Field Guides Tour Report

BIRDING PLUS - Ireland in Spring 2013

May 9, 2013 to May 19, 2013

Terry and Karen McEneaney

One of the key places for seabirds on the tour, the picturesque Dingle Peninsula gave us sightings of many fulmars, gannets, murres, guillemots, Razorbills, and more. (Photoby tour participant Ken Allen)

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

The theme of this tour was taken from the slogan when a pint of Guinness is poured: "Good things happen to those that wait." Ireland was experiencinga very cold (10-15 F below normal) and wet spring. For two-thirds of this tour the weather consisted primarily of wind coupled with rain, what the Irishcall "not ideal conditions." So rather than wait for the weather to clear, we continued to keep our spirits alive by watching birds throughout the Irishcountryside.

Our waiting paid off, for the weather cleared, and we were rewarded with the forty shades of green that typify the Emerald Isle. The sun came out andIreland shined with glittering water, rushing waterfalls, rolling mountains, colorful rainbows, and displaying birds. We birded and experienced some ofthe most gorgeous landscape in all of Ireland, such as the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, Killarney National Park and Valentia Island, Inch Strandand the Dingle Peninsula, the River Shannon, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Connemara, along with some very unique but special places inbetween.

In keeping with the Ireland tour theme of birds, traditional music, and pubs, we visited some very interesting public houses of different persuasions. Thefood was delicious and the drink not too bad neither. The traditional Irish music was excellent and quite varied, including some wonderful experienceswith personal friends who played one of Ireland's finest instruments, the uilleann pipes. But the "craic" or fun in the pubs was quintessential Ireland.

We ended up with 101 species of birds and seven species of mammals, the most birds we have ever had on this particular May tour. Highlight birdsincluded: Red Kites cruising the skies, White-throated Dippers feeding by a stone bridge, acrobatic Red-billed Choughs flying around sea cliffs, AtlanticPuffins carrying small fish (capelins) to young on massive sea cliffs, and the list goes on. In life the best is saved for last and as luck had it, our finalfield hours were rewarded with excellent looks at three and perhaps more Common Cuckoos migrating. Finally, thanks for allowing us the opportunityto share with you this magical isle affectionately called "Ireland."

Slan! Take good care! And Slainte! "Slan-cha" -- to your good health! --Terry and Karen

KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a =

Field Guides Birding Tours  •  www.fieldguides.com  •  800-728-4953 1

austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

BIRDSAnatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)GRAYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser) – Found several individuals near Lady's Island Lake and a lone individual in the Connemara lakes region.BRANT (Branta bernicla) – All of the "pale-bellied" form or morph. Up to a couple dozen individuals at the Colligan River estuary and Dungarvan

Harbour.MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor) – Found everyday and quite plentiful. [N]COMMON SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadorna) – A few dozen individuals. Found five out of nine days. Most noticeable as the tide was waxing/waning or

during low tide.MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos) – The most common duck species found on the tour. Quite common.RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus serrator) – Found a lone individual as we entered Galway.

Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus) – Seen and heard eight of the nine days in the field. Introduced into Ireland from China as far

back as the 16th century. [I]

Gaviidae (Loons)RED-THROATED LOON (Gavia stellata) – One individual seen in breeding plumage at Lahinch. Mixed in were Common Loons as well.COMMON LOON (Gavia immer) – Found on three out of the nine days in the field and at several locations. Got to see them in winter and breeding

plumages. Dingle Bay, Dingle Peninsula, Lahinch and Galway Bay come to mind.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Although raining still got good looks at a few individuals at Roundwood Reservoir. A diminutive grebe

with black back , rusty neck, and yellow oval spot at base of bill.GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – Got fabulous views of several stunning individuals. Found at Roundwood Reservoir. This large

bodied black ,white, reddish bodied grebe with spectacular black, rufous, and white double head crests and a long thin pink bill, is amazing whendisplaying.

Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)NORTHERN FULMAR (Fulmarus glacialis) – Found two out of nine days in the field and at several sites including Dingle Peninsula and Cliffs of

Moher. A barrel-chested petite gull-like tube-nose with thick neck and stiff winged flight. A darling seabird. [N]

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)NORTHERN GANNET (Morus bassanus) – Found five out of the nine days in the field. Found at several sites as well including Youghal Bay,

Valentia Island, Dingle Bay, Dingle Peninsula, and Cliffs of Moher.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)GREAT CORMORANT (NORTH ATLANTIC) (Phalacrocorax carbo carbo) – Found every day. We even had some nesting near Limerick. [N]EUROPEAN SHAG (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) – Found two out of the nine days in the field. They were quite numerous especially on the Dingle

Peninsula and at the Cliffs of Moher.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Found every day. Nearly every large river or coastal estuary had Gray Herons. Very similar to the Great Blue Heron

(Ardea herodias) of North America which has rusty thighs and gray undertail coverts, whereas Gray Herons have white thighs and white undertailcoverts.

LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Found eight of the nine days in the field. Many moons ago a rare vagrant, now Little Egrets are well establishedin Ireland and their numbers continue to rise to everyone's surprise.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)EURASIAN SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter nisus) – Found on day two while in the Wicklow Mountains. Weather conditions were not favorable for

viewing accipiters. They are tough anyway you shake it.RED KITE (Milvus milvus) – One of the great thrills of the trip. People dropped everything including eating lunch to see these magnificent kites. Saw

them on day two circa Avoca. At a minimum there were three individuals, there could have been as many as five but it was hard to keep score ofthese moving red, white, black, and rufous fork-tailed kites. We couldn't get enough of watching these huge birds sail thru the skye.

COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo) – Mainly seen on the first day traveling from Shannon to Glen of the Downs. Found several individuals of bothlight and dark morphs.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Seen five of the nine days in the field. Recently split and very similar to our former North American

Common Moorhen now called Common Gallinule (G. galeata). Eurasian Morrhens are more shorter-billed with much more rounded top to the redfrontal shield. Otherwise they look very similar to the Common Gallinule (fomerly Common Moorhen) and hence the difficulty in finally splittingthese species out.

EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) – Seen three out of nine days in the field. Slightly larger than the American Coot (F. americana) with an all whitefrontal shield and bill. The American Coot has a black terminal band on the bill and a red dot on the upper frontal shield.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – A single individual found only one day and seen at Lady's Island Lake. Scoped it, went to

Field Guides Birding Tours  •  www.fieldguides.com  •  800-728-4953 2

relocate it, yet it could not be found again. CRPL have a prominent supercilium and no orbital ring.

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ostralegus) – Found six out of the nine days in the field. Found dozens of these beautiful black and

white birds with fire engine red-orange bills and pink legs.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Found three of the nine field days, aminly in Glendalough, Dingle, and Connera lakes region.COMMON REDSHANK (Tringa totanus) – Found one individual near Lady's Island Lake.WHIMBREL (EUROPEAN) (Numenius phaeopus phaeopus) – Found a couple dozen on days two and three. These are of the European race phaeopus

with white rumps, and differ from the darker rumped hudsonicus race of North America.EURASIAN CURLEW (Numenius arquata) – Found on days two through four. Found a pair on territory in the Wicklow Mountains, at Lady's Island

Lake and Dungarvan.BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) – Found on days 3 and 4. Mainly at Dungarvan and Rosscarbery, where we got super views of this long-

legged godwit.RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – Found a small flock of several individuals on a rock jetty in Dungarvan Bay.SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – Found several individuals in a flock running with the waves on a sany beach west of Galway.COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago) – Observed and heard them on both days one and two.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE (Rissa tridactyla) – Found hundreds on day eight at the Cliffs of Moher. [N]BLACK-HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) – Found seven of the nine field days. A beautiful diminutive dark chocolate-headed gull.MEW GULL (EUROPEAN) (Larus canus canus) – Best seen on day nine. Mainly found in a pasture in the Connemara region.RING-BILLED GULL (Larus delawarensis) – Found two individuals at Rossaveal Harbour. Both 2nd summer plumage. Also two in Connemara lakes

region as well-these two others were summer adults. They were found in a pasture.HERRING GULL (EUROPEAN) (Larus argentatus argenteus)LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (GRAELLSII) (Larus fuscus graellsii) – A beautiful charcoal mantled gull with yellow legs. Saw these on eight

of the nine days in the field.GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus) – A large mean dark predator and scavenger. An easy Id with its black back and mantle and pink

feet.ROSEATE TERN (Sterna dougallii) – Found one individual at Lady's Island Lake.COMMON TERN (COMMON) (Sterna hirundo hirundo) – Found a few individuals at Lady's Island Lake.ARCTIC TERN (Sterna paradisaea) – Found dozens of individuals at Lady's Island Lake and one individual near Lahinch.SANDWICH TERN (EURASIAN) (Thalasseus sandvicensis sandvicensis) – Found on days two, three, and nine at Lady's Island Lake, Dingle Bay

and Galway Bay.

Alcidae (Auks, Murres, and Puffins)COMMON MURRE (Uria aalge) – Found thousands on days seven and eight, mainly on the Dingle Peninsula and at the Cliffs of Moher. [N]RAZORBILL (Alca torda) – Found hundreds on days seven and eight, mainly on the Dingle Peninsula and at the Cliffs of Moher. [N]BLACK GUILLEMOT (Cepphus grylle) – Found one at Portmagee and many on the Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of Moher. [N]ATLANTIC PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica) – Hundreds if not thousands of these adorable creatures at the Cliffs of Moher. [N]

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Found every day including most likely wild birds on the Dingle Peninsula.STOCK DOVE (Columba oenas) – Observed one on day one. The rain played a role in southeastern Ireland, but this bird is not easy to find in

southwestern Ireland anyway.COMMON WOOD-PIGEON (Columba palumbus) – Found every day and quite numerous. A beautiful wood-pigeon.EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – First recorded in eastern Ireland in 1959, now part of the Ireland avifauna. Found every

day of the tour and in good numbers.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)COMMON CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) – A colossal find on day nine with a minimum of three individuals and perhaps as many as 5-7 individuals

but hard to keep track of numbers. Saw them flying, perched, and heard them calling. Very nice. These birds appeared to be staging and migrating.Observed mainly gray male and female morphs, but also a rufous female morph as well.

Apodidae (Swifts)COMMON SWIFT (Apus apus) – Found these large Apus swifts eight out of the nine days in the field. Nearly every large old town had them.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)COMMON KINGFISHER (Alcedo atthis) – Found on day four near Glengarriff. The bird was apparently hiding under a bridge, when some in the

group were lucky enough to see the darting flash of turquoise, baby blue and rust. Quite a thrill.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – Found six of the nine days in the field. Had super views of this bird hovering and one carrying a mouse

very close to and in front of the bus. The Eurasian Kestrel is slightly larger than our American Kestrel (F. sparverius) and has more gray on head andtail.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

Field Guides Birding Tours  •  www.fieldguides.com  •  800-728-4953 3

EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica) – Found every day. This Eurasian Magpie has a shorter tail and totally different call than the North American Black-billed Magpie (P. hudsonia)

RED-BILLED CHOUGH (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) – A wonderfully colorful corvid with bright red bill and legs, found at Valentia Island, DinglePeninsula and Cliffs of Moher. One of the most acrobatic fliers of the corvid family.

EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula) – Found every day and quite numerous. [N]ROOK (Corvus frugilegus) – Found every day and very numerous. [N]HOODED CROW (Corvus cornix) – Found every day and quite numerous as well especially near the coast. [N]COMMON RAVEN (Corvus corax) – Found six of the nine days in the field, mainly in the Wicklow Mountains, Dingle Peninsula and the Cliffs of

Moher. [N]

Alaudidae (Larks)SKY LARK (Alauda arvensis) – Found five out of the nine days in the field. Got excellent views of them on the ground and displaying high in the air

"skylarking".

Hirundinidae (Swallows)BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – Found on three different days. Best views were in Killarney National Park.BARN SWALLOW (WHITE-BELLIED) (Hirundo rustica rustica) – Seems to be everywhere in Ireland. Barn Swallows in North America are very

rusty compared to these "white-bellied" morphs found in Europe.COMMON HOUSE-MARTIN (Delichon urbicum) – Found nearly every day and in many locations.

Paridae (Chickadees and Tits)COAL TIT (Periparus ater hibernicus) – A beautiful small tit with two wing bars and a white nape. [E]GREAT TIT (Parus major) – Found every day and often.EURASIAN BLUE TIT (Cyanistes caeruleus)

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed Tits)LONG-TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus) – Found three out of the nine days in the field. An incredible trapeze artist with a long tail.

Certhiidae (Treecreepers)EURASIAN TREECREEPER (Certhia familiaris) – Found days one and two, mainly in the Wicklow Mountains.

Troglodytidae (Wrens)EURASIAN WREN (Troglodytes troglodytes indigenus) – Very numerous. Eurasian Wren formerly Winter Wren, now split and different from the

Pacific Wren (T. pacificus) and the Winter Wren (T. hiemalis)of North America. Hold on to your hat, more splits could come in the future.

Cinclidae (Dippers)WHITE-THROATED DIPPER (Cinclus cinclus hibernicus) – Found three of the nine days in the field. A large dipper with a bold white throat and

rusty body. Everyone got wonderful views of this bird. [E]

Regulidae (Kinglets)GOLDCREST (Regulus regulus) – Found on days two and four.

Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Seen and heard many times. Found seven of the nine days in the field.COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita) – Super views of this bird and found six of the nine days in the field.

Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) – Found five of the nine days in the field and wonderful views of this Old World Warbler.

Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)COMMON GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER (Locustella naevia) – Believe the Common Grasshopper-Warblers were slow in setting up territories this

year. We managed to get a view of one up high in a bush and out in the open, which is quite rare. Most of the other times it was just fleeting glimpsesof this "gorilla" of the bramble thickets. This bird behaves more like a mouse than a bird.

Sylviidae (Sylviids, Parrotbills and Allies)BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) – Got good views of this bird on several occasions.GREATER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia communis) – Found a couple individuals in The Burren.

Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata) – A lone individual put on quite a show flycatching for insects in Killarney National Park.EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula) – This bird is found nearly everywhere. A darling of a bird and quite the ventriloquist.EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola rubicola) – A gorgeous rusty bird with a white collar and a black head. They were slow in setting up

territories this year.NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe oenanthe) – Wonderful views of what the Dutch call the"white ars" birds. Excellent views at Valentia Island,

Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher and The Burren.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) – Regularly and repeatedly found every day and often.SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos) – Regularly and repeatedly found every day and often.MISTLE THRUSH (Turdus viscivorus) – Super view of this large gray thrush.

Field Guides Birding Tours  •  www.fieldguides.com  •  800-728-4953 4

Sturnidae (Starlings)EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – A very common bird seen every day.

Prunellidae (Accentors)DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis) – The milk chocolate bird with a gray head, and quite a singer to boot.

Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) – Seen most days. Should be called the Gray and Yellow Wagtail.WHITE WAGTAIL (BRITISH) (Motacilla alba yarrellii) – Found every day and quite numerous. Also called the Pied Wagtail (M.a. yarrellii) due to

its very contrasting black and white or pied plumage.MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis) – Found often and just about every day, and has a wonderful aerial display.ROCK PIPIT (Anthus petrosus) – Found most days. A handsome dark pipit with a wonderful aerial display as well.

Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)YELLOWHAMMER (Emberiza citrinella) – Found three of the nine days in the field. Most of these yellowhammers were on the move.REED BUNTING (Emberiza schoeniclus) – An unmistakeable bunting found on five of the nine days in the field.

Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)COMMON CHAFFINCH (Fringilla coelebs) – Found every day and often. Not many birds have this gray pink plumage coloration.EURASIAN BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) – Heard more often than seen. Best areas were Glen of the Downs, The Burren, and Shannon Estuary.EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris) – Seen off and on, finally got good looks at this finch while perched on a telephone wire in the

Connemara lakes region.EURASIAN SISKIN (Spinus spinus) – Good looks at this colorful siskin on a couple of occasions.EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis) – Found six of the nine days in the field. The color combination of red, yellow, black, and white is

something to behold.EURASIAN LINNET (Carduelis cannabina) – Found only on a couple of days, but excellent views particularly at Valentia Island.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Numerous every day.

MAMMALSOLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus) – Seen five of the nine days in the field, and found mainly in pastures.BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN (Tursiops truncatus) – Found some wonderful performing pods of dolphins off the Dingle Peninsula.RED FOX (Vulpes vulpes)HARBOR SEAL (Phoca vitulina) – Found in the harbours, Dingle Harbour and on River Llen come to mind.GRAY SEAL (Halichoerus grypus) – Found more on the open ocean such as viewed from the Dingle Peninsula or at the Cliffs of Moher.SIKA DEER (Cervus nippon) – Found within and outside of Killarney National Park.RED DEER (Cervus elaphus) – Many out the window of the Killarney Lake Hotel and throughout Killarney National Park.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 101 bird taxa and 7 mammal taxa

Field Guides Birding Tours  •  www.fieldguides.com  •  800-728-4953 5