"Irish Birds: Facts and Folklore" Talk by Breffni Martin

A most enjoyable talk was given by Breffni Martin on "Irish Birds: Facts and Folklore" on 7th April in Killeshandra.Breffni informed us of the association between birdlife and mythology such as the association between elusive birds like owls and rales and the banshee. We also learnt of past superstitions about birds including the belief that species such as the pied wagtail were unlucky. It was interesting to hear how in times before bird migration was fully understood, the seasonal disappearance of certain species led to the formation of beliefs such as the suspected link between barnacle geese and goose barnacles.

The Branch A.G.M took place prior to the talk. Committee for the coming year is as follows: Chairperson: Heather Bothwell, Killeshandra. Secretary: Elizabeth Mc Kenna, Bailieborough. Treasurer: Sean Callaghan, Virginia.
General committee: Michael Mc Kiernan, Paddy Ronaghan, PJ Byrne Peadar Reynolds and Yvette Von Cramon.

Talk by Breffni Martin 7 April in Killeshandra

A presentation by Breffni Martin "Irish Birds: Facts and Folklore" will take place in the Resource House, Main Street, Killeshandra on Thursday 7 April at 8pm.

All welcome and admission is free.

Members AGM will take place before the talk at 7.30pm.

Carlingford outing Sunday 20 March

Sunday 20th March: Carlingford Outing

The group met up in Carlingford at 11 am and was joined by Breffni Martin of the Louth Branch and some of his Drogheda students. We spent the first hour or so observing a good selection of roosting birds.The tide was exceptionally high making it difficult for the birds to find a spot to roost on due to the fact that the moon was exceptionally close to the Earth around this time.A good variety of birds were seen including bar-tailed godwit, turnstone, curlew and large numbers of brent geese. The next site visited was Ballagan point where we were lucky enough to encounter a small flock of tree sparrows as we got out of our cars. Also encountered at the site were Great Northern and Red Throated Divers, gannets and a sandwich tern (a welcome sign of Spring). To finish up we headed to Giles’ Key where we spotted more divers and a seal feeding close to the pier. The highlight of the day had to be watching large numbers of brent geese flying overhead as they returned to their feeding sites to take advantage of the retreating tide. Thanks to Breffni for sharing his great local knowledge of birds at the sites with us.

Outing to Carlingford Sunday 20 March

Outing to Carlingford

The next branch outing will take place in Carlingford on Sunday 20^th March. We will be joined by Breffni Martin of the Louth branch of BirdWatch Ireland. The outing is timed to coincide with a high tide and will last approximately 2 hours. We hope to see a variety of waders and other waterbirds including the little egret (see picture above), which is quite a common sighting in the area.

Meet at the Four Seasons hotel in Carlingford at 11a.m. or if you wish to car share meet at the market square Bailieborough at 9.30 a.m.

Bird Atlas Roving Event Sunday 20 February

Bird Atlas Roving Event

A Bird Atlas roving event took place on Sunday 20th February. The group met at the Kilmore Hotel car park on a pleasant Sunday morning. Here we met with atlas co-ordinator Brian Caffrey. We split into four groups- each group was assigned a 10km square to visit and was supplied with maps and a list of target species for that square. Our aim was to go out and record as many missing species as possible from our list. Some groups had more success than others but each group did manage to collect some very worthwhile records for the bird atlas. More information on the bird atlas click here.

Bird Atlas Roving Event Sunday 20 February

A Bird Atlas roving event will take place on Sunday 20^th February. Meet at the lower car park of the Kilmore Hotel, Cavan at 10.30am.

Under the direction of Brian Caffrey, atlas co-ordinator for Ireland, we will split into small groups and each group will visit locations in the area where records of bird species are needed. Each group will be provided with the relevant map.

If you are interested in taking part please email elizmckenna@eircom.net as we need to know numbers taking part in advance to ensure that each group will have an experienced member.

For more information about the bird atlas visit the bird atlas website here

Outdoor footwear and waterproofs recommended.

It would be a good idea to bring along a snack and a drink as we may be out for approx 2 to 3 hours.