Heard a Corncrake :-))

Went to one of my local birding areas and got talking to one of the farmers and he was sure he heard a Corncrake. I went back later that evening and about 9.30 heard the bird. Could hardly believe my ears as this was the first time ever hearing a Corncrake. I stayed listening for another hour and he call a few more times. This is the first time in 20 years in this location for the Corncrake. I sent a text to few locals, who to say the least were excited by the news. Notified Tim Gordon Corncrake Officer for Birdwatch Ireland. Went out again on Wednesday and the bird was calling again, so it would appear he is holding his territory, which could mean there is a nest.

Common Tern
feeding along the Corrib estuary

Common Tern
feeding along the Corrib estuary

Common Tern
feeding along the Corrib estuary

Common Tern
feeding along the Corrib estuary

Common Tern
feeding along the Corrib estuary

SandwichTern
feeding along the Corrib estuary

Meadow Pipit
Same location as Corncrake

Sedge Warbler
Same location as Corncrake

Out at Mutton Island Causeway this evening 40+ Manx Shearwater, 1 Sooty Shearwater and 6 Gannet, all very distant approx 3 miles out based on the Margaretta Buoy which can be seen in the photo.
This is a long range digiscoping shot of 3 Manx and the Margaretta Buoy with the Burren in the back ground .

Saturday's shots and raining all day today.

Out and about yesterday around Galway. Chiffchaff put on a nice display at Small Wood, Rusheen
Raining here since early morning, so at home getting ready for work this week in Mervue girls school.

Chiffchaff

Chiffchaff

Long-tailed Tit

Jackdaw (G1)

Reed Bunting (G1)

Reed Bunting (G1)

Great Tit

House Sparrow

Bank holiday weekend

A few shots from the weekend. Went looking for Stonechat and Whitethroat in Rusheen Park where I usual see them, but no show. Stonechat where always there but since the last cold snap at the begining of the year I have not see any in or around Galway City. Redpoll coming to the niger seed feeder on a regular basis with a female.
One of 3 Kestrels in one of my local patches.

Redpoll

Goldfinch

Swift

Great Tit

Kestrel

Willow Warbler