June 2019 - Howth + Dalkey Island

June 26th

I stopped at Sandycove on the way home.  There were 22 Med Gulls which included 12 adults.  I could see 3 rings but too far out to get the codes.  I eventually got one standing up for long enough for a photo on X84 zoom! 

Mediterranean Gull White[3815] 2CY from Belguim

A quick scan at Bullock Harbour to see if any of the recently ringed chicks on Dalkey Island had fledged.  The only red ring was 217:D.  That is an urban Herring Gull from 2018!

The only other colour ringed Gull recorded was Blue 2LH.  Although the photo is poor, I include it as I recorded it nesting on Dalkey Island last week.

Great Black-backed Gull 2LH.

June 21st 

My weekly walk this week took me to Irelands Eye.  I walked up to the Gannet Stack and back.  I checked the progress of the Shag nests at the top and colour ringed 2 shag pulli in the cave I checked.

Shag KAAL 

I then walked back to the ferry.  Any large Gull Pulli were picked up and coloured ringed.  I also checked any adults perched on rocks and recorded ring numbers.

Herring Gull 283:D

I recorded 7 coloured rings on Gulls.  There are hardly any non-adults gulls on the Island now, probably only one or 2 percent, and they are on the beaches as opposed to in the colonies.  Even though we have coloured ringed a few hundred gulls with red rings in 2017 and 2018 on this Island, as expected, none of these were observed.  These probably won't return to start breeding until 2022!

Larus marinus  - Great-black-backed Gull 2AM

Larus marinus - Great Black-backed Gull 3KC

Larus marinus - Great Black-backed Gull 480:D - Just ringed!

June 14th

Dalkey Island

Another trip to Dalkey Island.  The chicks have grown and so another season starts!  It is interesting to see where they nest.  3CT was ringed as a chick on Irelands Eye, an Island 15Km north of Dalkey in 2013

Anyone care to guess where 328:D will nest in 2024?

328:D Great Black-backed Gull.  Dalkey Island June 14th 2019

June 11th

Trip to Howth this morning.  Plenty of Gulls but hardly a 2nd or 3rd year to be seen and none of our red rings.  Still I read 8 rings, 6 Blue and 2 metals.

Great Black-backed Gull 2AT.  The plastic rings are in poor condition after 10 years!

Species	Ring	Year
Great Black-backed Gull	MA16075	2005
Great Black-backed Gull	1ES	2010
Great Black-backed Gull	3JU	2015
Great Black-backed Gull	2AC	2009
Great Black-backed Gull	2AT	2009
Great Black-backed Gull	2CR	2009
Herring Gull	GC96341	2011
Herring Gull	OHV	2010

MA16075 - Metal on upside down for the extra challenge!

GC86341.  My 3rd time in reading this metal, always at Howth Harbour,

Great Black-backed Gull 2CR.  

June 1st - Dalkey Island 

Dalkey Island is only 0.5km off the coast of Dublin.  A five minute boat trip is all it is.  However, I had never gone there before.  I was looking for Coloured ringed gulls and to ascertain at what stage the nesting is.

Only one coloured ringed Gull observed.  A Great Black-backed Gull ringed as a chick in 2013 on Irelands Eye which is 15km away.  This is only the 2nd sighting on the database.  The other is also my observation in 2014 at Bray Harbour, 7Km further south.  

The Martello Tower dominates the highest point of the Island

The gull nests that I could see from the paths were mainly still eggs or young chicks.  There are 3 pairs of Terns nesting on the main Island and they are quite protective of their nests.  I watched as they attached Great Black-backed Gulls that came too near.  Surprised to see so many Lesser Black-backed Gulls nesting on the Island

On the way home I stopped in Bullock Harbour.  GBBGU 2LH was present.  As was one of our Urban Gulls from last year, 217:D.  I see so few of our red rings.  I had a report from Northern Spain, complete with photo of a Dublin GBBGU during the week.  That demonstrates the maximum dispersal distance for the species at over 1,000 Km.

From the Dublin Urban Gull Project.  217:D

Great Black-backed Gull 2LH.  Ringed 2009.

May 2019 - Irelands Eye

May 24th
A few hours on Irelands' Eye just to see what the birds are up to.  I started at the Martello Tower and did a walk anticlockwise and up to the top.  Backdown via the ruin and back along the beach.
Irelands Eye is just off Dublin and the Ferry is €15 return.  You can get incredibly close to the seabirds.  It is best to stick to the paths provided.  Start birdwatching on the ferry as you land!

Razorbill

Lucky enough to see a Puffin today.  Camera on full zoom.

Guillemot

My personal favorite - a Bridled Guillemot.  Same species as above but with glasses!

 An impressive list for a couple of hours walking. The list excludes blackbirds, Meadow Pippets, Stonechat and the other small birds

Gannet
Guillemot
Black Guillemot
Cormorant
Shag
Shelduck
Oystercatcher
Ringed Plover
Great Black-backed Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Herring Gull
Kittiwake

I was however not there for bird watching but to record what stage each was at in the breeding season.  The majority were still on eggs but the oystercatchers were hatched but still in the nest so very young.

I was also there to read some rings.  The Gulls start nesting at 4 , 5 or 6 years of age so none of our red rings are old enough to breed yet.  The old Blue rings are still in evidence and a couple of surprises!

2JT is completly new to me!  The code would suggest  2009 but I have never seen it before and I have never seen a report of it being seen!

Herring Gull 0EP was another I have never hear of or seen before.  The code suggests 2010.  It goes to show that the projects need to be over many years.  Here are birds turning up for the first time after 9 and 10 years!

May 2019 - Mute Swan Nesting Project

Swan Nesting Results 2019

The project boundaries are roughly 40km in all directions from Dublin City Centre.  As far west as Newbridge, Kilcoole in Wicklow and Skerries in North Dublin.  So far it is only 44 known nests this year!  Nests that have hatched is 29, but 2 of them there is no count as they moved on day 1 onto the river.

25th June

On May 13th the Tolka Valley male was being very aggressive towards last years offspring.  However, on the 14th the adults were gone.  This pair are early movers and have moved onto the Tolka River on the day of hatching!  Today Alan spotted a pair with 4 Cygnets on the Tolka River about 4Km down stream.  The male CAJV was identified.  Excellent, another outcome determined. 

19th June

St Stephens Green - Female still on nest - Male still missing.
Crossguns Bridge. I stopped a couple last night in the Lord Edwards pub who were discussing Cygnets and eggs left in the nest.  Apparently Crossguns Bridge has hatched - 2 Cygnets and 4 eggs abandoned.

16th June

Broadmeadows #2. CAXD + W27875 have appeared with 2 Cygnets

11th June

Waterville Park in Blachardstown is hatched - 4 Cygnets
Poppintree Park, Hatched 4 cygnets but female still on the nest.

8th June 

Millenium Bus. Park, Naas.  Driving past saw parents with 4 quite big cygnets

6th June

Knock Lake Hatched - 4 Cygnets - Thank you Jan
Broadmeadows - First Cygnets CBFK and 3 Cygnets

2nd June

Carton House, Maynooth - 3 Cygnets noted.  Thank you Anna

1st June

Broombridge Canal - Hatched 3 Cygnets recorded yesterday.  One parent is colour ringed CBDV so they are a new pair I think.  Thank you Rhona!

29th May

Bushy Park Hatching - Thanks Harry! 1 Cygnet so far.

27th May

Tymon North - Hatched - 6 Cygnets
Kilbogget Park now hatched - 3 Cygnets - Thank you Derek

Tymon Park Limekin Lakes 21/05/2019

As of 27/05/2019

Number of known Nesting Pairs = 34

Number of nests known to have hatched = 14
Number of Cygnets so far this year = 64
(Millenium Pk not added yet) Seemed to be back on nest 14/05/2019

Missing information!

Naas Canal: Nest appears hatched a K Gym but Swans and Cygnets moved on day one.  Looking for a family on the canal.  At least 1 adult colour ringed.

Tolka River: Nest hatched, but Swans and Cygnets probably on Tolka River as last year.  Last year they turned up in Griffith Valley Park!

Herbert Park: New pair.  Still haven't identified if it is a new pairing or the ones from the Dodder at the Aviva.  Rings to read!

25th May

Tymon North was hatching today - No cygnet count yet!

23rd May

Poppintree Park - Still on nest
Waterville Park - Still on nest

22nd May

Sean Walsh Park Stadium - Hatched yesterday but only 3 Cygnets!- Thanks you David

Leixlip - Another nest located. Thanks Jan

Herbert Park - New Pair, one definitely colour Ringed but not read- Thanks Alan

Blessington Basin - 3 new Cygnets observed yesterday - Thanks Joe

Tymon North - Still on Nest

Marley Park - Nesting attempt No. 2 Very late, we still hope.

21st May

Tymon Limekiln Hatched 6 Cygnets

20th May

Tymon Limekiln Hatched today.  Still on the nest I could only see 2 cygnets.

Ballycragh Park - Hatched today 6 Cygnets

Ballymount Park. 9 Days old!

15th May

Marley Park - Nest built but clearly no eggs yet.

14th May

Marley Park - Nest added to total

Tolka Valley Park - Hatched yesterday and gone.  They will be on the river near Glasnevin! As usual!

Peoples Garden, Phoenix Park 2 Cygnets hatched at 9am.

Peoples Garden, Phoenix Park. 7 Cygnets at 4pm. - (Thanks Julia)

13th May

Skerries confirmed as 7 Cygnets (Thank you Jan)

12th May

Ballycragh Park - Still on Nest
SWP Stadium - Still On Nest
Tolka Valley Park - Still on Nest

11th May

Ballymount Park - Hatched 6 Cygnets
Corkagh Park - Hatched - 7 Cygnets

Sad news.  Pen on nest on Canal at Lucan.  Now dead.
CAXA - Killed by car at Harolds Cross

10th May 2019

Lakelands Newbridge are hatched, it looks like 4 cygnets
Skerries Mill, 2 Hatched so far today.  Expecting more!
Millenium Business Park Naas.  Swans off the nest this morning.  Maybe hatched?
Tymon Limekiln - Still on the nest

8th May 2019

Parkwest Liffey Filters - Hatched with 9 cygnets.

7th May 2019

Waterville Park, Blanchardstown, still on nest
Poppintree Park, still on nest

4th May 2019

Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Sean Walsh Park,  CAAH and CBSB have 6 Cygnets

3rd May

Fr Collins Park has hatched.  Thanks to social media they actually hatched on Sunday 26th of April.  5 Cygnets.

Maynooth Harbour has Hatched. 5 Cygnets.  Again thanks to social media, first seen on May 1st

1st May

The first Cygnets of the year goes again to Naas Ponds.  7 Cygnets hatched in the Pond on the town side and have been moved, by the parents, to the middle lake.

It is another new pairing.  The female is from the pairing known at the "Fairgreen Pair", the Male is from the "Town Pond Pair".  I have no idea what happened to their origional partners.

Thank you Caroline for the report

February 2019

Still having Broadband issues so way behind on blog, apologies

24th February

Still a few Mediterranean Gulls about.  Recorded 2 at Sandycove.  PRN6 which is Polish.  Judging by previous departure dates, I expect it too will be gone by next week!

Ploish Mediterranean Gull, PRN6

23rd February - Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

I was hoping to add readings of Greenland white fronted geese from the wexford wildlife reserve, but although I saw 1,000's of them, any with neck collars were 3 fields away and with the slight mist they were just out of range

Greenland White-fronted Goose with neck collar

There were about 100 in range but none with neck collars - maybe next year!

The same the next day, so I spent a few hours watching and reading Brent Geese.  The Snow Goose hanging around the centre had a Slimbridge metal!  

Got very close to lots of Greylag, but many are feral and only semi-wild.  No rings recorded

22nd February

From my Hotel bedroom in Wexford, there is a manmade Island in view 200m away.  I was scanning the Gulls on this with my binoculars when I thought one might have a Red Ring! Not the best photo but 401:D.  It was in Howth 2 weeks ago 120Km north of here.  I had to go onto the Balcony to get this shot!

16th February

Now is the time of trying to get leaving dates for the Black-headed Gulls.  Numbers are dropping as adults are leaving.  2ACA has been present every day, but so far no sightings after the 16th.  has it left?

16th February

Passing Tallaght Community School, there was a Yellow ringed Black-headed Gull. This I assumed was the long awaited return of 217G, from Lough Mask.  First recored in TCS in 2012 and at the same location in  subsequent Winter, but usually only a couple of times until Sept 2015 and then nothing.  I stopped the car and out with the camera only to find it is a new ring!  Yellow [T7TT] is from Poland.  As I haven't  recorded it before, I assume it was ringed in 2018, but I will have the details in 2 days and update!

At my sons football match this morning I noted a Herring Gull on an Electricity Pole in Ballycragh Park.  One of our Club Project Gulls!  683:D is an Urban Gull and this was a first sighting since ringed!  Excellent!

14th February

At lunch time today, as well as the usual coloured ringed Gulls, the Black-headed Gull 2A88.  Ringed in Essex, UK this is my 4th sighting this winter. 

12th  February

NUT IS BACK!

Today at Sean Walsh Park at the Stadium I observed Black-headed Gull White NUT from Denmark.  This Gull is getting on.  Ringed as an adult in 2005 it is in at least it's 17th calendar year!  I first observed it in this park in 2012 when I started ring reading.

Only the usual suspects around at Sean Walsh Park, 27H0, 2ACA and the Swedish Juvenile who is always at my feet.  For me it has been a pleasure to watch its moult progression.

9th February

At Dublin Zoo again this morning with my boys.  The Zoo is actively discouraging the Herons which used to congregate around the food courts and Penguin enclosure.  I saw only 3 and only one with a coloured ring, K07 and it seems to have recently injured it's foot.

I read all the Ibis rings and some Flamingo rings....why, because they were there!

3rd February

Howth on a Sunday would normally be quiet, but I forgot my Swan ringing kit, so after I collected Tonya we went there to try our luck.  Not much about till we were just about to head.  A Trawler removed it's nets for repair and suddenly we had Gulls!

Only a few coloured so we concentrated on metal only rings  This one was interesting.  When I input the metal as a Herring Gull it said ringed in 1996, but challenged me on species?  GA01076 is a Herrring Gull ring size, I await the report with intrigue!  The 2nd 0 looked like an 8 in one of the photos!

Herring Gull GA01076

The other metal of interest was a Great Black-backed Gull with an Oscar Merne ring series.  Never took a photo of the whole bird before it flew off!

Great Black Backed Gull MA01505 - Ringed 2002

Herring Gull from Irelands Eye.  Only 3rd Sighting and all in last 3 months

Herring Gull 0LT - Only ever recorded at Howth.

Tonya had my camera for much of the morning so surprised by all the non Gull photos.  Nice Starling

2nd February

At Bray Harbour there was plenty of Gulls to scan but few with Coloured rings. The best was a Colour Ringed Mediterranean Gull.  White 3AAA is no stranger to Bray.  This individual from Denmark ringed in 2013 has been reported a dozen times at this location over the years.

Mediterranean Gull White 3AAA

The only Red ring was 791:D which seems to be a permanent fixture at this location.

791:D.  Ringed 2018 Irelands Eye