Mayo Bird Report 2003

 

Compiled by Tony Murray

 

List of records for the Irish Bird Report.

 

 

Birds marked with an asterisks (*) require ratification by the IRBC.

A list of species and subspecies requiring descriptions can be found at http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/bwi/irbc/irbc.html

Records listed here for rarities have as yet to be assessed by the IRBC.

 

Records of rarities should be sent directly to the IRBC secretary Paul Milne at 100 Dublin Road, Sutton, Dublin 13, Ireland. E-mail paul.milne@oceanfree.net

 

Numbers in brackets refer to the number of records received for the year 2003.

 

List of Contributors

Lucy Arnold

LA

Willie McDowell

WMcD

David Cabot

DC

Eoin McGreal

EMcG

Susan Callaghan

SC

Peter McNally

PMcN

Maurice Cassidy

MC

John Murphy

JM

Cameron Clotworthy

CC

Oscar Merne

OM

Dick Coombes

RC

Tony Murray

TM

Yves De Bosscher

YDeB

John Phillips

JP

Richard Fowling

RF

Viv Phillips

VP

Chris Huxley

CH

Dave Suddaby

DS

James Kilroy

JK

Alyn Walsh

AW

                                                                                                                                   

 

Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer).                                                                     

Highest Count – 131 Mullet & Blacksod Bays on 26/03/03.

Inland Records – 5, 1 & 1 on Lough Conn on 10/01/03, 21/02/03 & 01/04/03. (CC, EMcG, TM).

 

Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata).                                                                       

Highest Count - 19 at Tarmon – Blacksod Bay on 20/03/03. (DS).

 

* Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica)                                                                    (2)

Adult in summer plumage at Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula 18/03/03, Adult in winter plumage at Blacksod, Mullet Peninsula 16/11/03 (DS et al).

 

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus).                                                              

No Erris records in 2003, regular in small numbers on Lough Conn (TM, CC).

 

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus).                                                            

Highest Counts – 64 off Claggan Island Causeway, Blacksod Bay 08/04/03.

18 off Claggan Island Causeway, Blacksod Bay 26/10/03 (RC, TM, DS).

 

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis).                                                                       

One on Cross Lough on the Mullet peninsula was the first record for that Lake (TM).

 

Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus)                                                                      

Highest Count  –1,169 off Kilcummin Head on  08/09/03 (DS).

Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis).                                                                         (2)

1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 04/09/03, with another 1 on 05/09/03 (JP, VP)

 

Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus).                                                                        (353)

Recorded off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula as follows –

1 on 18/07/03, 2 on 24/07/03, 2 on 18/08/03, 3 on 21/08/03, 9 on 31/08/03, 6 on 01/09/03, 5 on 02/09/03, 4 on 03/09/03, 5 on 04/09/03, 60 on 05/09/03, 18 on 04/09/03, 74 on 06/09/03, 12 on 07/09/03, 39 on 11/09/03, 3 on 24/09/03, 4 on 03/10/03 & 14 on 06/10/03

Recorded off Erris Head, Mullet peninsula as follows –

8 on 06/10/03.

Recorded off Kilcummin Head as follows –

3 on 07/09/03, 63 on 08/09/03, 9 on 04/10/03, 8 on 07/10/03, 1 on 25/10/03. (WMcD, TM, JP, VP, DS)

 

Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus).                                                         (2)

1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 04/09/03, 1 off Kilcummin Head on 25/10/03 (LA, JP, VP, DS)

 

Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus).                                                                       

Highest Count was of 38 off Kilcummin Head on 07/09/03.

A total of 237 were ringed on An Dubh Oileain Mhór between 20-23/06/03. (TM, DS et al).

 

Leach’s Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa).                                                                (56)

Kilcummin, Head records, 7 on 07/09/03, 1 on 08/09/03, 21 on 04/10/03 & 19 on 07/10/03

Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula records 6 on 11/09/03 & 2 on 24/09/03 (TM, DS).

 

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta).                                                                                  (3)

1 Killala Bay 14/01/03 an again from 22/12/03 into 2004, 1 Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula 20 to 23/09/03, 1 Sruwaddacon Bay on 04/12/03 (LA, JK, TM, DS).

 

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus).                                                                              

Peak Counts 214 on Cross Lough, Mullet peninsula on 05/12/04 and 15/12/03 (TM).

 

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus).                                                 (12)

The adult with the Greenland White fronts at Lough Conn from 2002 remained throughout January 2003, 2 at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 20/09/03. 5 birds at Termoncarragh on 23/09/03 were seen to fly south and were later seen that day at Doolough. One returned to Termoncarragh next day, and the five returned on 25/09/03, increasing to 9 on 30/09/03. One remained into 2004. 1 at Fahy Lough, Ballycroy 10/11/03 (CC, EMcG, TM, DS).

 

 

* Russian White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons albifrons)                                    (3)

1 adult at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 13/11/03, joined by 2 other adults 21/11/03 – all 3 remained into 2004 (TM, DS et al).

 

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Highest Counts - 80 at Termoncarragh Lough on 23 Sept '03 (TM).

 

* Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)                                                                        (1)

1 ‘small race‘ flying over Glosh, Mullet Peninsula 29/09/03. One canada goose almost certainly Branta canadensis hutchinsii was present on the Inishkea Islands between 06-10/04/02, this is a different bird to the Todd’s Canada Goose, Branta canadensis interior that wintered at Termoncarragh Lake on the Mullet Peninsula, 22/01/02 to 31/03/02, this record from 2002 did not appear in the report for ’02 (DC, TM, DS).

 

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)                                                                           (2843)

A full census was carried out on 31/03/03 by NPW staff and involved both aerial and ground surveys. A total of 2843 were noted at nine sites. (OM, EMcG, TM, AW).

On 28/10/03 6500-7000 were counted on the Inishkea Islands, at this time of the year high counts of staging birds are often recorded, before the birds filter to alternative wintering grounds (DC).

 

* Black Brant (Branta nigricans)                                                                               (1)

1 adult at Elly Bay & Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula from 2002 to 13/01/03 (DS et al).

 

* Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)                                                         (2)

1 adult at Tarmon - Blacksod beach, Mullet Peninsula 31/12/02 to 01/01/03, 1 adult at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 07/12/03 (DS).

 

Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Branta hrota)                                                                 

Highest Counts - 209 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 07/01/03, & 204 in Seafield Bay, Mullet Peninsula 09/12/03. Killala Bay - 178 on 24/02/03.

 

* American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)                                                                   (1)

Male at Leam & Cross Lochs, Mullet Peninsula present since 2002, last seen 26/08/03 (TM, DS et al).

If this is indeed the bird first seen on Achill Island in 08/01/01, it is now in its 4th winter.

 

Wigeon (Anas penelope)                                                                                            

Peak Counts of 107 in Blacksod Bay, Mullet Peninsula on 13/01/03 and 136 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 24/10/03.One summering bird or early migrant on Cross Lough on 28/08/03 (TM, DS).

 

* Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)                                                                      (2)

The returning males stayed Doogan Lough until at least 20/02/03 and arrived back again on Doogan Lough, Newport, with one from 6th November and both from 15th November 2003 into 2004 (Many Observers).

One male now present for its 4th winter the other for its 2nd.

 

Eider (Somateria mollissima).                                                                                    (1)

11 Old Head, Clew Bay on 16/11/02, first-winter male at Blacksod Point, Mullet Peninsula on 18/01/2003 (SC, DS).

The 2002 record was not listed in the 2002 report.

 

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis).                                                                    

14 off Belderra, Mullet Peninsula from 05 - 13/01/03, 12 off Belderra, Mullet Peninsula on 16/02/03, 6 from 23 - 25/02/2003 & 1 from 16/03/03 to 26/03/03.

2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula from 16/02/2003 - 07/03/03, 1 in Blacksod Bay, Mullet Peninsula 26/03/03, 4 at Fallmore, Mullet Peninsula 30/03/03, 2 on Keel Lough, Achill from 13 - 20/11/03, 1 on Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula 21/11/03, 4 off Belderra beach, Mullet Peninsula 21/11/2003 increasing to 17 on 06/12/03 and to 26 on 11/12/03, 2 in Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula 06/12/03 (EMcG, TM, DS).

 

 

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra).                                                                           

Peak Count for Blacksod Bay was of 850 off Doolough on 12/08/03 (TM).

1400 were recorded here around the same time last year, but numbers this year did not approach that size flock in 2003.

 

Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca).                                                                                (1)

1 (male in heavy moult) off Claggan Island causeway, Blacksod Bay, 15/07/03 (TM, DS).

Last year another male was found here, though later in the summer.

 

Goosander (Mergus merganser).                                                                               (1)

1 male at Carrowmore Lake on 13/01/03.

 

Smew (Mergus albellus)                                                                                              (3)

2 ♂’s on Lough Carra on 26/01/03, with one ♂ there on 15/02/03 (CH).

 

Quail (Coturnix coturnix)                                                                                           (2)

1 male singing at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 30/06/03 - 03/07/03, 1 male singing at Glebe, Mullet Peninsula 04/07/03.

 

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)                                                                                (2)

1 north of Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula on 26/08/03, one seen flying north from Valley, Achill on 21/10/03 was considered most likely this species (RF, DS).

 

* Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)                                                                 (1)

1 juvenile at Annagh Strand, Mullet peninsula from 02/09/03 to 05/09/03 (JP, VP).

This record would constitute the first record for Mayo.

 

* American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica)                                                       (3)

Adult on Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 18/09/03, juvenile at Sruwaddacon Bay on 11/10/03 and an adult at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 13/10/03 to 19/10/03 (LA, TM, DS).

 

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)                                                                   (4)

1 juvenile at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 14 to 15/09/03, 2 juveniles at Annagh Marsh, Mullet Peninsula on 15/09/03, one remaining to 20/09/03 and one juvenile at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 20/09/03 (TM, DS).

 

Little Stint (Calidris minuta)                                                                                      (4)

1 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 01/09/03, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 21/09/03, 1 at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 25/09/03 and 1 on Annagh Strand, Mullet peninsula on 28/09/03 (TM, DS).

 

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea                                                                      (7)

1 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 24/08/03, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 01/09/03, 3 at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 17/09/03, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula from 20/09/03 to 21/09/03, 1 at Annagh Strand, Mullet peninsula on 16/10/03 (TM, DS).

 

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)                                                                                       (26)

1 at Cross Lough Mullet Peninsula on 11/08/03, 1 at Annagh, Mullet peninsula on 21/08/03, 2 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 19 - 24/08/03, 1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 26/08/03, 3 at Annagh Strand, Mullet peninsula on 02/09/03, 7 at Annagh Strand, Mullet peninsula on 05/09/03, 5 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 10 - 12/09/03, 3 at Annagh Marsh, Mullet Peninsula 14 - 16/09/03, 1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 18/09/2003, 1 at Annagh Marsh, Mullet Peninsula 29/09/03 – 15/10/03, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 13/10/03.(TM, JP, VP, DS).

 

Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)                                                                        

Annagh Marsh, Mullet Peninsula 2 on 21/01/03, 1 on 19/03/03, 3 on 16/10/03 & 1 on 22/12/03. Cross Lough 1 on 18/11/03 (TM, DS).

 

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)                                                                       

Peak counts 1 at Ummeraboy Strand, Clew Bay on 13/03/03, 32 on Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 20/08/03, Peak Count of 4 at Tallagh, Ballycroy on 19/11/03. (SC, EMcG, TM, DS).

Leam Lough and Tallagh seem to be the only regular wintering areas for Black-tailed Godwit in north and west Mayo.

 

Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus).                                                                    (1)

Regular wintering adult at Killala Bay from 2002 - 24/02/03, returned again on 09/10/03 (JK, TM et al).

This bird is now in it’s 4th winter having been first seen in winter ‘00/’01.

 

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola).                                                                           (1)

1 at Annagh Marsh, Mullet Peninsula 16/09/03 (DS).

 

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)                                                                    

1 over-wintering at Myna Stand, Clew Bay from 12/12/03 in 2004. (PMcN).

 

Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius).                                                                   (85)

1 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula on 05/09/03, 1 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 07/09/03, 2 off Kilcummin Head 08/09/03, 21 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 11/09/03, 10 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 24/09/03, 1 off Faulmore, Mullet Peninsula 25/09/03, 20 off Kilcummin Head 04/10/03, 29 off Kilcummin Head 07/10/03. (TM, JP, VP, DS).

 

Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)                                                                       (74)

11 at Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula on 08/05/03, 1 at Belderra Beach, Mullet Peninsula on 10/05/03, 1 at Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula, (dark phase) on 19/05/03, 1 at Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 24/07/03, 2 at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 18/08/03, 3 on Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 01/09/03, 2 on Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula 02/09/03, 2 at Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 04/09/03, 1 at Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 06/09/03, 1 at Kilcummin Head 07/09/03, 1 at Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 07/09/03, 3 at Kilcummin Head 08/09/03, 1 juvenile on Lacken Strand on 12/09/03, 2 at Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 24/09/03, 11 at Kilcummin on 04/10/03, 22 on Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula on 04/10/03, 2 at Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula 06/10/03, 7 at Kilcummin Head 07/10/03 (TM, JP, VP, DS).

 

Great Skua (Catharacta skua)                                                                                  (153)

Downpatrick Head, -

1 on 16/07/03.

Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula -

1 on 18/07/03, 2 on 24/07/03, 1 on 18/08/03, 4 on 21/08/03, 1 on 31/08/03, 1 on 01/09/03, 6 on 02/09/03, 4 on 03/09/03, 6 on 04/09/03, 5 on 05/09/03, 5 on 06/09/2003, 7 on 07/09/03, 29 on 11/09/03 & 2 on 03/10/03.

Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula -

2 on 02/05/03, 17 on 04/10/03, 4 on 06/10/03, 13 on 06/10/03.

Kilcummin Head -

11 on 08/09/03, 13 on 04/10/03, 11 on 07/10/03, 4 on 25/10/03 & 1 on 29/10/03

White Strand Clew Bay –

1 on 03/09/03.

Ross Beach, Killala Bay

1 on 08/10/03.                                                                           (SC, WMcD, PMcN, TM, JP, VP, DS).

 

Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus).                                                                 (49)

1 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula on 05/09/03, 1 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 07/09/03, 6 off Kilcummin Head 04/10/03, 2 off Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula 06/10/03, 38 off Kilcummin Head Coast 07/10/03, 1 second-summer on Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula (in a weak condition) 21/10/03 (JP, VP, DS).

 

* Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus)                                                         (1)

Juvenile at Tearmann, Mullet Peninsula 21/10/03 (DS)

 

Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus).                                                          (10)

2 first-winters Mullet Peninsula 01 - 18/01/03, 1 second-winter Mullet Peninsula 01 - 15/01/03, 1 first-winter at Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula 23/02/03, 1 second-winter at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 14/03/03, 1 first-summer at Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula 03/07/03, 1 first-winter at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 08 - 26/09/03, 1 first-winter at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula 19 - 24/10/03, 1 first-winter at Killala, 20/10/2003, 1 adult winter at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 10/12/03 (TM JP, VP, DS).

 

Little Gull (Larus minutus).                                                                                        (1)

Adult winter on Cross Beach, Mullet Peninsula 01 - 15/01/03 (TM, DS).

 

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)                                                                       (12)

Adult at Cross Beach, Mullet Peninsula 01/01/03, Adult at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 06/02/03 – 16/03/03, Adult at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 25/02/03, Adult at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 08/04/03, Adult at Cross Beach, Mullet Peninsula 21/11/03, Second-winter at various locations on Mullet Peninsula since 02 - 28/05/03 returning bird (now ‘adult’) at various locations on Mullet Peninsula 08/09/03 - 10/12/03, Second-winter at Cross Beach, Mullet Peninsula 02/01/03, Second-winter at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 06/09/03, Second-winter at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 06/11/03. First-winter at various locations on Mullet Peninsula 01 - 18/01/03, First-winter at Cross Beach, Mullet Peninsula 01/01/03, First-winter at Fallmore, Mullet Peninsula 25/02/03 - 25/03/03 (TM, DS).

 

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)                                                                                 (2)

Adult winter on Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula on 18/02/03, 1 second winter at Belderra Strand, Mullet peninsula on 10/12/03 (TM).

Last year 21 birds were recorded.

 

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)                                                                           (7)

1 second winter at Cross Strand, Mullet peninsula 14/02/03 to 17/03/03, 1 First-winter at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 23/02/03,1 Second winter at Doolough Beach, Blacksod Bay 25/02/03, 1 Adult at Mullraney, Clew Bay on 15/03/03, 1 Adult at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula from 02/04/03 to 08/04/03, 1 First-winter at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula on 06/11/03 and 21/11/03, 1 Third Summer/Sub Adult on Clare Island on 28/06/03 (JM, TM, DS).

Last year 27 birds were recorded.

 

Sabine’s Gull (Larus sabini).                                                                                      (5)

3 off Kilcummin Head on 08/09/03, 1 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula 24/09/03, I off Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 04/10/03 (TM, DS).

 

Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri)                                                                                 (1)

1st winter in Blacksod Bay area, Mullet Peninsula from 2002 to 15/02/2003 (TM, DS et al).

The first record since two different birds in 1989, one in Killala and the second in the Blacksod Bay area.

 

Little Auk (Alle alle).                                                                                                  (15)

7 off Kilcummin Head on 04/10/03, 4 off Kilcummin Head on 07/10/03, 4 off Kilcummin Head on 25/10/03 (DS).

Last year 6 birds were recorded.

 

Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)                                                                              (2)

One at Drum (Cross Lough), Mullet peninsula on 27/09/03, with one at Lagduff More, Ballycroy on 01/10/03 (TM).

The bird at Lagduff is an interesting record at a non coastal site, this bird was heavily in moult and easily approachable and photographed.

 

Swift (Apus apus)                                                                                                       

1 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula 30/04/03, 9 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 25/06/03, 1 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula 26/06/03, 2 at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula 29/06/03, 3 at Annagh, Mullet Peninsula 30/06/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 08/07/03, 1 at Belderrig on 03/08/03,1 at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula 08/08/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 24/08/03 (TM, DS).

Records from outside the known breeding range, swifts are not known to breed north or west of Mulranny or west of Killala.

 

Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)                                                                                         (1)

1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 08/06/03 (DS).

An excellent county record.

 

Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)                                                                              

1 on Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula, 12/10/02 (TM).

This record did not appear in the report for ‘02.

 

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba)                                                            

3 on Inis Gé Theas on 28/10/03 (DC).

 

Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)                                                                                  (2)

2 in Ballina on 10/11/03.

 

Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra).                                                                                     (7)

3 (Female + 2 juveniles) Raigh, Clew Bay 13/06/03, 1 at Dooega, Achill 11/07/03, 2 at Termoncarragh, Mullet peninsula 05/09/03, 1 at Termoncarragh, Mullet peninsula 18/09/03 (YdeB, EMcG, JP, VP, DS).

 

Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)                                                                         (1)

One (or possibly two) were seen in Valley, Achill on 15/10/03 (RF).

 

Eastern Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe picata)                                                                (1)

1 was present on An Dubh Oileain Mhór from  20-23/06/03. (TM et al)

A black and white wheatear present on An Dubh Oileain Mhór was considered most likely to be the Oenanthe picata picata race. Though very hard to approach and skulking it was seen to chase Northern Wheatears and seen well on occasions.

 

Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus ).                                                                                 (1)

One at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula from 10 to 13/10/03.

This well watched bird was seen daily on Erris Head for 4 days, this record constitutes the first Mayo record.

 

Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)                                                          Mullet Peninsula records

Pair at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 07/06/03 – 08/08/03 (confirmed breeding & fledged at least 2 young 29/07/03), 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 24/08/03 & 01/10/03.

 

Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca).                                                                        (1)

One well watched bird was present in Lagduff Mór, Ballycroy on 20/10/03 (TM et al).

An interesting non-coastal record, following the first Mayo record in 2001 (Rossport), this the third record for Mayo, follows a single on Erris Head last year.

 

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)                                                              Migrants Noted           

1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 17/04/03, 1 at Carn, Mullet Peninsula 27/09/03, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 12/10/03 to 16/10/03, 1 at Valley, Achill on 15/10/03, 1 at Doogort, Achill on 16/10/03, 3 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 17/10/03 to 19/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 23/10/03, 1 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula 29/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 08/11/03, 4 at Tarmon - Blacksod, Mullet Peninsula 09/11/03, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 12/11/03, 1 at Tarmon - Blacksod, Mullet Peninsula 16/11/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 27/09/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 20/10/03, 1 at Carn on 21/10/03, 2 on Inis Gé Theas on 28/10/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 30/10/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 02/11/03. (RF, DC, TM, DS).

 

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin).                                                                                 (1)

1 at Carne, Mullet Peninsula 02/10/03 (DS).

 

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus).                                                    (5)

2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 27/09/03, 1 at Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula from 05-09/10/03, 1 at Blacksod Point, Mullet Peninsula from 17 - 19/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 26/10/03 (TM, DS).

Following the first two county records last year at Blacksod Point and Erris Head a total of 5 is a good follow up.

 

Wood Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix).                                                                   (2)

At least one in song at Brackloon Woods, Westport on 11/05/03, with 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula from 19/09/03 - 07/10/03. (TM, DS).

First breeding/singing bird record since two were also at Brackloon Woods in summer 2000, one migrant was also at Blacksod area last September.

 

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)                                                                            Migrants noted.

1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 05/05/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 28/09/03, 1 at Tarmon, Blacksod, Mullet Peninsula from 14/09/03 to 19/09/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 20/09/03, 1 at Carn, Mullet Peninsula on 07/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 12/10/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 13/10/03, 1 at Doogort, Achill on 16/10/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 20/10/03, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula from 24/10/03 to 25/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula from 26/10/03 to 12/11/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 13/11/03, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 19/11/03, with one at Rosmore also on the 19/11/03. (EMcG, TM, DS).

 

Siberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita tristis)                                                    (3)

Three different individuals at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula – 1 on 23/10/03, 1 on 01/11/03 to 07/11/03 & 1 on 19/11/03 to 21/11/03 (DS et al).

 

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)                                                                   Migrants noted.

1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 20/09/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula from 27/09/03 to 30/09/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula from 05/10/03 to 10/10/03 (TM).

 

Coal Tit (Parus ater)                                                                          Mullet Peninsula records.

Up to 4 at Tarmon - Blacksod, Mullet Peninsula throughout the year – no evidence of breeding.

Migrants were also noted at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula and at Carn, Mullet peninsula. (TM, DS).

 

Great Tit (Parus major)                                                                     Mullet Peninsula records.

1 at Binghamstown, Mullet Peninsula on 18/03/03, 1 at Cross, Mullet Peninsula on 11/04/03, 1 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula on 26/06/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 24/09/03 to 07/10/2003, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 15/10/03, 1 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula on 06/11/03 to 12/11/03 & 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 07/12/03 (TM, DS).

 

 

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)                                                                     Migrants noted.

1 at Annagh, Mullet Peninsula on 25/05/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 20/09/03, 1 at Carne, Mullet peninsula on 27/09/03, 1 Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 27/09/03, 1 at Carne, Mullet Peninsula on 27/09/2003 and another there on 30/09/03, 1 Doogort, Achill 03/10/03 (EMcG, TM, DS).

 

Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca).                                                                       (4)

1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 21/09/03, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula from 24-29/09/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 26 - 27/09/03, 1 at Carn Hill, Mullet Peninsula 28/09/03.

In addition a Ficedula sp. seen at Valley, Achill on 16/10/03 was considered to have been this species (TM, DS).

 

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)                                                                                  (6)

1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 26/08/03, 4 at Lagduff More, Ballycroy on 13/11/03, with one at Doona Dunes, Ballycroy also on 13/11/03, one at Valley, Achill on 17/10/03 (RF, EMcG, TM, DS).

 

Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)

Highest Count was of 60 at Carrowteige on 11/9/03 (JK).

 

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

81 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 28/08/03. One at River, Achill on 16/10/03, is the first record received from Achill in a number of years.

 

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla).                                                             (45)

1 at Carn Hill, Mullet Peninsula 07/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 15/10/03, 2 on Achill on 15/10/03, 12 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 17/10/03, 3 on Achill on 18/10/03, 2 on Achill on 19/10/03, 3 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 19/10/03, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 24/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 01/11/2003, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 02/11/03, 2 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula 10/11/03, 2 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula 12/11/03, 3 at Fahy, Ballycroy on 13/11/03, 7 at Belmullet, Mullet Peninsula 14/11/03, 1 at Rosmore on 19/11/03, 2 Lagduff More, Ballycroy on 21/11/03 (RF, EMcG, TM, DS).

 

Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)

Highest Counts of 82 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula on 09/12/03.

Breeding Records – 5 pairs East and West of Erris Head, Mullet Peninsula (TM, DS).

 

Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis f. flammea)

2 at Carne, Mullet Peninsula on 07/10/03 (DS).

 

Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)                                                                                     

2 Lough Duff on 26/02/03, 2 at Glendahurk on 10/04/03, 2 at Croaghaun on 08/05/03,

25+ at Corraun on 24/06/03, 5 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 17/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 23/10/03 & 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula 01/11/2003 (EMcG, TM, DS).

 

* Common Rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus)                                                        (8)

5 (all first-winters) at Carn Hill, Mullet Peninsula 28/09/03, with 2 to 02/10/03 & 1 to 11/10/03, 3 on Inishkea South, Inishkea Islands on 28/10/03 (DC, TM, DS).

The Carne Hill flock is the largest single grouping together in Ireland, after four together on Tory Island, Donegal.

 

Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)                                                                   (2)

1 on Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 01/09/03, 1 at Glebe, Mullet Peninsula 23/09/03 (JP, VP, DS).

 

 

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis).                                                                      (55)

35 Creevagh Head, Ballycastle 25/2/03, 1 at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula on 15/10/03, 3 at Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula on 19/10/03, 1 Croughmoyle, Castlebar 22-25/10/03, 1 at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 31/10/03, 7 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 31/10/03, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 02/11/03, 3 at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula on 08/11/03, 2 at Annagh, Mullet Peninsula on 16/11/03, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 28/11/03 (JK, PMcN, DS)

 

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)                                                              (3).

Singing males were recorded at Carne & Binghamstown on the Mullet peninsula and Doolough during the summer, the same three areas that held birds in summer 2000.