(2) Recent Reports from Flightline

    Recent reports for June 1999

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of June. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line and calls are only charged at local rates.

Red-necked Grebe The summer AD remained at Stoneyford (Antrim) to at least 20th. Almost certainly the same was found again at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 25th and was present to end of month.

Black-necked Grebe For the second summer the AD was at Stoneyford (Antrim) to at least 28th.

Manx Shearwater One in Strangford Lough off Killyleagh on 6th was unusual for the Lough.

Storm Petrel 35 were off Portstewart (Antrim) on 14th, and two off Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 26th.

Great White Egret One was reported at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 7th.

Whooper A summering AD was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) from 20th to the end of the month.

Pale-bellied Brent One was at the NE corner of Strangford Lough on 29th.

Garganey A male was in the SW corner of Lough Beg (Londonderry) to at least 11th.

Long-tailed Duck One was at Ardboe Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 15th.

Marsh Harrier A female was at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) on 4th.

White-rumped Sandpiper The AD at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 31st May was last seen on 2nd.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper One at Paddy's Dub from 29th May was last seen on 1st. May and early June was an exceptional period for waders and other rarities at Lough Beg.

Pectoral Sandpiper One at Sydenham Conservation Area in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) on 13th later moved to RSPB Reserve.

Mediterranean Gull Two were recorded, both in Down. One 1S was at Ballyholme Beach from 5th to 20th, and an AD at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 30th.

Little Gull Two 1S were recorded. One was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 10th, and the other at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 14th.

Ring-billed Gull A 1S was on Cockle Island, Groomsport (Down) on 18th.

Roseate Tern One was on Cockle Island from 5th to 19th.

Whiskered Tern Although one was reported in flight at Oxford Island NNR, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 26th, it was looked for later without success.

Yellow Wagtail One was at Ballintoy (Antrim) on 12th.

Chough A pair was on the north coast on 19th. This species has almost disappeared in Northern Ireland and only two (unsuccessful) pairs have been recorded in recent years.

George Gordon (NIBA Records Secretary) 2 Brooklyn Avenue Bangor, Co Down BT20 5RB Phone 01247 455763 E-mail gordon@ballyholme2.freeserve.co.uk

Recent reports for July 1999

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of July. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line and calls are only charged at local rates.

Great Crested Grebe Numbers off Macedon Point, Belfast Lough (Antrim) built up rapidly from only six at the end of June to 397 on 23rd.

Black-necked Grebe The summering AD was at Stoneyford (Antrim) all month.

Manx Shearwater The only noted passage was at St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Storm Petrel The highest count was 50 at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 21st, a day of NW gales when 350 were passing Kilcummin Head (Mayo). Ten were off Garron Point (Antrim) on 6th. Eleven were at St John's Point (Down) on 19th, and two on 30th.

Mandarin Two Ad and eight young were in Newcastle (Down) on 21st at the Boating Pond on the Shimna.

Eider A count of 294 was off Sea Park, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 23rd.

Osprey One was at the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 1st to 3rd.

Goshawk Two juvs were being fed by an male in Antrim on 31st.

Quail One was reported at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 9th.

Common Sandpiper First migrants were noted at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 4th. Four were there by 9th and nine on 20th, and five at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 12th. Six were at the Blackstaff River, Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) on 27th.

Green Sandpiper Singles were at Tullynawood Lake near Keady (Armagh) on 25th, and at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 26th. Two were at the Blackstaff, Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) on 27th, with one seen there on 31st.

Wood Sandpiper One was at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 29th.

Long-billed Dowitcher A summer Ad arrived at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 7th and stayed all month, by which time it was heavily in moult.

Black-tailed Godwit Numbers at the RSPP Reserve in Belfast built up to 385 by 31st. The Reserve also had high counts of 1120 Curlew and 860 Redshank on the same day.

Greenshank The highest count was 13 between Killough and Tyrella (Down) on 19th.

Whimbrel Small numbers were widely reported from about 22nd.

Sanderling Two were at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 20th, and one on 30th.

Mediterranean Gull An Ad summer was at a Lower Lough Erne on 7th.

Little Gull A 1S was at Reedy Flat , Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 4th, with two there on 26th. An AdS was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 7th.

Little Tern Two Ad were at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 9th, and one at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) the same day.

Great Skua Three were off Dunluce (Antrim) on 6th. Seven passed Ramore Head (Antrim) in an hour in NW gales on 21st.

Arctic Skua A dark morph was off Dunluce (Antrim) on 6th. Another dark morph was at Sea Park, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 23rd, and two at St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Sand Martin A high count of 500 was at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 12th.

George Gordon, 2 Brooklyn Avenue, Bangor, Co Down BT 20 5RB If you want to add any information to this report you are welcome to leave a message on Flightline or e-mail me at gordon@ballyholme2.freeserve.co.uk

   Recent reports for August 1999

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of July. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line and calls are only charged at local rates.

Great Crested Grebe Numbers in Belfast Lough off Macedon (Antrim) built up rapidly from 1,284 on 10th, to 1,443 on 22nd.

Black-necked Grebe The summering adult was still at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) until at least 1st.

Great Shearwater Of the 1,214 reported to BINS (Birds of Ireland News Service) only two were in Northern Ireland waters, with singles at St John's Point (Down) on 22nd and 25th.

Sooty Shearwater Three were off Ramore Head (Antrim) on 15th, and two off St John's Point (Down) on 22nd.

Manx Shearwater The peak passage occurred at St John's Point (Down), where about 3,000 an hour were passing on 22nd.

Balearic Shearwater The first was a single off Portstewart (Londonderry) on 10th. As usual the majority were seen off St John's Point (Down) with two on 22nd, and two on 23rd.

Storm Petrel The peak count was 15 off St John's Point (Down) on 8th, with a further 12 following a fishing boat offshore.

Leach's Petrel Six were recorded by birders from the ferry to Rathlin (Antrim) on 25th. Interestingly all were flying east into the wind, and it is probable that many more passed over the day unseen.

Gannet An inland record was of a single bird at Lough Neagh on 5th.

Black Swan Two were at Ballyronan, Lough Neagh (Londonderry) on 24th.

Pink-footed Goose One at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 28th was probably the long-staying individual from last year.

Pale-bellied Brent The first reported was on Castle Espie mudflats (Strangford Lough) on 28th.

American Wigeon An eclipse drake was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 20th.

Ring-necked Duck An eclipse drake was at Oxford Island NNR, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 24th, and remained into September. It was with 1,000 Pochard/Tufted Duck in Kinnegoe Bay.

Ruddy Duck A count of 12 was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 28th.

Goosander The by now adult drake, which had arrived in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) in November 1997, returned to BP3 on 26th. It still showed a dark secondary bar on the wing.

Garganey A good month for this species with a record ten at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 29th - nine had been seen there on 12th, with one regarded as an eclipse drake and the rest fem/imms. One was at Lennymore Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 9th. Late news was of a female seen with seven young on 12th July, the first proven breeding since the 1993 record in Down.

Wood Duck An adult female (of unknown origin) was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 29th.

Booted Eagle An adult pale morph was at Ballycarry, Rathlin (Antrim) from 22nd to 24th. It led to a twitch to the island from the mainland, but was missed by the many who arrived in bad weather on the 25th. It was last seen flying towards the north coast, and may have left the island ahead of the weather. This was the second sighting of a Booted Eagle in NI (the first was in Down in April), and led to speculation that two birds might be involved in the Irish sightings - the other having been along the east and south coasts between counties Dublin and Waterford.

Osprey Singles were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 14th, and at Murlough NR (Down) on 19th.

Marsh Harrier A 1S male was at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) on 18th.

Green Sandpiper One was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) from 2nd to 4th. One was at Blackstaff, Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) on 2nd. Two were at Maghery Bay, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 13th. Singles were at Ardilea, Innner Dundrum Bay North (Down) on 15th, and Castle Espie Wader Pool (Strangford Lough) on 26th.

Wood Sandpiper Singles were at Bannfoot, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 12th, and at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 20th.

Long-billed Dowitcher The adult moulting into WP was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast all month.

Semipalmated Sandpiper A juvenile at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) from 13th to 20th was the third NI record. Two of the records refer to this site.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper One was reported about a mile south of Magilligan (Lough Foyle) towards Balls Point from 24th to 29th.

Curlew Sandpiper A good autumn for this species. The first records came from the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) with six on 8th, and an adult was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast the same day. Three juveniles appeared at the Reserve on 19th, and numbers increased there rapidly to a peak of 45 on 29th (with 43 still there on 31st). Elsewhere one was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 22nd; 40 were at the Bann Estuary on 27th; five at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 28th, and four at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) the same day.

Little Stint In contrast to Curlew Sandpipers few were recorded. Two were at Murlough NR (Down) on 9th. The RSPB Reserve in Belfast had a juvenile on 22nd, with a peak of four there on 28th. One was at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 26th.

Turnstone Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) had 36 on 4th. Most were obviously new arrivals.

Purple Sandpiper On the Down side of Belfast Lough one at Briggs Rocks, and seven at Ballyholme, were newly arrived.

Spotted Redshank A juvenile was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 11th to 14th, joined by a second bird from 15th to 19th. Of two there on 24th one was considered a new bird, so at least three had been recorded. Singles were at Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 20th to 22nd, and at Castle Espie Wader Pool (Strangford Lough) on 22nd and 23rd.

Greenshank A high count was 17 at Strangford Lough on 8th. Redshank There were 1,150 at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 11th.

Curlew There were 1,200 at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 11th.

Sanderling There were 215 at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 29th.

Sabine's Gull A SP adult was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 15th. One was seen from the Belfast to Stranraer ferry on 25th.

Little Gull A 1S was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 4th, and an adult on 9th. Possibly the same 1S then frequented the Reserve from 11th to at least 30th. A 1S at Whitehouse lagoon on the Antrim side of the Lough probably refers to this bird. St John's Point (Down) had single 1S birds on 23rd and 24th. At the south shore of Lough Neagh (Armagh) a 1S was at Ardmore Point on 28th, and an adult W at Reedy Flat the same day.

Mediterranean Gull The RSPB Reserve in Belfast had an adult W on 23rd, and a juvenile on 26th. On the north coast Magilligan (Lough Foyle) had two adults on 30th - one in WP and one moulting from SP.

Black Tern An adult in SP was one to two miles off Blackers Rock, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 5th. Single juveniles were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 15th, and at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 16th. However by far the highest count was of nine at Lower Lough Erne on 27th. Another adult in SP was at Oxford Island NNR, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 30th.

Roseate Tern All the records came from St John's Point (Down), with 17 on 25th and 34 on 29th.

Little Tern Single adults were seen at St John's Point (Down) on 23rd, and from the Seacat from Belfast to Troon on 25th (on the Irish side).

Sandwich Tern St John's Point (Down) had a passage of 200 on 25th, and 344 were at Greenisland shore, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 29th.

Great Skua Ramore Head (Antrim) had a single bird on 15th. In Belfast Lough Grey Point (Down) had one on 21st, one on 22nd and two on 23rd. One was at Greenisland (Antrim) on 29th. At St John's Point (Down) two were seen on 22nd, two on 23rd, four on 24th, two on 35th and three on 29th.

Arctic Skua Singles were at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 1st, and at Portmuck (Antrim) on 14th. Three were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 15th. St John's Point (Down) had eight on 17th, three on 22nd, four on 23rd and seven on 29th. In Belfast Lough Grey Point (Down) had one on 23rd and nine on 26th. Three were at Greenisland (Antrim) on 29th, and one at Rockport (Down) on 30th. A single bird was at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 30th.

Pomarine Skua A sub-adult was at Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) on 22nd, and an adult at St John's Point (Down) on 24th.

Long-tailed Skua An immature was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 15th, and a juvenile at St John's Point (Down) on 25th. The latter stayed for 20 minutes.

Swallow A passage involving several thousands occurred through Lough Neagh on 11th and 12th.

Greenland Wheatear One was reported at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 26th.

Whinchat One was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 8th.

Fieldfare An unusual summer record was one ringed at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 8th.

Reed Warbler An adult was seen at Oxford Island NNR, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 1st, and three juveniles ringed there on 8th. One was at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) on 23rd.

Lesser Whitethroat One was near Church Bay, Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 24th.

Crossbill At Coleraine (Londonderry) 12 were in the grounds of the University on 18th.

Recent reports for September 1999

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of September. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line and calls are only charged at local rates.

Red-throated Diver The peak count was 40 between 10am and 4pm at St John's Point (Down) on 19th. There was an inland record of two in flight over Oxford Island NNR, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 30th.

Great Crested Grebe Numbers off Macedon Point, Belfast Lough (Antrim) had built up to 1,570 by 4th.

Black-necked Grebe One off Macedon Point, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 4th may have been the bird which over-summered at Stoneyford (Antrim).

Great Shearwater A single was at St John's Point (Down) on 18th. With two already seen there in August, this was a remarkable series of records for this large shearwater in the Irish sea, as another eight were seen in a southerly gale along the Irish east coast the same day.

Manx Shearwater The peak count at St John's Point (Down) was a minimum of 3,000 on 8th. Two thousand of these passed in the two hours up to mid-day, so many more may have gone unnoticed. Later in the month counts dropped to about 100 an hour. There was one inland record of a bird seen from a boat at Lough Neagh off Ardboe Point (Tyrone) on 13th.

Balearic Shearwater One was at St John's Point (Down) on 18th.

Gannet The peak count at St John's Point (Down) was 750 in three hours on 18th. About half were juveniles/sub-adults.

Little Egret One was off Castle Espie (Strangford Lough) on 14th.

Spoonbill One was at Larne Lough (Antrim) from 2nd to 10th. Found at Swan Island on 2nd, it was seen again there on 4th. On 9th it was re-located a mile north of Ballycarry, and was present there the next day.

Whooper Swan The first arrivals were noted at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 30th, with one at the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) the same day.

Black Swan At Lough Neagh the pair, noted earlier at Ballyronan, was at Taylor's Rock (Tyrone) on 13th.

Pink-footed Goose Two Ads were at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) from 5th to 17th. Four were in a flooded field at Ballyhenry (Lough Foyle) on 23rd. One flew west off the Barmouth of the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 24th. The resident bird at Belfast Harbour Estate was seen until at least 22nd.

Greylag Five at Ramore Head (Antrim) were probably new arrivals.

Pale-bellied Brent Numbers at Strangford Lough had built up to 4,000 by 18th.

Dark-bellied Brent One was at Tidebank in the NE corner of Strangford Lough on 18th.

Black Brant An Ad at Carrickhugh (Lough Foyle) on 23rd was probably the same bird which has been returning to the Foyle for many years now.

Garganey Singles were at Farrs Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 1st, and at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 13th.

Blue-winged Teal A fem/imm at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 9th was the ninth NI record.

Ring-necked Duck The eclipse drake at Oxford Island NNR, Lough Neagh (Armagh) from August was present to at least 16th.

Eider In Belfast Lough 820 were off Macedon Point (Antrim) on 4th.

Common Scoter At Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) seven were logged on 5th, and 30 in ninety minutes at St John's Point (Down) on 15th.

Velvet Scoter A drake stayed briefly at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) on 10th.

Goosander The Ad drake (still showing the dark wing-bar) which had returned to Belfast Harbour Estate in August, was present until at least 21st.

Ruddy Duck A juv at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) on 17th was probably locally bred.

Osprey One flew west past Ramore Head (Antrim) on 19th.

Hobby A juv was reported at Burren More (Londonderry) on 1st.

Grey Plover In Strangford Lough 41 were off Castle Espie on 19th.

Semipalmated Sandpiper A remarkable series of records for this species, with the fourth and fifth NI records (involving three birds). A juv was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 8th to 21st. It was a different bird to the one recorded in August, and three of the NI records up to now been at this site. At the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) a juv was found on 19th. It was seen again on 24th, when it was accompanied by an Ad. Both were seen the next day in the same area.

Little Stint A minimum of six were recorded.In contrast to Curlew Sandpiper a poor year for this species. Two were at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 1st to 22nd. At the Bann Estuary two were seen on 17th, with three on 19th, and two still present on 24th. One was at Cloghy Rocks (Strangford Narrows) on 18th.

White-rumped Sandpiper An Ad at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 9th was only seen briefly again the next morning. At the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) two Ads were present from 17th to 25th.

Pectoral Sandpiper A juv was at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) from 3rd to 6th. One was in flooded fields at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 17th. However on 22nd four were seen with ones and twos until 26th.

Curlew Sandpiper In contrast to Little Stint good numbers were recorded, with a minimum of 75 seen. At the RSPB Reserve in Belfast numbers rose from 39 on 1st to 54 on 7th. This is possibly a NI site record, as the previous count of 54 on 5th September 1988 had included both Duncrue Street Marsh and Belfast Harbour Estate. Elsewhere three were at Killough Harbour (Down) on 5th, and two at Cloghy Rocks (Strangford Narrows) the same day. Lough Beg (Londonderry) had one on 9th, and up to four at Mullagh by 22nd. At the Bann Estuary (Londonderry) six were seen on 17th, rising to ten by 23rd. with at least two still present on 30th. One was at Castle Espie Espie Wader Pool (Strangford Lough) on 19th.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper One was at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 17th to 25th. Ruff The peak count at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) was 17 on 23rd. Elsewhere eight were in a flooded field at Ballyhenry (Lough Foyle) the same day.

Long-billed Dowitcher The summering Ad (by now in WP), remained at RSPB Reserve in Belfast until at least 22nd.

Whimbrel Only twelve were reported, in small numbers up to four at a time.

Spotted Redshank A juv was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 9th. On at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 17th was probably the returning Ad. One was at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 30th.

Greenshank The peak count was 16 at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 5th.

Lesser Yellowlegs At Lough Beg (Londonderry) an Ad was found in the second bay south of Church Island on 9th. It was re-located at Mullagh at the south end of the lough on 17th, and was present there until at least 24th.

Green Sandpiper Two were at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) from 3rd to 6th. Singles were at Strand Lough (Down) on 6th; North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 11th; and at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry ) on 23rd.

Wood Sandpiper One was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 14th.

Arctic Skua About 57 were logged with a peak of 15 in Belfast Lough from Grey Point (Down) on 5th. At St John's Point (Down) 14 were recorded on 8th, and 12 on 18th.

Long-tailed Skua An Ad was at St John's Point (Down) on 8th. At Belfast Lough, Grey Point (Down) had a juv on 12th, and three juvs on 20th.

Great Skua About 29 were logged with peaks of 13 and seven at St John's Point (Down) on 18th and 8th respectively.

Mediterranean Gull At 1W was at Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) from 2nd to 4th. Also around the Harbour Estate an Ad seen at the RSPB Reserve on 17th was probably the same bird seen the next day at Kinnegar. Two (Ad and 1W) were at Roe Estuary (Lough Foyle) on 25th.

Little Gull One (not aged) at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) on 4th, was possibly the 2W seen at Kinnegar the next day. A 1W was at St John's Point (Down) on 18th. A 2W (again possibly the Kinnegar bird) was at the RSPB Reserve on 19th. A juv/1W was at Barmouth of Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 20th to 27th.

Kittiwake The only count came from St John's Point (Down), where 750 passed in three hours on 18th.

Roseate Tern A juv was at St John's Point (Down) on 18th.

Black Tern Four (Ad and three juvs) were seen from a boat at Lough Neagh on 9th, with single birds also seen on 10th and 13th. A juv was at St John's Point (Down) on 18th. Also on the 18th a juv was at Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down). A juv at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast which roosted overnight on 18th, was considered to be the Grey Point bird. Two juvs were at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 23rd to 26th. An Ad was at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 25th. The most interesting record came from Barmouth/Bann Estuary (Londonderry), where up to 12 birds were recorded. The first was a juv on 13th, with four Ads from 18th to 20th. Eight juvs were seen on 24th, and 12 the next day were mostly juvs. Two remained to at least 27th.

White-winged Black Tern A juv was with two juv Black Tern at the sandpits east of the farm at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 23rd to 26th.

Guillemot/Razorbill The only count noted was about 100 an hour at St John's Point (Down) on 18th.

Black Guillemot At St John's Point (Down) 31 flew north in three hours on 18th. Many more may have passed over the day.

Cuckoo One was at Holywood (Down) on 4th.

Swift A late record was one which passed south with a migration of Swallow and House Martin through Lough Neagh on 24th.

White Wagtail Eight were at St John's Point (Down) on 1st, and six at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 26th.

Whinchat One was at Millennium Park, Ballymena (Antrim) on 13th.

Tree Sparrow A count of the Tyrone shore of Lough Neagh on 13th produced 40 at Kinrush airfield, and 30 at Stanierds Point.

Recent Reports for October 1999

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of July. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line and calls are only charged at local rates.

Red-throated Diver The peak count was 16 in Dundum Bay (Down) on 28th. St John's Point (Down) had 12 in a SW gale on 31st.

Black-throated Diver All were recorded at St John's Point (Down), with three on 19th, at least three on 30th and one on 31st. Where these birds end up is still a mystery.

Great Northern Diver Again all were recorded at St John's Point (Down), with eleven on 30th and one the next day.

Slavonian Grebe The only record was of a single bird off Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) on 3rd, seen again closer to Helen's Bay on 9th.

Manx Shearwater One was off Garron Point (Antrim) on 20th, and three off St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Storm Petrel An inland record was seen at Lough Neagh from a boat a few miles from the Tyrone shore on 14th.

Leach's Petrel After a poor autumn 22 were seen off Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd between 4.30 and 6pm, so many more may have passed earlier in the day. Ten were off Ramore on 3rd. Seven were in Lough Foyle off Magilligan on 3rd in two hours.

Spoonbill One returned to Swan Island (Larne Lough) on 31st, where it had first been found in September. In between it had moved to Ballycarry.

Whooper The peak count was 55 at Carrowclare (Lough Foyle) on 4th. Numbers in Donegal at Inch and Blanket Nook however had reached 1,000 during the month. Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) had 35 on 7th.

Pink-footed Goose Nine were at Castle Espie mudflats (Strangford Lough) on 10th, with a single bird seen there on 27th. Two were seen in flight at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh( Armagh) on 19th, with a single at Faughanvale (Lough Foyle) the same day. The resident bird at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast was present until at least 29th.

Greenland White-fronted Goose On the north coast Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) has 28 on 3rd.

Barnacle Goose Ramore Head (Antrim) had 60 on 3rd. Two were at Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) the same day. On 4th 17 were recorded flying north at Black Arch on the Antrim coast. They had probably overshot and were re-orientating themselves.

Dark-bellied Brent One seen at the Floodgates in the NE corner of Strangford Lough on 31st was probably the same seen there in September.

Pale-bellied Brent Strangford Lough had a record count of 16,200 on 7th, and this was exceeded by a count of over 17,000 at the end of the month.

Black Brant One Ad was still at Carrickhugh (Lough Foyle) until at least 19th.

Pintail In Strangford Lough 196 were along the Tidebank at the north end on 7th.

Red-crested Pochard A female was at Craigavon South Lake from 4th to 26th.

Ring-necked Duck The male was still at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) until at least 10th.

Long-tailed Duck A female was at Dargan Bay off the North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 21st.

Common Scoter The only appreciable count was of over 200 in Dundrum Bay (Down) on 28th.

Goosander The resident male at BP3 (by now into WP) was present until at least 29th.

Osprey A late bird flew down river, being mobbed by corvids, at the Quoile Old Bridge (Down) on 24th. Others were in Wicklow and Kerry at the same time.

Golden Plover The peak count at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 1,750 on 24th.

Grey Plover Inland two were at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 19th.

Little Stint One was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 15th to 24th. In Larne Lough one was at Ballycarry on 24th.

Curlew Sandpiper Singles were at Roe Estuary (Londonderry) on 2nd; Castle Espie Wader Pool (Strangford Lough) on 2nd; and at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 24th.

Ruff One was at the Roe Estuary (Londonderry) on 2nd. A juvenile was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 11th to 24th. One was in fields at Broighter Road (Londonderry) on 19th.

Jack Snipe One at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 22nd was joined by a second on 28th, with one still present on 31st.

Long-billed Dowitcher The Ad at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast was present until at least 29th

. Whimbrel One was at St John's Point (Down) on 25th.

Spotted Redshank The regular wintering bird was at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) until at least 28th. One was at the Floodgates in the NE corner of Strangford Lough on 15th.

Greenshank Eleven were at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 17th; eight at Comber Estuary (Strangford Lough) on 17th; and six at Killough Harbour (Down) on 28th.

Lesser Yellowlegs The bird at Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) was seen again on 19th.

Grey Phalarope One was seen off Magilligan Point (Lough Foyle) on 3rd, in the same conditions that brought Leach's Petrels into the Lough.

Pomarine Skua Singles were at Ramore Head (Antrim) and at Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) on 3rd.

Arctic Skua Three were at Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) on 3rd; four at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 3rd; and three at St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Long-tailed Skua Single juveniles were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd, and at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 3rd.

Great Skua Two were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd, with six seen there on 3rd. Two were at Magilligan Point (Lough Foyle) on 3rd, and two off Black Arch on the Antrim coast on 4th.

Mediterranean Gull Singles (all Ads) were at Roe Estuary (Londonderry) on 2nd; Carnlough Bay (Antrim); and at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 20th. Little Gull The only record was of a 2W at Garron Point (Antrim) on 20th. It was moving south in strong winds.

Ring-billed Gull An Ad was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 15th and 19th. Probably the same (a returning bird) was at Whitehouse Lagoon on the Antrim side of the Lough on 24th.

Scandinavian Herring Gull Single Ads were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 15th and 19th.

Kittiwake At Garron Point (Antrim) 400 moved south in strong winds on 20th. On 30th 3,000 passed St John's Point in three hours.

Sandwich Tern Single wintering birds were at Cloghy Bay, Outer Ards (Down), and at Tully Hill Bay in Strangford Narrows on 31st. A tern not specifically identified at Mill Bay, Carlingford Lough (Down) was probably this speciesWintering Sandwich Terns are a feature of Strangford Lough in the past few years.

Guillemot/Razorbill The only appreciable passage was at St John's Point (Down) on 30th. Birds were passing at 1,000 an hour between 8 and 11am. Passage continued the next morning as well.

Stock Dove At Craigavon South Lake (Armagh) three were seen on 19th, and two on 26th.

Barn Owl Two were seen crossing the back road near Groomsport (Down) on 22nd.

Short-eared Owl In Down singles were at Black Head, Belfast Lough on 24th, and at St John's Point on 26th.

Swallow The latest sightings were in Down at Killough and St John's Point (Down) on 25th.

House Martin Like Swallow the latest sighting was at St John's Point (Down) on 25th.

Meadow Pipit Passage birds were noted at Torr Head (Antrim) with 22 on 4th, and at St John's Point (Down) with 20 on 14th.

Yellow Wagtail One was at Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 22nd.

White Wagtail Two were along the Antrim coast at Drumnagreagh near Glenarm on 4th.

Wheatear The latest recorded was at Rossglass (Down) on 24th.

Fieldfare Apart from the unseasonably early Copeland (Down) bird, the first recorded was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 4th. This was the 131st species on the Reserve in 1999.

Redwing The first report was of three in flight at the Tidebank in Strangford Lough on 15th.

Chiffchaff One was still calling at Antrim Road Waterworks in Belfast (Antrim) from 7th to 12th. One was at St John's Point (Down) on 25th.

Goldcrest At St John's Point (Down) nine were seen on 19th, and ten on 25th.

Tree Sparrow Twenty were at Kells Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 11th, and 46 at St John's Point (Down) on 25th.

Brambling One in a garden at Whitehead (Antrim), and one near Black Head, may have been the same bird.

Linnet The largest flock was 60 at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 24th.

Twite A small flock was at Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 22nd.

Snow Bunting The first was a single bird at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 3rd. One was at Rockport, Belfast Lough (Down) on 11th; two at Trostan on the Antrim Plateau on 19th; four at Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 22nd; eight at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 30th; and three at Gortmore on the Bishop's Road (Londonderry) on 31st. The largest flock was at Cave Hill above Belfast (Antrim), where 14 were seen in flight on 31st.

Recent Reports for November 1999

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of November. They are not accepted records, and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line and calls are only charged at local rates.

Red-throated Diver The peak count was 25 at Crawsfordburn Bay, Belfast Lough (Down) on 21st. With ten off Briggs Rocks (Down) on 6th, and seven seen on the WEBs count off Rockport (Down) on 27th, it is likely more went undetected, as previous counts have shown high numbers of this species use the Lough for short periods in inclement weather during migration periods.

Black-throated Diver A juvenile was at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 6th, and one at Carnlough Bay (Antrim) on 9th. At Strangford Lough (the species main wintering ground in the Province), the first reported back were five off Reagh Island on 14th. Two were off Rockport, Belfast Lough (Down) on 27th.

Great Northern Diver A high count was 16 off Gransha Point (Strangford Lough) on 14th, with four close by at Kircubbin on 13th. Seven were at Dundrum Bay (Down) on 11th. One at Groomsport, Belfast Lough (Down) on 9th was still in SP, and six of the Gransha birds were also in SP.

Red-necked Grebe In Strangford Lough one was at Greyabbey Bay South from 5th to 7th, with possibly the same farther south off Kircubbin on 21st.

Slavonian Grebe In Strangford Lough three were at Greyabbey Bay South on 5th, rising to eleven by 13th. Another two were at Kircubbin on 7th. One was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 14th.

Balearic Shearwater Four were off Garron Point (Antrim) on 4th, reflecting movements of this species on the Ayrshire coast a few days earlier. Winter records along the Antrim coast seem to be increasing lately.

Storm Petrel An inland record was of one seen from a boat in the SW quadrant of Lough Neagh on 2nd.

Continental Cormorant At least three were at the Upper Lough of Seaforde (Down) from 10th to 27th (Ad, sub-Ad and juv). One was at Antrim Road Waterworks in Belfast from 20th to 28th, and of five Cormorants at Hillsborough Lake (Down) on 27th at least two were "sinensis". Another possible was at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 20th.

Little Egret At the Outer Ards one was at Templecowey (Down) on 13th.

Spoonbill The Ad at Larne Lough was present until at least 6th.

Whistling Swan One was reported at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 20th. It was with 60 Whooper and four Bewick's. This is possibly another sighting of the bird seen on the Antrim side of the Lough in 1998. Whistling Swan is the North American race of Bewick's Swan.

Pink-footed Goose Single birds were at Longfield Point (Lough Foyle) from 1st to 17th, and at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) from 2nd to 21st. The resident bird at Belfast Harbour Estate was present until at least 19th.

Greenland White-fronted Goose At Lough Foyle eight were at Black Brae on 1st, and seven at Longfield Point on 3rd. The traditional wintering area at Annaghroe (Tyrone) had 26 on 6th.

Black Brant The returning Ad was at Longfield Point (Lough Foyle) on 10th.

Green-winged Teal A drake at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 27th was probably the bird seen there the previous winter.

Scaup A high count was 1,200 off Ballyronan, Lough Neagh (Londonderry) on 29th.

Eider A flock of 660 was in Belfast Lough off Whiteabbey (Antrim).

Long-tailed Duck At Lough Foyle one was off Black Brae on 1st, and three off Myroe on 14th. At Belfast Lough six were off Carrickfergus (Antrim) on 14th, and one at Whiteabbey (Antrim) 13th. Three were at Dundrum Bay (Down) on 11th. An inland record was of a fem/imm at Derrytrasna, Lough Neagh (Armagh from 9th to 10th, with possibly the same at Oxford Island NNR on 20th.

Common Scoter A high count in good conditions was 1,400 at Dundrum Bay (Down) on 11th. At Belfast Lough 72 were off Whiteabbey (Antrim) on 13th, with 86 seen on 21st. These are the highest counts in Belfast Lough for many years.

Velvet Scoter A drake was at St John's Point (Down) on 7th.

Smew A drake (the first of the winter) was off Kinturk Flat, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 29th.

Goosander Single redheads were at Glenarm Bay (Antrim) on 9th, and at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 17th. The resident male (with black wing-bar) was at Belfast Harbour Estate until at least 28th.

Golden Plover The RSPB Reserve in Belfast had 1,600 on 8th.

Jack Snipe Two were at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast from late October until 7th.

Snipe The only high counts came from RSPB Reserve in Belfast, with 39 on 12th and 60 on 14th.

Pomarine Skua A good month with 14 recorded. This species is often the last of the skuas to migrate. On 4th seven juveniles were at Garron Point (Antrim). Five were seen in the morning and two in the afternoon. All were moving north. On the Ayrshire coast six were recorded over the 1st and 2nd, but all were moving south, so perhaps these birds were re-orienting themselves. An Ad was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 5th, in fresh NW winds when little else was passing, and a juv over the mudflats at Longfield Point (Lough Foyle) on 12th. Inland an Ad settled briefly on the water before flying off NW at Tolans Flat, Lough Neagh (Antrim). On 28th three juvs passed south at St John's Point (Down), again when little else was moving. The last of the month was one at Ballyhenry Bay in Strangford Narrows (Down), possibly sheltering from gales in the Irish Sea the day before.

Great Skua One was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 5th.

Mediterranean Gull An Ad W was at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 12th.

Ring-billed Gull A 2Y was at the mouth of the Shimna in Newcastle (Down) on 7th, possibly the 1Y seen there the previous winter. The Ad from October at Whitehouse Lagoon, Belfast Lough (Antrim) was present all month.

Scandinavian Herring Gull Two "argentatus" Ads were at Whiteabbey, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 14th, and four or five (not aged) at Culmore Tip near Derry on 24th.

American Herring Gull A 1W "smithsonianus" was at Whiteabbey, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 6th, probably the same seen at the North Foreshore Tip on 16th. A 2W was reported at Portavogie (Down) on 21st.

Iceland Gull The only record came from Donaghadee Harbour (Down) where an Ad was present on 28th.

Glaucous Gull An Ad was at Longfield Point (Lough Foyle) on 3rd. An Ad at Portavogie (Down) on 7th was probably the same bird seen there on 21st and 28th. One was at Donaghadee (Down) on 28th.

Kittiwake Inland one was flying south off Ardboe Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 29th.

Sandwich Tern Two were fishing in Strangford Narrows off Ballyhenry Bay (Down) on 28th.

Arctic Tern One was at Garron Point (Antrim) on 4th, and a late juv at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 5th.

Barn Owl One was along Movilla Road in Newtownards (Down) on 9th.

Short-eared Owl Singles were at Groomsport (Down) on 9th; Ardglass Golf Course (Down) on 14th, and Longfield Point (Lough Foyle) on 17th.

Swallow Late records came from Down with five at Kilclief on 5th, and one at Six Road Ends near Bangor on 11th.

Yellow Wagtail A late bird was at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 14th.

Blackcap One was in a garden at Portadown (Armagh) on 9th, and two at Kiltonga in Newtownards (Down) from 14th to 16th.

Chiffchaff One was at Kiltonga in Newtownards (Down) on 14th.

Scandinavian Jackdaw One showing characteristics of this race was at the RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 21st.

Tree Sparrow At Templecowey on the Outer Ards (Down) 60 were present on 13th, and 40 at Ballyquintin Point nearby on 25th. Nine were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 29th.

Brambling One at Giant's Ring, Edenderry (Down) on 7th was only the second of the winter. Two were at Tannaghmore Gardens near Craigavon (Armagh) on 17th, with five seen on 20th. They were with a flock of 300 finches. One was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 29th. Linnet The largest flock was 150 at Stanierds Point. Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 29th. At the Giant's Ring, Edenderry (Down) 60 were present on 7th, and a flock of 60 also seen at Ballyworfy near Hillsborough (Down) on 28th.

Twite On the north coast 62 were at Ballykelly (Lough Foyle) on 1st, with 11 seen there on 11th. Also at Lough Foyle 35 were at Longfield Point on 9th, and small numbers also present at Myroe Levels. In Belfast (Antrim) 40 were at the North Foreshore Tip on 11th.

Snow Bunting At the south shore of Lough Neagh two were in flight at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 2nd; two at Trowagh Visitors Centre nearby on 4th, and one at Ardmore Point on 10th. Two were at the col between Donard and Commedagh in the Mournes (Down) on 3rd. The largest flock was 35 at Ballykelly (Lough Foyle) on 10th. At Strangford Lough 13 were at Gransha Point (Down) on 14th.

Recent Reports for January 2000

Recent Reports for January 2000 All these reports are from Flightline over the month of January. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 01247 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers Association.

Red-throated Diver Sixteen flew into Belfast Lough past Black Head (Antrim) on 1st. The count of Lough Foyle on 19th produced 11, and seven were off the pier at Greencastle (Carlingford Lough) on 9th.

Black-throated Diver The only report was of a bird off the pier at Carnlough (Antrim) on 4th. Great Northern Diver A high count of 49 was at Lough Foyle on 19th. Inland the bird at Lough Shark (Down/Armagh) was present to at least 15th.

Great Crested Grebe The Lough Foyle count had 302 on 19th.

Slavonian Grebe The count of Lough Foyle on 19th produced 35 between Longfield and Magilligan. This was not only by far the highest count of the winter, but of interest as being away from Myroe, where the highest counts have occurred in the past. In Strangford Lough the peak count was nine on 2nd. There were no other records away from these two sites.

Blue Fulmar One gave close views at Black Rock outfall, Portstewart (Antrim) on 3rd.

Gannet Singles were at Newcastle Bay (Down) on 8th and at St John's Point (Down) on 16th.

Continental Cormorant One was still present at Antrim Road Waterworks in Belfast on 8th.

Bewick's Swan Derryloste near Bannfoot (Armagh) had 26 on 16th. The peak count at Kinnegoe Bank (Armagh) was 21 on 26th. Four were at Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 22nd, and three at Kinrush Airfield near Ardboe (Tyrone) on 17th.

Whooper Myroe (Lough Foyle) had 150 on 22nd.

Black Swan One was near Lady Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 20th.

Whistling Swan Another sighting (the second of the winter) was at Ballynery to south-west of Lough Gullion (Armagh) on 21st.

Pink-footed Goose Singles were at Clandeboye Lake (Down) on 8th; at Ushet Lough on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 9th and Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 11th. The resident bird remained around Belfast Harbour Estate and Victoria Park (Down) all month.

Greenland White-fronted Sixteen were at Faughanvale (Lough Foyle) on 14th, and a single bird at Ushet Lough on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 9th.

Greylag Culmore Tip near Derry had 140 in flight on 3rd. The Quoile Pondage NNR had 163 on 4th, and RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) 141 on 10th. Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh had 104 on 27th.

Snow Goose The Blue phase was present all month around Belfast Harbour Estate and Victoria Park (Down). Three obvious escapes arrived (with two Bar-headed Geese) at Castle Espie WWT (Strangford Lough) on 23rd.

Dark-bellied Brent Two were at Groomsport, Belfast Lough (Down) on 30th.

American Wigeon The drake near Greyabbey (Strangford Lough) from December was present to 9th. Another drake was at Gawley's Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 17th.

American Wigeon hybrid One was at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 17th.

Scaup About 700 were at Rostrevor Bay (Carlingford Lough) on 30th. The flock at Dargan Bay, Belfast Lough (Antrim) numbered 160 on 16th.

Long-tailed Duck Low numbers, but in Belfast Lough (Antrim) five were off Carrickfergus on 2nd and six at Sea Park, Greenisland on 8th.

Goldeneye A count of 153 at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 2nd was good for this site.

Smew A drake was at Craigavon Lakes (Armagh) from 6th.

Goosander A drake was at Lough Vearty (Fermanagh) on 6th. The resident drake at RSPB Reserve in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) was present all month.

Goshawk A male was seen in County Down on 13th.

Golden Eagle An immature was on the cliffs at Cooraghy, Rathlin Island (Antrim) from 14th to 16th. Some of the early birders on 16th managed to get over in time to see it, but others were disappointed when mist came down.

Gyrfalcon The white phase seen at Giant's Causeway over Christmas was found again on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 3rd, and stayed to at least 6th (although shooters reported it as present to 8th). Given the weather conditions and difficulty of getting to Rathlin the only birder to see it was the local RSPB warden. However on 20th it was back on the mainland at Plaiskin Head (Antrim), close to where it had first been found.

Golden Plover Flocks of a thousand and over were reported as follows: Reedy Flat (Armagh) 3,000 on 2nd Bannfoot (Armagh) 2,000 on 16th Tidebank (Strangford Lough) 1,500 on 3rd Dundrum Inner Bay (Down) 1,000 on 1st Bird Island (Down) 1,000 on 3rd.

Lapwing Flocks of a thousand and over were reported as follows: RSPB Reserve, Belfast (Down) 2,000 on 2nd Reedy Flat (Armagh) 1,000 on 2nd.

Knot A flock of 2,000 was at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 29th.

Sanderling Magilligan (Lough Foyle) had a high count of 310 on 18th. In Down 76 were at Newcastle Beach on 23rd and 60 at Tyrella on 8th.

Jack Snipe The only report was of one at Clandeboye Golf Course (Down) on 16th.

Dunlin A flock of 1,100 was reported at Newcastle Beach (Down) on 23rd.

Spotted Redshank The wintering bird was still at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) all month. Three were found at Comber Estuary (Strangford Lough) on 27th, and one at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 30th.

Mediterranean Gull A 2W was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 10th, and single AdW at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 18th and at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 30th.

Little Gull An AdW and 1W were at Strangford Narrows (Down) from 8th to 30th. The Ad was probably the same seen earlier.

Ring-billed Gull Probably two Adults were seen all month around Belfast (Whitehouse Lagoon, Antrim Road Waterworks and North Foreshore Tip, all on the Antrim side of the Lough). The 2W at Shimna Boating Pond in Newcastle (Down) from November was present to at least 23rd. An Ad was at the NE corner of Larne Lough on 16th.

Scandinavian Herring Gull Widely reported in small numbers around Belfast, but Culmore Tip near Derry had the peak count of 35 on 3rd.

American Herring Gull Two (1W and 2W) were at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 7th (the 1W probably the same from December).

Iceland Gull There was a clear influx starting at the end of December. As usual the vast majority were on the coasts of Londonderry, Antrim and Down, but there were inland records from tips in Armagh and Enniskillen. The peak count was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 19th, with ten (seven 1W, 3W and two Ad). A minimum of 33 birds was involved (21 1W, three 2W, three 3W and six Ad).

Kumlien's Iceland Gull A 1W was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 3rd.

Glaucous Gull The peak count was nine (Ad and rest immature mainly 1W) at Culmore Tip near Derry on 3rd. A minimum of 18 was recorded (four Ad, five 2Y or 3Y, and nine 1W). At least four were at various sites around Belfast, the rest were widely scattered single birds.

Barn Owl One was between International Airport and Antrim on 20th.

Skylark Flocks of one hundred and over were as follows: Reedy Flat (Armagh) 300 on 1st and 16th. Ballyhenry (Down) 250 on 1st and 28th Comber River (Down) 200 on 27th Gransha (Down) 150 on 11th

Waxwing About ten widely scattered birds in ones and twos. At Whitehead (Antrim) one was still in a garden from early December to the early part of the month, and two in a different garden. One flew over the carpark at Belvoir Forest in Belfast (Down) on 6th, and one was at Lyndhurst Avenue in Bangor (Down) on 23rd. In addition five more were reported to RSPB on 3rd without precise locations being recorded. Three were in the Derry area, and two on east Down coast.

Black Redstart A male was found at Portaferry (Down) on 2nd and remained all month.

Chiffchaff A wintering bird was at Antrim Road Waterworks in Belfast on 21st.

Eastern Jackdaw Single birds of this race were reported at Whitehouse Lagoon, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 2nd and at Portaferry (Down) on 10th.

Tree Sparrow Flocks of thirty and over were as follows: Island Hill (Strangford Lough) 150 on 1st Tannaghmore (Armagh) 50 on 16th Reedy Flat (Armagh) 30 on 16th.

Chaffinch Flocks of one hundred and over were as follows: Derriaghy (Antrim) 350 on 3rd Ardilea (Down) 300 on 8th Tannaghmore (Armagh) 250 on 22nd Ballyleidy (Down) 100 on 8th Gransha (Down) 100 on 11th.

Brambling One visiting a garden at Whitehead (Antrim) since October was present all month. Three were at Derriaghy (Antrim) on 8th. Three were with the large finch flock at Tannaghmore near Craigavon (Armagh) on 16th, with at least two still there on 22nd. One at Ballyleidy near Clandeboye (Down) since late December was still present to at least 12th. One was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 22nd.

Goldfinch Around Strangford Lough a flock of 60 was at Island Hill on 1st (with 50 there on 28th) and 40 in fields at Comber River Estuary on 27th.

Linnet Flocks of one hundred and over were as follows: Tannaghmore (Armagh) 300 on 16th Rathlin Island (Antrim) 200 on 9th Island Hill (Strangford Lough) 200 on 1st RSPB Reserve (Belfast) 100 on 11th.

Twite A flock of 100 was at Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 10th. Also on the north coast 30 were at Faughanvale on 14th and 20 at Culmore Tip near Derry on 3rd. More unusually 14 were still coming into a garden at Waterloo in Belfast (Antrim) to roost at night, and had been since December. Flocks of ten were at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 1st, and at Rossglass (Down) on 30th. Otherwise there were only widely spread reports of a few birds.

Crossbill A flock of 40 was at Capanagh (Antrim) on 16th.

Snow Bunting The large flock in a flooded field between Bushmills and Giant's Causeway (Londonderry) still contained 200 birds on 7th, and smaller numbers later in the month. Also on the north coast 60 were at Portstewart Golf Course (Londonderry) on 3rd, and 40 on Skerries off Ramore Head (Antrim) the same day. Flocks of 20 were at Cave Hill above Belfast (Antrim) on 23rd, and at the col between Meelmore and Meelbeg in Mourne Mountains (Down) on 24th. Two were still at Trowagh Visitors Centre, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 8th, and a single bird at Ringfad Point (Down) on 9th.

Yellowhammer A flock of 120 at Ballyfinragh, Ards Peninsula (Down) on 27th was by far the largest recorded in recent years. Thirty were at Gransha west of Comber (Down) on 11th and 27th, and 20 at Island Hill (Strangford Lough) on 28th.

Recent Reports for February 2000

Recent reports for February 2000 All these reports are from Flightline over the month of February. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 91 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association.

Red-throated Diver Very few recorded. Four were at Newcastle Bay South (Down) on 12th, and three at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 20th.

Black-throated Diver Singles were at Rostrevor Bay (Carlingford Lough) on 5th and 11th, and at Newcastle Bay South (Down) on 27th.

Great Northern Diver Like other divers very scarce. Only one was reported in Strangford Lough at Kircubbin (on 20th). Inland one was at Castle Caldwell (Lower Lough Erne) on 21st.

Red-necked Grebe In Carlingford Lough one was off Killowen Point on 10th, and probably the same in Rostrevor Bay on 11th.

Slavonian Grebe Only two were reported. They were at Greyabbey Bay South (Strangford Lough) on 20th. Gannet Present in small numbers (one to four) during the month. All were on the Down coast.

Continental Cormorant Six (two adults and four immature) were at Hillsborough Lake (Down) on 6th.

Bewick's Swan In Armagh on the south shore of Lough Neagh 12 were at Reedy Flat on 14th, and 19 at Kinnegoe Bank near Oxford Island NNR on 20th.

Whooper Swan Myroe (Lough Foyle) had 340 on 19th and The Creagh near Toomebridge (Londonderry) 95 on 22nd.

Black Swan One was at Lady Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 24th.

Pink-footed Goose Six were at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) on 19th. They were present for the rest of the month although only five were then present. A single bird was at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) on 20th, and the long-staying bird around Victoria Park and Belfast Harbour Estate all month.

Greenland White-fronted Goose Annaghroe (Tyrone) had a peak of 76 on 26th. Four (two adults and two juveniles) were at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) on 19th.

Greylag Lady Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) had a high count of 645 on 24th. Around Lough Neagh 98 were at Ardmore Point (Armagh) on 29th, and 61 at Reedy Flat (Armagh) on 14th. The RSPB Reserve in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) had 58 on 22nd (from Victoria Park).

Barnacle Goose Two (of unknown origin) were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 22nd.

American Wigeon A drake, found on 26th, gave excellent views at Hillsborough Lake (Down). It was present for the rest of the month.

Gadwall Hillsborough Lake (Down) had a high count of 50 on 4th.

Green-winged Teal The over-wintering drake at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) was present until at least 6th.

Ring-necked Duck A drake was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 14th.

Aythya hybrid A hybrid resembling Lesser Scaup was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 14th and 16th.

Scaup Rostrevor Bay (Carlingford Lough) had 556 on 5th, and 245 were at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 29th. In Belfast Lough Dargan Bay (Antrim) had a good site count of 175 on 18th.

Long-tailed Duck A high count for the winter was 22 off Sea Park, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 27th. Elsewhere two were at Newcastle (Down) on 27th, and a female north of Portavogie (Down) on 6th. A male was at Killowen (Carlingford Lough) 12th.

Common Scoter About 500 were off Newcastle (Down) on 27th.3/14/00

Velvet Scoter A drake was in Belfast Lough off North Foreshore Tip (Antrim) on 19th.

Smew The drake at Craigavon Lakes (Armagh) was present until at least 24th. Single "redheads" were at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 5th (with possibly the same at Ardmore Point on 9th); Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 13th to at least 16th; and Lough Mourne (Antrim) on 20th.

Goosander A "redhead" was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 16th. The long-staying drake was around Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) all month.

Ruddy Duck Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) had 20 on 19th-a low winter count for that site.

Golden Plover Counts of a thousand an over were: Tide Bank (Strangford Lough) 2,500 on 19th. Reedy Flat (Lough Neagh) 1,500 on 14th. Bann Estuary (Londonderry) 1,200 on 6th.

Grey Plover The highest count from Dundrum Inner Bay (Down) where 18 were present on 12th.

Lapwing The only high count reported came from RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) where 1,200 were present on 11th. Knot Dargan Bay, Belfast Lough (Antrim) had 300 on 13th.

Sanderling A flock of 75 was still on the beach at Newcastle (Down) on 12th. Dunlin An estimated 2,000 were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 6th. Dargan Bay, Belfast Lough (Antrim) had 600 on 13th, and 200 were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 14th.

Ruff One was Reedy Flat on 29th.

Jack Snipe One was at Bar Hall Bay in Strangford Narrows on 20th. Snipe Counts received were 28 at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 9th, and 14 at RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) on 20th.

Long-billed Dowitcher After an absence since early December the adult was found again roosting with Redshank at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 19th.

Black-tailed Godwit The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) was 79 on 6th.

Spotted Redshank One was at Newry Estuary (Down) on 11th, and the over-wintering bird still at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 12th.

Mediterranean Gull An adult winter was at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 12th.

Ring-billed Gull At least two (adult and second-winter) were at Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) over the month, with the two seen together at BP3 on 29th. An adult was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 18th, and the second-winter still at Newcastle beach and Shimna (Down) all month.

Lesser Black-backed Gull As usual numbers built from mid-month, with 48 at RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) on 12th and 60 at Enniskillen Tip (Fermanagh) on 29th.

Herring Gull Numbers at Culmore Tip near Derry peaked at 4,000 on 2nd.

Scandinavian Herring Gull The peak count was 25 at Culmore Tip near Derry on 18th, with ten also at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 12th. One at Enniskillen Tip (Fermanagh) on 29th was probably the first recorded for that site.

Iceland Gull A record month, with a minimum of 50 recorded (usually about 30 a year are reported). Antrim: At least seven. A minimum of three was at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast. Black Head in Belfast Lough had a third-year on 12th and a second-winter on 17th. An adult was at Larne Harbour on 13th, and a first-winter at Glenarm on 22nd. Armagh: At least one first-winter was at Ballyfodrin Tip. Down: At least seven. A minimum of three was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast (adult, first-winter and second winter). Three were also at Portavogie (first-winter, second-winter and third-year). An adult was at Newcastle on 12th. Fermanagh: At least five (three first-winter, second-winter and adult) were at Enniskillen Tip. Londonderry: Culmore Tip near Derry had 26 on 9th (two adult, five second-winter and the rest mainly first-winter). Numbers increased slightly to 30 by 26th. The numbers at Culmore (probably a site record for this species in Northern Ireland) were also reflected elsewhere in Ireland. About 50 were at Poulnasherry (Clare), and 30 at Killybegs (Donegal) over the month.

Kumlien's Iceland Gull Three were recorded at Culmore Tip near Derry (first-winter, third-year and adult) over the month.

Glaucous Gull A minimum of 24 was recorded as follows. Antrim: Around the Antrim side of Belfast Lough the North Foreshore Tip had a second-winter at Dargan Bay on 13th (with possibly the same at Antrim Road Waterworks). An adult was at North Foreshore Tip on 24th. Armagh: Ballyfodrin Tip had an adult on 2nd and a first-winter on 24th. Down: At least five (two adult, third-winter, second-winter and first-winter) were at RSPB Reserve and BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate. At least three (adult, second-winter and first-winter) were at Portavogie. Fermanagh: Enniskillen Tip had a second-winter on 14th. Londonderry: Ten were at Culmore Tip near Derry on 18th. Of those aged one was adult, one second-winter and six were first-winter. A first-winter was at Longfield Point (Lough Foyle) on 1st. Glaucous type hybrid: Three or four were at Culmore Tip near Derry on 18th. Probably the same bird was at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) and RSPB Reserve in Belfast (Down) on several occasions over the month.

Kittiwake Inland four were at Six Mile Water, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 14th, with six there on 15th. Singles were at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 13th, and at Rosscor (Lower Lough Erne) on 17th.

Barn Owl Singles were at Aghnaleck (Down) on 15th, and at RSPB Reserve in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) on 24th.

Skylark Some sizable flocks were still present early in the month, with 300 at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 14th, 200 at Ballyhenry near Comber (Down) on 3rd and 100 at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 4th.

Swallow The first of the millennium were two at Ballyregan (Down) on 3rd.

Waxwing The early promise of an influx did not materialize. Only two were recorded with singles at Sandown Road in Belfast (Down) on 5th, and at Harmony Hill near Lambeg (Down) on 9th.

Black Redstart The adult male remained at Portaferry (Down) until at least 20th.

Fieldfare An estimated flock of 1,000 was at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 6th.

Blackcap One was in song near Queen's University in Belfast on 29th.

Chiffchaff One was at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 13th.

Eastern Jackdaw One was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) on 26th.

Carrion Crow Noted at Portaferry (Down), and at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) during the month. Both had hybrid young.

Tree Sparrow A flock of 45 was still at Ballyhenry near Comber (Down) on 4th, and ten at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 14th.

Chaffinch In Armagh a flock of 200 was at Reedy Flat (Lough Neagh) on 14th, and 100 at Tannaghmore near Craigavon on 9th.

Brambling Fourteen were recorded as follows: Four were still at Tannaghmore near Craigavon (Armagh) on 20th, and two at Ballyhenry near Comber (Down) on 3rd (with one still there on 6th). Two were also at Derriaghy (Antrim) on 22nd. Singles were near Groomsport (Down) on 4th, at Greengraves Road in Newtownards (Down) also on 4th, different males at Stockdam Road in Lisburn (Antrim) on 16th and 17th, at Donaghcloney ((Down) on 24th, and at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 29th.

Linnet A flock of 200 was at Tannaghmore near Craigavon (Armagh) on 9th. RSPB Reserve in Belfast Harbour Estate (Down) had 115 on 19th, and 100 were still at Island Hill near Strangford Lough on 4th.

Twite A flock of 60 was at Giant's Causeway (Antrim) on 12th. Six were at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 5th, and 14 still roosting in a garden at Waterloo Park in Belfast (Antrim) on 19th. They had been visiting the garden from December.

Mealy Redpoll One was reported at Portadown (Armagh) on 5th.

Snow Bunting Eight were at Divis above Belfast (Antrim) on 13th. Two were at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 5th, with one still there on 29th. One was at Giant's Causeway (Antrim) on 12th.

Yellowhammer A flock of 100 was still at Ballyhenry near Comber (Down) on 4th. Ballyfinragh on the Ards Peninsula still had 63 on 20th, and six were at Derriaghy (Antrim) on 22nd.

Reed Bunting The peak winter count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast Harbour Estate was 61 on 25th.

Recent reports for March 2000

Red-throated Diver As through the winter seemingly very scarce. The only report came from Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) where two were present on 18th.

Great Northern Diver The inland bird was at Castle Caldwell (Lower Lough Erne) all month. Five were at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 5th.

Continental Cormorant One was reported at Dundrum Inner Bay (Down) on 7th, and a juvenile was at Hillsborough Lake (Down) on 10th.

Black Swan A pair was near Glynn (Larne Lough) from 11th to end of month.

Pink-footed Goose Five were still in Collectors Bay at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) to at least 26th. The resident bird was still at Victoria Park and Belfast Harbour Estate all month.

Greenland White-fronted Goose Annaghroe (Tyrone) had 69 on 12th, and 27 were at Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 15th. A single bird was at Comber Estuary (Strangford Lough) on 25th.

Greylag Counts of over a hundred were as follows: Myroe (Lough Foyle) 540 on 15th. Roe Estuary (Lough Foyle) 250 on 5th. Quoile Pondage (Down) 250 on 6th. Ardmore Point (Lough Neagh) 172 on 7th.

Barnacle Goose One at Comber Estuary (Strangford Lough) on 25th was probably a feral bird.

American Wigeon The drake was at Hillsborough Lake (Down) to at least 17th.

Chiloe Wigeon An escape was at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 21st.

Green-winged Teal A drake was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 15th.

Garganey Three drakes at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 31st was an early date for this species in Northern Ireland.

Ring-necked Duck A drake at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 25th and 26th was probably the same seen earlier in the winter.

Long-tailed Duck Scarce with a peak of only four off Fisherman's Quay at Carrickfergus (Antrim) on 4th, and a single bird at Newcastle Bay (Down) on 12th.

Common Scoter A flock of 350 was at Newcastle Bay (Down) on 5th.

Smew Single "redheads" were still at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on15th, and at Quoile River (Down) near Steamboat Quay on 12th (seen the next day closer to the Old Bridge).

Goosander The resident drake continued to move around Belfast Harbour Estate all month.

Golden Eagle One was seen at Ligadaughtan north of Cushendun (Antrim) on 7th.

Corncrake One was reported at the bottom of Swains Hill in Holywood (Down) on 25th.

Golden Plover The peak count at Belfast Harbour Estate was 1,500 on 7th.

Ruff Eight were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 29th and 30th (with smaller numbers there over the month), and one at Comber Estuary (Strangford Lough) on 25th.

Jack Snipe One was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 18th.

Whimbrel One at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 5th, and two at Killyleagh (Strangford Lough) on 19th, were probably over wintering birds.

Spotted Redshank One was at Comber Estuary (Strangford Lough) on 25th, and the over wintering bird still at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) to at least 20th.

Green Sandpiper One was near Glarryford (Antrim) on 19th. This seems to be a regular spot for over wintering birds.

Common Sandpiper One was reported (but not seen well) at Glarryford (Antrim) on 19th.

Turnstone A flock of about 70 was at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 25th.

Mediterranean Gull Probably four were recorded. An adult in summer plumage was at Black Arch (Antrim) on 5th. A first-winter was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 7th, and an adult in summer plumage at Kilcooley Estate in Bangor (Down) on 9th. An adult in near summer plumage moved between Cockle Island at Groomsport (Down) and Briggs Rocks nearby from 15th to 25th.

Ring-billed Gull The second-winter was still at Newcastle (Down) to at least 5th. A second-winter was at Kiltonga in Newtownards (Down) on 12th and 13th. The adult at Whitehouse Lagoon, Belfast Lough (Antrim) was seen to 20th, and what was probably a different bird at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 19th to rest of month.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Inland 70 were at Ballyfodrin Tip (Armagh) on 2nd, and 43 were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 11th.

Scandinavian Herring Gull An adult was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 2nd, and four first-winters at Culmore Tip near Derry on 16th.

American Herring Gull A second-winter "smithsonianus" was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 7th and 8th. An adult there on 16th was the first of that age to be identified on this side of the Atlantic.

Iceland Gull At least 57 were recorded as follows: Antrim At least five recorded. Two (not aged) were at Larne outfall on 5th, and one (not aged) at Carnlough Bay the same day. The North Foreshore Tip in Belfast had at least five (two first-winter, two second-winter and a third-year type) over the month. A second-winter was at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 25th. Armagh A first-winter was at Ballyfodrin Tip on 2nd. Down At least six recorded. A first-winter was at Portavogie on 2nd. The RSPB Reserve in Belfast had at least three (two first-winter and a second-winter) over the month-all probably birds from the North Foreshore. A second-winter was at Ardglass on 5th, and a first-winter there on 17th. Fermanagh Four first-winter were at Enniskillen Tip on 25th. Londonderry Culmore Tip near Derry had 32 on 7th, but a probable Northern Ireland site record of 40 on 16th (39 of them were on the shoreline at once). Of those aged four were adult, three third-year types and the rest immature.

Kumlien's Iceland Gull Two (adult and second-winter) were at Culmore Tip on 16th.

Glaucous Gull At least 17 were recorded as follows: Antrim The North Foreshore Tip in Belfast had at least three (first-winter, second-winter and adult). Armagh A first-winter was at Ballyfodrin Tip on 2nd. Down About five recorded. At least one first-winter was at Portavogie on 2nd and 5th. A first-winter was at Killough on 5th. The RSPB Reserve had at least three (adult, third-year type and first-winter) over the month, with an adult also seen at BP3 on 11th. As with Iceland Gull probably some of these came from North Foreshore. Londonderry Culmore Tip near Derry had ten (two of them adult) on 7th, with nine seen again on 16th.

Glaucous hybrids Singles were recorded at Culmore Tip and at RSPB Reserve in Belfast over the month.

Sandwich Tern One had arrived back on Cockle Island at Groomsport (Down) on 18th.

Black Guillemot One on the Lagan at Albert Bridge in Belfast on 5th was unusual so far up the river.

Barn Owl One was seen again at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 19th.

Short-eared Owl One was at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 24th.

Sand Martin The first reported was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 12th. On the next day 35 were Kells Point (Tyrone).

Swallow With a very early pair already seen in February, one was at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 12th-the same day as the first Sand Martin.

Scandinavian Rock Pipit Three different birds were at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) between 3rd and 22nd. One was at Carnfunnock on the Antrim Coast on 17th. Four have never been recorded in one year in Northern Ireland before, and the birds at Briggs occurred in nearly exactly the same place as the second record.

Waxwing One of the few of the winter visited a birder's garden in Larne (Antrim) on 3rd and 5th.

Black Redstart A female/immature at Kearney Village on the Outer Ards (Down) on 12th was only the second found during the winter.

Wheatear The first report came from St John's Point (Down) on 12th, the same day as Sand Martin and Swallow.

Fieldfare A few large flocks were still around with 1,000 at Windy Hill Road near Coleraine (Londonderry) on 23rd, and 300 at Shillanavogy (Antrim) on 26th. Redwing Generally seemingly scarce but 30 were at Finnis near Dromara (Down) on 5th.

Chiffchaff One in a garden at Stewartstown (Tyrone) on 9th was considered a wintering bird, but singing birds were at Hillsborough Lake (Down) on 17th. Within a week they were recorded in all six counties.

Willow Warbler The first singing bird was at Windy Hill Near Coleraine (Londonderry) on 23rd. Two at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 25th were two days earlier than ever logged on the island before. A few others were reported but generally scarce as winds from the northeast at the end of the month slowed migration.

Goldcrest Noted on migration at Copeland Bird Observatory on 25th.

Eastern Jackdaw A few were still reported, with single birds at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 5th; at North Foreshore Tip (Antrim) on 10th and St John's Point (Down) on 19th.

Raven A flock of 18 was noted at Trostan (Antrim) on 19th.

Tree Sparrow Four were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 18th.

Brambling Only two were still reported; the over wintering bird in a garden at Whitehead (Antrim) to at least 16th, and a male in a garden at Lisburn on 3rd.

Twite A flock of 30 was at Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 15th. Three were at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 19th, and two at Mill Bay (Carlingford Lough) on 11th.

Lapland Bunting One was reported at Fardross near Clogher (Tyrone) on 12th.

Snow Bunting Six were still at Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) on 15th.

Yellowhammer Only 12 remained of the large flock at Ballyfinragh on the Ards Peninsula (Down) on 5th.

Recent reports for April 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of April. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 91 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association.

Red-throated Diver St John's Point (Down) had a passage of 58 birds on morning of 16th. Otherwise scarce (as over rest of winter), with two at St John's Point on 15th and a single bird at Mill Bay (Carlingford Lough) on 9th.

Great Northern Diver Three were at St John's Point (Down) on 16th, with a single bird there on 30th.

Manx Shearwater Only small numbers were reported, all at St John's Point (Down).

Whooper One was still at Glynn (Larne Lough) to 3rd.

Black Swan The pair at Glynn (Larne Lough) was present to at least 16th, and one was at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) from 14th to 21st.

Pink-footed Goose Singles were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 6th, and at Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 13th. The resident bird was present around Belfast Harbour Estate all month.

Greenland White-fronted Goose Two were at Ushet Lough on Rathlin Island on 4th.

Greylag Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) had 700 on 13th. Elsewhere 204 were at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) on 9th, and 133 at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 13th (probably the same seen at Reedy Flat on 9th). A flock of 94 in flight over Crawfordsburn Country Park (Down) were heading north so may have been wild birds. Two birds with pink bills at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 13th showed characters of the eastern race.

Snow Goose Five (including two blue morph) were on the east side of Larne Lough on 13th, and seven in flight over Larne (Antrim) on 22nd. Their origin is open to question. The resident blue morph was present around Belfast Harbour Estate all month.

Bar-headed Goose One was with the Snow Geese in Larne Lough on 13th.

Dark-bellied Brent One was at Killough Harbour (Down) on 22nd.

Chiloe Wigeon To add to the exotic collection at Larne Lough the bird at Glynn was present to 3rd.

Garganey Two of the three drakes present at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) in March were seen again a little north of there on 8th. Another drake was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 22nd.

Scaup x Tufted Duck

A Lesser Scaup type hybrid was at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 4th.

Scaup A flock of 120 was at Gawleys Gate, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 21st. Six (only one a male) were at Rosscor (Fermanagh) on 17th.

Smew The "red-head" was still at Lough Beg (Londonderry) to at least 28th.

Goosander The resident drake was at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 13th and 14th.

Buzzard Seven were between Ballyculter and Quoile Pondage (Down) on 30th.

Golden Eagle An adult was at Lack Point on Rathlin Island from 5th to 11th.

Osprey One was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 27th to 29th. Hobby A falcon seen briefly chasing Swallows at Blackers Rock, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) was probably this species.

Little Ringed Plover One was in a flooded field at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 14th.

Golden Plover Flocks of 200 and over were as follow: Ardboe (Lough Neagh) 1,500 on 18th. Mullagh (Lough Beg) 650 on 18th (with 400 there next day). RSPB Reserve (Belfast) 217 on 8th (with 200 still there on 24th.

Little Stint Two were at Cushendun Bay (Antrim) on 15th, with one at Mill Quarter Bay (Strangford Narrows) the same day. An adult was at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 30th.

Ruff Singles were at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 6th, and on the mudflats off Culmore Tip near Derry on 7th. Three were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 27th.

Long-billed Dowitcher The adult coming back into summer plumage was seen on several occasions at RSPB Reserve in Belfast between 9th and 24th.

Black-tailed Godwit The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 368 on 21st. Around Lough Neagh 180 were at Ardboe (Tyrone) on 18th; 160 at Kells Point (Tyrone) on 20th; 87 at Reedy Flat (Armagh) on 6th, and 80 at Kiltagh Point (Tyrone) on 16th. The Bann Estuary (Londonderry) had 55 on 27th.

Whimbrel Apart from a few wintering birds the first migrant was at The Creagh near Toome (Londonderry) on 17th. The next day 130 were at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone), and small numbers around the Province (although none were reported from Fermanagh until 29th). As usual the greatest migration seems to occur along the west shore of Lough Neagh and through Lough Beg (where 80 were recorded on 28th).

Spotted Redshank The wintering bird was still at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 14th.

Green Sandpiper One was at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 28th.

Common Sandpiper The first report came from Strand Lough (Down) on 9th.

Arctic Skua Singles were at Cranfield Bay (Carlingford Lough) on 17th, and at St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Great Skua One was at St John's Point (Down) on 18th.

Mediterranean Gull Single adults were at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 5th, and at Swan Island (Larne Lough) the same day. A first-winter was at Culmore Tip near Derry on 7th.

Little Gull Two adults (both in summer plumage) were seen. On 21st one was at Washing Bay, Lough Neagh (Tyrone), and one was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 27th to 29th.

Ring-billed Gull An adult was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 2nd, with probably the same there on 15th.

Lesser Black-backed Gull The highest count came from Dargan Bay, Belfast Lough (Antrim), where 204 were seen on 13th.

Yellow-legged Gull A near adult "michahellis" was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 29th.

Iceland Gull A minimum of 35 was recorded as follows: Antrim Singles (not aged) were at the East Strand of Portrush from 2nd to 8th, and at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 3rd. Around Belfast a second-year was at Whitehouse Lagoon on 9th, and the North Foreshore Tip in Belfast had two (first-year and third-year) between 15th and 22nd. A first-year was at Cushendun on 15th. Down A second-year was still at Ardglass until 16th. Copeland Bird Observatory had an adult on 20th (only the third for the Observatory). At least two first-years visited RSPB Reserve in Belfast over the month (as usual overlapping with birds on Antrim side of the Lough). Fermanagh Two first-years were at Enniskillen Tip on 14th. Londonderry As previously in the winter this proved the hot spot. Culmore Tip near Derry still had 23 (two of them adults) on 7th.

Glaucous Gull In contrast to Iceland Gull only nine were reported, the vast majority (seven with two of them adult) at Culmore Tip near Derry on 7th. Elsewhere a second-year was at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast on 25th, and a first-year at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 29th.

Sandwich Tern By 9th 100 were present at Mill Bay (Carlingford Lough). Other counts were 20 at St John's Point (Down) on 15th; 30 at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 28th, and 36 at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) the same day.

Common Tern A tern in flight at Ballyronan, Lough Neagh (Londonderry) on 20th was almost certainly this species. On 21st one was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast, and by 29th birds were at Cruninish (Lower Lough Erne).

Little Tern One was at St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Cuckoo The first report came from Washing Bay, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 21st.

Barn Owl One was at Bowtown Road in Newtownards (Down) on 15th.

Short-eared Owl One was at St John's Point (Down) on 30th.

Swift The first reported was at Oxford Island (Armagh) on 19th.

Sand Martin By 20th 100 were at Moyola Water Foot, Lough Neagh (Londonderry), and by 29th 1,500 were at Lough Beg (Londonderry),

Swallow The highest count came from Lough Beg (Londonderry), where 300 were present on 17th.

House Martin The first reported was at Leathemstown Reservoir (Antrim) on 5th. Counts of 30 were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 24th, and at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 28th.

Tree Pipit Singles were at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 22nd, and at Copeland Bird Observatory nearby on 28th.

Yellow Wagtail A stunning male was found at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 22nd. It was still present next day when a female joined it.

White Wagtail The first report came from Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) with two on 6th. By 17th 50 were at this site, and numbers there peaked at 110 on 28th. Nothing like these numbers were recorded elsewhere, but three at Lower Lough Erne on 29th were the first reported in Fermanagh.

Redstart One was at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 23rd.

Whinchat Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had three on 27th and 28th.

Wheatear Copeland Bird Observatory recorded passage birds with 13 on 23rd and ten on 28th. Twelve were at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 28th.

Ring Ouzel A male at Copeland Bird Observatory on 28th was the first on the island fro 13/14 years

. Fieldfare A flock of 94 was still at Dundrod (Antrim) on 4th.

Grasshopper Warbler The first reported singing bird came from Lower Lough Erne (Fermanagh) on 18th.

Sedge Warbler The first reported singing bird was at Strand Lough (Down) on 9th, with one the next day at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh). The were no more after that however until 22nd, when they were widely reported, with four at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 27th and 50 at Monlough (Down) on 29th.

Whitethroat Copeland Bird Observatory had two on 27th.

Garden Warbler One was at Orlock Point (Down) on 24th.

Willow Warbler A fall of at least 100 was at Copeland Bird Observatory on 23rd.

Goldcrest Copeland Bird Observatory had a late passage of six on 23rd.

Eastern Jackdaw Singles were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 7th, and at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 13th.

Tree Sparrow Twenty were at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 8th, and two at Ballyworfy (Down) on 16th.

Snow Bunting A male was at Fair Head (Antrim) on 30th.

Recent Reports for May 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of May. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 91 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association. Feel free to E-mail any corrections or additions.

Red-throated Diver Twenty were at St John's Point (Down) on 7th. Only four others were recorded over the month.

Great Northern Diver Magilligan (Lough Foyle) had two on 6th, with possibly the same on 21st. St John's Point (Down) had singles on 6th, 7th, 14th and 31st. Many of these were in full summer plumage.

Manx Shearwater St John's Point (Down) had 4,000, which moved north between 1 and 4.30pm.

Little Egret One was at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 4th.

Whooper There were still 17 at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 7th, with singles at Reedy Flat and Bannfoot (Armagh) on 1st. Seven were at Colebrooke (Fermanagh) on 16th, and two stayed at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 14th to at least 19th.

Black Swan One at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) from April stayed to at least 6th.

Pink-footed Goose One at Antrim Road Waterworks in Belfast on 2nd was presumably the bird from Belfast Harbour Estate. Snow Goose The resident bird in Belfast Harbour Estate was seen at RSPB Reserve from 2nd to 8th.

Garganey On the west shore of Lough Neagh one was at Kells Point (Tyrone) from 6th to 8th, and a pair at Kiltagh Point on 18th. A pair was at Ecos Park in Ballymena (Antrim) from 6th to 11th. Two males were at Collectors Bay, Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) on 7th. A male was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 11th, with a pair seen there 24th. Two males were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) 13th. Finally two males were at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 29th.

Common Scoter Unusually for the location 25 were off Groomsport, Belfast Lough (Down) on 27th. Three were at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 3rd. Smew The female/immature at Lough Beg (Londonderry) from February was present all month. This is presumably the over-summering bird of recent years.

Red Kite One was reported at a site in south Down on 18th.

Marsh Harrier A female was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 24th.

Osprey Two were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 14th, with at least one still present on 21st.

Golden Plover A flock of 100 was still at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 3rd.

Sanderling A flock of 215 was at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 3rd, with at least 60 still there on 14th. Inland seven were at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 25th.

Little Stint Singles were at Bann Estuary) Londonderry) on 8th, and RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 28th.

Curlew Sandpiper One was at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 14th.

Dunlin The highest counts were 350 at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 3rd, and 150 at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 13th.

Ruff All records came from Lough Beg (Londonderry), with five at Mullagh on 3rd and three still there 10th.

Black-tailed Godwit The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 148 on 4th. Lough Beg (Londonderry) had 70 on 11th, and in Fermanagh seven were at Colebrooke on 16th.

Bar-tailed Godwit Inland records came from one in flight at Lower Lough Erne on 9th, and one at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 10th.

Whimbrel Counts of over ten were as follows: Armagh 45 at Bannfoot on 3rd. Down 37 at Quoile on 4th, 28 there on 7th 15 at BP3 in Belfast on 2nd, 12 there on 8th. 12 at Dundrum Inner Bay North on 4th. Fermanagh 11 at Lower Lough Erne on 1st. Londonderry 45 at Lough Beg on 3rd; 38 on 7th, and 36 on 10th. 15 at Bann Estuary on 13th. Tyrone 180 at Back Lower on 3rd. 70 at Kiltagh Point on 8th. 42 at Mountjoy on 3rd. 17 at Kells Point on 6th. After 13th only small numbers were recorded.

Green Sandpiper One was at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 6th.

Wood Sandpiper One was at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 3rd to 8th. One was at Ecos Park in Ballymena (Antrim) on 13th.

Great Skua One was at St John's Point (Down) on 31st. Pomarine Skua St John's Point (Down) had two on 14th, and a sub-adult on 31st.

Little Gull Seven were recorded at RSPB in Belfast with a first-summer on 13th; three (two first-summer and a second-summer) on 19th, and three (two first-summer and adult) on 21st. A first-summer was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 29th.

Ring-billed Gull An adult was at Washing Bay, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 19th.

Glaucous type hybrid The presumed Glaucous x Herring Gull was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 2nd.

Iceland Gull One of two first-year birds visited RSPB Reserve in Belfast daily until 9th, with both seen together on 3rd.

Roseate Tern Two pairs were back in Larne Lough at the early date of 9th, with single birds seen in flight at Ballylumford at the mouth of the Lough on 21st and 23rd.

Little Tern Single adults were seen at Greenisland, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 7th; Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 15th, and at Portstewart (Londonderry) on 27th.

Black Tern Two summer adults were at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 13th.

Guillemot A movement north of 2,600 occurred at St John's Point (Down) between 1 and 4.30pm on 31st.

Razorbill St John's Point (Down) had 400 on 31st, with a notable passage of Guillemot at the same time.

Puffin Away from breeding sites all the records came from St John's Point (Down) with two on 5th; two on 7th; four on 14th, and 16 on 31st.

Cuckoo Murlough NNR (Down) had three on 4th, and five on 29th (near the Lazy BJ caravan site).

Bee-eater One was watched for ten minutes on 1st perched in an Ash tree about 50ms from the car park to the Gobbins coastal path on Islandmagee (Antrim) before flying off. If accepted this could be the first record for Northern Ireland.

Hoopoe One was at Fair Head (Antrim) on 9th, halfway between the car park and the headland.

Tree Pipit One was at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 20th.

White Wagtail Eleven were still at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 1st.

Greenland Wheatear One was at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 20th.

Redwing One was near Culmore Tip (Derry) on 2nd.

Garden Warbler First reported from Lower Lough Erne on 1st, with several calling at Castle Archdale on 22nd and one at Castle Caldwell the same day.

Wood Warbler A singing bird was back in Craigagh Wood (Antrim) on 12th.

Crane One was at the Glenwhirrey River, Co. Antrim

Recent Reports for June 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of June. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 91 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association. Feel free to E-mail any corrections or additions.

Red-throated Diver One was off Giant's Causeway (Antrim) on 2nd.

Great Northern Diver Singles were at Helen's Bay, Belfast Lough (Down) and in Rathlin Sound (Antrim) on 1st.

Storm Petrel Nine were off Whitehead, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 4th.

Whooper Swan The two at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from May were still present on 4th. Black Swan The two off Glynn (Larne Lough) from March were present all month.

Pale-bellied Brent One was off Glynn (Larne Lough) on 30th.

Mandarin Thirteen (two adults and the rest of various ages) were at Tollymore (Down) on 25th.

Wigeon Seven were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 25th.

Chiloe Wigeon One at Glynn (Larne Lough) from March was still present all month.

Green-winged Teal A male was in the small pond on the way to the Lance Turtle hide just outside Castle Espie (Strangford Lough) on 6th.

Pochard Three young were seen at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 8th.

Ring-necked Duck The male was seen again in Kinnegoe Bay at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) from 2nd to 24th. Eider A count in Belfast Lough from Sea Park towards Carrickfergus (Antrim) produced 350 on 30th (313 off Sea Park). Smew The "red-head" was seen again at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 3rd. It is likely that this is the same over summering birds of previous years. Goosander A male flew past Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd. Ruddy Duck Up to six pairs were probably breeding at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 28th. Marsh Harrier An immature in wing moult was at the west end of Rathlin Island (Antrim) from 14th to 20th. Osprey One was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 19th to 24th. Little Ringed Plover An adult spent the day on South Island at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 2nd. Sanderling A count of 23 was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 2nd. Little Stint An adult summer was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 2nd. Curlew Sandpiper An adult summer was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 2nd to 4th. Ruff A female was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 1st to 21st. Black-tailed Godwit The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 122 on 15th. Bar-tailed Godwit Six first-summer were still at D3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 17th. Whimbrel Singles were at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 16th, and at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 17th and 28th. Spotted Redshank An adult summer was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 16th. Greenshank One was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 18th, with four there on 25th. One was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 19th, with three there on 21st. Two were at Kiltagh Point on the west shore of Lough Neagh (Tyrone) from 19th to 26th. In Larne Lough three were at Ballycarry on 25th, and one off Glynn on 30th. Green Sandpiper One was at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 17th. Wood Sandpiper Presumably the same bird was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 21st and 22nd, and at Paddy's Dub nearby on 24th. Little Gull A first-summer was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 3rd. At least two first-summer were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast, with one seen there from 15th to 18th and two together from 24th into July. White-winged Black Tern A superb adult was found at Ushet Lough in the SE corner of Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 4th. Puffin The small colony on the Gobbins (Antrim) remained constant with 58 birds counted on 23rd. Away from the breeding sites one was St John's Point (Down) on 1st. This site remains the only regular one where birds are observed away from Rathlin and the Gobbins. Barn Owl One was seen near the Birches (Armagh) on 18th and 25th. Long-eared Owl One was seen at dawn at Reedy Flat, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 28th. Swift An impressive count of 2,000 was over Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 23rd. Lesser Whitethroat One was watched in scrub near the Watch House at Groomsport (Down) early on 3rd. Garden Warbler One was calling in Glenarm Forest (Antrim) on 12th. Crossbill One was near Cultra (Down) on 6th, and 15 in flight at The Umbra (Londonderry ) on 15th.

Recent reports for July 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of July. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 91 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association. Feel free to E-mail any corrections or additions.

Manx Shearwater St John's Point (Down) had between 2,000 and 3,000 on 12th. Storm Petrel Three were off Kearney Point on the Outer Ards (Down) on 12th. All the other records came from St John's Point (Down), where four were seen on 16th; six on 18th; two on 20th, and one on 23rd. Little Egret One was at Quoile Pondage (Down) from 1st, mostly in Collectors Bay off the hide, but also seen in Castle Island Bay over the barrage at times. On 30th it was joined by a second bird to end of month. On at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 29th was a site record, but only stayed for 40 minutes in the evening. What was probably the same bird was re-located at the start of August near Groomsport (Down). Whooper A few summering birds were noted in Co Londonderry, but with no proof of breeding. Black Swan One was at Kinturk Flat on the west shore of Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 7th. Snow Goose The long-staying bird was still at Victoria Park in Belfast on 28th. Eider In Belfast Lough 250 were off Sea Park (Antrim) on 7th. Long-tailed Duck Four were reported about 500ms off Blackers Rock on the west shore of Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 21st. Osprey One was reported at Lower Lough Erne about 10th, but was looked for later without success. One was still at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 11th. The pair at Lough Beg (Londonderry) from June were still present to 30th, preferring to perch on the channel markers off Church Island. One was at Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) on 29th, seen both at Kinnegoe Bay and at the mouth of the Closet River. There does not seem to be much overlap in these records. One of the birds at the Bann had a white ring, and one of the birds at Lough Beg had an orange/red ring. Although the bird at Oxford Island also had an orange/red ring, the dates probably preclude it from being one of the Lough Beg birds. Two different pairs in summer is a good sign and raises hopes of breeding in the near future. Quail One was calling at Mountjoy north of Omagh (Tyrone) on 7th. Oystercatcher The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 1,200 on 21st. Knot Adults, mostly in summer plumage, started to arrive from 7th with two at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate. The RSPB Reserve close by had one on 9th, increasing to six by 29th. Ten were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 27th, and one at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) the same day. Sanderling Single adults in summer plumage were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 25th, 26th and 28th. One was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 27th. Temminck's Stint An adult was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 6th to 10th. Pectoral Sandpiper An adult (probably a male on size) was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 6th to 23rd. Curlew Sandpiper Two different adults in summer plumage were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 25th, and from 30th to 31st. One was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 27th. Ruff One was in Collectors Bay at Quoile Pondage (Down) from 25th to 29th. Six were at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 29th. Two were at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 30th, and a juvenile at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 31st. Black-tailed Godwit The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 302 on 17th. Numbers had increased dramatically from the start of the month, suggesting a poor breeding season in Iceland. Whimbrel First noted in small numbers from 23rd, with 24 seen at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 29th. Redshank Numbers at RSPB Reserve built up rapidly with a peak of 1,402 on 29th. Greenshank Noted from 4th in small numbers. An adult at Lower Lough Erne on 18th was unusual for there. Green Sandpiper Two were in Collectors Bay at Quoile Pondage (Down) on 6th, with three noted there from 18th to 25th, and at least two still there on 29th. One at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 27th was flushed by a passing train. Common Sandpiper Widely reported all month. The peak count was 11 at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 2nd. Turnstone Many of the 30 at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 31st were in summer plumage, and obviously new arrivals - only a handful over-summer there. Arctic Skua In Belfast Lough one was off Sea Park (Antrim) on 7th. On the Down side of the Lough two were at Helen's Bay on the evening of 16th, and one was at Grey Point nearby on 21st. An adult and two immature were at St John's Point (Down) on 16th, with an adult on 20th, and one (not aged) on 23rd. Great Skua One was at St John's Point (Down) on 23rd. Mediterranean Gull An adult was at Groomsport (Down) on 23rd. Little Gull An adult was at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 14th. The two first-year at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from June were present to 10th, with a single bird thereafter to 16th. Herring Gull An adult with white primaries was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 17th. Roseate Tern Five were seen in flight past Larne (Antrim) on 15th. Little Tern Single adults were seen at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 23rd, and at Tully Hill Bay in Strangford Narrows on 25th. Black Tern An adult was at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 14th. Turtle Dove One was caught on video near Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 17th. Barn Owl One was north of Portavoe Reservoir (Down) on 17th. Stonechat A pair breeding inland at Lough Beg (Londonderry) was unusual. Fieldfare One was at Giant's Causeway (Antrim) on 25th. Mistle Thrush A flock of 28 was noted in flight at Bleary (Armagh) on 15th. Reed Warbler Two juveniles were ringed at Portmore Lough RSPB Reserve (Antrim) on 29th. That brought the total of birds ringed between there and Oxford Island (Armagh) during July to seven or eight. One (possibly one of these) was seen at Kinnegoe Bay on 27th. Rose-coloured Starling An adult was photographed at Feystown (Antrim) on 1st. Up to the end of June 15 had already been noted in Britain, and another two in Ireland. Crossbill Eight were seen in flight at Banagher Glen (Londonderry) on 14th. Feel free to add any information or make any corrections. You can e-mail me at gordon@ballyholme2.freeserve.co.uk.

Recent reports for August 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of August. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at (028) 9146 7408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association. Feel free to E-mail any corrections or additions.

Red-throated Diver Scarce, with only a single bird reported at St John's Point (Down) on 5th. Cory's Shearwater One was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 28th, with a probable logged there the previous day. This species is very rare in Northern Ireland waters (there is a much greater chance of seeing a Great Shearwater). Sooty Shearwater Ramore Head (Antrim) had 40 on 27th and 50 on 28th. Manx Shearwater Numbers at St John's Point (Down) built up from 800 on 12th to 4,500 on 18th. On the 31st 1,000 an hour were still passing. Ramore Head (Antrim) had 500 on 27th. Balearic Shearwater One was at St John's Point (Down) on 31st. The lack of records is probably due to observer coverage. Storm Petrel All the records came from St John's Point (Down) with one on 11th, six on 12th and one on 13th. Leach's Petrel One was reported at St John's Point (Down) on 5th, and one was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 27th. Given the date and scarcity of this species in the Irish Sea, the St John's bird may have been a rarer petrel than Leach's. Little Egret There was a series of records of this species. With two already present at Quoile Pondage NNR (Down) in July, three were seen on 1st and 15th with sightings also nearby in Castle Island Bay. Birds were present to at least 28th. This is the largest number seen together in Northern Ireland to date. One at Ballymacormick Point near Groomsport (Down) on 1st was presumably the same bird seen earlier at RSPB Reserve in Belfast. One was seen at Castle Espie WWT (Strangford Lough) on 13th, before flying off. One was at Strand Lough (Down) on 16th and 17th, with presumably the same on 27th. An adult at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 26th was a different bird to the immature seen at RSPB Reserve in July. Post breeding dispersal from the south of Ireland might account for these records, and it will be interesting to see what happens next July and August. Black Swan One was still at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 25th. Snow Goose Five, including two Blue phase, were still at Larne Lough on 28th. Two white geese at Loughareema (Antrim) on 31st were presumed of this species. The long-staying Blue phase was seen again at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 29th. Bar-headed Goose Two were with the Snow Geese at Larne Lough on 28th. Pale-bellied Brent The summering bird was still at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 28th. Wigeon A few summer birds were at Quoile Pondage (Down), and at RSPB Reserve in Belfast over the month. Ring-necked Duck The male was seen again in Kinnegoe Bay, Oxford Island (Armagh) from 25th into September. Common Scoter A male was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 31st. Goldeneye A young chick was seen with an adult a mile offshore on the Antrim side of Lough Neagh on 28th. It was being watched intently by a Lesser Black-backed Gull, which may have accounted for the rest of the brood. Although this species regularly over summers, this is the first proven Irish breeding record. Marsh Harrier A female/immature was south of Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 30th. Osprey At least one of the over summering birds was still at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) to 12th. The bird seen around Oxford Island NNR (Armagh) at the end of July was still present on 3rd. One was at Lough Melvin (Fermanagh/Leitrim) from 20th to 27th. It favoured roosting on a dead tree on Inishkeer Island, which is just into Leitrim on the north side of the Lough. Merlin Two were noted at St John's Point (Down) early in the month. Quail One was calling in a field along Atlantic Avenue in Portrush (Antrim) from 4th to 8th. Oystercatcher The count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast reached 1,100 on 2nd. Ringed Plover Birds showing characters of the race tundrae were at Killough Harbour (Down), and at Minerstown nearby on 26th. Golden Plover The first adults were back at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 9th. Grey Plover As adult in summer plumage was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 4th. Knot Adults had been arriving back since July, but juveniles were first noted on 14th. Sanderling The Bann Estuary (Londonderry) had 12 on 24th, and a single bird was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 17th and 18th. Curlew Sandpiper An adult was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 1st and 2nd. One was at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 13th. The first juveniles arrived at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) with two seen on 20th, increasing to six on 28th. Ruff Recorded in good numbers. A count of the south shore of Lough Neagh between Ardmore and Bannfoot (Armagh) produced 40 on 26th. The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 24 (all juveniles) on 22nd. The Quoile Pondage (Down) had 16 on 28th. Long-billed Dowitcher An adult still in partial summer plumage was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 13th into September. On bill length and moult pattern it was considered a different bird to the one found there in July 1999. Black-tailed Godwit The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was 411 on 21st. Of 305 aged on 20th 225 were adults and 80 juveniles. Whimbrel Recorded as usual on autumn passage widely but only in small numbers. The peak count was 18 in flight south over RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 18th. Spotted Redshank One was at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 8th. Redshank The count at RSPB Reserve peaked at 1,294 on 14th. Greenshank A count of 14 was at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 8th; 12 were at Strand Lough (Down) on 12th; nine at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 30th, and six at Quoile Pondage (Down) on 21st. Green Sandpiper Two were still in Collectors Bay at Quoile Pondage (Down) to at least 14th. A juvenile was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 9th. One was at Lough Head (Fermanagh) on 9th, and one at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 11th. Singles were also at Blackstaff River in Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) on 22nd; at Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 26th, and at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 29th. Wood Sandpiper Above average numbers were recorded. Four different birds (all juveniles) were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast with two on 8th and 9th, and singles from 12th to 13th and from 17th to 18th. One was at Lady Bay, Lough Neagh (Antrim) on 10th. A juvenile was at Derrytrasna, Lough Neagh (Armagh) on 11th, and one at Ardmore Point nearby on 13th. Turnstone Numbers at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) had reached 50 by 14th. Inland seven were at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 30th, and one at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 16th. Pomarine Skua St John's Point (Down) had singles on 12th and 13th. The bird on 12th was aged as third-year. Arctic Skua St John's Point (Down) had five on 5th (four of them dark); one on 12th, and adult on 26th. Around Belfast Lough one was seen on 9th from the HSS whilst in the channel markers; Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had two on 12th and three on 13th; Grey Point (Down) had singles on 19th, 22nd and 24th, and Briggs Rocks (Down) had three juveniles and a light phase adult on 21st. On the north coast Ramore Head (Antrim) had two on 27th and one on 28th, and a dark phase was at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 28th. A total of 23 was recorded. Long-tailed Skua A juvenile spent an hour off St John's Point (Down) on 12th. Great Skua St John's Point (Down) had one on 5th and three on 12th. Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had two on 12th. On the north coast Ramore Head (Antrim) had one on 27th and three on 28th, and the Barmouth at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) had four on 28th. A total of 14 was recorded. Mediterranean Gull An adult moulting into winter plumage was at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 26th. Little Gull A summer adult was off Whitehead (Antrim) on 12th, and a first summer at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 13th. Roseate Tern One was at St John's Point (Down) on 12th. As for Balearic Shearwater it is likely that more than this passed. Black Tern An adult in juvenile were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 27th, and on was off Tolans Flat, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 29th. White-winged Black Tern An adult moulting out of summer plumage was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 27th. Puffin St John's Point (Down) had 25 on 12th. Sand Martin Oxford Island (Armagh) had 1,500 on 16th. White Wagtail Singles were at Ecos Park in Ballymena (Antrim) on 24th, and at Minerstown (Down) on 26th. Whinchat One was at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) on 28th. Carrion Crow One (with a hybrid) was about a mile along the Bishops Road from Downhill (Londonderry) on 28th.

Recent Report for September 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of September. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 91 467408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association. Feel free to E-mail any corrections or additions. Red-throated Diver After being scarce some good numbers were recorded. The peak count of 40 occurred at St John's Point (Down) on 24th. All the counts of ten and more occurred there also as follows: ten on 4th, 28 on 17th and 16 on 30th. As usual the vast majority of these birds were moving south. Away from there a few were at Ramore Head (Antrim), and in Belfast Lough. Black-throated Diver There was a report of five at St John's Point (Down) on 8th. Great Northern Diver St John's Point (Down) had one on 21st and two on 30th. Singles were at Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) on 2nd, and at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 6th. Slavonian Grebe An unusual record was of a juvenile near the yacht club at Quoile Pondage (Down) on 28th. Black-necked Grebe An adult was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 14th to 27th. Given the recent run of records of this species around the Lough Neagh basin, it may have been missed earlier. Sooty Shearwater The peak count of 171 was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 6th. Seven at St John's Point (Down) on 21st in strong SE winds between 11am and 4pm was a good Irish Sea record. Manx Shearwater St John's Point (Down) had 3,000 in five hours on 21st. Inland one was seen from a boat on the Tyrone side of Lough Neagh on 5th. Balearic Shearwater The only record was of a single bird reported at Portstewart Head (Londonderry) on 6th. Storm Petrel One was at St John's Point (Down) on 21st. Leach's Petrel A poor autumn for this species. Ramore Head (Antrim) had 63 on 6th (the same day as the peak count of Sooty Shearwaters). Gannet The only numbers noted were at St John's Point (Down), where steady passage of several hundreds of birds occurred on 4th, 6th and 22nd. Little Egret Three at Strand Lough (Down) on 3rd and 4th were presumably the birds from Quoile Pondage. By 9th only two were present, and favoured the seaward channel into Killough Harbour (moving out to the mudflats there at times). By 24th only a single bird was present. One at Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) from 5th to 9th had apparently moved there from Strand Lough. Whooper One was noted flying south from a boat well out in Lough Neagh on 4th. Pink-footed Goose Two were at Quoile Pondage (Down) from 1st to 10th. Ten were in flight over RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 19th, and 13 at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 19th. Snow Goose The Blue morph was intermittently at RSPB Reserve in Belfast all month. Dark-bellied Brent A juvenile was on the seafront at Whitehead (Antrim) on 26th. American Wigeon A male was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 24th. Pintail The only count received was of 12 at Floodgates (Strangford Lough) on 11th. Ring-necked Duck The male was at Oxford Island, Lough Neagh (Armagh) to at least 4th. Scaup Seven were in Dargan Bay, Belfast Lough (Antrim) on 30th. Long-tailed Duck One was just off Portrush Harbour (Antrim) on 29th. Common Scoter St John's Point (Down) had 23 on 21st. Otherwise noted in small numbers along the north coast and in Belfast Lough. Smew A "redhead" was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 19th. Goosander The adult male in eclipse plumage returned to BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 5th and remained all month. Honey Buzzard One flew out to sea being mobbed by two Ravens at St John's Point (Down) on 30th. The previous two records were in 1994 and 1965. Marsh Harrier One was reported from the logbook in the hide at Collectors Bay at Quoile Pondage (Down) on 3rd. Osprey One was at Finnebrogue (Down) on 5th, with possibly the same at Quoile Pondage (Down) on 15th and 16th. One was seen in flight over Kelly's Wood near St John's Point (Down) on 21st. Quail One was seen at Loughnamaddy (Tyrone) on 17th. Sanderling A flock of 33 was at Tyrella beach (Down) on 9th. RSPB Reserve in Belfast had two on 2nd, one on 8th and three on 10th. One was at Mill Quarter Bay (Strangford Narrows) on 10th. Little Stint The first juveniles (two) appeared at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 3rd. Birds were then present almost daily with a peak of six from 23rd to 27th, falling to two by the end of the month. The Bann Estuary (Londonderry) had four juveniles on 25th, and two on 27th. One was at Kilclief (Strangford Narrows) on 3rd. White-rumped Sandpiper An adult was at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 16th to 18th. Curlew Sandpiper Numbers of juveniles at RSPB Reserve in Belfast built up to 11 on 2nd, and peaked at 21 on 20th with only a single bird present on 29th, and none by end of month. On the north coast 15 were at Lough Foyle on 20th (eight at Longfield Point and seven at Balls Point). Four were at Roe Estuary (Londonderry) on 16th, and the Bann Estuary had one on 16th, two on 25th, and one to 29th. Two were at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 16th. Singles were at Collectors Bay, Quoile Pondage (Down) on 3rd, Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) on 9th and 16th and Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 24th. Ruff Widely reported but counts only reached ten at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 14th, and at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 15th. Jack Snipe One was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 14th and 15th. Two landed on the rocks at St John's Point (Down) on 30th. Long-billed Dowitcher The adult at RSPB Reserve in Belfast (moulting into winter plumage) was seen to 24th. Whimbrel Only small numbers reported, the largest 11 at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 9th. Spotted Redshank Two juveniles were at Dundrum Inner Bay North (Down) from 5th to 8th, with probably one of these seen also at Ardilea on 17th and 24th. The returning adult was at the South Bay from 5th to at least 23rd. One was at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 9th. A juvenile was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 10th and 12th, with probably the same in flight nearby over Sydenham Conservation Area on 10th. Greenshank The peak count was 19 at Dundrum Inner Bay South (Down) on 4th. Wood Sandpiper At RSPB Reserve single juveniles were present from 5th to 8th, 19th, 21st and 24th. Probably between three and four birds were involved in these records. Turnstone Inland one was at Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 5th. Pomarine Skua St John's Point (Down) had eight (two of them adults) on 21st, with a single adult there on 3rd. An adult was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 1st, and one (not aged) at Portstewart Head (Londonderry) on 6th. Arctic Skua A total of 65 was reported from coastal sea watching, with a peak of 16 at Ramore Head (Antrim) 6th. Long-tailed Skua One was at Rossglass near St John's Point (Down) on 9th. Great Skua A total of 40 was reported, with a peak of 12 at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 6th. At least seven and maybe 11 were in Belfast Lough off Grey Point (Down) on 2nd, and seven at St John's Point (Down) on 21st. Mediterranean Gull A juvenile was at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 8th. Two winter adults were at Lough Foyle on 20th. One of these may have been the bird seen at Magilligan Point on 29th. A winter adult was at Cushendun (Antrim) on 30th. Little Gull A juvenile/first-winter was seen from a boat a mile out from Tolans Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 1st. Another was seen from a boat well out in the Lough on 4th. A juvenile was also seen during the wildfowl count of Lough Neagh at Kinturk Flat (Tyrone) on 18th. St John's Point (Down) had a first-winter on 24th, and an adult on 30th. Sabine's Gull Single juveniles were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 6th and 12th. Conditions on the north coast never seemed to be perfect for sea watching over the month. Sandwich Tern St John's Point (Down) had 200 moving south on 21st. Little Tern Singles were seen from a boat well out in Lough Neagh on 4th and 5th. Black Tern Lough Neagh had a juvenile at Tolans Flat (Tyrone) on 1st, and an adult well out in the Lough on 5th. A juvenile was at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 3rd, and one was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 12th. A notable count of 14 was at St John's Point (Down) on 24th (they passed south in groups of eight, five and a single bird). Finally three were at Barmouth of Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 29th, and one at Grey Point, Belfast Lough (Down) on 30th. White-winged Black Tern One was at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 14th. It was present for several hours only, and aged as a second-summer. Black Guillemot A notable count was 150 at St John's Point (Down) on 21st. Short-eared Owl One was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 14th. Hoopoe One was apparently photographed at Redhall near Ballycarry (Antrim) on 23rd. Great Spotted Woodpecker There was a good report of two seen in flight between Tievenadarragh and Bishops Mountain (Down) on 24th. Swallow About 1,000 moved south at St John's Point (Down) on 24th. White Wagtail Eight were at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 4th, with two there on 11th and four on 13th. St John's Point (Down) had six on 15th, five on 22nd and 12 on 24th. The only other report was of a single bird at Farsnagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone) on 18th. Pied Wagtail Thirty were at Stoneyford Reservoir (Antrim) on 4th. Whinchat One was at Sydenham Conservation Area in Belfast on 10th. Reed Warbler One was at Church Bay on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 30th. Lesser Whitethroat One was at Church Bay on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 30th. Garden Warbler One was on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 30th. Pied Flycatcher A female was in trees at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 18th. This species is quite a rarity in Northern Ireland. Rose-coloured Starling An adult was in Bangor West (Down) from 19th to 25th. Linnet A flock of 150 was at St John's Point (Down) from 4th, and 100 at Briggs Rocks, Belfast Lough (Down) from 29th. Snow Bunting A male was at Black Brae (Lough Foyle) on 25th. George Gordon

Recent Report for October 2000

All these reports are from Flightline over the month of October. They are not accepted records and rarities would need to be confirmed. You can access Flightline at 028 9146 7408 to hear the latest news or to leave a message. Flightline is not a premium line (calls are only charged at local rates), and is a service provided by Northern Ireland Birdwatchers' Association. Feel free to E-mail any corrections or additions. Red-throated Diver The peak count was 26 at St John's Point (Down) on 1st, with seven there on 22nd. Ramore Head (Antrim) had a high count (for there) of 17 on 2nd (over two hours in a northwesterly gale). Four were off Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 10th, after two days of gales. Black-throated Diver Two were at St John's Point (Down) on 22nd, and a single bird there on 29th. One was at Tully Hill Bay in Strangford Narrows on 29th. Great Northern Diver Three (two still in summer plumage) were at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 15th, with two still there on 16th and one on 23rd. Two were at St John's Point (Down) on 22nd. Inland one was near Lusty Beg Island (Lower Lough Erne) from 9th to 19th. Red-necked Grebe One in winter plumage was at Greyabbey Bay South (Strangford Lough) on 30th. Slavonian Grebe The peak count was 11 off Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 21st. Two were at Greyabbey Bay South (Strangford Lough) on 21st, and singles at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 15th and Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 19th to 27th. Sooty Shearwater One was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd. Manx Shearwater Five were at St John's Point (Down) on 3rd, and two off Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 12th. Storm Petrel Two were off Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 12th. Pink-footed Goose Along the north coast Lough Foyle had two at Myroe Levels on 14th, and six at Donnybrewer on 18th. Greenland White-fronted Goose Four were in flight over Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 6th, 16 at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 13th, 15 at Myroe (Lough Foyle) on 14th, and seven in flight at Magilligan (Lough Foyle) on 15th. Snow Goose The resident blue morph was still around Belfast Harbour Estate and Victoria Park to at least 15th. Barnacle Goose Six were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd, and one at Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) on 20th. Small numbers were noted arriving along the coast at Rathlin Island (Antrim) over 5th and 6th. Pale-bellied Brent Counts at Strangford Lough reached 11,500 and Lough Foyle 3,200 over the month. Black Brant One was off The Maltings at the north end of Strangford Lough on 30th. American Wigeon The male at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) from September was still present on 5th. Chiloe Wigeon One at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 30th was presumably the same seen earlier at Glynn. Green-winged Teal A male at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) from 24th to 30th was presumably the bird seen there the previous two winters. Pintail In Strangford Lough 52 were off The Maltings on 22nd. Scaup In Belfast Harbour Estate one was at BP3 on 1st, and three were at Castle Caldwell (Lower Lough Erne) on 25th. Lesser Scaup A male was at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 30th. Eider In Belfast Lough there was a count of 1,200 along Whiteabbey (Antrim) on 14th. Surf Scoter An immature male was at Rostrevor Bay (Carlingford Lough) from 8th to 15th. Goosander The adult male was still at BP3 in Belfast Harbour Estate on 22nd. Honey Buzzard One at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 15th. This, the second of the autumn, coincided with an unprecedented influx into the British Isles, which started in September and involved about 500 individuals. Marsh Harrier A juvenile was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 23rd. Hen Harrier Different "ring-tails" were at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 11th and 12th. Goshawk A female was at Bishop's Road, Downhill (Londonderry) on 6th, and a male was at Tullyard, Drumbo (Down) on 28th. Osprey One was at Castlewellan Lake (Down) on 7th. Golden Plover/Lapwing A mixed flock of 2,000 was at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 23rd. Sanderling A flock of 82 was at Newcastle Beach (Down) on 11th, and a juvenile at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 14th. Little Stint A juvenile was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast from 1st to 5th, and one at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 15th. White-rumped Sandpiper One (not aged) was found at Mullagh at the south end of Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 23rd. Presumed at the time to be the same bird it was seen again on 26th, and aged as a juvenile. However on 30th it was realized that two birds were present, with one definitely a juvenile. Pectoral Sandpiper One was at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) from 1st to 5th. Curlew Sandpiper Singles were present at Bann Estuary (Londonderry) from 2nd to27th, and at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 3rd and 4th. Two were at Paddy's Dub, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 23rd, with presumably one of these nearby at Mullagh on 26th. Ruff The peak count at RSPB Reserve in Belfast was seven on 16th, with six still there on 22nd. Singles were at Ballycarry (Larne Lough) on 14th, Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 18th, and Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 26th. Jack Snipe Singles were at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 1st and 16th. Greenshank The peak count reported was seven at Glynn (Larne Lough) on 13th and 25th. Green Sandpiper One was at Lower Lough Erne on 13th. Common Sandpiper One was at Lusty Beg (Lower Lough Erne) on 9th. Turnstone Killough Harbour had 50 on 29th. Pomarine Skua Two were seen at St John's Point (Down) in a southerly gale between 5.30 and 6.30pm. Two were at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) on 10th after two days of gales. Arctic Skua Twenty-five were recorded as follows: St John's Point (Down) had one on 1st, and five on 3rd. Five were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd. Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had eight on 10th, three on 11th, two on 12th, and one on 13th. Long-tailed Skua St John's Point (Down) had a sub-adult on 1st, and two juveniles were at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd. Great Skua Twelve were recorded as follows: Ramore Head (Antrim) had two on 2nd, and three on 10th. Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had three on 10th, one on 11th, and three on 12th. Mediterranean Gull A first-winter was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 3rd, with possibly the same at Whiteabbey (Antrim) on 21st. A first-winter was at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 26th. Sabine's Gull One of the very few of the autumn (a juvenile) passed inside the Skerries off Ramore Head (Antrim) on 12th. Ring-billed Gull An adult was at RSPB Reserve in Belfast on 22nd. Scandinavian Herring Gull The first (an adult) was at North Foreshore Tip in Belfast (Antrim) on 18th. Iceland Gull A first-winter was at St John's Point (Down) on 29th. Kittiwake St John's Point (Down) had 1,200 between 5.30 and 6.30pm on 3rd (in a southerly gale). Sandwich Tern Eight were still at Tully Hill Bay in Strangford Narrows on 29th. Arctic Tern One was at Ramore Head (Antrim) on 2nd. Black Tern One (not aged) was at the Barmouth of Bann Estuary (Londonderry) on 2nd. Barn Owl Singles were at Aghnaleck (Down) on 12th, and Belfast Harbour Estate on 30th. Swift One was still over Belfast (Newtownards Road) on 10th. Skylark Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had 65 on 11th. Swallow The latest report came from Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 30th. House Martin The latest report came from Glynn (Antrim) on 22nd. Richard's Pipit One was at Mullagh, Lough Beg (Londonderry) on 30th. This was the first record since 1974. Yellow Wagtail A juvenile was at Mullagh on 5th. Wheatear One was at Warren Road in Donaghadee (Down) on 20th and 22nd. Redwing Noted from 9th, when eight were at Kiltagh Point, Lough Neagh (Tyrone). Thirty were at Leggs, Castle Caldwell (Fermanagh) on 13th, and one at Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) the same day. Chiffchaff Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had single birds on 10th, 11th and 13th. Tree Sparrow Only five were reported, along the road down to Kearney Point (Down) on 22nd. Brambling One was at Church Bay on Rathlin Island (Antrim) on 6th. Twite Two were at Church Bay on 6th, nine at Myroe Levels (Lough Foyle) on 21st, and 30 on the way down to Kearney Point (Down) on 22nd. Redpoll Copeland Bird Observatory (Down) had 153 on 11th. Crossbill Leggs, Castle Caldwell (Fermanagh) had four on 8th. George Gordon

IRISH NEWS AS SUPPLIED BY BINS

1st to 31st October

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 31st October 1999. This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland. Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ********************************************************************* Black-throated Diver Three birds flew past St John's Point, Co. Down on 19th with 2 seen there on 30th. Seven birds were seen at Trach, Galway on 29th.

White-billed Diver A juvenile was reported at Fintra Bay, just west of Killybegs, Donegal on 7th and 8th. If accepted this will the 6th Irish record.

Red-necked Grebe Single birds were seen off Curracloe, Wexford on 16th and off Loop Head, Wexford on 20th.

Black-necked Grebe Three birds were reported back at Agheda, Cork on 31st.

Cory's Shearwater Following the excellent passage of the autumn, 87 birds passed Brandon Head, Kerry on 2nd, while 1,929 were seen off Cape Clear, Cork on 10th.

Great Shearwater Birds were seen well into October with large movements noted off the west and south west. Off Cape Clear, Cork 127 birds passed on 14th, with 625 on 16th and 200 on 17th. Elsewhere in Cork, Dursey Island recorded 300 on 15th, 185 on 16th, 45 on 22nd and 4 on 25th, with 20 seen off nearby Garinish Point on 25th. A large movement of 463 was noted off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 1st and 52 off Kilcummin Head, Mayo on 2nd. In Donegal, 21 birds were seen off Rocky Point on 1st with 9 there on 2nd. The only other report was of up to 40 birds around the Tuskar Rock, Wexford on 10th.

Mediterranean Shearwater Single birds passed Brandon Head, Kerry on 2nd and Carnsore Point, Wexford on 25th while Cape Clear, Cork, recorded 2 on 16th.

Leach's Petrel Small movements were noted on the 2nd and 3rd of October. On 2nd, 3 passed Ballymaconnell, Sligo, 1 passed Brandon Head, Kerry, 10 were seen off Kilcummin, Mayo and 22 odd Ramore Head, Antrim. The following day in Derry, 2 were reported along the Bann Estuary with 7 on the Foyle, while 40 passed Kilcummin and 10 were seen off Ramore Head.

Great White Egret Two birds were reported close to Kinsale Marsh, Cork on 15th and 16th, with single records at Portmagee, Kerry on 12th and close to Athlone, Westmeath on 27th. The latter represent the respective first records for each county.

Spoonbill The long-staying bird continued to be seen Larne Lough, Armagh up to 31st.

Black Brant One continued to be seen at Lough Foyle, Derry up to 20th.

'dark-bellied' Brent Goose A single bird was seen on Strangford Lough, Co. Down on 31st.

American Wigeon Single drakes were seen at Kinsale Marsh, Cork on 16th, and at Sheephaven Bay, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal on 22nd.

Green-winged Teal A drake was reported on the North Slobs, Wexford on 15th and 16th.

Black Duck The male continued to be seen at Barrow Harbour, near Fenit, Co. Kerry up to at least 4th.

Blue-winged Teal A female type was found at Crookhaven, Cork on 3rd, remaining in the area to at least 17th. An adult male was also found at New Lake, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal on 22nd.

Red-crested Pochard A female was present at Craigavon, Armagh from 5th to 19th.

Ring-necked Duck The drake, found at Oxford Island, Armagh in late August was still present until at least 11th.

Smew A female was reported on the North Slobs, Wexford on 15th to 18th.

Rough-legged Buzzard One was seen close to the M50 in north Dublin on 22nd.

Osprey The bird found at Courtmacsherry, Cork on 20th August, was seen again on 28th. Other reports refer to birds seen at Tramore, Waterford on 1st, at Broad Lough, Wicklow from 19th to 23rd, and at the Quoile, Co. Down on 24th.

Hobby The only report was of one on Loop Head, Clare on 20th.

Black-winged Stilt A remarkable record was of a single bird seen on two occasions at Carrigaline, Cork on 22nd and 27th.

American Golden Plover The juvenile found at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 21st September was last seen on 15th October. Other juveniles included one at Lissagriffin, Cork from 3rd to 5th, and at Bannow Bay, Wexford on 23rd. An adult was seen at Loop Head, Clare on 20th.

White-rumped Sandpiper Single juveniles were noted at Kilcoole, Wicklow from 4th to 5th, and at Blackrock Strand, Kerry on 26th.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper The only report was of a single bird seen over Hook Head, Wexford on 16th.

Long-billed Dowitcher The long-staying adult found on the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down in July, continued to be seen up to at least 23rd.

Lesser Yellowlegs A juvenile was found on the Foyle Estuary, Derry on 10th, and remained in the area up to 20th.

Grey Phalarope Good movements were noted between 1st and 4th of the month. Off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare 3 birds were seen on 1st with 96 seen on 2nd. Off Brandon Head, Kerry 3 passed on 2nd with 8 on 4th, while 2 were seen from Ballymaconnel, Sligo on 2nd with 2 on the Foyle Derry and 1 off Garinish Point, Cork on 3rd.

Long-tailed Skua The last movements of the autumn were noted on 2nd October when 15 were seen off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare, 2 off Brandon Head, Kerry and one off Rocky Point, Donegal.

Sabine's Gull Two birds passed the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare and 4 off Brandon Head on 2nd, with a late juvenile seen off Garinish Point, Cork on 25th.

Laughing Gull A 1st year bird was seen at Carnsore Point, Wexford on 23rd. If accepted this will be Ireland's 18th record and Wexford's first.

Franklin's Gull A 2nd year type was seen at Gormanstown Strand, Meath from 3rd to 7th while another, or possibly the same bird was at Lurgan Green, Louth on 17th.

'smithsonianus' Herring Gull A 1st year bird was seen at The Lough in Cork city on 29th, with another seen close to the 'speckled door' on the Old Head of Kinsale, Cork on 30th.

White-winged Black Tern The obliging juvenile found at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 21st September, was last seen on 1st October.

Little Auk Early records included one off Dursey Isalnd, Cork on 7th , and one at Curracloe, Wexford on 16th.

Chimney Swift Following the long-awaited arrival of the first Irish record of this species, the long weekend of the 23rd to 25th October witnessed an incredible series of records. The first Irish record occurred over the north end of Cape Clear Island, Cork at 12.30pm on 23rd. The bird stayed in the area until at least 1.45pm, when a series of attacks by the local Merlin forced the bird to leave the island. It is possible that this bird arrived the evening before as some birders possibly heard a Chimney Swift over the North Harbour in darkness. As news of this sighting spread rapidly, amazingly Irelands 2nd record was seen close to Allahies, Cork at 6.00pm. This bird was watched well for up to 25 minutes before it was seen to drift south-east and out of sight. News broke early on the 24th that a small, dark swift was seen on the South Slobs, Wexford also on 23rd. On the evening of 24th, another, or possibly the same bird was seen over Churchtown, close to Carnsore Point, Wexford. This bird put in a brief appearance on two occasions to a very relieved audience on 25th. However, birders travelling through Wexford that evening were amazed to find a Chimney Swift feeding over the church spires in the town. The Wexford town bird and the Churchtown bird were considered to be different as they showed subtle plumage variations. Yet another was found on 25th, when a bird was seen at 3.50pm over Gyleen, near Roche's Point, Cork. The Wexford town bird remained in the area until early afternoon of 27th. Yet another small, all dark swift was reported over Greystones, Wicklow on 30th. In summary at least 5 Chimney Swifts have been seen during the last week of the month, with the total being possibly as many as 7 records.

Common Nighthawk As with Chimney Swift, this species is also a long-awaited addition to the Irish list, and the circumstances under which this first record occurred is as amazing as the Chimney Swift sightings. Following the report of the Chimney Swift in Allahies, Cork on 23rd, birders gathered in the area early on 24th. Despite extensive searches throughout the morning and early afternoon there was no sign of the swift. By 3.00pm most birders had left the area and the remaining few were just driving off when a Common Nighthawk flew across the cars. Luckily it was seen to land in the fields where the Chimney Swift had been seen the previous evening. It was located sitting out in the open and most birders managed to return to the site and had excellent views up to dusk, when it performed well. It was last seen flying high out of view at 6.35pm and not seen again.

Hoopoe What was probably the same bird found at Castlelack Village, near Bandon in Cork on 30th August, was seen again near Enniskean, Bandon on 2nd October.

Wryneck One was present at Crookhaven, Cork on 8th, while on Dursey Island, a single bird found on 4th, was joined by a second bird on 5th, with one still present up to 8th. Another was seen on Dursey on 23rd.

Tree Pipit Single birds were found at Malinbeg, Donegal on 4th and on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 13th.

Richard's Pipit Single (different) birds were seen on Dursey Island, Cork on 18th and 19th.

Thrush Nightingale A single bird was caught and ringed in Cotters Garden, Cape Clear Island, Cork on 15th. It was seen again briefly on 18th. If accepted this will be Ireland's 3rd record, the two previous records also coming from Cape Clear, the last in 1990.

Black Redstart Reported widely in small numbers, the highest single count being 6 birds on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 17th.

Swainson's Thrush One was found on Gairinish Point, near Allahies, Cork on the evening of 11th October. The bird was seen well again to late afternoon of 12th but not seen subsequently. If accepted this will the 4th Irish record, the last being on Cape Clear Island, Cork in 1990.

'unstreaked Acro' A warbler, present in Firkeel Glen, Co. Cork from 13th to 19th, showed many features of Marsh Warbler.

Melodious Warbler A single bird found at Malinbeg, Donegal on 25th September, was present in the area until 9th October.

Olivaceous Warbler The bird, found in the Alder Wood on the north part of Cape Clear Island, Cork on 19th September was caught and ringed on 7th October having been re-found the previous day. This identified the bird as a definite Olivaceous and justified the criteria and belief of those who had committed to the identification at the very beginning. The bird performed well in the area until 9th. If accepted this will be Irelands 4th record.

Lesser Whitethroat In Cork, single birds were seen on Cape Clear from 14th to 17th, on Dursey Island on 4th and 13th, on Sherkin Island on 15th, on Galley Head on 9th and on Mizen Head from 10th to 11th. Other reports refer to a single bird on Hook Head, Wexford on 16th and 17th, and on Rockabill, Dublin also on 17th.

Pallas's Warbler Single birds were seen on Cape Clear, Cork from 18th to 19th, on Hook Head, Wexford on 17th, and on Helvick Head, Waterford on 23rd. The Helvick bird was the first record for Waterford.

Yellow-browed Warbler On Cape Clear Island, Cork a single bird was present from 12th to 14th, with 4 birds there on 15th and 16th, 3 on 17th and one still present from 18th to 20th. In Firkeel, Cork a long-staying bird was present from 17th to 23rd while singles were also noted at Malinbeg, Donegal on 14th, and at Churchtown, Wexford on 16th.

Bonelli's Warbler A single bird was seen at Dunquinn, Kerry on 3rd. If accepted this will Ireland's 17th record, and the second this autumn.

Firecrest On Cape Clear Island, Cork, a single bird was present from 10th to 13th, with 2 birds there on 16th and 17th, 3 on 19th and 20th, and a single bird remaining until 28th. Elsewhere, a single bird was noted at Crookhaven, Cork on 20th, while in Wexford singles were seen on Hook Head on 17th and 18th, and on Carnsore Point from 22nd to 24th.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Single birds were seen on Inishmore, Aran Islands, Galway on 8th, on Loop Head, Clare on 20th and on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 24th and 25th.

'rostrata' Redpoll A single bird continued to be seen in the Rocky Point area of Donegal until 3rd.

Arctic Redpoll An excellent find was of a 1st winter bird on Dursey Island, Cork on 4th. It was seen again briefly on 5th, and watched well again on 10th. If accepted this may possibly be Ireland's first record of this species.

Brambling The first of the season was seen on Cape Clear, Cork on 23rd.

Scarlet Rosefinch In Cork single birds were seen on Cape Clear Island on 5th, and at Crookhaven on 7th.

Lapland Bunting On Rocky Point, Dongeal numbers peaked at 5 birds on 2nd, while 2 were also seen on Dursey Island, Cork on 4th.

Snow Bunting Reported widely in small numbers with the highest single count being 80 birds on Malin Head, Donegal on 23rd.

Little Bunting On Cape Clear Island, a bird was caught and ringed in the Alder Wood, and remained in the area until at least 23rd. Meanwhile, what was considered to be a different bird was seen both on the High Road and in Cotters on 17th.

Eric Dempsey Ireland edempsey@eircom.ie

1st to 30th November

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 30th November 1999. This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland. Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ********************************************************************* Black-throated Diver The west of Ireland produced excellent counts this month with an amazing 87 birds seen between Ballyvaughan and Black Head, Clare on 20th, with 6 at Ballyvaughan on 27th. Meanwhile at Trach, Galway, 11 birds were present on 14th, with 8 still there on 21st. Elsewhere 5 birds were seen at Ballinskelligs Bay, Kerry on 7th, while in the north single birds were noted at the Briggs Rock, Co. Down on 6th and at Carnlough Bay on the north Antrim coast on 9th. At Strangford Lough, Co. Down 5 were seen on 14th with one at Portnoo, Donegal on the same day and one off Helvick Head, Waterford on 27th.

Red-necked Grebe A single bird was seen at Ballyvaughan, Clare on 20th, with 2 reported back at Sandy Bay, Castlegregory, Kerry on the same day.

Black-necked Grebe Three birds continued to be seen at Agheda, Cork throughout the month with a single bird seen at Skerries, Dublin on 28th.

Mediterranean Shearwater Three birds passed Garnet Point, Antrim on 4th with a single bird seen off Helvick Head, Waterford on 27th.

'sinensis' Cormorant Up to 3 birds of this eastern race were seen at Seaford Estate, Co. Down from 10th to 27th, with other single birds seen at Belfast Waterworks and at the Brigg's Rock, Co. Down on 20th. Two were recorded at Hillsborough, Co. Down on 27th.

Great White Egret A single bird was seen close to Bandon, Cork on 4th. This could be one of the two birds seen at Kinsale in mid-October.

Spoonbill The long-staying bird continued to be seen Larne Lough, Armagh up to 6th.

Canada Goose A single bird was present on the North Slobs, Wexford from 14th with another with the Barnacle Geese in Sligo on 27th.

American Wigeon A drake found at New Quay, Galway on 20th, may have been the same bird reported from Lough Murray, Galway on 27th.

Green-winged Teal Drakes were reported on the North Slobs, Wexford from 1st to 15th, at Ballycotton, Cork and Tacumshin, Wexford on 14th, on the North Bull Island, Wexford from 14th to 21st, at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 21st and on Carlingford Lough, Co. Down on 27th.

Blue-winged Teal/Shoveler An apparent hybrid was seen on the North Bull, Dublin on 14th.

Ring-necked Duck The drake returned to Ballyallia Lake, Galway on 7th

Lesser Scaup A 1st year male was found at Ballyshunnock Reservoir, Waterford on 12th, moving over to Knockaderry where it was present up to at least 21st. It returned to Ballyshunnock on 27th. A possible adult male was also seen at Lough Murray, Galway on 27th. Surf Scoter At Ballinskelligs Bay, Kerry, two drakes were found on 7th, while further west, outside of Dingle, a very obliging female kept company with two Long-tailed Ducks from 23rd to 29th.

Smew A female continued to be reported on the North Slobs, Wexford up to 5th while at Kanturk Flats, Lough Neagh, Armagh a male was seen on 29th.

Avocet One was reported at Tacumshin, Wexford on 10th.

American Golden Plover A juvenile was present at Oronmore, Galway from 18th to 21st.

White-rumped Sandpiper The juvenile found at Blackrock Strand, Kerry on 26th October, was present up to 7th November.

Long-billed Dowitcher The long-staying adult found on the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down in July, continued to be seen up to the first week of November at least.

Grey Phalarope A 1st year bird gave excellent views off the west pier in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin on 10th.

Little Auk 7 birds passed Helvick Head, Waterford on 27th.

Pomarine Skua Late records include 7 off Garnet Point, Antrim on 4th, one on Lough Foyle, Derry on 12th, and one on Strangford Lough, Co. Down on 29th.

'smithsonianus' Herring Gull Single 1st year birds were reported at Belfast Dump, Antrim on 16th, and Portavogie, Co. Down on 21st. In Dingle, Kerry, a 1st and 2nd year were reported on 28th, with the 2nd year seen again on 29th.

Sandwich Tern The annual wintering bird returned to Nimmo's Pier, Galway on 21st.

Little Owl One was found just west of Ballycotton, Cork on 16th. Extremely elusive, it was seen up to at least 20th. If accepted this will be the 5th record for Ireland, the last being in Wicklow in 1981.

Swallow Late records include 3 at Arklow, Wicklow and one at Inch, Cork on 7th, with another reported over Tacumshin, Wexford on 14th.

Waxwing With the large numbers of birds arriving into Britain, Waxwings have been expected. The first of this hoped for influx was seen in a garden in Roslay, Co. Fermanagh on 27th.

Firecrest A single bird was seen at Dunquinn, Kerry on 24th with one also at Farranfore Airport, Kerry on 26th.

Brown Shrike A shrike, seen along the hedgerows just above Ballyferriter, near Dingle in Kerry on 22nd showed a variety of unexpected features and the identification lay between Isabelline or Red-backed Shrike (or even a hybrid cross between the two). It was present again the following day when birders were still unsure of its identification, with Brown Shrike being added as a strong possibility. On 24th, birders arrived armed with extra information and, when the bird showed well, were able to see all the features which led to the identification of the bird as Ireland's first, and Europe's 3rd, Brown Shrike. It remained in the area until at least 30th. A special word of thanks should be extended to the finder, Jill Crosher and her husband Ian, for their hospitality, and to the local community who offered an excellent welcome to the hordes of visiting birders.

'Scandanavian' Jackdaw A bird showing the characteristics of this race was seen at the RSPB reserve, in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down on 21st.

Lapland Bunting Up to 6 birds were seen on Carnsore Point, Wexford on 7th, with one also reported at Kilcoole, Wicklow early in the month.

Eric Dempsey Ireland edempsey@eircom

1st to 31st January 2000

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 31st January 2000. This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland. Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ******************************************************************** Black-throated Diver Single birds were reported from Wexford Harbour on 23rd, and at Dun Laoghaire, Dublin from 7th to 12th, with 3 birds there on 31st. Three were also seen at Rosnaulagh, Donegal on 23rd while at Blacksod Bay, Co. Mayo 7 birds were seen on 17th, with 2 still present in the area on 25th. As usual, the highest counts came from Ballyvaughan, Clare where 28 birds were seen on 22nd.

Red-necked Grebe Single birds were seen at Loughrea, Galway on 23rd, and between Wexford Harbour and Curracloe from 23rd to 27th.

Black-necked Grebe Three birds continued to be seen at Agheda, Cork into early January, with 3 birds present between Rosslare and the North Slobs, Wexford throughout the month. One was also reported from Ballylongford Bay, Kerry on 30th.

Slavonian Grebe The highest counts included up to 35 birds on The Foyle, Derry on 19th, and 11 off Castlegregory, Kerry on 26th.

'Blue' Fulmar A single bird was seen off Portstewart, Antrim on 3rd.

'dark-bellied' Brent Goose Two birds were seen both at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 16th, and on the North Slobs, Wexford from 2nd to 23rd. One was also seen at Rogerstown, Dublin on 15th.

Black Brant A bird, first seen at Rosslare, Wexford on 2nd, was present on the North Slobs from 23rd.

Canada Goose Single birds were reported from Raughley Point, Sligo from 7th to 30th,at Claughton, Offaly on 16th and on the North Slobs throughout the month.

American Wigeon The 1st year male found at Rogerstown, Co. Dublin on 27th December, was seen on and off up to 30th. A drake was also present at Lough Neagh, Co. Antrim on 18th.

Blue-winged Teal A drake was seen at New Lake, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal on 23rd.

Green-winged Teal Six drakes were seen during January with reports coming from Ballycarry, Antrim from 2nd to 30th, at Agheda, Cork on 4th, at Ashton's Callows, Co. Tipperary on 14th, the North bull, Dublin on 15th, Duniskey, Cork on 16th and at Belclare Lake, Galway on 23rd.

Ring-necked Duck Single drakes were reported from Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry from 16th to 26th, at The Geragh, Cork on 16th and at Fannad, Donegal on 23rd.

Lesser Scaup The drake was reported again at Lough Gill, Kerry on 26th.

Surf Scoter An adult female was reported at Banmahon, Waterford on 30th.

Smew Single females were reported from the BP Pools, Belfast, Co. Down on 2nd, and on the North Slobs, Wexford throughout the month. An adult drake was seen at Craigavon, Armagh on 12th.

Rough-legged Buzzard The bird found 2 miles north of the M50 motorway on 24th December was seen again on and off in the same general area on 2nd and 9th January.

Golden Eagle A 2nd year bird was present on Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim from 14th to 16th.

Gyrfalcon A white-phase bird was present on the North Antrim coast for almost three weeks from early January. It was first reported close to the Giant's Causeway on 3rd, then on Rathlin Island on 5th and 6th (possibly seen also on 8th), before a report was made referring to a large white falcon seen just east of the Giant's Causeway on 20th. The bird has not been seen since.

Pomarine Skua A single bird was seen off Ballycotton, Cork on 5th.

Bonaparte's Gull An adult was found at Clahane Beach, near Liscannor, Co. Clare on 17th. This is the same beach where a 1st winter was seen last year.

Ring-billed Gull Reported widely in small numbers with the highest single count coming from Nimmo's Pier, Galway where numbers peaked at 8 birds on 28th.

'smithsonianus' Herring Gull A 1st year bird was at Rogerstown, Dublin on 8th, with two birds, a 1st year and a 2nd year seen on the North Foreshore tip, Belfast on 7th .

Yellow-legged Gull The only report was of an adult at Rogerstown, Dublin on 15th.

Iceland Gull A large influx occurred in mid January, with reports coming from many areas. Noteworthy counts came from Mayo where numbers peaked at 12 at Ballina and 13 at Newport on 16th, with 7 at the Moy Estuary on 26th. In Galway, numbers peaked at 8 birds at Nimmo's Pier from 10th to 13th. However, as usual, Killybegs became the Iceland Gull capital again when numbers grew from 6 birds on 7th, to 15 on 23rd to an amazing count of up to 30 birds on 29th.

'Kumlien's' Gull 1st year birds were seen at Derry dump and Rogerstown dump, Dublin on 3rd while an adult, found at Killybegs, Donegal on 20th, was joined by a 2nd year on 29th. Off Nimmo's Pier, Galway and 1st year and a 2nd year seen early in the month, was joined by an adult on 10th, with all three birds present on 12th. From 13th, only the adult bird remained, where it stayed until month's end.

Glaucous Gull Recorded in small numbers with the highest count being 9 birds at Derry dump on 3rd.

Ross's Gull An excellent 1st year bird was found off Nimmo's Pier, Galway where it remained on and off until at least 28th.

Little Auk The only report was of a single bird seen in Dalkey harbour, Co. Dublin on 16th.

Little Owl The bird reported in early winter from Ballycotton, Cork, was seen again on 19th January.

Water Pipit A single bird was seen at the east end of Tacumshin, Wexford on 2nd.

Waxwing The long-staying bird at Whitehead, Co. Antrim was last seen on 1st, with 3 birds were seen in Derry and 2 in east Down on 4th (details not known. A single bird was also seen in Bangor, Co. Down on 23rd.

Firecrest A wintering bird was found on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 2nd.

Snow Bunting Up to 200 birds continued to be seen in stubble fields between the Giants Causeway and Bushmills, Co. Antrim up to 7th, while 40 birds seen at Derrymore Strand, Kerry on 6th was a noteworthy count.

Eric Dempsey Ireland

1st to 29th February 2000

he following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 29th February 2000. This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland. Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ******************************************************************** Black-throated Diver Single birds were reported at Dun Laoghaire, Dublin from 1st to 28th, and at Trach, Clare on 5th. At Mountcharles, Donegal, 13 birds were seen on 19th with 6 still there on 24th. On 27th, 5 birds were at Ballycotton, Cork and 6 were seen off Ballyvaughan, Clare.

Red-necked Grebe Single birds continued to be seen off Castlegregory, Kerry up to 2nd and at Loughrea, Galway up to 19th. One was also present at Carlingford Lough, Down on 10th.

Black-necked Grebe Three birds continued to be seen at Agheda, Cork into late February with 3 birds present between Rosslare and the North Slobs, Wexford throughout the month.

'Blue' Fulmar A single bird was seen in Killybegs, Donegal on 9th and 10th.

'sinensis' Cormorant Up to 5 birds were rcorded at Hillsborough Lake, Co. DOwn on 6th.

Glossy Ibis One was seen near Rosbeigh, Kerry on 13th with reports of a second bird accidentally shot in Wexford early in the month.

Spoonbill An immature bird was at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare from 19th to 29th.

'dark-bellied' Brent Goose Single birds were seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 20th,on the North Slobs, Wexford on 3rd and at Dungarvan, Waterford on 16th.

Black Brant A bird, first seen in Wexford during January was considered to be the same bird present at Swords, Dublin from 18th to 22nd. It was seen again on the North Slobs, Wexford on 28th.

Canada Goose Single birds were reported again at Raughley Point, Sligo and on the North Slobs, Wexford throughout the month.

Pink-footed Goose Reported in small numbers with 11 birds at Lurgan Green, Louth on 11th being the single highest count.

American Wigeon A drake was at Hillsborough Lake, Co. Down on 26th and 27th.

Green-winged Teal Single drakes were reported from the North Bull, Dublin on 6th, Lisarda, Cork on 26th and Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 28th.

Ring-necked Duck The drake, present at Ross Castle, Killarney, Co. Kerry to 2nd February, was probaly one of two drakes seen at Lough Yganavean, Kerry from 14th to 25th. Another drake was seen at Rosnaulagh, Donegal on 8th.

Surf Scoter In Kerry, the adult female, found in Dingle in November, was present in the area up to 29th with two drakes reported at Waterville on 17th.

Smew A female continued to be seen on the North Slobs, Wexford throughout the month while the adult drake was present at Craigavon, Armagh up to 13th.

Bonaparte's Gull An adult was found at Clahane Beach, near Liscannor, Co. Clare on 17th January, was present in the area until at least 27th. Meanwhile, a 1st year bird was found at Dingle, Kerry on 17th, and was seen again briefly on 19th.

'smithsonianus' Herring Gull Two 1st year birds were reported at DIngle, Kerry on 16th, with one also reported from Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 19th.

Yellow-legged Gull Single adults were seen at Culmore Tip, Derry on 9th, and at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare from 17th to 23rd. An adult and a 1st year were seen at 'The Lough' in Cork city on 5th, with another 1st year seen at Dingle, Kerry on 17th.

Iceland Gull The large influx which occurred in mid January continued into February with reports coming from many parts of the country. High counts included 40 - 50 birds in Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 22nd and 23rd, with a minimum count of 50 birds there on 29th. Up to 30 birds were at Killybegs, Donegal on 27th, and up to 26 at Culmore Tip, Derry on 9th. At Nimmo's Pier, Galway, numbers peaked at 9 on 25th and 26th with 12 birds at nearby Rossaveal on the same dates. In Dublin, at least 9 birds were present at Rogerstown between 5th and 6th while the peak count at Dingle in Kerry was 10 birds on 29th.

'Kumlien's' Gull Three birds, an adult, a 3rd year and 1st year were seen on and off at Culmore Tip, Derry from 9th to 18th. Killybegs, Donegal also attracted the same combination between 25th and 27th. Three birds were also noted at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare, with 2 1st year birds on 22nd, and a 3rd year from 23rd to 28th. In Dublin, Rogerstown dump hosted three different 1st year birds on 20th and 21st, while at Nimmo's Pier, Galway the adult was seen up to 11th, when it was joined by a 2nd year bird. The adult may have been the same bird seen at nearby Rossaveal on 25th.

Thayer's Gull A 1st year bird showing many of the features of Thayer's was seen at Dingle, Kerry on 16th.

Glaucous Gull Recorded in small numbers around the country with the highest counts being 10 birds both at Killybegs, Donegal and at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 20th and 22nd respectively.

Ross's Gull The very obliging 1st year bird, found off Nimmo's Pier, Galway on 3rd January, was present in the area until 29th. Remarkably, another 1st year bird was seen at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 28th, being present again the following day.

Sandwich Tern Two birds were reported off Nimmo's Pier, Galway on 25th.

Little Auk A single bird was seen off the east pier in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin on 8th, with 2 birds seen off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 14th.

House Martin Very early reports include single birds at Greystones, Wicklow on 5th, and Clontarf, Dublin on 6th.

Swallow An early report was of one bird seen near Dublin airport on 18th.

Lapland Bunting A single bird was seen in the stubble fields north of Balbriggan, Co. Dublin on 28th.

1st to 31st March 2000

Black-throated Diver Up to 16 birds were seen off Black Head, Co. Clare on 9th, with 12 still present on 10th. Nearby Ballyvaughan held 8 birds on 23rd. In Wexford, 2 were seen off Lady's Island on 17th, with 9 at the Cull on 19th. At Mountcharles, Donegal, a single bird was seen on 3rd, with 3 birds there from 11th to 17th. Finally, at Giles Quay, Co. Louth, 2 birds were seen on 12th.

Red-necked Grebe A single bird continued to be seen at Castlegregory, Kerry up to 29th, when it was joined by a second bird, both reported in full summer plumage. Another summer plumaged bird was present off Curracloe, Wexford from 16th to 21st while one was also noted off Giles Quay, Co. Louth on 12th.

Slavonian Grebe High counts included up to 18 birds off Curracloe, Wexford on 18th, and 11 birds in Blacksod Bay, Co. Mayo on 11th.

'sinensis' Cormorant At least one bird remained at Hillsborough Lake, Co. Down up to 10th, with a summer adult seen at Mornington, Co. Meath on 25th.

Great White Egret A bird was found at Lough Ateduan, Clare on 26th and was still present at month end.

Spoonbill The immature bird continued to be seen at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare up to 25th.

Pink-footed Goose Numbers peaked at 25 birds at Lurgan Green, Louth on 20th while on the North Slobs, Wexford 12 birds continued to be seen up to 16th.

'Russian' White-fronted Goose Two birds were found at Lurgan Green, Co. Louth on 17th.

'dark-bellied' Brent Goose Single birds were seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 19th, and in Ringsend, Dublin on 30th. On the North Slobs, Wexford 3 birds were seen on 21st.

Black Brant Singles continued to be seen on and off at Swords, Dublin up to 31st, and on the North Slobs, Wexford up to 21st.

Canada Goose One continued to be seen on the North Slobs, Wexford up to 15th, while at Raughley Point, Sligo a single bird present all winter was joined by two more on 19th.

American Wigeon The drake, found at Hillsborough Lake, Co. Down on 26th February, was present until 18th March, while at Rogerstown, Co. Dublin, the immature male was seen occasionally up to 18th.

Green-winged Teal Single drakes were reported the North Slobs, and at Lady's Island, Wexford from 5th to 13th, and on 21st respectively, at Lough Beg, Derry on 15th and at Ashton's Callows, Tipperary on 18th. Another drake, seen at Ballisdare, Sligo from 7th to 19th, may have been the same bird seen at Strandhill, Sligo late on 19th.

Ring-necked Duck Two drakes continued to be seen at Lough Yganavean, Kerry up to 10th while other drakes were reported from The Geragh, Cork on 9th, at Oxford Island, Armagh on 25th and 26th, and at Lough Adearra, Cork on 26th. A female was present on the North Slobs, Wexford from 17th to 24th.

Surf Scoter A male and female were found at Bunmahon, Co. Waterford on 3rd with another pair reported at Ventry, Kerry on 27th. Smew The female continued to be seen on the North Slobs, Wexford throughout the month with other females noted at the Quoyle, Co. Down on 12th and at Lough Beg, Derry on 15th. A drake was seen at Derrybrick Lake, Cavan on 16th.

Golden Eagle One was seen east of Fair Head on the north Antrim coast on 7th. Could this be the same bird seen on Rathlin Island in January?

Osprey One was seen in the Kenmare area of Kerry on 26th and 27th, while another, seen over the M1 motorway in north Dublin early on the morning of 29th, was seen again almost two hours later over Skerries.

Gyrfalcon Birders watching the large concentrations of northern gulls at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 4th, were surprised to see a white phase Gyr fly by them. It was seen again feeding on a kill in the same area two days later but was not reported subsquently.

Crane Two birds were seen at Callinaferry, Co. Kerry on 12th.

Little Stint A single bird was at Tacumshin, Wexford on 17th.

Short-billed Dowitcher A dowitcher was found at Mornington, on the south side of the Boyne, Co. Meath on 16th. It was seen again by several observers on the 18th when several plumage and structural features were noted which lead to suspicions being raised that the bird might be a Short-billed Dowitcher, potentially Ireland's 2nd record, the last being seen in 1985. A call was also heard on 18th, which added further to those suspicions. It was seen again on 20th when further details were seen, but unforunately the call was not heard. The following day the bird was watched well again and on this occasion the bird was heard to call twice, giving the diagnositic call of Short-billed. Thus the final piece of the jigsaw was complete and this unexpected rarity was enjoyed by many during its stay which has lasted into April.

Bonaparte's Gull A 2nd year bird found at Clahane Beach, near Liscannor, Co. Clare on 17th January, was present in the area until at least 4th March.

'smithsonianus' Herring Gull A 2nd year bird was present at Culmore Tip, Derry from 7th to 16th, with another 2nd year seen at Rogerstown dump, Co. Dublin on 29th.

Yellow-legged Gull The only report received referred to an adult at Dundalk docks, Co. Louth on 5th.

Iceland Gull Following the large influx which occurred in mid January, birds continued to be reported widely. At Poulnasherry Bay, Clare up to 40 - 50 birds were present from 1st to 11th March, while at Killybegs, Donegal, numbers peaked at 30 on 3rd with up to 20 still present on 17th. At Culmore Tip, Derry the count grew to 40 birds on 16th while in Mayo 26 birds were at Lagan Bay on 12th with 9 at Ballina on 4th. Finally, the peak count at Dingle in Kerry was 10 birds on 10th.

'Kumlien's' Gull Two birds, an adult and a 2nd year were seen at Culmore Tip, Derry on 16th, while at Rogerstown dump, Dublin three different birds were present up to 4th. At Poulnasherry Bay, Clare, on 1st, an amazing total of 6 birds were seen including 2 adults and 4 1st years, with the adult present there until 6th.

Glaucous Gull The highest count received was of 4 birds at Clahane, Co. Clare on 1st.

Ross's Gull The very obliging 1st year bird, found off Nimmo's Pier, Galway on 3rd January, was last reported in the area on 11th March while the other 1st year bird found at Poulnasherry Bay, Clare on 28th February was last seen on 4th March.

Swift sp. A swift was seen over Watergrasshill, Cork on 29th. Unfortunately it was seen from a car and the possiblity that this bird could have been a Pallid Swift, which were reported to be arriving into southern Europe in big numbers in the last week of March, remains a distinct possibility.

Sand Martin The first report of the spring was of a single bird seen over Killiney, Dublin on 7th.

'Scandanavian' Rock Pipit At least three different birds of the race littoralis were seen at the Brigg's Rock, Co. Down between 3rd and 22nd, with another reported at Carnfenic, north Antrim on 17th.

Water Pipit A very elusive bird, found earlier in the winter, was at the east end of Tacumshin, Wexford from 12th to 17th.

Waxwing One was present in a garden in Larne, Co. Armagh from 3rd to 5th.

Wheatear The first reports came from the Clogher Head area of Co. Louth on 12th.

Willow Warbler The first of the spring was heard at Skerries, Dublin on 20th.

Firecrest Two were seen in the Post Office garden on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 19th.

Hawfinch A female was found at Curraghchase Woods, Limerick on 5th. Despite extensive searches, it was not found again. This is the same location where up to 100 birds were seen during the last influx of this species in the late 1980's. Could there still be a small population in the area since then?

Eric Dempsey Ireland edempsey@eircom.ie

1st to 30th April 2000

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 30th April 2000. This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland. Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ********************************************************************

1st to 30th April 2000

Black-throated Diver High counts from Co. Clare include 51 birds seen in the Black Head area on 18th, with 53 birds seen off Ballyvaughan on 29th. Two birds were also reported at Ventry, Co. Kerry on 21st with a single bird seen at Lady's Island, Wexford on 4th.

Great Northern Diver A high count was of up to 200 birds at Ballyvaughan, Clare on 29th.

'sinensis' Cormorant A summer adult was seen again at Mornington, Co. Meath on 15th.

Great White Egret A bird found at Lough Ateduan, Clare on 26th March was present to 1st April. What was probably the same bird was reported from Carrawest Bay, Galway.

'dark-bellied' Brent Goose One continued to be seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow up to 15th, with a report of another 'dark' Brent at Blackrock Strand, Kerry on 23rd. This latter bird may prove to a 'grey-bellied Brant'.

Black Brant Singles continued to be seen on and off at Swords, Dublin up to 8th, and on the North Slobs, Wexford up to 3rd.

Canada Goose A small race bird was with Barnacle Geese on the Inishskea Islands, Mayo on 8th. Apparently the bird had been present all winter.

Garganey The first spring report referred to a male at Logh Beg, Derry on 22nd.

Black Duck The long-staying bird was refound at Barrow, near Fenit, Kerry on 22nd. It seemed to be keeping company with a male Mallard!

Red-crested Pochard A male was reported at Lough Atlis, near Dunmanway, Cork on 2nd.

Smew The female continued to be seen on the North Slobs, Wexford up to at least 12th. Marsh Harrier A female was found at the east end of Tacumshin on 30th.

Golden Eagle An adult was seen on the North Cliffs at Rathlin Island, Antrim from 5th to 11th.

Osprey Single birds were seen at Oughterard, Cork on 3rd and on the Bann Estuary, Derry on 29th and 30th.

Gyrfalcon A white phase was seen at Blennerville, Kerry on 27th.

Corncrake The first returning birds were heard in the Banagher area of Offaly on 14th.

Little Ringed Plover An adult was seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 9th and 10th, with another reported at the Bann Estuary, Derry on 14th.

Short-billed Dowitcher The winter bird, found at Mornington, on the south side of the Boyne, Co. Meath on 16th March was present thoughout the whole month April and into early May.

Long-billed Dowitcher The wintering bird was seen again at the RSPB reserve in the Belfast harbour Estate, Co. Down from 9th to 18th.

Little Gull A high count of of up to 300 birds off the Carnsore area of Wexford on 3rd.

Bonaparte's Gull A 1st year, in full winter plumage was found at Swords, Co. Dublin on 18th, remaining in the area until 20th when it moved to Clontarf, where it remained until month end.

'smithsonianus' Herring Gull A 1st year bird was reported at Ballycotton, Cork on 16th.

Yellow-legged Gull The only report received referred to a near adult at the RSPB reserve in Belfast, Co. Down on 29th.

Iceland Gull A high count was of 23 birds at Culmore Tip, Derry on 7th.

Glaucous Gull A high count was of 7 birds at Culmore Tip, Derry on 7th

Turtle Dove The first of the spring was seen in an area one mile south of Wexford town.

Swift The first Swift of the year was over the RSPB reserve in Belfast, Co Down on 23rd, with 8 over Oxford island, Armagh on the same day.

Red-rumped Swallow One was reported at Rosslare, Wexford on 30th.

'Scandanavian' Rock Pipit Two different birds were seen in the Fannad Head area of Donegal on 21st and 23rd.

Water Pipit The last report of the bird which wintered at the east end of Tacumshin, Wexford referred to 9th April.

Nightingale. One was at Ballyctton, Co. Cork

1st to 31st May2000

Eric Dempsey Ireland irishbirdnews@eircom.net

White-billed Diver A summer adult was seen off the ferry between Bunbeg and Tory Island, Donegal on 6th. Unfortunately it was seen relocated the following day.

White Stork There were two reports this month, one seen over Ballinasloe, Galway on 7th, and one in North Antrim on 10th.

Spoonbill An adult was seen at the Shannon Airport Lagoons, Co. Clare on 3rd.

Green-winged Teal A drake was seen at Tacumshin, Wexford on 29th. Smew A female lingered on the Bann Estuary, Derry up to 17th.

Montagu's Harrier Two males were seen on 10th, one at Kilcoole, Wicklow and the other on Dursey Island, Cork. At Knock Lake, Dublin, a female was found on 16th which showed some unusual features, leading to discussions on the possibility that it may be a Pallid Harrier. It was seen well on 20th and confirmed as a Montagus's. It was last seen on 21st.

Marsh Harrier At least two females were present at Tacumshin, Wexford during the month with another seen on the Saltee Islands on 22nd. Other females were seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 9th, and at Knock Lake, Dublin on 21st.

Osprey Two birds were seen on and off at the Bann Estuary, Derry, between 14th and 19th. Singles were noted at Youghal, Cork on 18th, at Glendalough, Wicklow on 20th, and at Pollardstown Fen, Kildare, Knock Lake, Dublin and Rogerstown Dublin on 21st.

Hobby Two different birds were seen on the Saltee Islands, Wexford; one on 11th, and the second on 14th and 15th.

Crane Single birds were seen over Summerhill, Meath on 3rd, at Red Strand, Cork on 17th and at Boora Parklands, Offaly on 31st.

Little Ringed Plover An adult was present on Dursey Island, Cork from 5th to 8th, with another seen at Tacumshin, Wexford on 6th.

Dotterel A superb adult male was present on Saltee Islands, Wexford from 5th to 13th, with a trip of 4 birds seen together at Garron Point in the Antrim Hills, on 7th.

Short-billed Dowitcher The bird found at Mornington, Meath in mid-March, was last seen at that location on 1st May. However, it was refound at Dundalk Docks, Louth on 14th, where it was seen again three days later.

Wood Sandpiper Single birds were seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 23rd and at Ballycotton, Cork on 28th.

Bonaparte's Gull The 1st winter was last seen at Clontarf, Dublin on 1st.

Yellow-legged Gull Two birds were at Hook Head, Wexford on 2nd.

White-winged Black Tern A summer adult was found at Swords, Dublin on 22nd, remaining in the area up to 26th.

Bee-eater Single birds were seen at Islandmagee, Antrim on 1st, and at the Swords Estuary, Dublin on 14th.

Hoope One was reported at Fair Head, Antrim on 7th.

Short-toed Lark Three different birds were seen on Dursey Island, Cork; the first on 5th and 6th, the second on 10th and the third on 18th. One was also seen on Cape Clear, Cork on 13th.

Red-rumped Swallow One was seen at Knockadoon Head, Cork on 7th, with one obliging bird found at Tacumshin, Wexford on 14th, remaining until the following morning. What was probably the same bird was seen over the Saltee Islands, Wexford on 15th.

Tree Pipit At least three birds were noted on the Saltee islands, Wexford during this month, with reports also from Dursey, Cork.

Blue-headed Wagtail Males were noted at Bunclugga, Kerry on 6th and at on Dursey Island, Cork on 8th

. Melodious Warbler One was present on Knockadoon Head, Cork on 7th.

Lesser Whitethroat At least two birds were present on the Saltee Islands during the first week of May.

Subalpine Warbler Males were seen on Cape Clear Island, and Dursey Island, Cork on 6th and 8th respectively, with an immature male/female present on the Saltee Islands, Wexford from 8th to 14th.

Woodchat Shrike A single bird was present on the Saltee Islands, Wexford from 20th to 26th.

Rose-coloured Starling A summer adult was present on Cape Clear, Cork from 15th to 28th.

Golden Oriole Single birds were seen on Saltee Islands, Wexford and on Cape Clear, Cork on 14th and 17th respectively. A 1st year male was seen and heard in song in Glendalough, Wicklow on the morning of 31st.

Serin One was seen near Fairview, Dublin on 15th.

Corn Bunting One was present on Dursey Island, Cork on 5th.

Eric Dempsey.

This a report of birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 30th June 2000.

It is compiled by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone : Hotline - 1550 111 700 Summary - 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland - 0891 700 800 (calls charged at 58p per min RoI / 50p per min NI) To Report News : (00353 1) / 01 8307364 Email : irishbirdnews@eircom.net Please note that all reports here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC or NIBARC. ******************************************************************** Great White Egret One was present at Lough Derravaragh, Co. Westmeath from 10th to 12th. Garganey Up to seven birds were noted at the Shannon Airport Lagoons, Clare on 9th. Green-winged Teal A drake was seen at Castlespie, Co. Down on 7th. American Wigeon A drake was reported at Inch Lough, Donegal on 2nd. Ring-necked Duck Single drakes were seen at Inch Lough, Donegal on 2nd and at Oxford Island, Co. Armagh from 2nd to 25th. Montagu's Harrier A very obliging adult male was present at Tacumshin, Wexford from 6th to 9th, with presumably the same male back at Tacumshin on 29th and 30th. Marsh Harrier Single females were at Tacumshin, Wexford from 1st to 13th, at Lough Ree, Galway on 3rd and on Rathlin Island, Antrim on 20th. Osprey A single bird was present at Lough Beg, Derry from 19th to 24th. Hobby Two were reported over Tacumshin, Wexford on 6th. Quail Birds were recorded calling in an area close to Tacumshin, Wexford, with a single bird also seen on Dursey Island, Cork on 21st. Corncrake An out-of-range bird were heard near Broad Lough, Wicklow on 3rd, with birds being heard for the first time in many years in parts of Co. Kerry, including Fenit and the Dingle area. Little Ringed Plover An adult was seen at the RSPB Reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down on 2nd. Great Knot A 1st summer bird was found late in the evening of 29th at the 'Forgotten Corner' of Tacumshin, Co. Wexford. It was watched well from 8.45pm to almost 10.00.pm, when it had moved out into the middle of Tacumshin. Unfortunately it was not seen again. It seems that the bird was most likely present at Tacumshin earlier in the day but not identified. If accepted this will be the first record of this species for Ireland. Wood Sandpiper A single bird was present at Lough Beg, Derry from 22nd to 27th. Long-tailed Skua An adult was seen off Dursey Island, Cork on 4th. Gull-billed Tern Two birds were present at Tacumshin, Wexford from 4th to 9th. White-winged Black Tern A summer adult was on Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim on 20th. Bee-eater An unconfirmed report refers to a bird fitting the description of a Bee-eater feeding off wires close to the village of Devlin, Co. Westmeath on 26th. It was not seen subsequently. Short-toed Lark One was reported on the Greater Saltee Island, Wexford on 18th. Nightingale One was reported in song close to Ballingeary, Co. Cork on the night of 6th. Subalpine Warbler A male, in an exhausted state was found on the Greater Saltee Island, Wexford on 4th. Woodchat Shrike In Wexford, single birds were seen close to Carnsore Point from 4th to 6th, and at Tacumshin on 17th. Red-backed Shrike An adult was found on the Greater Saltee Island, Wexford on 18th. Rose-coloured Starling A summer adult, found on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 15th May, was present to 2nd June with another seen on the Greater Saltee Island, Wexford from 20th to 23rd. ***************HOT JULY REPORT*********************** News just in refers to Ireland's first Swinhoe's Petrel being caught and ringed on Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry at 12.30am on 1st July. ********************************************************** Eric Dempsey

This a report of birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 31st July 2000.

It is compiled by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone : Hotline - 1550 111 700 Summary - 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland - 0891 700 800 (calls charged at 58p per min RoI / 50p per min NI) To Report News : (00353 1) / 01 8307364 Email : irishbirdnews@eircom.net Please note that all reports here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC or NIBARC. ******************************************************************** Cory's Shearwater Early reports came from Galley Head, Co. Cork with single birds seen on 1st and 6th, and 2 seen on 23rd. Off Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, 6 passed on 31st. Great Shearwater Seawatching off Cape Clear Island, Cork produced 5 birds on 31st. Mediterranean Shearwater A single bird passed Cape Clear Island, Cork on 31st. Wilson's Petrel Good seawatching conditions on 9th produced two single birds; the first was seen briefly off the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare and the second off Kilcummin Head, Mayo in the early afternoon. Swinhoe's Petrel Hot news came early on the morning of 1st July when birders learned of Ireland's first Swinhoe's Petrel being caught and ringed on Skellig Michael, Co. Kerry at 12.30am. Perhaps it will be seen on one of the many pelagics which will undoubtedly concentrate in this area during August! Night Heron An adult was present at Dungarvan, Waterford from 6th to 8th. Little Egret Although widely reported, a flock of 47 seen in east Cork on 5th July must have been quite a sight! At the same area, 32 birds were seen on 16th. Smew A female was present at Lough Boora, Co. Offaly on 11th. Montagu's Harrier The obliging male (aged as probably a 3rd summer), present on and off at Tacumshin, Wexford from 6th June, was still present up to 29th July at least, with a 2nd summer female at the same location on 15th. Marsh Harrier A single female was seen at Clonakilty, Cork on 22nd. Osprey A single bird, present at Lough Beg, Derry from 19th June, was joined by a second bird in July, with both birds seen between Lough Beg and the Bann Estuary during the month. One was also seen at Oxford Island, Co. Armagh. The only other report was of a single bird seen at The Geragh, Cork on 4th. Hobby A 1st summer bird was seen at Tacumshin, Wexford on 25th. Quail A single bird was heard calling in barley fields outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone on 7th and 8th. Temminck's Stint A summer adult was present at the RSPB Reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down from 7th to 10th. Pectoral Sandpiper A summer adult was present at the RSPB Reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down from 6th to at least 23rd. Short-billed Dowitcher A remarkable find was the Short-billed Dowitcher which put in an appearance at the Swords Estuary, Co. Dublin on 11th. It had last been seen in Louth in May. The bird remained in the area up to at least 30th, although it was elusive at times. This finding afforded several people an opportunity to study this bird at closer ranges as well as allowing a really good 'catch-up' for others! Wood Sandpiper A juvenile, found at Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow on 25th, was joined by an adult on 28th, with both still present up to 29th. One was also seen at Tacumshin, Wexford on 27th with 2 seen at Akearagh Lough, Kerry from 29th to 31st. Bonaparte's Gull The 1st year bird was seen again at the Swords Estuary, Dublin on 11th. Yellow-legged Gull A juvenile was present at Tacumshin, Wexford on 19th, while a 2nd year bird found at Swords, Dublin on the evening of 25th, was probably the same bird seen earlier at Rogerstown Estuary. Black Redstart A summer male was present on Inishmahon, Aran Islands, Co. Galway on 8th. Rose-coloured Starling A summer adult was present close to Spanish Point, Co. Clare from 2nd to at least 19th. Eric Dempsey. irishbirdnews@eircom.net

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 31st August 2000.

This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland. Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ********************************************************************* Black-necked Grebe A juvenile was present at Swords, Dublin from 16th to 18th. 'Soft-plumaged' (Fea's) Petrel The only report this autumn referred to a single bird seen on a pelagic off Co. Donegal on 18th. The bird was seen 35 miles off Aranmore and was seen by all on board. Cory's Shearwater By comparison to August 1999, it has been a quieter year for this species. Having said that, large numbers did pass many headlands and the reports received by BINS are summarised below by county rather than by date. Antrim Three birds passed Ramore Head on 28th. Clare All the reports refer to the Bridges-of-Ross where 5 passed on 9th with a big passage of over 500 seen on 27th, with just a single bird on 28th and 2 on 31st. Cork Off Cape Clear Island the following counts were made: 18 birds seen on 1st; 8 on 13th; over 2,000 on 16th; 2 on 20th; 2 on 22nd and 1 on 23rd. 140 birds passed Toe Head on 16th with 55 birds passing Mizen Head on 17th and 130 seen there the following day. 6 also passed Galley Head on 22nd. Kerry The only report was of a 6 birds seen off Brandon Head on 9th. In addition to the above, up to 80 birds were seen on a pelagic 100 kms off south-west Ireland from 5th to 8th. Great Shearwater Coinciding with the good Cory's movements, Great Shearwaters were also widely reported, again with numbers being down on last August's totals. The summary of reports is again listed by county. Clare All reports refer to the Bridges-of-Ross with 133 birds seen on 9th; 1 on 26th; 500 on 27th; 8 on 28th and 1 on 31st. Cork Only small numbers passed off Cape Clear Island during the month with 5 on 13th; 20 on 16th; 2 on 20th; 1 on 21st and 3 on 23rd. Other reports refer to 5 off Mizen Head on 17th and 3 off Galley Head on 22nd. Donegal 4 birds were seen on a pelagic 35 miles off Aranmore on 18th. Kerry 6 birds were seen off Brandon Head on 9th. Mayo Seawatching off Kilcummin Head produced 4 birds on 6th while a single bird was seen off Annagh Head on 14th. In addition to the above, up to 40 birds were seen on a pelagic 100 kms off south-west Ireland from 5th to 8th. 'large' Shearwater In addition to the Cory's and Great Shearwaters reported above, up to 1,000 unidentified large shearwaters passed the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 27th. Mediterranean Shearwater Recorded in very small numbers with 6 birds off Dungarvan, Waterford on 1st, 3 off the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare both on 9th and 27th, a single bird off Cape Clear Island, Cork on 20th, and 3 off Galley Head, Cork on 22nd. Little Shearwater Single birds were seen off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 9th and 25th. Wilson's Petrel A total of 3 birds were seen off Cape Clear Island, Cork during this month with singles off Blanan on 1st and 23rd, with one also seen on a pelagic from Cape on 16th. Elsewhere in Cork, singles were seen on a pelagic off Cobh on 21st and off Galley Head on 22nd. On the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare, 2 birds passed on 9th, with single birds seen on 26th and 31st. In addition to the above, 2 birds were seen daily on a pelagic 100 kms off south-west Ireland from 5th to 8th. Leach's Petrel The Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare produced the only records this month with 2 on 4th, 4 on 27th and up to 6 on 31st. Great White Egret A colour-ringed bird was reported at Lissagriffn, Cork on 23rd. Black Duck The long-staying bird continued to be seen at Barrow harbour from 1st. American Wigeon A female was present at Ring Marsh, Wexford from 19th. Ring-necked Duck The drake was again present at Oxford Island, Armagh from 28th. Surf Scoter A drake was seen off Ballinesker, Wexford on 4th. Marsh Harrier Single birds were seen at Lough Neagh, Armagh on 18th and at Tacumshin, Wexford on 30th. Montagu's Harrier A near adult male and a 1st year female were at Tacumshin, Co. Wexford on and off from 3rd to 20th. Osprey A single bird was seen at various locations around the Dublin area between Swords, Coolock, the city centre and Sandymount between 1st and 24th. Single birds were also seen at Lough Beg, Derry from 5th to 12th and over Cape Clear Island, Cork on 25th. Meanwhile, a single bird seen over Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh on 14th, may be the same the same bird seen at Lough Melvin on the Leitrim/Fermanagh border from 20th to 27th. Hobby At Ballycotton, Cork a juv was present on 21st with an adult seen there on 22nd. Quail A single was present at Portrush, Antrim on 8th. Pacific Golden Plover A moulting adult was found at Tacumshin, Wexford on 27th. It was looked for on 28th but not refound. Pectoral Sandpiper Single birds were reported at Broad Lough, Wicklow from 7th to 12th, at Blennerville, kerry on 19th, at Killashandra, Derry on 25th and at Inchydoney, Cork from 26th to 28th. Two birds were also seen at Swords, Dublin on 26th. Buff-breasted Sandpiper A juvenile was present at Tacumshin, Wexford from 29th to 31st. White-rumped Sanspiper Single birds were at Broad Lough, Wicklow on 8th, and at Tacumshin, Wexford from 9th to 13th. Stilt Sandpiper A moulting adult was found on the North Slobs, Wexford on the afternoon of 13th. It left the area at 8.00pm but was found at Castlebridge later that evening. It was not seen the following day. Semi-palmated Sandpiper One was seen at Akearagh Lough, Kerry on 27th, with a possible seen in the Kilcoole area of Wicklow on 23rd. Temminck's Stint One was seen at Akearagh Lough, Kerry on 27th. Short-billed Dowitcher The long-staying bird continued to be seen at Swords, Dublin from 6th to 27th at least. Long-billed Dowitcher A summer adult was found on the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down on 13th, remaining in the area until the end of the month. This bird is a different bird to that which wintered in Belfast and was present on the reserve earlier in the summer. Wood Sandpiper Two birds were seen at Akearagh Lough, Kerry from 1st to 19th, with one still present on 30th. Two were also present at the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Down on 8th, with one still there on 13th. Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow also recorded two birds on the Birdwatch Ireland Reserve from 8th to 17th. Three birds were seen in Kilalla Bay, Mayo on 28th. Grey Phalarope Up to 15 birds were seen off Galley Head, Cork on 22nd with a single bird off the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare on 31st. Long-tailed Skua Single birds were seen off Clogher Head, Louth on 7th, St. John's Point, Co. Down on 12th and off the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare on 27th and 28th. Bonaparte's Gull One was seen on the Maylock Estuary, just outside Bantry, Cork on 29th. Sabine's Gull A single bird passed Cape Clear Island, Cork on 1st, with 4 seen off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 9th with 1 off Galley Head, Cork on 22, 2 off Skerries, Dublin on 30th and 1 off Mulloughmore, Sligo on 31st. Yellow-legged Gull A sub-adult was present at Dundalk Docks, Co. Louth on 6th, with 2 adults seen there on 20th. An adult was also seen at Tacumshin, Wexford, on 26th. Sooty Tern An adult flew past Kilcummin Head, Mayo on 6th. If accepted this will be Ireland's first record of this long-awaited addition to the Irish list. Unfortunately, the bird continued west and was not seen again. Black Tern One was reported at Gormanstown, Co. Meath on 7th, with 5 at Schull, Cork and one at Ring Marsh Wexford on 25th, and 2 seen at the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Down on 27th. White-winged Black Tern Single adults were at Sandymount, Co. Dublin on 10th and at the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Down on 27th. Wryneck One was found on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 25th. Icterine Warbler A single bird was found at The Cull, Wexford on 25th. Melodious Warbler Single birds were seen on Cape Clear Island, Cork and at The Cull, Wexford on 25th. Hippo sp. A single bird was seen on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 23rd, with 2 seen briefly on 25th. At least one of these birds was most likely an Icterine. Lesser Whitethroat A single bird was seen on Hook Head, Wexford on 26th. Tree Pipit A single bird was seen on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 25th. Dark-eyed Junco One was reported feeding along a track at Ballygannon, north of Kilcoole, Wicklow on 10th. It was reported to be an exhausted state and was most confiding. It was watched for over an hour, but was not seen the following day. if accepted, this will the first since 1905 and will be Ireland's 2nd record. Eric Dempsey Ireland irishbirdnews@eircom.net

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 30th September 2000. This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Visit our website at www.birdsireland.com Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline; 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland - Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ********************************************************************* Black-necked Grebe The juvenile, found at Swords, Dublin on 16th August, was present in the area until at least 12th September. One was also seen at Lough Beg, Derry on 27th. 'Soft-plumaged' (Fea's) Petrel The 2nd report of the autumn referred to a single bird seen on a seawatch off the Old Head of Kinsale, Cork on 23rd. Sooty Shearwater While recorded in small numbers from many areas, the highest counts came from Kilcummin Head, Mayo with 610 seen on 1st and a minimum of 4,500 on 6th. Cory's Shearwater Single birds were seen off Kilcummin Head, Mayo on 1st and 6th, with 2 off the Bridge-of-Ross on 1st. On Cape Clear, a good movement of 40 birds on 7th, was followed with up to 400 seen on 10th and 22 on 11th. Great Shearwater Cape Clear Island, Cork recorded some excellent movements during this month with a single bird seen on 7th, 2 on 10th, an amazing 5,388 on 11th and 2 more on 23rd. Elsewhere in Cork 27 passed the Old Head of Kinsale on 23rd and 30 off Dursey Island on 28th. Kilcummin Head, Mayo recorded 2 on 1st and 6 on 6th, while in Donegal, the Bloody Foreland recorded 2 on 6th with 2 also off Rocky Point on 8th. Finally the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare had a total of 6 birds on 1st. 'large' Shearwater In addition to the Cory's and Great Shearwaters reported above, 20 unidentified large shearwaters passed Cape Clear, Cork on 7th. Mediterranean Shearwater Single birds passed the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 1st and the Old Head of Kinsale, Cork on 23rd. Two birds also passed Kilcummin Head, Mayo on 1st. Leach's Petrel Once again, seawatching off Kilcummin Head, Mayo produced the highest counts with up to 30 seen there on 1st and a minimum of 600 seen on 6th. In Donegal, 32 birds passed the Bloody Foreland on 6th, with 6 seen off Rocky Point on 8th, while Aranmore recorded 11 on 10th and 2 on 12th with 2 off Tory Island on 14th. Other reports include 10 off the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 1st, 63 off Ramore Head, Antrim on 6th and 2 off Brandon Head, Kerry on 8th. Black Duck The long-staying bird continued to be seen at Barrow harbour, Kerry throughout the month. Ring-necked Duck The drake remained at Oxford Island, Armagh to at least 4th. Honey Buzzard Despite the thousands which were moving through Britain late in the month, Ireland faired very poorly with a juvenile seen on Cape Clear, Cork on 25th and 26th and one off St. John's Point, Down on 30th. Also on 30th, near Carnsore Point, Wexford, 2 probable Honey Buzzards were seen flying out to sea. Keep watching those skies! Osprey In what must be the best year ever for Osprey, reports continued to flood in during September. A juvenile, which gave an excellent performance at Swords, Dublin on 3rd, was seen at various localities between The Naul, Swords and The North Bull Island from 3rd to 17th. One also passed over Templemore Lake, Cavan on 3rd with one at the Quoile Pondage, Down on 15th and 16th. A bird seen over Rahasan, Galway early on 25th, may have been the same bird seen over Dunbeg, Clare later that same day. One also passed over Ashford, Wicklow on 28th with one also seen on the South Slobs on 29th. The most interesting report was of a satellite-tracked Scottish juvenile (S11) which left Scotland and reached Co. Louth on 10th before roosting 50km north of Dublin. It then flew to Co. Wicklow on 11th before moving to the Wexford coast where it headed out over the sea at about 13:00 on 12th. 15 hours later it had flown 500km and was perhaps just over half way across the ocean. The first two recorded positions indicated a direction which, if continued, would have taken it past the tip of Spain and out into the Atlantic. However, by 04:30 on 13th its direction had changed to slightly East of South and there were further changes of direction during the next 6 hours. By midnight on 13th, S11 had arrived at the Spanish coast, though the actual time of arrival is not known. It's continuous flight from Ireland totalled more than 1008km and was accomplished in less than 36 hours! See : (htp://www.ospreys.org.uk/AWOP/ Update.htm) Hobby A single bird, seen at White's Marsh, Clonakilty, Cork on 31st August, was seen again on 1st September. Crane A superb adult was found at Rogertown, Co. Dublin on 23rd, feeding on the estuary for the first few days. It then moved into the stubble fields on the outer estuary where it remained until 30th. Little Ringed Plover A juvenile was present at Inchydoney, Cork on 2nd and 3rd. Dotterel Juveniles were present at Tacumshin, Wexford from 22nd to 24th, and on Cape Clear, Cork from 25th to 27th. American Golden Plover Moulting adults were reported at Carrahane, Kerry on 13th, at Ballycotton, Cork from 14th to 19th and just south of Shannon, Clare on 19th. A juvenile was also seen at Tacumshin, Wexford on 20th and 21st. Pectoral Sandpiper Single birds were reported at Kilcoole, Wicklow from 5th to 10th, with another seen there on 23rd. In Kerry, single birds were seen at Ballyferriter on 6th, at Blackrock Strand on 12th and at Carrahane on 17th. Finally, in Wexford, single birds were seen at Lady's Island Lake and on the North Slobs, on 10th while at Tacumshin one was present on 13th and 14th, with 3 birds seen there on 24th. At least 2 remained until 30th. Buff-breasted Sandpiper Once again, Tacumshin in Wexford became Ireland's capital for this species with the juvenile, found on 29th August remaining alone until 13th September when it was joined by a 2nd bird. By 16th, the total increased to 4 birds with 5 birds present the following day. On 23rd, 7 birds were seen together, with all 7 still present on 26th, but only 2 seen on 30th. Single birds were also seen at Carrahane, Kerry on 10th and 11th, at Ballycotton, Cork from 15th to 17th and at Rahasane, Galway on 29th. At Kilcoole, Wicklow, a single bird was present from 10th to 13th, with another bird seen on 28th. Finally, on Dursey Island, Cork, 2 birds were seen feeding near the tip on 22nd. White-rumped Sanspiper It has been a very poor autumn for this species with the only September reports being of single birds at the Bann Estuary, Derry from 16th to 18th, and on the tip of Rocky Point, Donegal on 23rd. Baird's Sandpiper In Kerry, one was found at Carrahane on 14th, remaining in the area until 21st when it was joined by 2 more birds. At least one remained there until 30th. In Ventry, one was present on the beach on 17th and also remained until 30th. Elsewhere single birds were seen at Rogerstown, Dublin on 16th and at Ballisdare, Sligo from 22nd to 30th. Semi-palmated Sandpiper The only report was of a juvenile, present at Tacumshin, Wexford from 16th to 21st. Temminck's Stint A very obliging juvenile was seen at Tacumshin, Wexford from 9th to 24th. Short-billed Dowitcher The long-staying bird continued to be seen on and off at Swords, Dublin to at least 23rd. The alternative feeding site for this bird has yet to be found! Long-billed Dowitcher A summer adult, found on the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Co. Down on 13th August, remained in the area until at least 24th September. Grey Phalarope The only report received refers to 3 birds seen off Dursey, Cork on 28th. Bonxie While reported widely in small numbers a high count was of 80 birds seen off Kilcummin Head, Mayo on 6th. Long-tailed Skua Single birds were seen off the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare on 1st, off Brandon Head, Kerry on 5th and 8th, and off Cape Clear, Cork on 23rd. At Kilcummin Head, Mayo, 3 birds were seen on 6th. Bonaparte's Gull The bird found on the Maylock Estuary, just outside Bantry, Cork on 29th August, remained until at least 1st September. Sabine's Gull Kilcummin Head, Mayo, recorded 13 birds on 1st, with 11 seen there on 6th, while 6 also passed the Bridges-of-Ross, Clare on 1st. A single bird was seen off Ramore Head, Antrim on 6th while a juvenile, found roosting with the gulls and terns on Sandymount Strand, Dublin on the evening of 19th, may have been the same bird seen off Dalkey, Co. Dublin on 21st. Black Tern Reported in small numbers with a high count of 14 birds off St. John's Point, Co. Down on 24th. White-winged Black Tern A sub-adult was seen at the RSPB reserve in the Belfast Harbour Estate, Down on 14th. Wryneck On Cape Clear Island, Cork, a single bird was present from 24th to 28th, with 2 birds there on 28th, and 3 birds seen on 29th. At least 1 bird remained until 30th. On Dursey Island, Cork, single birds were seen on 2nd and 28th. Swift Late reports refer to singles seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 18th and Rocky Point, Donegal on 30th. Tree Pipit Single birds were seen on Rocky Point, Donegal on 9th and on Dursey Island, Cork on 28th. 'Flava' Wagtail Single 'yellow' Wagtails were seen at Rahasan and Rocky Point, Donegal on 29th. Grey-headed Wagtail One was seen on Rocky Point, Donegal on 30th. If accepted this will be Ireland's 7th record for this race. Blue-headed Wagtail A male was seen on Hook Head, Wexford on 29th. Icterine Warbler Two birds were on Cape Clear, Cork on 6th with a single bird on Clogher Head, Louth on 24th. Lesser Whitethroat Single birds were seen on Tory Island, Donegal on 20th, on Cape Clear, Cork on 24th and on Rathlin Island, Antrim on 30th. Greenish Warbler One was present on Dursey Island, Cork on 3rd. Yellow-browed Warbler The first of the autumn was seen in the Rocky Point area of Donegal on 29th. Rose-coloured Starling A juvenile was found at Rocky Point, Donegal on 9th, remaining in the area until 11th. In Bangor, Co. Down, an adult was found in gardens on Lyndhurst Ave on 19th, remaining in the west Bangor area until at least 26th. Red-eyed Vireo One was found at Ardmore Bay, Waterford on 30th, the first record since the autumn of 1996. Brambling Early reports came from Donegal with singles on Tory Island on 27th and at Rocky Point on 28th and 29th. Scarlet/Common Rosefinch A single bird, found on Cape Clear Island, Cork on 12th, was joined by a second bird on 13th, with at least one bird remaining until 18th. In Donegal, a single bird was also seen at Rocky Point on 17th, while on Tory Island, a group of 4 birds were seen together on 17th and 18th, with 3 still present on 19th, and just a single bird seen on 20th. 'Rostrata' Redpoll A single bird was seen on Tory Island, Donegal on 16th. Arctic Redpoll A very well marked bird was on Tory Island, Donegal from 21st to 24th. This will be Ireland's second record if accepted and follows quickly on the first record seen on Dursey Island, Cork in October 1999. Lapland Bunting In Donegal, a single bird was on Aranmore from 10th to 12th, while on Tory, a flock of 63 birds on 14th was one of the highest counts for many years. At least 12 birds were seen on Tory on 16th, with small numbers seen throughout the rest of the month. Single birds were also encountered on Inishmore, Galway on 11th, and in the stubble fields north of Balbriggan, Dublin on 26th. At Tacumshin, Wexford at least 2 birds were on 'The Patches' from 18th to 22nd. Ortolan Bunting In Donegal, single birds were seen on Aranmore on 11th, and on Tory on 16th and 17th. Rose-breasted Grosbeak A bird, fitting the description of a juvenile Rose-breasted Grosbeak (including yellow underwing coverts) was seen on Great Blasket, Kerry on 29th. The bird was described to be very confiding and apparently was photographed. It was looked for on 30th but not seen. If accepted, this will be Ireland's 8th record, and the first since 1987. Eric Dempsey Ireland irishbirdnews@eircom.net

The following is a summary of rare birds seen in Ireland from 1st to 31st October 2000.

This report is supplied by the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS), 46 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, Ireland. Visit our website at www.birdsireland.com Telephone :Republic of Ireland - Hotline: 1550 111 700 Summary: 1550 111 701 Northern Ireland - Hotline: 0891 700 800 To Report News: (+353 1)/ 01 - 830 7364 (Hotline Calls cost - 58p per minute - RoI / 50p per minute - NI) It should be noted that all rarities reported here have yet to be assessed by the IRBC and the NIBARC. ********************************************************************* Black-throated Diver Two birds were seen at Bannagh, Galway on 22nd with 2 also off St John's Point, Co. Down on the same day. One was also seen off Arranmore, Donegal on 31st. Black-necked Grebe The found at Swords, Dublin in mid-August, was present in the area until at least 21st October. One was also present on the North Slobs, Wexford on 21st. Red-necked Grebe A single bird was seen at Swords, Dublin on 27th. Great Shearwater Up to 20 birds passed Cape Clear Island, Cork on 3rd. 'large' Shearwater One was seen off Dursey, Cork on 10th. Leach's Petrel In Donegal, single birds passed the Bloody Foreland on 5th and Rocky Point on 7th while 2 birds were seen off Aranmore on 29th. Storm Petrel A late record invovled '100's' off Aranmore, Donegal on 29th. American Bittern An unidentified Bittern was seen at Lough Corrib, Galway on 27th. It was seen again on 31st when it was identified as an American Bittern. The bird was very elusive but remained in the area into November. Great White Egret A single bird was seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 30th. Black Brant One was seen at Strangford Lough, Co. Down on 29th. American Wigeon Darkes were seen at Lough Beg, Donegal on 4th, on the North Slobs, Wexford on 26th and at Rogerstown, Dublin on 29th and 30th. Lesser Scaup A drake was found at Lough Beg, Derry on 30th. Ring-necked Duck Females were seen at Smerwick Harbour, Kerry on 17th and on the North Slobs, Wexford on 29th. A drake was found at Termoncarra Lake, Belmullet Co. Mayo on 26th, remaining in the area into early November. Surf Scoter A 1st year drake was found in Rostrevor Bay, Co. Down on 8th, remaining until at least 15th. Smew A female returned to the North Slobs, Wexford on 21st. Osprey A single bird was seen over Castlewellan, Co. Down on 7th. Golden Eagle An immature or sub-adult was seen flying westwards over Dundalk, Co. Louth on 19th. Honey Buzzard A single bird passed over the Bann Estuary, Derry on 15th. Hobby A juvenile was seen at Duncormack, Wexford on 25th. Corncrake A late report was of a single bird seen at Lough Beg, Derry on 1st. Crane The adult, found at Rogertown, Co. Dublin on 23rd September, remained in the area until at least 10th October. American Golden Plover One was seen near Loop Head, Clare on 31st. Pectoral Sandpiper One was present at Lough Beg, Derry on 1st and 2nd. Buff-breasted Sandpiper At least 2 burds reamined at Tacumshin, Co.Wexford until 8th, with a single bird seen on Dursey Island, Cork on 8th. White-rumped Sanspiper Ireland experienced a minor influx of this species in October with 3 juveniles seen at Lissagriffin, Cork from 7th to 10th while at Tacumshin, Wexford 2 juveniles were seen on 8th, with an adult and 3 juveniles seen there on 15th. Staying in Wexford, another juvenile was seen at The Cull on 8th, while in Derry single juveniles were reported at the Bann Estuary on 15th and at Lough Beg on 30th. Another juvenile was present at Rocky Point, Donegal on 11th while at Kilcoole, Wicklow, 2 juveniles were seen on 17th and 18th, with one remaining into early November. Baird's Sandpiper The only report refers to the bird found on 22nd September at Ballisdare, Sligo which remained in the area until 1st October. Great Snipe One was seen on Dursey Island, Cork on 21st. Long-billed Dowitcher A single bird was seen Loop Head, Clare on 29th. Long-tailed Skua A juvenile was seen off Rocky Point, Donegal on 7th. Sabine's Gull In Donegal, 4 passed Rocky Point and 3 off The Bloody Foreland on 5th. Yellow-legged Gull An adult was at Rogerstown, Dublin on 1st. Little Auk The only report was of a single bird seen off Arranmore, Donegal on 31st. Swift A late report refer to a single bird seen at Kilcoole, Wicklow on 1st October. 18th and Rocky Point, Donegal on 30th. Hoopoe One was reported present for several days in Derrynane Park, Kerry in early October. Wryneck On Cape Clear Island, Cork, a single bird remained in the West Bog area until at least 16th with the only other report referring to a single bird seen at Rocky Point, Donegal on 6th. Richard's Pipit One was seen at Lough Beg, Derry on 30th. Yellow Wagtail One was present at Lough Beg, Derry on 4th. Lesser Whitethroat In Cork, single birds were seen on Cape Clear on 2nd, at Crookhaven on 5th and on Galley Head on 7th. One was also seen on Howth Head Dublin on 1st while on Inishmore on the Aran Islands in Galway a single bird was found on 6th. The following day up to 3-4 were seen and remained on the island until at least 16th. Barred Warbler The only report was of a single bird seen at Malinmore, Donegal on 1st. Paddyfield Warbler One was seen near Garinish Point, Cork for several hours on 5th. It was not seen the following morning. Yellow-browed Warbler Single birds were seen at Ardmore, Waterford on 1st and 2nd, and on Clogher Head, Waterford on 1st. In Malinmore, Donegal, 2 were present on 1st while in Cork singles were seen on Dursey Island on 6th, on Galley Head from 6th to 7th, on Cape Clear from 21st to 22nd and at Crookhaven on 25th. Firecrest In Cork, a single bird was seen on Cape Clear on 4th, with 4 there on 22nd, 8 on 23rd and 7 still present on 27th. At Crookhaven, one was seen on 5th with 2 there on 25th. Galley Head also recorded a single bird on 23rd, 3 on 24th and up to 6 on 25th. Mizen Head also recorded 4 birds on 26th with 2 seen on the Old Head on 27th. The only non-Cork Firecrest was a single bird seen on Hook Head, Wexford on 26th. Red-breasted Flycatcher In Cork, single birds were seen on Cape Clear Island from 7th to 9th, and on Galley Head on 18th. Red-eyed Vireo Up to 5 birds have been seen this autumn. The first, found at Ardmore Bay, Waterford on 30th Setpember, stayed until 2nd October. One was then found on Cape Clear Island, Cork, remaining until 8th while on Inishmore, Galway a single bird was seen on 15th and 16th. Another was found in Firkeel Glen, Cork on 16th, remaining until 21st with one then found on Knockadoon Head Cork on 29th. This last bird remained into early November. Eastern Jackdaw A single bird was seen on Cape Clear Island, Cork during the latter half of the month. Scarlet/Common Rosefinch Singles were seen on Galley Head and at Crookhaven, Cork on 7th and 8th respectively. 'Mealy' Redpoll A single bird was seen on Dursey Island Cork on 13th. Blackpoll Warbler A 1st year was found on Inishmore Island, Galway on 6th. It remained on the island until at least 10th. Blue-winged Warbler Following the storms generated by the tailend of Hurricane Issac, which hit Ireland on 3rd October, a stunning Blue-winged Warbler was found feeding in Cotters Garden, Cape Clear Island, Cork on 4th. This bird performed very well in the area until at least 10th. A 'tick jar' in operation at the biggest twitch in Ireland for many years (if not the biggest yet!) raised over £700 for books and the upkeep of Cape Clear Bird Observatory. Cape Clears warden, Steve Wing, is to be congratulated for how professionally run this birding event was, and the islanders thanked for their co-operation and good humour enjoyed by the many visiting birders during the birds stay. Lapland Bunting A single bird was on Arranmore, Donegal on 29th. Rustic Bunting In Cork single birds were found on Dursey Island and Cape Clear Island on 13th, with the Cape bird remaining until at least 20th. I would like to thank Paul Kelly for maintaining the BINS service during late October and for collating the reports received during that period. Eric Dempsey Ireland

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