THE Clare Branch of Birdwatch Ireland will host an outing to Kilbaha and Loop Head on Saturday next, October 2. 

The meeting point is Kilbaha village at 9am. For anyone arriving a little late, they can catch up along the road from the village as the group searches for scarce and rare autumn migrants. In the past birds such as Yellow-browed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and many other species have been seen in this area around this time of year.

Later in the morning, the group will walk the headland area of Loop Head where Golden Plover, Chough, Merlin, Peregrine and who can tell what may pop up before our eyes. If time allows, the group will also look for birds at the Fodry, Claughaun Lough and Kilcredaun later in the day.

According to the branch, this part of the county is a birding hotspot at this time of year, and, with unsettled weather at the other side of the Atlantic, a surprise may be blown in by the winds. 

The advice is to wear warm clothing; to bring a flask and sandwiches if you wish; and that binoculars greatly add to one’s enjoyment. Food and beverage should be available in Kilbaha village.