Ok, so Belclare Turlough is not in Mayo, its in Co. Galway, just outside Tuam. However is an ideal stopping off point for any birders travelling between Galway and Mayo. And as a bonus, it has a hide, provided by the Galway birdwatch branch. Its a wonderful place to relax and watch Lapwing, Golden Plover, Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Tufted duck & Teal, with some good close views possible from the hide when the flood level is high.
More information on the Turlough and what can be seen there is available at the Galway Birdwatch website in their "where to watch birds" section.
Anyways, you can regularly see Merlin plying their trade over the abundant wildfowl and waders, but I was pleasantly surprised on my last visit to watch two Peregine falcons drop in for some lunch. Both birds stayed onsite for over 2 hours.
Apologies for the poor quality, oh for a decent camera!
The bird on the right had already captured his meal and proceed to tear at its victim from his perch
The second bird moved closer to the wildfowl, but must have already fed as no attempt to hunt has made
