birdsgalway

Saturday 30 March 2013

First Wheatear of the year

Out at my usual patch today and my first Wheatear of the year at Mutton Island Causeway. Spring has arrived, but you would not think it with that Baltic wind. Good fresh healthy weather. Iceland gull was still at Nimmo's although on the otherside roosting on the rocks at low tide near Long Walk.
All shots taken with Swarovski ATX 95mm+TLS-APO+Lumix GH2

Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
Clochrán

Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoides
Faoileán Íoslannach

Rock Pipit
Anthus petrosus
Riabhóg Chladaigh

Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Droimneach beag

Woodpigeon
Columba palumbus
Colm coille

Sunday 24 March 2013

First Iceland Gull for this winter season

At this time of year I would almost be bored looking at Iceland Gulls at Nimmo's Pier. This is the first one I have seen this winter. The previous white winger I had was a Glaucous Gull in November 2012. I had to look twice at this lone 1st winter as it looked very Glaucous like. Wonder why so few white wing gulls turning up at Nimmo's?

Iceland Gull
Larus glaucoides
Faoileán Íoslannach