Trip to Sligo

We gathered in Cartron car park on a cold but clear Sunday morning to explore the favoured sites of Sligo birdwatch.

Michael Bell met us with a booklet of local birds published in association with Sligo Tidy Towns.

In Cartron we saw great black backed gull, herring gull and wigeon.

Our next destination was to Bunduff lake where there was a flock of whooper swans, one or 2 mute swans as well as mallards exhibiting un-mallard-like behaviour!

To Mermaid's Cove where a flotilla of eider caused great delight, cormorants, oystercatchers, great northern divers, black guillemot and a trio of brent geese.
At Raughly we spotted heron, sanderling, turnstone, curlew and rock pipit.

It is entirely possible that we spotted a great many more than these! We shall wait for more detailed reports from those who weren't desperately turning down corners in their books to remember what they saw!

Sligo outing

On Sunday 18th October we are meeting up with the Sligo branch to visit some of their favourite sites at this time of year. 

Regarding transport: 
If anyone has room for one more in their car or someone does not have transport please let me know as soon as possible so I can try to arrange something. email cavanbirdwatching@gmail.com

Bring a lunch and hopefully we'll have somewhere scenic to have our sandwiches!

They have asked us to be there for 11 a.m. to make the best of the tides.
We have arranged to meet at Cartron Car Park, which is just off the main N4 as it travels over Hughes Bridge in Sligo. You take a left for Rosses Point rather than going on to Donegal. Cartron is on the left just before the road narrows with the seashore also on the left. There is a viewing platform there as it is a good spot for waders.

Buzzard on the wing

Clare sent in this great photo of a buzzard in flight.

A date for your diary

Who: Fionnbarr Cross RSPB Fermanagh

What: A talk on RSPB Fermanagh

Where:County Museum, Ballyjamesduff

When: Thursday 24th September

Fionnbarr is an RSPB warden who manages the reserves of Lower Lough Erne.
They have been involved in recent years in making the islands suitable for birds to breed.
He will talk to us about the work that they do in providing shelter and making the area attractive to birds. They have reported higher numbers of a variety of birds, evidence of their success.

rspb/ni

This event is free and is open to members and non-members alike. 

We hope to see you there!

Sligo outing

On Sunday 18th October we will be joining up with Birdwatch Sligo to explore the habitats of the county.
We will be visiting Cartron, Bunduff lough and Lisadell.
Sligo have a fantastic website that gives you lots of detail regarding their favourite sites, what to expect to see and when.
www.sligobirding.com
More information will be made available closer to the date.
If you have any queries, suggestions etc please email me at cavanbirdwatching@gmail.com

Long-eared Owls

Members have reported hearing the call of long-eared owl chicks this summer in Bailieborough.
These birds are easier heard than seen as their plumage is ideal camouflage for them. 
Find out more here...birdwatchireland LongearedOwl

Listen to an adult long-eared owl here..rspb longearedowl

Here is a video link to their chicks calling; a sound described as a "squeaky gate"!