On Saturday the15th.July Dermot Mc Laughlin .Daniel Moloney, and Paddy Mc Crossan. counted two hundred Dark Green fritillary butterflies, on the Isle of Doagh ,together with very large numbers of Common Blues, Ringlets, Meadow Browns, and green-veined Whites.
On Saturday the 22nd. July 06. Club members counted 18 Grayling Butterflies at Lagg and Knockamany, also large numbers of Dark Green Fritillary, Meadow brown, Small Tortoiseshell, and green-veined White.
Our Club hosted a talk on Butterflies by Bob Aldwell from The Dublin Naturalist Club in Dunree Fort on Friday 25th. Aug. 06. The forty six enthusiasts in attendance found the talk and slide show most informative and entertaining . The next day some members went with Bob to Binnion and the Isle of Doagh, where a number of Butterflies were seen, including Grayling, Common Blue, Green-veined white, Red Admiral, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, and Large White.
. Our Saturday outing on Sept.2nd 06.Members went to the Inch Lake, Blanket Nook, and Bogey area. With improving weather conditions we saw raptors including, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrow hawk, and Peregrine Falcon. The warm, sunny, calm conditions allowed for a great show of Butterflies, and very much to the fore were good numbers of Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled wood, Peacocks, and then the find of the day, five Clouded Yellow, spotted by Danny Mc Laughlin, Peter White and Martin and Daniel Moloney.
Four Clouded Yellow Butterflies spotted at Lisfannon on Mon. 4th. sept. 06. by Dermot and Danny M c Laughlin.
Sat.Sept.9th. 06. At Inch Lake in warm sunny conditions we had the great pleasure of watching a Marsh Harrier with a green tag on its left wing, hunting over the reed beds, Terry Tedstone was informed that it was one of fourteen birds tagged in the Tay area of Scotland this year. Adjacent to the lake we also saw a female Hen Harrier. Along the new pathway which borders the eastern side of Inch Lake we saw large numbers of Butterflies such as Large White, Small White, Small tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Peacock, and just two Painted Lady, but at Lisfannon to round off a most pleasant day we saw the beautiful Clouded Yellow.
Sat.16th. Sept. No Club outing today, but a lot of Butterfly activity reported during the past week no doubt due to the warm Autumn sunshine .Most prominent were Red Admiral, Peacock, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell, and Speckled Wood, which get smaller as the season advances. To day at Culdaff Beach two Dolphin were watched as they swam to and fro across the bay a short distance from the bathers.
Sun. 17th. Sept. Terry Tedford has hit the jackpot again at Lisfannon with the sighting of a Clouded Yellow, while at Lagg, Paddy Mc Crossan reported a flock of Thirty + Choughs.
The Northern Counties of Ireland are experiencing the third best year ever for the Clouded Yellow Butterfly, according to our friend Bob Aldwell, who also states that a Camberwell Beauty has been reported in Co Antrim recently This very rare species is thought to originate in Scandinavia, where it is some times numerous. There was a sighting of a Camberwell Beauty in Clonmany in the 1960s.by Neil Doherty,Gortfad.
Sat. 23rd. Sept. 06. Under grey shower laden skies we spent some time at Inch Lake checking the large number of geese, Greylag and Canada for rings. There was also good numbers of Duck present, mostly Mallard Teal and Tufted . The same picture was to be seen at Blanket Nook, with the addition of the swift appearance of a Kingfisher, that flew from a little islet in the lake to the bushes on the Northern shore. As the Day warmed up and the sun appeared so did the Butterflies, with Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Large White, Small White, and Speckled Wood, in reasonable numbers. All at the I. W. C. would like to wish Daniel Moloney our youngest, and very popular member good luck, Daniel is off to Aberdeen next Saturday in pursuit of his third level education, at the end of which he hopes to be involved in the world of wildlife .
Sat. 30th. Sept.06. No Club activity due to the inclement weather that replaced the Summer like conditions of the previous few days when Peacock, Red Admiral and Tortoiseshell butterflies fluttered from flower to flower. Another interesting visitor to the flower heads when the Sun shone was the Silver Y. Moth which resides mainly in Southern Europe, and with favourable weather conditions migrates Northwards.
Sun.1st. Oct. 06. What a Climatic change, with the rain gone and the warm rays of the Sun belied the fact that it was October not August, which would account for, Four Red Admiral, Three Peacock. And one Tortoiseshell Butterflies being observed at Golan Hill Fahan. While at Lagg approximately one hundred Brent Geese were seen at Figert on the Isle of Doagh, and they were soon after joined by two flocks of about one hundred each, that flew in from the North. Last week Dermot Mc Laughlin reported seeing twenty eight Brent at the mouth of the Crana River. At Knockamany today a flock of eighty + Choughs were reported feeding on the short grass of the adjacent grazing.
Tue. 3rd.Oct.06. The winter influx of Whooper Swans has begun with a sighting by Dermot Mc Laughlin of 60 birds feeding in a stubble field at Inch Levels. This is just the small vanguard for the thousands that will arrive over the next few weeks to this area, some of which will disperse to more southern parts of the country. Near-by at Inch Lake, Dermot was most fortunate to have observed a female Hen Harrier try to wrestle from a Peregrine Falcon it's kill (Lapwing). The Peregrine was the victor
Sat.7th Oct. 06. The number of Whooper Swans and Greylag Geese reported earlier in the week at Inch Lake and surrounding area has been boosted by hundreds more. This immigration will soon reach its zenith in the coming weeks. Some of the Swans had leg rings, but due to the poor light, drizzle, and the long grass and stubble on which they were feeding and resting it was most difficult to read the rings. Also near the Lake we watched a Merlin being chased by a Hooded Crow. Later a Sparrow Hawk and some time after that a Buzzard made an appearance, but most surprisingly with the cool, wet, grey weather was to see a Red Admiral flutter by.
Near Lissnagrath Wood, Muff. Greg Clarke photographed
this dead Squirrel found on the road.
Tue.10. Oct. 06. Two Female Hen Harrier seen over Inch Lake, at 3.15pm.in glorious sunny conditions, hunting near the reed beds. Also in the area was a Buzzard, a Sparrow Hawk and a Kestrel.
Sat.14th. Oct. 06. To day in glorious sunshine saw the October I.W.B.S. count in the Culdaff River area completed, with a noticeable increase in the number of birds from last month's count. On Friday we had a reported sighting of a female Hen Harrier in the Buncrana area, while earlier in the week, a Red Admiral and a speckled wood butterfly was seen near Inch Lake, and at the mouth of the Crana River a unidentified Butterfly was reported.
Sat. 21st. Oct. 06. Our group outing today was to the Lagg and Malin Head area, Near Malin Town a sizable flock of Whooper Swans which may have arrived early this morning was seen resting on a sand bank well out in the channel. Further out the bay at Lagg good numbers of Brent Geese and increasing numbers of Widgeon Duck were eagerly feeding, also evident were Redshank and Greenshank. Around the corner in the Dune system and at Knockamany, well in excess of one hundred Chough were recorded. Near Malin Head, with the afternoon weather showing a marked improvement as did the visibility, six flights of Whooper Swans were seen making landfall after their long journey across the ocean. A short time later Fourteen Barnacle Geese were seen heading in a easterly direction, and later, on the eastern side of the Head, a flock of twenty three Pink-footed geese were detected resting and feeding in a field of grass, also in the area were a number of White Front Geese. The day was completed with the sighting of two Buzzards and a Sparrow Hawk.
Sat. 28th. Oct. 06. The numbers of Whooper Swans normally seen grazing near Inch Lake this time of year, are now nearer to Bridgend and Burnfoot ,which must be due to the amount of shooting at their usual feeding areas, together with disruption caused by people walking their dogs in a irresponsible manner through the fields and walkways adjoining the Lake, what a pity.......... At the mud flats on the northern end of the Big Isle, Manorcunningham, with a receding tide large numbers of waders and duck were observed, ,and in the adjoining pastures were hundreds of White - Fronted geese, but the highlight of our visit was a spectacular flying display by thousands of Golden Plover .
Sat. 4th Nov. 06. At the southern end of the Slob road straight, we met a group from Bird Watch Ireland led by Ralph Sheppard, they were watching large flocks of Whooper Swans and Greylag Geese which were intermingled with lesser numbers of White- fronted, and Pink-footed geese. Ring numbers were noted, but the tranquillity of the occasion was abruptly shattered by a man walking his dogs on a private road in the immediate vicinity of the birds, causing them to fly off. ..................... Later at Blanket Nook, we met with a R.S.P.B. outing from Co. Fermanagh led by Joe Magee. Here again we saw very large numbers of geese mostly Greylag, and lots of widgeon, Teal, Mallard, and a few Golden eye, also present were Oyster Catcher, Red Shank, Green Shank, Dab Chick, Great crested Grebe, and flying in the vicinity were four Buzzards, Sparrow hawk, Peregrine, Hen Harrier, and Kestrel.
Sat.11th.Nov. 06. The atrocious weather conditions, with gale force winds and heavy and persistent Showers saw a few stalwart members brave the elements and go to the Bridgend, Burnfoot, Inch, and Blanket Nook area's. As on previous occasions, most of the Swans and Geese were in close proximity to two villages with none of the former or ducks in their traditional feeding grounds close to Inch Lake, which is a cause for concern . With deteriorating conditions shelter was sought in the new hide, where a cup of hot tea and a sandwich helped to lift the gloom. the one bright feature of the outing was the sighting of approximately Five hundred Sky Larks flying over the stubble fields near Inch Lake. The day concluded at Blanket Nook, due to the wind, rain and fading light which made observation nigh impossible.
Sat.18th. Nov.06. The first pangs of winter were felt today with the temperature just above freezing and non stop rain occasionally turning to sleet, but at Lissnagrath Wood five very wet looking squirrels were observed on the ground searching for food, before scurrying to the comfort of their winter drays high in the tall trees. Also seen in the area was a large flock of Long - Tailed Tits with their customary habit of flitting from tree to tree before disappearing into the depth of the wood. South of Lissnagrath a couple of rather bedraggled Buzzards were spotted, perched on the branch of a tree. At this stage it was decided that the comfort of home might be a good option, and it was taken.
Last Sunday, the 12th.Nov. the monthly I-webs count on the Culdaff Estuary was carried out, and a considerable increase in the number of birds was recorded.
A well attended A.G.M. by members from all regions of Inishowen was held in the Crana college Buncrana on Wednesday night the 22nd. Nov. saw the election of officers for the incoming year. Our new member Peter White was elected to the position of secretary. Reports on club activity over the past twelve months were discussed, including surveys on Butterflies, Hen Harriers, Choughs, Owls, counts of Barnacle Geese, Brent Geese, and our Raptor report compiled by Martin Moloney for submission to the A.G.M. of the Irish Raptor Study Group. A most interesting talk and display of equipment used in the study of Moths was given by local experts, George Mc Dermott and Karl King. The evening concluded with a slide show by Dermot Mc Laughlin on wetland development for wildlife as it might apply to the Inch Lake Project.
Sat. 25th.Nov.06. Our outing got off on a environmental footing with some members purchasing young saplings at the Inishowen Environmental Groups annual tree sale at Carndonagh, after which we went to the Glasha shore of Trawbreaga Bay where with a high tide lots of Brent geese, Mallard Duck, Curlew, Oyster Catchers, Redshank were recorded, but most interestingly a flock of aprox. 300+ Barnacle Geese grazing a few fields away was seen. At Lagg a small number of Choughs were observed as was a Kestrel. Then to Malin Head where at Ballyhillion we called a halt to the outing and observed at leisure, a flock of approximately five hundred Barnacle Geese. Considering the strong cold wind, a good day was had by all.
Sat. 2nd.Dec.06. We began work on our contribution to the National Survey of Non Estuarine Coastal Water Birds Count, which extends from the Dec 1st.06 to Jan.31. 07. by starting at the Culdaff Bay area and continued in a easterly direction. Numbers of the appropriate species were recorded on the sea ,shoreline and near by fields. The weather conditions as on the past number of weeks was not very helpful, with strong winds and heavy showers, which may also have contributed to the absence of many land dwelling birds which would be expected in the area, and perhaps have accounted for the large number of birds sheltering in the Culdaff estuary. the days work ended late afternoon as darkness was making its advances.
Thursday 7th. Dec.06. Club members Dermot and Danny Mc Laughlin had a most unusual sighting at Inch Levels of a Peregrine Falcon chasing and killing a Magpie and taking it to the centre of a large field there, and started to prepare it's prey for an afternoon repast, when it in turn was interrupted by a rather large Buzzard which quickly relieved it of its quarry, and decided to have a handy meal before retiring, as it was about 3.45p.m .on a cold, dark, wet, winter's evening.
Sat. 9th. Dec. 06. The assembly point for our second onslaught on the National Survey of Non Estuarine Coastal Water bird Count was the Square Clonmany. We proceeded to Binnion Beach where we were greeted by a piercingly cold gale force wind, blowing from a northerly direction which created a very rough sea, and mountainous swells, which made the observation of birds on the ocean most difficult, but with the sun appearing for a lot of the time it made identification a bit easier. We continued our count until the afternoon when we got to Rockstown Harbour. There we had a most welcome cup of tea, after which we worked our way to Leenan Pier using the coast road, which allowed us to use the sanctuary of the cars as viewing stations, and escape the wind and cold. At the end of the day we were very pleased with the large numbers of birds and diversity of species recorded.
Sat. 16th. Dec. 06. Today our club outing got off to a rather unusual start, by attending a seminar on Historical Graveyards presented by the County Donegal Heritage Office. Before coming to the wrong conclusion, our main interest was the talk and slide show on the flora and fauna to be found in such an environment, given by Ralph Sheppard..... Being in close proximity to the Inch Lake Nature Reserve, and with the day slipping from our grasp, we called very briefly to the Watery Road exit area and was surprised and disappointed to find very few birds on the lake and none in the contiguous fields, with the exception of a very large flock of Larks , and a smaller flock of Lapwing. We concluded our day at Blanket Nook where we had better luck and the bonus of a flyby from our little friend the Kingfisher.
Sat. 23rd. Dec. 06.No outing today due in part to the close proximity of Christmas, and also the influence imposed by the higher authority that dictates a little sharing of domestic matters, like last minute shopping etc. If we survive the over indulgence of the festive season, we have the prospect of our annual outing next Wednesday when we assemble at 10.a.m. on the Causeway road leading to Inch Island,. every one welcome.........On behalf of our members I wish all our readers a very happy Christmas.
Wed.27th. Dec. 06. The Christmas outing which has been a feature of our club for a great number of years got off to a rather dark, damp, start, after a night of heavy rain which eased considerably as we assembled on the Causeway Road to Inch. It was pleasing to see a good turnout, and welcome new comers Morris Clarke, Karl King, and George Mc Dermott. As the day brightened so did our vigour which resulted in a count of fifty six different species being noted and recorded by Bridie Bryce, included in which were Five Shoveler Ducks and a Ring Necked Duck, the later being a very rare visitor from North America .We had the pleasure of meeting a small group of enthusiasts that had come all the way from Galway to do some bird watching in this area.......... It was after 4.30. p.m. when it was decided to call time on our activities, and so after a very enjoyable day, that's what we did. Two picks on the Home Page.
Sat. 30th. Dec. 06. The very mild temperatures experienced before and during the Christmas period were replaced by near zero conditions, exaggerated by a strong N. W. wind that sent the heavy swell thundering against the great rocky fortress that surrounds part of the Pollon Bay region where we resumed our survey of non estuarine sea birds. The Sun was most generous with it's bounty of light, which made our task a lot easier as we recorded good numbers of birds, on and off the sea. On the Isle of Doagh, as homeward bound, we encountered a large flock of Barnacle Geese, which was a rather nice way to end the day, and also our activities for 2006.