Mayo Bird Report

2004

 

Compiled by Tony Murray

 

National Parks & Wildlife

Jamestown

Oylegate

Co. Wexford

Republic of Ireland.

 

tmurray@duchas.ie

 

 

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 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

 

The number in brackets refers to the number of records received for this year.

                                                                                                                                               

List of Contributors –                                                                                    (with apologies for omissions)

 

Lucy Arnold (LA), Susan Callaghan (SC), Cameron Clotworthy (CC), Richard Coombes (RC), Declan Coney (DC), Rory Dicker (RD), Jack Donnelly (JD), Mark Foley (MF), Stephen Foster (SF) Tim Gordon (TG), James Kilroy (JK), Sean Lysaght (SL), Declan Manley (DM), Lynn Mitchell, (LM), Thomas Mitchell (TMit), Willie McDowell (WMcD), Tony Murray (TM), Treasa Nί Gearraigh (T Nί G), Doug Radford (DR), Neil Stronach (NS), Dave Suddaby (DS), Will Woodrow (WW).

 

Go raibh maith agaibh go léir………………

                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                Systematic List of Species                                       

 

Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer)                                                                      

Inland records on Lough Conn included 3 on 15/01/04 and 1 on 13/02/04 (CC).

No counts near last years peak were noted this year.

 

Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata)                                                            

Peak counts included 16 and 17 at Claggan Island, Blacksod Bay on 19/04/04 and 21/10/04 respectively.

 

* Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica)                                                                   

1 adult in Blacksod Bay, Mullet peninsula, from 2003 - 19/04/04, presumed same individual returned 17/10/04 – into 2005 (TM, DS et al).

 

Slavonian Grebe (Podiceps auritus)                                                             

Small numbers recorded throughout the winters with a peak count of 23 in Blacksod Bay on 01/12/04.

Last years highest count was 64 off Claggan Island Causeway, Blacksod Bay on 08/04/03.

 

Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)

Blue Fulmar - Off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula 1 on 19/08/04, 3 on 12/09/04 (DS).

 

Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus)                                                          (2)

Two were seen off Kilcummin Head on 29/08/04 (DS, DR).

 

* Little Shearwater (Puffinus assimilis)                                                                     (2)

One was seen off Kilcummin Head on 29/08/04 with it or another there on 30/08/04 (DS, DR et al).

 

Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis).                                                                         (4)

Two were seen off Kilcummin Head on 25/08/04, with one there on 14/09/04.1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 18/09/04 (DS, DR).

 

Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus)                                                                         (1538)

Kilcummin Head –

20 on 24/07/04, 140 on 25/08/04, 600 on 29/08/04, 38 on 30/08/04, 50 on 11/09/04, 39 on 12/09/04, 150 on 14/09/04 & 1 on 20/09/04.

 

Annagh Head , Mullet peninsula–

1 on 22/07/04, 3 on 23/07/04, 3 on 24/07/04, 47 on 19/08/04, 23 on 20/08/04, 16 on 25/08/04, 74 on 26/08/04, 121 on 27/08/04, 17 on 28/08/04, 64 on 02/09/04, 39 on 12/09/04, 1 on 16/09/04, 13 on 18/09/04, 69 on 26/09/04, 3 on 01/10/04 & 6 on 14/10/04

 

Previous years tallies have been 353 in 2003, 2442 in 2002, 206 in 2001 and 47 in 2000, though these tallies are received numbers only………..

 

(RC, TM, DS, DR, WMcD).

 

* Black-browed Albatross (Diomedea melanophris)                                                  (1)

One was seen off Kilcummin Head on 11/09/04 (WW).

This is the second record for the county following one seen twice off Inis Gluaire in August 1986, this individual off Kilcummin Head was photographed and filmed by the observer.

 

* Wilson’s Storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)                                                         (2)

One was seen off Annagh Head on the Mullet peninsula on 26/08/04, with another one there on 12/09/04 (DS).

 

Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus)                                                            

Phort á Chlóidh –

62 on 16/07/04 & 79 on 17/07/04

 

Kilcummin Head –

20 on 24/07/04, 82 on 29/08/04 26 on 30/08/04.

 

Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula –

200 on 19/08/04.

 

Cross Point, Mullet peninsula –

7 on 08/09/04.

 

Inishkea Islands –

10 on 01/09/04.

 

(RC, DC, MF, SF, DM, WMcD, TM, DS, DR).

 

Leach’s Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)                                                                 (215)

Phort á Chlóidh –

8 on 12/06/04, 7 on 13/06/04, 1 on 16/07/04 & 1 on 17/07/04.

 

Kilcummin Head –

1 on 05/05/04, 1 on 24/07/04, 4 on 25/08/04, 10 on 29/08/04, 22 on 30/08/04, 2 on 11/09/04, 3 on 12/09/04, 130 on 14/09/04

 

Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula –

1 on 25/08/04, 6 on 26/08/04, 1 on 28/08/04, 3 on 12/09/04, 7 on 16/09/04, 1 on 26/09/04, 6 on 01/10/04.

 

Previous years tallies have been 56 in 2003 and 110 in 2002, though these tallies are received numbers only.

 

(RC, DC, MF, SF, JK, DM, WMcD, TM, DS, DR).

 

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)                                                                                   (2)

One at Muing na Bó, Sruwaddacon Bay on 21/02/04, this individual was also noted later in the year on Carrowmore Lake. In addition the regular wintering individual was again present in Killala Bay (T Ní G, JK, TM et al).

 

Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)                                                                               

A peak of 214 were noted on two occasions on Cross Lough on the Mullet peninsula over the winter, also 238 were counted between Termoncarragh and Cross Loughs on 08/01/04 (TM, DS).

 

Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus)                                                              (2)

The wintering adult from last year was joined by a second bird on 02/01/04 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet peninsula, both remained until 09/05/04, they were also noted at Cross Lough during March. Also 2 were noted at Termoncarragh Lake from 24/11/04 into 2005, these are possibly returning individuals (TM, DS).

 

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

The three birds from 2003 remained at The three adults first recorded last year (one from 20/09/03, three from THE THREE FROM 2003remained at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula until 23/04/04, they were also noted at Cross Lough during March. (TM, DS).

 

Greylag Goose (Anser anser)

Peak count of 98 on Mullet Peninsula on 28/09/04 (DS).

 

* Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)                                                                        (1)

One was present at Termoncarragh Lough on the Mullet peninsula from 19-23/09/04, it was considered to be of the race B. c. hutchinsii (TM).

 

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)                                                                                      

First returning birds were noted at Cross Lough, Mullet peninsula where 1 was seen on 03/10/04 and 6 coming in off the sea on Erris Head on 06/10/04, with many through thereafter (TM, DS).

 

Pale-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla hrota)                                                               

One seen off Kilcummin Head on 29/08/04 was an early noteworthy record. Elsewhere peaks of 278 in Killala Bay on 19/01/04 and 269 on 11/01/04 in Blacksod Bay (TM, DS, DR).

 

* Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla bernicla)                                           (1)

1 adult at various locations in Blacksod Bay, from 2003 until 10/03/04, presumed returning bird from 24/11/04 remaining into 2005 (TM, DS).

 

* Black Brant (Branta bernicla nigricans)                                                                 (4)

1 adult in Killala Bay, on 19/01/04, 2 adults on Caisleaín Beach, Mullet peninsula on 08/02/04, 1 remaining until 14/02/04, 1 adult in Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula from 09/02/04 to 10/03/04, 1 adult on Annagh, Mullet Peninsula, 14/02/04, possibly one of above (TM, DS).

 

* Grey-bellied Brant (Branta bernicla sp.)                                                                (3)

2 (adult & juvenile) in Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula, from 14/02/04 – 22/02/04, 1 adult (a different bird) on Annagh, Mullet Peninsula, 25/02/04 – moved to Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula, 27/02/04 – 10/03/2004 (DS et al).

 

* American Black Duck (Anas rubripes)                                                                   (1)

One was found on Keel Lough, Achill Island on 31/12/04. One found nearby On Sruhillbeg Lough in January 2001, is probably the bird that wintered on the Mullet peninsula for the next 3 winters and last seen 26/08/03. If it has no returned to Achill it is in its 5th winter.

 

Garganey (Anas querquedula)                                                                                   (1)

1 female/juvenile at Annagh Marsh on the Mullet peninsula on 10/09/04 (DS).

 

* Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)                                                                      (3)

The two returning males stayed Doogan Lough, Newport, from 2003 into 2004. Another adult male was noted at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 09/05/04 (DS et al).

 

Eider (Somateria mollissima)                                                                                     (5)

1 male in Saleen Harbour on the Mullet peninsula from 08/02/04 to 19/02/04, one sub-adult male was seen in Elly Bay, Mullet peninsula on 29/02/04, one dead male was noted on Inishkea North, Inishkea Islands on 06/07/04, 1st year male off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula, 24/12/04, 1st year female at Blacksod, Mullet peninsula, 30/12/04 into 2005 (TM, DS).

 

Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)                                                                     

9 off Belderra on the Mullet peninsula on 20/01/04, 2 off Caisleaín Beach on the Mullet peninsula on 08/02/04, 2 on Lough Conn on 13/02/04, 19 off Belderra on the Mullet peninsula on 18/02/04, 10 off Belderra on the Mullet peninsula on 28/02/04, 12 off Belderra on the Mullet peninsula on 09/03/04, 1 at Fallmore on the Mullet peninsula from 11/04/04 to 22/10/04 3 off Claggan Island Causeway, Blacksod Bay on 28/04/04, 23 off Belderra on the Mullet peninsula on 24/11/04, 2 off Claggan Island Causeway 01/12/04, 6 at Kilroe Bridge, Killala Bay on 27/12/04, 2 at Blacksod Point, Mullet peninsula on 31/12/04.

 

 

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra).                                                                           

Male showing characteristics of Black Scoter (M n nigra) in Elly Bay, Mullet peninsula, from 19- 23/02/04 (DS et al).

 

Goosander (Mergus merganser).                                                                               (3)

3 (1 male, 2 female) Knockmore Bay, Lough Conn from 03 - 05/02/04 (TMit).

 

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)                                                                                (2)

1 at Cooneal, Killala on 17/07/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula, 10/10/04.

 

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)                                                                                       (1)

One at Knockmore on Lough Conn on 09/06/04, while it or another was seen on both Lough Cullin and Lough Conn from 22 - 23/07/04 (CC, RD, JK, LM. TMit, TM).

 

Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)                                                                       (1)

One in near Kilmeena in June (SC).

In addition to this record a previously unlisted record of this species was noted near Crossmolina in 2003.

 

Corncrake (Crex crex)                                                                                              

20 were recorded this year in Mayo, 13 of which were on the Mullet peninsula (or adjacent). Previous county tallies include 12 in 2003, 13 in 2002, 12 in 2001 and 9 in 2000. (TG).

 

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)

Two were seen inland near Tór Mhic Ểadaigh on Lough Mask on 24/03/04 (TM).

 

* Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus)                                                                            (7)

A trip of three birds was seen at Doolough, Gaoth Sáile on 16/04/04, while a trip of 4 at L860680 were in the Sheeffry Hills in the south of the county on the 07/05/04 (TM, NS).

 

* American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica)                                                       (1)

1 juvenile on Annagh Beach on the Mullet peninsula, from 05 to 29/11/04 (DS).

 

Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos)                                                                   (2)

One in Annagh Marsh on the Mullet peninsula on 11/06/04, with another there on 07/10/04, with it or another there from 01/11/04 to 05/11/04 (DS).

 

*White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis)                                                        (1)

On adult near Killala, Killala Bay on 05/09/04 (RC).

 

*Semi-palmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)                                                            (1)

A juvenile was present on Annagh Beach, Mullet peninsula from 19/09/04 until 05/10/04 (DS, TM et al.).

 

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)                                                                     (7)

1 at Ross Strand, Killala on 20/08/04, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula on 27/08/04, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula on 20/09/04, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula on 09/10/04, 1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet peninsula, 29/10/04, 2 on Inishkea North on 09/09/04 (TM, DS, DR).

 

Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)                                                                                       (13)

1 at Annagh Marsh, Mullet peninsula, from 16 to 27/08/04, 2 at Ross Strand, Killala on 20/08/04, 1 at Ross Strand, Killala on 31/08/04, 2 at Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula on 06/09/04, 1 at Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula on 10/09/04, 2 at Seafield, Mullet peninsula on 05/10/04, 1 at Annagh Marsh, Mullet peninsula from 8 - 11/10/04, 1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet peninsula, 12/10/04, 2 at Termoncarragh Lake 20 - 29/10/04 (TM, DS, DR).

Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus).                                                                    (1)

The Killala Bay remained until at least 16/02/04 and returned for its 5th winter on 20/09/04.

 

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)                                                              (2)
1 on Leam Lough, Mullet peninsula on 08/08/04 with 1 on Lough Nahelly near Gaoth Sáile 09/08/04 (DS).

 

Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus )                                                          (1)

One Killala, Killala Bay on 29/05/04 (JD).

 

Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius).                                                                   (12)

2 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 18/09/04, a single was seen on the Glenlara River, Glenlara, Erris Head on the Mullet peninsula on 18/09/04, 1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 18/09/04, 1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 14/10/04, 6 off Kilcummin on 20/09/04, 1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 26/09/04 (TM, DS).

 

Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)                                                                       (211)

Kilcummin Head –

2 on 24/07/04, 31 on 29/08/04, 1 on 30/08/04, 1 on 20/09/04, 15 on 29/09/04, 11 on 30/09/04

 

Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula –

17 on 05/05/04, 5 on 07/05/04, 31 on 06/05/04, 1 on 01/07/04, 2 on 19/08/04, 2 on 25/08/04, 7 on 26/08/04, 11 on 27/08/04, 11 on 28/08/04, 30 on 29/08/04, 5 on 02/09/04, 2 on 12/09/04, 4 on 14/09/04, 1 on 16/09/04, 3 on 26/09/04, 2 on 01/10/04, 1 on 14/10/04.

 

Blacksod Point, Mullet peninsula –

1 on 04/09/04

 

Achill Head, Achill Island –

5 on 04/05/04,

 

Bartragh Island, Killala Bay –

4 on 10/08/04,

 

Lough Mask, West side of lake near Tourmakeady –

4 on 29/08/04,

 

The Lough Mask birds were recorded during strong winds along the north coast and may have been following the River Moy – Lough Conn, Lough Cullin – Lough Mask – Lough Corrib – Galway bay route as described before. Last year 74 were recorded.   (SF, EMcG, TM, DS, DR).

 

Great Skua (Catharacta skua)                                                                                  (380)

Kilcummin Head –

4 on 24/07/04, 47 on 29/08/04, 50 on 29/09/04, 10 on 30/08/04, 30 on 11/09/04, 22 on 14/09/04, 7 on 20/09/04.

 

Downpatrick Head –

2 on 07/06/2004

 

Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula –

9 on 05/05/04, 11 on 06/05/04, 1 on 16/08/04, 3 on 19/08/04, 6 on 20/08/04, 2 on 25/08/04, 28 on 26/08/04, 19 on 27/08/04, 6 on 28/08/04, 1 on 29/08/04, 5 on 02/09/04, 11 on 12/09/04, 9 on 16/09/04, 22 on 18/09/04, 7 on 26/09/04, 3 on 01/10/04 & 16 on 14/10/04.

 

Erris Head, Mullet peninsula –

2 on 08/06/04

 

Achill Head, Achill Island –

16 on 21/04/04, 21 on 04/05/04.

 

Last year 153 were recorded.   (SF, JK, WMcD, TM, DS, DR,)

 

Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus).                                                                 (319)

Kilcummin Head –

1 on 05/05/04, 6 on 24/07/04, 18 on 29/08/04, 6 on 14/09/04.

 

Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula –

51 on 05/05/04, 218 on 06/05/04, 1 on 26/08/04, 4 on 28/08/04, 4 on 18/09/04, 1 on 26/09/04, 4 on 14/10/04.

 

Achill Head, Achill Island –

5 on 21/04/04.

 

Last year 49 were recorded, this years tally includes some fine spring numbers from Achill Island and the Mullet peninsula.   (SF, WMcD, TM, DS, DR).

 

* Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus)                                                         (15)

Kilcummin Head –

2 on 25/08/04, 7 on 29/08/04, 1 on 14/09/04.

 

Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula –

1 on 27/08/04, 2 on 30/08/04, 2 on 02/09/04.

 

(TM, DS, DR)

 

Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus).                                                          (3)

1 adult at Belmullet, Mullet peninsula, 20/01/04 to 08/02/04, 1st winter on Annagh Beach & Elly Bay, Mullet Peninsula, 06/09/04 to 01/10/04, 1st winter at Killala, North Mayo, 20/09/04 (TM, DS). 10 were noted last year.

 

Little Gull (Larus minutus).                                                                                        (1)

1 adult at Leam Lough, Mullet Peninsula, 01/10/04 (DS).

 

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)                                                                       (3)

1 adult at Annagh Beach/Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula, from 2003 until 15/04/2004, returned 22/10/04 through into 2005, 1st summer at Annagh, Mullet Peninsula, 15 - 17/05/04, 1st winter at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula on 24/11/04 (DS). 12 were noted last year.

 

Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)                                                                     (1)

1st winter on Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula, from 28/09/04 to 03/10/04 (DS).

 

Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides)                                                                                 (2)

1st summer at Cross Lough, Mullet Peninsula, 08/05/2004, 2nd winter at Seafield, Mullet Peninsula, 29/12/2004 (DS). Two were also noted last year, down from 21 in 2003, 4 in 2001 and 6 in 2000.

 

Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)                                                                           (7)

1st winter on the Mullet peninsula from 16/02/04 to 19/02/04, 1 adult on the Mullet peninsula from 18/02/04 to 15/04/04, 1st summer on Claggan & Annagh Beach from 11/05/04 to 13/05/04, 1st winter on Annagh Beach, Mullet peninsula on 06/10/04, 1 adult at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 19/10/04, 1st winter on the Mullet peninsula from 24/11/04 to 26/11/04, 1st winter on Annagh Beach, Mullet peninsula on 29/12/04 (TM, DS). Seven were also noted last year, down from 27 in 2003, 8 in 2001 and 23 in 2000.

 

 

 

 

Sabine’s Gull (Larus sabini).                                                                                      (12)

1 off Annagh Head, Mullet peninsula on 23/07/04, 2 off Kilcummin Head on 29/08/04, 2 off Kilcummin Head on 30/08/04, 1 off Ross Strand, Killala Bay on 30/08/04, 6 off Kilcummin Head on 14/09/04 (TM, DS, DR). 5 were noted in 2003.

 

Black Tern (Chilidonias niger)                                                                                  (3)

3 (1 ad + 2 1st W) at Ross Strand, Killala Bay on 30/08/04 (DR).

 

Razorbill (Alca torda)                                                                                    

A single was seen on Carrowmore Lake on 16/03/04

 

Little Auk (Alle alle).                                                                                                  (3)

1 at Tarmon, Mullet Peninsula from 18-20/01/04, 3 off Annagh Head, Mullet Peninsula on 14/10/04 (DS).

 

Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)                                                                              (2)

1 at Annagh, Mullet peninsula, 26/05/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula, 09/10/04 (DS). Two were also noted in 2003, one on the Mullet peninsula and one in Ballycroy.

 

Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)                                                                                        

First Mayo Cuckoo reported was near Attymass on 22/04/04.

Also Records from Erris include 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula, 17/05/04 & 20/06/04, a bird calling at Cloontaklia on 24/05/04 and one calling on Barrack Street, Belmullet from 09-16/06/04. (TM, DS).

 

Swift (Apus apus)                                                                                                       

Similar numbers were recorded on the Mullet peninsula this year with a peak of 8 on 06/07/04, swifts are not known to breed north or west of Mulranny or west of Killala.

 

Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)                                                                                      (1)

One present for a day at Termon, Blacksod on the Mullet peninsula on 09/07/04. (LA, DS et al).

This appears to be the first record since another one day bird one near Newport on 11th October 1986.

 

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)                                                                                          (1)

A single was found on the Belmullet pool on 13th October 2004. (TM).

 

Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)                                                           (2)

1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet Peninsula from 22/09/04 to 30/09/04, with a different bird there from 08/10/04 to 09/10/04 (DS et al).

 

* Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola)                                                                         (1)

A first winter bird was present at Leam Lough on the Mullet peninsula from 05-06/09/04, this represents the first county record of this species (DS).

 

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba)                                                                         (1)

1 at Cross Lough, Mullet peninsula, 14/04/04 (DS). Three were noted last year on Inishkea’s.

 

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)                                                                                   

First migrants noted include 1 near Tór Mhic Ểadaigh on Lough Mask on 24/03/04, and 1 at Termoncarragh on 30/03/04 (TM, DS).

 

Swallow (Hirundo rustica)                                                                                         

First migrants noted include one at Cross Lough on 04/04/04, and 2 at Tarmon also on the Mullet peninsula on 05/04/04 (TM, DS).

 

House Martin (Delichon urbica)                                                                               

First migrants noted include one at Bangor-Erris on 14/04/04 and 1 at Glebe on the Mullet peninsula on 17/04/04 (TM, DS).

 

Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)                                                                                 

3 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 25/10/04, 1 at Carn Hill, Mullet peninsula on 25/10/04, 9 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 26/10/2004, 3 at Mullach rua, Mullet peninsula on 26/10/04, 3 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 29/10/2004, 6 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 30/10/2004, 5 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 31/10/2004 (DS).

Two were noted last year in Ballina.

 

Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)                                                                                

First birds of the year were three on the east side of Termoncarragh Lake on 29/03/03 (TM, AW).

 

Grasshopper Warbler (Locustella naevia)                                                               

First of the year was a bird singing at Tawwnasool-Muinganarnad on 27/04/04, a late bird was also noted on Erris Head on 02/09/04 (TM, DS).

 

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)                                                        

First birds of the year were two near Bar na Trá on 28/04/04, a late bird was also noted on Erris Head on 02/09/04 (TM).

 

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)                                                                         

One was heard in song in Bangor Erris, outside the known regular breeding locations on 13/05/04, migrants noted included at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula, 1 from 17-23/10/04, 2 from 24-27/10/04, 3 from 28-30/10/2004 and 2 from 31/10/04 – 02/11/04, also at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula, 2 from 25/10/04 – 06/11/2004 and 3 on 01/11/2004 (TM, DS).

 

* Booted Warbler (Hippolais caligata)                                                                                  (1)

One of the nominate race caligata race was found on Annagh Head, on the Mullet peninsula on 02/09/04 it remained until 05/09/04. This represents the first county record and the third Irish record of this species (DR).

 

* Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta)                                                              (1)

One on Erris Head on the Mullet peninsula, on 02/09/04 was considered to be this species. (TM)

 

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus).                                                    (1)

1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 23/10/04 (DS).

 

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)                                                                           

One bird heard in song on Erris Head on 29/03/04 may well have overwintered. Migrants noted included, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 08/02/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 01/03/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula from 08/05/04 – 12/05/04, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 08/05/2004, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula from 19/06/04 – 30/06/04, 1 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet peninsula, 28/07/04, 1 at Blacksod Point, Mullet peninsula from 10- 23/09/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 28/09/04, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head from 28/09/04 - 29/09/04, 1 at Blacksod Point, Mullet peninsula on 02/10/04, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 07/10/04,1 at Belmullet Met Eireann office, Mullet peninsula on 09/10/04, 1 at Carn Hill, Mullet peninsula, 09/10/04, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 11/10/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 12/10/04, 2 at Blacksod Point, Mullet peninsula on 12/10/04, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 15/10/04, 1 at Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 17/10/04 – 21/10/04, 1 at Blacksod Point, Mullet peninsula on 20/10/04, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 23/10/04, 4 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 31/10/04.

 

Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)                                                                  (1)

A bird seen at Blacksod Point on the Mullet peninsula, on 10/09/04 had vocalisations recalling this species.

 

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)                                                                  

Migrant noted included - 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 05/04/04, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 09/05/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 08/08/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 16/08/04, 2 on Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 02/09/04, 3 on Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 08/09/04, 2 at Carn Hill, Mullet peninsula, 10/09/04, 2 on Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 28/09/04, 2 on Glenlara, Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 29/09/04, 2 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 29/09/04 (TM, DS).

 

Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)                                                                                  (1)

1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 31/10/04 (DS).

 

Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)                                                               (1)

1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 23/10/04 (DS).

 

Coal Tit (Parus ater)                                                                                     

Migrant noted included – 2 to 3 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula from 19/02/04 - 26/10/04 and 6 on 09/10/04.

 

Great Tit (Parus major)                                                                                            

2 at Belmullet, Mullet peninsula on 27/01/04 with 1 there on 04/06/04 (DS).

 

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla).                                                             (18)

9 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 16/10/04, 6 at Termoncarragh Lake, Mullet peninsula on 18/10/04, 1 on Erris Head, Mullet peninsula on 24/10/0, 2 at Belmullet, Mullet peninsula from 26-29/10/04 (DS).

 

Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis f. flammea)                                                                     

1 at Carn Hill, Mullet peninsula on  06/10/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 31/10/04 (DS).

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)                                                                        

A pair were noted at Bellanaboy on 04/06/04, these are the first known records in Erris in many years if not ever. Birds showing characteristics of ‘Northern’ race (Pyrrhula pyrrhula pyrrhula) included - 1 female on Erris Head, Mullet peninsula from 26 - 28/10/04, 1 female at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 27/10/04 and a different female there on 31/10/04, 2 (1 male & 1 female) at Belmullet, Mullet peninsula, 29/10/04 (TM, DS).

Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)                                                                   (9)

1 at Cross Lough, Mullet peninsula on 01/10/04, 2 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on 03/10/04 & 3 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula 10/10/04, 1 at Annagh Beach, Mullet peninsula on 08/10/04, 1 at Annagh Beach, Mullet peninsula on 01/11/04, 1 at Belderra beach, Mullet peninsula on 26/10/04

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis).                                                                      (22)

2 were seen on 18/02/04 on North side of Glenamong mountain in the Nephin Mountains at F896 070, 1 at Keem Bay, Achill on 04/05/04, one male at Cross Lough, Mullet peninsula on 18/09/04 – 06/10/04, with two there on 24/11/04, 1 at Ardowen on the Mullet peninsula on 06/10/04, 1 on Annagh Beach, Mullet Peninsula, on  02/12/04, 14 at Ballyglass, Mullet peninsula on  13/10/04, 1 at Tarmon, Mullet peninsula on  14/10/04

(CC, SF, TM, DS).

 

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)                                                              ().

Singing males were recorded at Carne on the Mullet peninsula during the summer, one of the three areas that held birds in summer 2000 and also last year.