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Tuesday 5 September 2017

Med. Gull numbers get ridiculous

Adult Mediterranean Gull, Burnham Lagoon, 5th September 2017 (M.O'Clery).

It won't be long before one of the Healy-Rae's demands a cull of this invader as numbers continue to rise, year on year. Early September sees peak numbers with Ventry Harbour and Black Rock regularly hosting double figures in recent years. This year has seen a further increase and today, some 90 birds were seen on a quick scoot around the Dingle Peninsula. 32 were at Burnham Lagoon, 28 were at Ventry, and another 18 were in a grass field near Ventry. At all three sites it was the commonest gull present. Others were at Ferriter's Cove, Milltown, Trabeg and Baile an Reannaigh.

Two adult Pomarine Skuas, Rough Point, 5th September 2017 (M.O'Clery).

Two gorgeous adults, 'spoons' and all, and heading well into Tralee Bay.

Ruff, Ventry, 5th September 2017 (M.O'Clery).

Ruff, Ventry, 5th September 2017 (M.O'Clery).

Juvenile Water Rail, Ventry, 5th September 2017 (M.O'Clery).

One of the better sites to see this reclusive species.

Juvenile Water Rail, Ventry, 5th September 2017 (M.O'Clery).