Hoopoe visits Kilcogy,Co. Cavan

Photo Paul and Laura O' Reilly

 This hoopoe spent a couple of days in Kilcogy in late March! A great sighting for the county and thanks to Paul and Laura O' Reilly for the lovely photos!  

Cuckoo photo below taken by Michael on 6th May in Mountnugent.

Cuckoo by Michael Mc Kiernan

Raptor presentation by John Lusby in Bailieborough

report by Elizabeth

“Raptors of Ireland”, a presentation by Birdwatch Ireland’s raptor conservation officer John Lusby took place in Bailieborough on Thursday 26th April. John spoke to us about the raptor conservation projects he is currently involved in including work with long eared owls, kestrels and barn owls. We were informed on the recent findings of the Barn Owl Conservation Project and on how with the aid of satellite tracking and ringing much has been learned about the feeding and nesting habits of these birds in Ireland. Although the population has declined dramatically since the 1970’s, we still have many suitable nesting sites here in Ireland and it is quite likely we may have breeding barn owls in Cavan. The project has shown the stronghold of the present population to be the south west of the country and analysis of owl pellets has shown the bank vole and the recently discovered white-toothed shrew to be the main prey of barn owls. However secondary poisoning from eating poisoned rats and mice is a major threat to the barn owl. John showed us footage of barn owls in flight and played the calls we would be likely to hear this time of year if there are breeding birds in the area.

If you think you may have breeding barn owls in your area or if you would like information on  putting up a nest box please contact John at jlusby@birdwatchireland.ie. Visit this very informative blog for lots of information on birds of prey herehttp://duhallow.blogspot.com/
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The Branch AGM took place prior to the talk and the 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 Tom Broe.
For Branch contact details please visit the Birdwatch Ireland website http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Default.aspx?tabid=284

"Raptors of Ireland" A talk by John Lusby in Bailieborough

"Raptors of Ireland" 

A presentation by John Lusby will take place in the Business Centre, Bailieborough on Thursday 26th April at 8 pm. John is Birdwatch Ireland's Raptor Conservation Officer and his talk will be of great interest to anyone with an interest in learning about Ireland's birds of prey,the problems that they face and conservation efforts to help protect them. To learn about Birdwatch Ireland's Wing and a Prayer Raptor Appeal and how you can help visit this link http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Ourwork/WingandaPrayerRaptorAppeal/tabid/1204/Default.aspx

 All are welcome and admission is free!

Members AGM will take place prior to the talk at 7.30pm.

Photos from Dundalk outing

Dundalk Docks by Michael Mc Nulty

brent geese by Michael Mc Nulty

black tailed godwit in summer plumage by Michael Mc Nulty

Monaghan and Cavan Branch Members by Martin Mc Kenna

March outing to Dundalk Bay

Report by Elizabeth

A joint outing to Dundalk bay with the Monaghan branch of Birdwatch Ireland took place on Sunday 25^th March. We met at the Dundalk docks at 11am, where we were joined by Gerry O’Neill of the Louth Branch. There was a great turnout, with the lovely March weather providing ideal conditions for the photographers of the group. Birds sighted included little egrets, brent geese, teal, ruff and black-tailed godwit (one of which had coloured leg rings). Details of the leg rings will be sent on to Jim Wilson who is  involved with the black-tailed godwit ringing project and we look forward to learning about the birds history to date.
After about an hour and a half at the docks we left for Blackrock in search of twite. Unfortunately the twite failed to make an appearance but we took advantage of the opportunity to take a few group photos! Our next stop was Lurgangreen where we spotted pintail, a buzzard and large flocks of gulls, godwits and brent geese, as well as a few greylags. After taking in the atmospheric scene of geese flocks flying in to feed in the Spring sunshine, we enjoyed a late lunch before heading home. Thanks to Gerry O Neill for his help on the day and to Joe and all the Monaghan Branch members for their good company. We look forward to planning a future joint event later in the year!

Joint Cavan and Monaghan Branch outing Sunday 25 March

Brent Geese flock at Soldier's Point, Dundalk

A joint outing with the Monaghan Branch to Dundalk bay will be held on Sunday 25^th March. Meet at Dundalk Docks at 11.00am. We will also be joined by Breffni Martin of the Louth Branch for the outing. If you wish to car share from Bailieborough email Elizabeth at elizmckenna@eircom.net in advance. The outing is timed to coincide with an incoming tide to maximise our chances of getting close views of waders and other waterbirds. This time of year is our best opportunity to see Black-tailed Godwits coming into their stunning summer plumage before they leave for their breeding grounds in Iceland. To learn more about the migration of the Black-tailed Godwit and the International Schools Godwit project check out the following link: http://www.scoiliosaefnaofa.com/Godwit.htm

Packed lunch and waterproof clothing recommended! 

More information on branch events can be found on the Birdwatch Ireland website.http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/