Final Day!

Our last full day in Ireland was spent exploring more of the amazing coastline around the Dingle Peninsula, venturing around as far as Ballyheigue in the north. Although our holiday has not been predominantly about the birding naturally it's played its part and we've managed most of the species we expected to see, along with a few bonus species like Lesser Scaup, Glossy Ibis, Gull-billed Tern, Spoonbill and Black Redstart.

1st winter Little Gull a Blennerville which Dee managed with the Canon SX50 

In fact with a little shopping to complete in Tralee this afternoon we took the opportunity for another look at the Gull-billed Tern at Blennerville lock gates. Also present during our short stay were a couple of Mediterranean Gulls and a striking 1st winter Little Gull.

Another stunning Stonechat - Seemed to be present on every post or bush!

We've had a great time during the last week and Dee seems to have developed a taste for Guinness, they say it tastes better in Ireland so it'll be interesting when we get back as to whether the trend will continue. The weather has been extremely kind, its rained heavily during our stay but always during the night, making way for glorious sunny warm days. The scenery has been stunning and the people, by reputation have been extremely friendly.

Species Seen:

Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Brent Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Lesser Scaup, Greater Scaup, Common Scoter, Fulmar, Red-throated Loon, Great Northern Loon, Little Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Hen Harrier, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Turnstone, Lapwing, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Skua Sp. Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Black Guillemot, Guillemot, Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Black Redstart, Stonechat, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Blackcap, Goldcrest, Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jackdaw, Red-billed Chough, Rook, Hooded Crow, Raven, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting.