Tag Archives: birds

THE Clare Branch of Birdwatch Ireland December outing takes place to Ballyallia Lake just north-west of Ennis on Saturday next, December 11.  Ballyallia is described as a rich limestone lake and it has large numbers of wildfowl. Though not a very large lake, it is an important site in Ireland for Shoveler. Birds such as Whooper and Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail Duck, Tufted Duck, Moorhen and Coot, all of whom are usually seen at this site during the winter months. Birdwatchers also hope to find Curlew, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit. The nearby woodland hosts Jay, Treecreeper and birds of prey.  Those attending are asked to meet at the bird board opposite Lake View Stores on the Ruan road at 11am. The advice is to bring binoculars. If possible, as optical equipment cannot be shared due to public health guidelines Further details are available on Clarebirdwatching.com. Christmas cards and bird calendars are now for sale on birdwatchireland.ie.

THE Clare branch of Birdwatch Ireland will a joint outing with the Limerick branch to Curraghchase Forest Park, Kilcornan, County Limerick on Saturday, November 27.  This is a beautiful setting for a wildlife walk. Those attending will look for Jay, Brambling, Hawfinch as well as more common woodland birds. Large flocks of Chaffinch and Goldfinch are often seen on the annual visit. A sharp look out will also be kept for Treecreeper and Buzzard, both common in the area. Red Squirrels are usually present too. The meeting point will be the car park inside the barrier, there those attending are asked to gather at 9.30am. Entry is free. To gain maximum enjoyment from the event binoculars are recommended. In the current climate sharing of optical equipment is not advised. The advice is to wear warm clothing and bring a flask and sandwiches. Food is available in a number of nearby outlets. A memorable event is anticipated, especially in dry sunny …

A year-long bird population and habitat survey will be carried out along the Shannon Estuary, taking in 1,220 hectares of land. The study is being undertaken by environmental consultants McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan, on behalf of the Shannon Estuary Strategic Infrastructure Framework Plan (SIFP) Steering Group, comprising stakeholders engaged in the development and management of Ireland’s largest and deepest estuary. The region’s local authorities in Clare, Kerry and Limerick have joined with Shannon Group and Shannon Foynes Port Company in promoting ‘Deep Water Marine Investment Opportunities’ on 1,220ha of land at six strategic locations deemed appropriate for marine-related investment. The sites include Moneypoint (280ha) and Innismurry/Cahericon (65ha) in Clare; Askeaton (98ha), Foynes Island (40ha) and Foynes Port and adjoining lands (186ha) in Limerick and Tarbert-Ballylongford landbank (550ha) in Kerry. The proposed bird usage survey area stretches from Limerick City to where the Shannon Estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean in West Clare and North Kerry. The survey will begin in May and is …

THE new year has arrived mild and wet. Nature is getting confused here at The Hogsprickle; we have flowers blooming that should be asleep. Our hedgehogs are all awake, hungry and grumpy and, unfortunately, it still too early to release them, so they will continue to enjoy their B&B here until the weather is mild enough for them to go into the outside runs to acclimatise, before release back to the wild. The birds that were released during last year are, mostly, still around, as the garden is full of birds looking for an easy meal. Fat balls and bird seeds are an important supplement at this time, as the birds now need to put on condition and attract a mate ready to raise this year’s family. Although it’s mild, you still need to keep an eye out for wildlife that may be injured or made homeless due to the heavy rainfall flooding ground nests of hedgehogs, foxes and other …

SPRING is finally here and our wildlife needs a bit of help as they prepare for the mating season and raising their young. Our small birds are busy at this time of year so here are a few tips to help them. Check your bird feeders condition. Feeders need replaced so they don’t injure or make the birds sick. Check them regularly to ensure the rain isn’t making the seeds mouldy; mould means death to a small bird trying to survive and care for young. There are many diseases such as  salmonella and conjunctivitis and an unclean feeder may be inadvertently doing birds more harm than good. Birds are messy things so make sure the paving and areas around their feeders is kept clean, this will prevent unwanted wildlife such as rats sharing the feast you put out for the birds. Birds like to come back to the same feeders that have the food they want. Many people buy the …