 1st)
‘Black Brant’ goose (1) among 36 Light Bellied Brent Geese at Lecanvey
Little Egrets (2) at Mulranny
‘Hawkeye’ satellite tracked LB Brent and family at Mulranny