Recent reports

See guidance on what to report (not necessarily all for online publication here).

Thanks to all observers and photo-contributors, and to the organisers of the WhatsApp groups covering birds and other wildlife in Co Waterford, for their help.

APRIL 2025

*Note: Running totals of ‘new’ / presumed new Hoopoes this spring below (conservative 34 new birds by 11 April) are provisional & subject to revision.

Weds 16 Apr:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 SPOONBILLS again, off Lisselan seawall.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: OSPREY still present.

Tues 15 Apr:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Ringing: 5 birds including 1 Blackcap.
CLONEA BAY: Whitethroat at Ballinard (1st Co Waterford report of the spring), Common Sandpiper & 6 Blackcaps at Ballyvoyle.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: OSPREY.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming & Crossbills.

Mon 14 Apr:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: Water Rail calling in Woodstown Bog, 4 Whimbrel, 57 Sandwich Terns & 295 Brent Geese at/off Woodstown Beach.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 150+ Manx Shearwaters feeding/rafting close inshore.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 SPOONBILLS - flew from sluice at Lisselan seawall & landed at the new wetland in Kilmacleague, 1 Greylag Goose at Lisselan & a few Whimbrel on Backstrand.
CLONEA: White Wagtail & 15 Whimbrel at Ballinclamper.
N of LISMORE: Barn Owl.

Sun 13 Apr:
WATERFORD CITY: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dunmore Road area.
DUNMORE EAST: Great Spotted Woodpecker in DE woods, 9 Purple Sandpipers with 85 Turnstone at breakwater / pier.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Great Spotted Woodpecker calling & hybrid Teal x Mallard.

Sat 12 Apr:
RATHMOYLAN to PORTALLY: c.200 Manx Shearwaters rafting offshore.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Grasshopper Warbler, 5 Blackcaps, 8 Willow Warblers, 11 Chiffchaffs & 7 Wheatears.

Fri 11 Apr:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Ring Ouzel near top of main lane.
CARRIGAVANTRY: Common Sandpiper.
FENOR BOG: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
CARRIGLEA [broader location unclear]: HOOPOE (#34).
DUNGARVAN: PURPLE HERON flyover.

Thurs 10 Apr:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Mediterranean Gull at Lisselan.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male RING-NECKED DUCK, female Scaup, 18 Tufted Duck, 6 Coot & a Common Sandpiper.
DUNGARVAN: CATTLE EGRET, Killongford.
DRUM HILLS: Merlin.
N of LISMORE: Cuckoo calling.

Weds 9 Apr: DUNGARVAN: CATTLE EGRET, Killongford.

Tues 8 Apr:
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION: 2 singing IBERIAN CHIFFCHAFFS at an undisclosed site on private property - 3rd Co Waterford record (3rd-4th individuals).
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 SPOONBILLS again at Cheekpoint.
Near CLOHERNAGH: HOOPOE (#33) at turn-off to Waterford airport.
TRAMORE: HOOPOE (#32) at Newtown Hill, Tramore town.
DUNGARVAN: CATTLE EGRET, Killongford, in field near the N25 turn-off for Helvick Head.

Mon 7 Apr:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Whinchat near top of main lane, HOOPOE at base of head just past Saleen cross.
CLONEA BAY: Spotted Flycatcher (1st report of spring) at Balyvoyle, White Wagtail at Ballinclamper.
HELVICK HEAD: NIGHTINGALE still present, also a Common Sandpiper.
ARDMORE: HOOPOE.

Sun 6 Apr:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: HOOPOE, 3 Black Redstarts, Merlin & 15+ Wheatears. Ringing: 7 birds ringed including 2 Chiffchaffs & 1 Blackcap.
HELVICK HEAD: NIGHTINGALE still present.
ARDMORE: NIGHTINGALE here also still present, & 2 HOOPOES.

Sat 5 Apr:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male Redstart, 3 female/immature Black Redstarts, 2 HOOPOES (main lane area & Rinneshark), Grasshopper Warbler, Merlin, White Wagtail & 15 Wheatears. Ringing: 41 birds ringed including 23 Willow Warblers, 4 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcaps & 6 Goldfinches.
Near CLOHERNAGH: HOOPOE (#31).
CARRIGAVANTRY: Common Sandpiper.
HELVICK HEAD: NIGHTINGALE.
ARDMORE: 3 HOOPOES, Brambling, 3 Black Redstarts & 2 White Wagtails.
FERRY POINT: Female/immature Black Redstart.

Fri 4 Apr:
Near WOODSTOWN: HOOPOE near Ballyglan (#30).
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Male Redstart, 2 HOOPOES (possibly new birds), 7 Black Redstarts, Grasshopper Warbler, Redwing, Merlin & a noticeable arrival of Robins.
KILL: HOOPOE at outskirts of village.
DUNGARVAN: CATTLE EGRET.
WEST WATERFORD: Hen Harrier.
ARDMORE: NIGHTINGALE again near W end of cliff walk, HOOPOE, male Brambling & 2 Black Redstarts near Coastguard station.

Thurs 3 Apr:
DUNMORE EAST: Common Tern (first county report of spring), 2 Purple Sandpipers & a White Wagtail.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: HOOPOE, 4 female/immature Black Redstarts & a Redwing.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Greylag Goose & 2 pairs of Tufted Duck at Lisselan.
DUNGARVAN: Female/immature Black Redstart at Knockanpower Lower, Ring.
HELVICK HEAD: NIGHTINGALE still present, also 2 female/immature Black Redstarts.
ARDMORE: NIGHTINGALE at W end of cliff walk (3rd ever county record), 4 HOOPOES (#26-29) at top road.

Weds 2 Apr:
WATERFORD CITY: Cuckoo calling at Ballygunnermore.
RATHMOYLAN: Female/immature Black Redstart.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 HOOPOE, Merlin, 3 Black Redstarts, a Redwing, & obvious arrival of Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps (c.12) & Wheatears (6-7). Ringing: 9 birds ringed including 4 Chiffchaffs & 1 Willow Warbler.
RING: HOOPOE at Ringville (likely new arrival #25).
HELVICK HEAD: NIGHTINGALE (2nd Co Waterford record), HOOPOE, female/immature Common Redstart & 2 Black Redstarts (1 male).
CROBALLY: HOOPOE (#24).

Tues 1 Apr:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 HOOPOES (new arrivals #22-23). Ringing: 4 birds ringed including 2 Blackcaps.
WATERFORD CITY: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ballinakill Woods.
CLONEA BAY: 8 Manx Shearwaters off Ballinard.
COMERAGH MOUNTAINS: Red Grouse.
HELVICK HEAD: HOOPOE (presumed new arrival #21 but first seen an unspecified few days earlier).
BALLYMACART: HOOPOE (#29).

MARCH 2025

*Note: Running totals of ‘new’ / presumed new Hoopoes this spring below (up to #19 by 31 March) are provisional & subject to revision.

Mon 31 Mar:
CLONEA BAY: Ruff at Ballinclamper.
HELVICK HEAD: Ring Ouzel.

Sun 30 Mar:
SUIR VALLEY: HOOPOE (#19) & 2 CATTLE EGRETS near Portlaw (egrets presumed same individuals as on 29 March).
HELVICK: Ring Ouzel, male Black Redstart & HOOPOE.
CLONEA BAY: Swallow.

Sat 29 Mar:
BALLINLOUGH: Whooper Swan & 27 Sand Martins.
HELVICK HEAD: Ring Ouzel.

Fri 28 Mar:
DUNMORE EAST: White Wagtail & 2 Purple Sandpipers.
ANNE VALLEY: HOOPOE (possibly same bird as reported from Dunhill 24/3).
BUNMAHON: HOOPOE (#18) at Ballinasisla.
HELVICK HEAD: Male WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT & male Ring Ouzel still present.
DRUM HILLS: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Monaneea Lake.

Thurs 27 Mar:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 HOOPOES & a Willow Warbler
HELVICK HEAD: Male WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT (new bird & site) on rocky shoreline below carpark near pier, HOOPOE & male Ring Ouzel.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Green Sandpiper just downriver from Cappoquin.

Weds 26 Mar:
Near BALLYMACAW: HOOPOE (#17*).
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 male WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT (along ditch S of ruin E side halfway down main lane) & a HOOPOE.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Lisselan.
WATERFORD CITY: 2 Swallows, south ring road.
HELVICK HEAD: HOOPOE (possibly 2?) & male Ring Ouzel.

Tues 25 Mar:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 1 male WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT (at stream), a HOOPOE & 3 Wheatears, 4 Blackcaps, a Sand Martin & a Yellowhammer.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND / CORBALLY: 1 HOOPOE at Saleen, 3 CATTLE EGRETS just S of Corbally church.
BUNMAHON: High count of 76 Red-throated Divers.
HELVICK HEAD: Tree Sparrow, 3 Black Redstarts (including a new male) & a Blackcap.
DRUM HILLS: HOOPOE, Mountstuart (possibly same as report from Knockatoor 21/3).
ARDMORE: HAWFINCH accidentally trapped in a fruit cage.

Mon 24 Mar:
RATHMOYLAN to PORTALLY: 4 HOOPOES (3 on road, 1 flying) (#13-16).
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 male WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROATS & a male BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL
still present, also a Black Redstart, House Martin & 3 Wheatears.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND / CORBALLY: 2 HOOPOES (#11-12), Saleen.
SUIR VALLEY: Willow Warblers along greenway.
DUNHILL: HOOPOE (#10).
CLONEA BAY: Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs & 2 male Blackcaps at Ballyvoyle.
HELVICK HEAD: HOOPOE at cove, Merlin, Cuckoo (1st county report of spring) & 5 Black Redstarts (3 male, 2 female-type).
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crossbills & Treecreeper.

Sun 23 Mar:
DUNMORE EAST: 4 White Wagtails at harbour.
PORTALLY COVE: Willow Warbler & 5 Chiffchaffs.
BALLYMACAW: 2 Wheatears.
RATHMOYLAN: Whimbrel & Black Redstart.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 male WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROATS, male ’BLUE-HEADED’ (YELLOW) WAGTAIL, TREE PIPIT, Ring Ouzel, Black Redstart & Merlin.
HELVICK HEAD: HOOPOE (#9).
HELVICK to MINE HEAD: Another HOOPOE (#8) in a garden along coast road.

Sat 22 Mar:
DUNMORE EAST: White Wagtail at harbour.
PORTALLY COVE: Willow Warbler & 6 Chiffchaffs.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 male ’WHITE-SPOTTED’ BLUETHROATS (4th county record of Bluethroat, 4th & 5th individuals), 2 HOOPOES again present (presumed same as yesterday's individuals but further south); also a White Wagtail, Merlin, 100+ mixed Willow Warblers & Chiffchaffs, 9 Blackcaps, 5 Swallows, 11 Sand Martins, House Martin & 5 Wheatears.
CORBALLY: Ring Ouzel at Corbally/Saleen junction, 2 CATTLE EGRETS flying inland at Corbally Beg.
COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier.
CLONEA BAY: 2 Wheatears at Ballinard, Willow Warbler at Ballynacourty lighthouse, Swallow & 25 Great Northern Divers.
DUNGARVAN: Turtle Dove in flight over Barnawee Bridge, heading towards Seapark, Abbeyside.
Near ARDMORE: Another HOOPOE (at least 7th in county in last 2 days!), along Goat Island road.

Fri 21 Mar:
Total 6 HOOPOES at 5 locations today!
RATHMOYLAN COVE: Whimbrel.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 HOOPOES at Rinneshark lane, 14 Chiffchaffs, male Black Redstart, White Wagtail, Wheatear, male Blackcap & 16 Chiffchaffs.
BALLYSCANLON: 2 Mediterranean Gulls.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: HOOPOE.
Near ARDMORE: HOOPOE just off N25, along road to Ardmore.
DRUM HILLS: HOOPOE at Knockatoor, NE of Clashmore; Crossbills over Mountstuart.
KINSALEBEG: HOOPOE between Newtown & Ferry Point.
N of LISMORE: 2 Barn Owls

Thurs 20 Mar:
WATERFORD CITY: Long-eared Owl near south ring-road.
SUIR VALLEY: 2 CATTLE EGRETS in field adjacent to Clodiagh River downstream of Portlaw.
CLONEA BAY: 2 Willow Warblers at Ballyvoyle (joint 1st of spring for Co Waterford), also 8 Chiffchaffs there; Wheatear at Ballinard.
CLONEA/DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart at Ballynacourty.
DUNGARVAN: Willow Warbler at Kilmurray (joint 1st of spring).

Weds 19 Mar:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 2 Canada Geese (1st site record), Merlin, 7 Sandwich Terns & 6 Chiffchaffs.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male RING-NECKED DUCK, Scaup, 4 Coot & 7 Sand Martins.
DUNGARVAN: Freshly-excavated nest-hole of Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Tues 18 Mar:
WEST WATERFORD: Woodcock.
HELVICK HEAD: 3 Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 16:15-17:00).
ARDMORE: Black Redstart at Dysert.

Mon 17 Mar:
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker & Jays.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper.

Sun 16 Mar:
WATERFORD HARBOUR (Co Wexford shore): SPOONBILL near Campile river opposite Cheekpoint.
SHIELBAGGAN (inland from Dunmore East / Rathmoylan): 6 CATTLE EGRETS, presumed to include the 5 previously seen near Ballymacaw & Rathmoylan this spring/winter.

Sat 15 Mar:
WATERFORD CITY: Long-eared Owl near south ring-road.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Adult dark-bellied Brent Goose at Saleen.
ANNESTOWN: Female Wheatear & 83 Brent Geese (just 1 1st-winter).
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: RING-NECKED DUCK &Coot.
DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl at Kilmurray.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Chiffchaff at Raheen Quay.

Thurs 13 Mar:
DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker & 5 Chiffchaffs, Brickey canal.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Pink-footed Goose & White-fronted Goose.
N of LISMORE: Barn Owl.

Tues 12 Mar:
WATERFORD CITY: Chiffchaff & c.20 Goldcrests at Kilbarry Bog.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 3 male Blackcaps, 2 Chiffchaffs, 100+ Meadow Pipits & 60+ Skylark.
CLONEA BAY: Female Wheatear at Ballinard, 30 Rock Pipits including 3+ good candidates for littoralis (‘Scandinavian’ Rock Pipit) at Ballinclamper.

Tues 11 Mar:
WATERFORD CITY: Long-eared Owl near south city ringroad.
WEST WATERFORD: Woodcock.

Mon 10 Mar:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Tufted Duck pair, 3 Pintail, 2 Greylag Geese & 2 Gadwall at Lisselan.
GLENDALLIGAN: 2 Jays.
DUNGARVAN: Swallow over Barnawee, 2 Slavonian Grebes S of greenway at Abbeyside.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Blackcap.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpeckers & Crossbills.

Sun 9 Mar:
RATHMOYLAN: 5 CATTLE EGRETS.
SUIR VALLEY: Jays at Carriganore.
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker & Jays.
CLONEA BAY: 24 Great Northern Divers, 25 Sanderling & a Sandwich Tern.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Slavonian Grebes off Barnawee, Sandwich Tern off Gold Coast; 2 Whimbrel at Ballynagaul / Knockanpower; Kingfisher at Brickey canal.
HELVICK HEAD: Male Wheatear - first of the spring for Co Waterford.
DRUM HILLS: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, 3 Crossbills & Treecreeper.
N of LISMORE: Barn Owl.

Sat 8 Mar:
BALLINAMEELA: 20 Whooper Swans by the Finisk River.

Fri 7 Mar:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pintailat Lisselan.
DUNGARVAN: 40-50 Stock Doves, Western Bay.
BRIDE/BLACKWATER: Green Sandpiper & Brambling, Tallow; Treecreeper at the Towers, W of Lismore.

Thurs 6 Mar:
RATHMOYLAN COVE: Black Redstart & adult Iceland Gull.
CLONEA BAY: 2 Sandwich Terns at Ballinard.
BRIDE VALLEY: Brambling, Tallow.

Weds 5 Mar:
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart.
BRIDE VALLEY: Brambling, Tallow.

Tues 4 Mar:
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 23 Fieldfare arrived from SE over the sea & landed E side of main lane; also a Merlin.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Crossbills & Jay.
Mon 3 Mar:
WATERFORD CITY: 2 Chiffchaffs singing, Dunmore Road area.
CLONEA BAY: Purple Sandpiper.
DUNGARVAN: 3 Kingfishers, Crossbill, Jay & 2 Chiffchaffs along Brickey canal; 100+ Stock Doves in field at Western Bay.
WEST WATERFORD: Woodcock.
BRIDE VALLEY: Brambling, Tallow.

Sun 2 Mar:
UNSPECIFIED LOCATIONS: Single Red Kites at 2 separate locations.
DUNGARVAN: c.60 Stock Doves & 2 male Shoveler, Western Bay.
DRUM HILLS: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming near Ballycurrane.
WHITING BAY: Merlin.
BRIDE VALLEY: Brambling, Tallow.
N of LISMORE: Crossbills.

Sat 1 Mar:
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Barn Owl.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Pink-footed Goose, White-fronted Goose & Greylag Goose.

FEBRUARY 2025

Fri 28 Feb:
WATERFORD CITY: 2 Chiffchaffs & 2 female Blackcaps, St John's River Walk.
GLENDALLIGAN: Jays.

Thurs 27 Feb:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 3 RING-NECKED DUCKS (female & 2 males), female Scaup, 24 Tufted Ducks & 1 Coot.
SUIR VALLEY: 56 Whooper Swans & 8 Greylag Geese at Derrigal.
N of LISMORE: Treecreeper.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallow Bridge & Brambling, Tallow.
WEST WATERFORD: Male Hen Harrier.

Weds 26 Feb:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Tufted Ducks at Lisselan, 11 Pintail & 69 Grey Plover.
ANNE VALLEY: Water Rail near Dunhill.
BALLINLOUGH: Chiffchaff, Coot & 2 Whooper Swans.
DUNGARVAN: c.20 Stock Doves near Western Bay.

Tues 25 Feb:
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart.
OLD TRAMOPRE ROAD: Long-eared Owl, Ballindud.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Merlin.
STRADBALLY: Barn Owl.
DUNGARVAN: 7 Shoveler.
Near ARDMORE: Barn Owl, Ballyquin.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.

Mon 24 Feb:
TRAMORE: Mediterranean Gull .
CLONEA BAY: Common Sandpiper at Ballyvoyle.
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Brambling & Blackcap.
DUNGARVAN: An early House Martin heading upriver over Ballyneety Bridge; Jack Snipe in flooded field & 2 Slavonian Grebes off White Strand, Abbeyside.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE still at Monaneea Lake.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper, Tallowbridge.
WEST WATERFORD: Woodcock.

Sun 23 Feb:
DUNGARVAN: Early Swallow & Sand Martin over Dungarvan town.

Sat 22 Feb:
DUNGARVAN: 4 Jack Snipe & 2 Chiffchaffs on the Cunnigar.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE still present at Monaneea Lake.
WEST WATERFORD: Woodcock.

Fri 21 Feb:
DUNMORE EAST: 2 Purple Sandpipers .
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Pintail & 22 Greylag Geese at Lisselan.
CLONEA BAY: Purple Sandpiper at Ballinclamper.
DUNGARVAN: 30+ Stock Doves near Western Bay, 4+ Chiffchaffs beside Nissan stream.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Barn Owl, Blackcap & Treecreeper.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Pink-footed Goose, White-fronted Goose & Greylag Goose at Bewley.
WEST WATERFORD: Merlin.

Thurs 20 Feb:
ANNE VALLEY: Kingfisher.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE at Monaneea Lake.
DUNGARVAN: 4+ Chiffchaffs beside Nissan stream.

Weds 19 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 SPOONBILLS again at Cheekpoint.
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart & 2 Purple Sandpipers.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE at Monaneea Lake.
BRIDE VALLEY: Brambling still present at Tallow.
N of LISMORE: Jay & Crossbills.
WEST WATERFORD: Male Hen Harrier.

Tues 18 Feb:
ANNE VALLEY: Chiffchaff(s).
KILMURRIN: Barn Owl.
BRIDE VALLEY: Brambling at Tallow.

Mon 17 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 SPOONBILLS at Cheekpoint.
GLENDALLIGAN: Blackcap & male Brambling.

Sun 16 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 SPOONBILLS W of Cheekpoint pier.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 drake RING-NECKED DUCKS, 26 Tufted Ducks, 39 Wigeon & 4 Coot.
GLENDALLIGAN: Male Brambling .
DUNGARVAN: Male Common Scoter in outer bay between Helvick pier & Ballynacourty lighthouse.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE & 3 Whooper Swans at Monaneea Lake, Great Spotted Woodpecker & 5 Crossbills at Mountstuart.

Sat 15 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 SPOONBILLS on Co Kilkenny side, NE of Cheekpoint pier at Suir/Barrow confluence.
CLONEA BAY: Whimbrel at Ballinclamper.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE at Monaneea Lake.

Fri 14 Feb:
TRAMORE: 2 Black Redstarts at W end of strand.
DUNGARVAN: Unseasonal Swallow again in Dungarvan town, Slavonian Grebe in outer bay.
HELVICK: Black Redstart at cove.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Blackcap & Treecreeper.
DRUM HILLS: RED-NECKED GREBE at Monaneea Lake.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Adult Little Gull at Newport East, Common Sandpiper.

Thurs 13 Feb:
N of LISMORE: Jay.

Wed 12 Feb:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 7 Greylag Geese & 18 Pintail at Lisselan.
DRUM HILLS: 1st-winter RED-NECKED GREBE on Monaneea Lake - considered to be the same individual as at Dungarvan 2-3 Feb.
GLENDALLIGAN: Blackcap.

Tues 11 Feb:
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart.
WATERFORD CITY: Chiffchaff at ring road (Couse Bridge to Tramore roundabout).
TRAMORE ROAD: 2 Jays.
TRAMORE: Tufted Duck at boating lake.
ANNE VALLEY: Siberian Chiffchaff.
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Blackcap.

Mon 10 Feb:
DUNMORE EAST: Female/immature Black Redstart.
RATHMOYLAN: 4 CATTLE EGRETS again N of Rathmoylan, female/immature Black Redstart at cove.
CASTLETOWN: Long-eared Owl at Castletown Woods estate.
DRUM HILLS: Woodcock, Ballycurrane.
N of LISMORE: Jay.

Sun 9 Feb:
RATHMOYLAN: 2 CATTLE EGRETS N of Rathmoylan, Black Redstart at cove.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 30+ Pintail.
SUIR VALLEY: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Knockhouse.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male RING-NECKED DUCK.
DUNGARVAN: 7 Shoveler in Western Bay, Great Spotted Woodpecker along Brickey canal.
N of LISMORE: Crossbills.

Sat 8 Feb:
RATHMOYLAN: 4 CATTLE EGRETS c.500 m N of Rathoylan junction (presumed same as birds N of Ballymacaw Nov 2024 to Jan 2025), Black Redstart at cove.
DUNGARVAN: An unseasonal Swallow, Dungarvan town; Slavonian Grebe off Gold Coast, 56+ Great Crested Grebes around bay, 6 Pintail & 7 Shoveler in Western Bay, Jack Snipe on the Cunnigar, Chiffchaff near Cunnigar car-park, 370 Knot at Killongford estuary.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Treecreeper.

Fri 7 Feb:
BRIDE VALLEY: Blackcap, Tallow.
N of LISMORE: Jay.

Thurs 6 Feb:
TRAMORE: Female/immature Black Redstart at W end of beach.
ANNE VALLEY: 3 Chiffchaffs.
Near COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallow Bridge.

Weds 5 Feb:
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart.
TRAMORE: 13 Gadwall at boating lake, 68 Sanderling on beach, 14 Red-throated Divers in Tramore Bay.
SUIR VALLEY: Barn Owl near Carriganore.
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker & Jay.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Slavonian Grebes off Gold Coast Hotel car-park, Great Spotted Woodpecker at Kilmurry.
DRUM HILLS: Barn Owl, Mount Stuart.
WHITING BAY: Male Black Redstart & 35+ Ringed Plover at Whiting Bay.
BLACKWATER/BRIDE VALLEY: Kingfisher at Newport; Green Sandpiper at Tallow Bridge, 2 Dippers at Tallow New Line bridge; Pink-footed Goose, White-fronted Goose & Greylag Goose at Bewley.

Tues 4 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 1st-winter SPOONBILL at Cheekpoint.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 17 Greylag Geese at Lisselan.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, Scaup & Coot.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Chiffchaffs beside Nissan stream.

Mon 3 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 SPOONBILLS again at Cheekpoint.
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart.
DUNGARVAN: 2nd-calendar-year (1st-winter) RED-NECKED GREBE still present, Abbeyside; Black Redstart in St Mary's graveyard.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Sun 2 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 1st-winter SPOONBILLS, Cheekpoint.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Jack Snipe at Kilmacleague saltmarsh.
ANNE VALLEY: Siberian Chiffchaff & 8 Common Chiffchaffs (1 ringed bird).
DUNGARVAN: RED-NECKED GREBE close inshore off Abbeyside.

Sat 1 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 2 2nd-calendar-year (1st-winter) SPOONBILLS at Cheekpoint, presumed same birds as seen around Suir/Barrow confluence on 15 Jan (& earlier 1 at Cheekpoint on 12 or 13 Jan) & 2 above Barrow Bridge, On Co Wexford shore, on 23 Jan.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Adult Little Gull & adult Yellow-legged Gull, western Backstrand opposite McCarthy's.

JANUARY 2025

Fri 31 Jan:
Near WATERFORD CITY: Barn Owl, Couse Bridge.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 16 Pintail at Lisselan.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Slavonian Grebes off Ballynacourty pier.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Barn Owl, Blackcap & Treecreeper.
BLACKWATER VALLEY & CALLOWS: Dipper daily at Clashmore this week, Pink-footed Goose,White-fronted Goose & Greylag Goose at Bewley, SE of Cappoquin; 4 Pink-footed Geese & 4 Shoveler, Blackwater callows; Jack Snipe & 2 Crossbills at Knaukaunroe, near Ballyduff Upper.
WEST WATERFORD: Red Grouse.

Thurs 30 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Kingfisher & Whimbrel at Kilmacleague, Jack Snipe at Kilmacleague, 17 Greylag Geese & 2 Shoveler at Lisselan, 51 Pintail Kilmacleague to spits, 15 Gadwall & male Tufted Duck on boating lake.
ANNESTOWN / ANNE VALLEY: Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siberian Chiffchaff, 4+ Common Chiffchaffs.
CLONEA BAY: Purple Sandpiper at Ballinclamper.
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker & Jay daily this week.
DUNGARVAN: Shoveler pair & 30+ Stock Doves, Western Bay.
N of LISMORE: Treecreeper.

Weds 29 Jan:
SUIR / WATERFORD CITY: Common Sandpiper west of Little Island.
RATHMOYLAN: Female/immature Black Redstart.
DUNGARVAN: Chiffchaff behind Nissan garage.
BLACKWATER/BRIDE: 4 Pink-footed Geese & 51 Whooper Swans on Blackwater callows east of Ballyduff, Jay at Templemichael, 2 Green Sandpipers at Tallow Bridge.

Tues 28 Jan:
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Blackcap & Treecreeper.
DRUM HILLS: Crossbills at Mount Stuart.
ARDMORE: Merlin, Goat Island road.

Mon 27 Jan:
GLENDALLIGAN: Blackcap.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper at Villierstown Quay.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Sun 26 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Male Goldeneye at Lisselan.
ANNE VALLEY: 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs & up to 8 Common Chiffchaffs.
BRIDE VALLEY: Barn Owl near Tallow
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeder again.

Sat 25 Jan:
CLONEA BAY: 2 Purple Sandpipers & high counts of 30+ Great Nothern Divers & 25+ Red-throated Divers from Ballinclamper.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Slavonian Grebes.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker on feeder.

Fri 24 Jan:
TRAMORE: Adult Mediterranean Gull at boating lake.
KILMACTHOMAS: 1st-winter male Black Redstart ('paradoxicus' type, with adult-type plumage) near Flahavan's.
DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart & 2 Goldeneye.

Thurs 23 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Female Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall & 17 Greylag on Lisselan ponds/fields, 40+ Pintail on Lisselan foreshore.
CLONEA BAY: 2 Purple Sandpipers at Ballinclamper.
HELVICK HEAD: 1 Manx Shearwater (seawatch 13:00-14:00).
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper & c.2000 Golden Plover at Newport East; White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose & Whooper Swans at Bewley, SE of Cappoquin.
WEST WATERFORD: 7 Woodcock.

Weds 22 Jan:
TRAMORE: Male AMERICAN WIGEON (2nd Co Waterford record), 17 Greylag Geese, 6 Shoveler & 4 Gadwall at Lisselan, 29 Pintail off Lisselan seawall, 16 Gadwall & a male Tufted Duck on boating lake.
ANNE VALLEY: 2 Siberian Chiffchaffs & 3 Common Chiffchaffs.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: RING-NECKED DUCK, Scaup (possibly 2) & 2 Coot.

Tues 21 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: 60+ Stock Doves & male Pintail at Western Bay, Kingfisher & 2 Green Sandpipers at Brickey canal.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper at Newport, Great Spotted Woodpecker.
BLACKWATER CALLOWS: Green Sandpiper at pool near Lismore.

Sun 19 Jan:
ANNE VALLEY: Siberian Chiffchaff.
BRIDE VALEY: Crossbill, Tallow.

Sat 18 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: 2 male Pintail opposite Nissan garage.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallow Bridge.
BLACKWATER VALLEY/CALLOWS: Pink-footed Goose & White-fronted Goose at Bewley SE of Cappoquin, 7 White-fronted Geese along Callows, Common Sandpiper & Jays.

Fri 17 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 17 Greylag Geese at Kilmacleague.
N of LISMORE: Crossbills & Great Spotted Woodpecker

Thurs 16 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: Now 2 Slavonian Grebes in bay, from Ballynacourty towards Abbeyside.

Weds 15 Jan:
TRAMORE : Merlin, 18 Pintail & 10 Shoveler at Lisselan, male Tufted Duck & 10 Gadwall at boating lake.
SUIR VALLEY: Green Sandpiper along River Clodiagh below Portlaw.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Great Spotted Woodpecker & 6 Coot.
CLONEA BAY: Whimbrel & Purple Sandpiper at Ballinclamper.

Tues 14 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: 2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Ballyneety, Blackcap, Chiffchaff & c.15 Reed Buntings at Kilmurry.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Barn Owl near Affane Cross.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 17 Greylag Geese, 7 Pintail & a Kingfisher at Lisselan, Jack Snipe on saltmarsh between Lisselan & Kilmacleague.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: RING-NECKED DUCK & Scaup
DUNGARVAN: 1st-winter male Goldeneye at Barnawee, Chiffchaff & 2 Water Rails behind Nissan garage.
BLACKWATER/BRIDE: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tallow & Jays, Lismore.

Mon 13 or Sun 12 Jan:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: SPOONBILL at Cheekpoint.

Sun 12 Jan:
BALLYMACAW: 4-5 CATTLE EGRETS.
TRAMORE ROAD: 3 CATTLE EGRETS E side of main road c.500 m from Halfway.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 31 Pintail.
Near COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Treecreeper.
DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe, 83 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Great Northern Divers & male Common Scoter in the bay.

Sat 11 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 16 Greylag Geese, 8 Shoveler & 4 Gadwall at Lisselan.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: RING-NECKED DUCK, Scaup & 2 Coot.
BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: Gadwall & 2 Tufted Duck.
GLENDALLIGAN: Jays & Great Spotted Woodpecker.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Goldeneye & 17 Shoveler off pitch & putt course, Slavonian Grebe off Ballynacourty Pier.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Goose & Greylag Goose still at Bewley, SE of Cappoquin.
N of LISMORE: 6 Crossbills flying over.

Fri 10 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 12 Pintail off the old dump.
COLLIGAN MOUNTAIN: Blackcap.

Thurs 9 Jan:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, a Scaup & 3 Shoveler.
DUNGARVAN: Black Redstart at Boreenatra, 2 Goldeneye (male & female) at Barnawee.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Single White-fronted Goose, Pink-footed Goose & Greylag Goose feeding with c.190 Whooper Swans at Bewley, SE of Cappoquin; Barn Owl, Cappoquin.

Weds 8 Jan:
CLONEA BAY: 2 Purple Sandpipers & adult Mediterranean Gull at Ballinclamper, Black Redstart & Whimbrel at Ballinard, Dipper & 1000s of gulls (mainly Black-headed) at Ballyvoyle.
DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe between Ballynacourty & Abbeyside, Great Spotted Woodpecker at Kilmurry.

Tues 7 Jan;
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper & 30+ Golden Plover, Tallow.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Mon 6 Jan:
DUNMORE EAST: Black Redstart.
DUNGARVAN: Blackcap.

Sat 4 Jan:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: RING-NECKED DUCK & Scaup.
GLENDALLIGAN: Great Spoted Woodpecker.
DUNGARVAN: HAWFINCH in a garden in Abbeyside.
N of LISMORE: Crossbills.

Fri 3 Jan:
Near MONAMINTRA CROSS-ROADS: Short-eared Owl flying SW towards Castletown Fen road.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Long-tailed Duck again at Lisselan, 30 Pintail in Backstrand.
CLONEA BAY: Whimbrel at Ballinard, 7 Red-throated Divers at Ballyvoyle (among 1000s of seabirds).
DUNGARVAN: Chiffchaff beside Brickey Canal, 2 Water Rails along stream behind Nissan garage.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallow Bridge.

Thurs 2 Jan:
CLONEA BAY: 3 Purple Sandpipers at Ballinclamper.
DUNGARVAN: Male GOOSANDER at Barnawee, Slavonian Grebe off Ballynagaul, 4 Pintail (2 males & 2 females) & a female Shoveler in Western Bay.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper & flock of 20+ Yellowhammers at Newport East.
BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 7 Pink-footed Geese.

Weds 1 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe in bay, Barn Owl at Kilmurry.
CLONEA BAY: 2 Purple Sandpipers & 1 Whimbrel at Ballinclamper.
WHITING BAY: Merlin.
BLACKWATER CALLOWS: 7 Pink-footed Geese.
Near LISMORE: Woodcock near Ballysaggart.

Jan-Dec 2024

Jan-Dec 2023

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