Some recent goodies from south Kerry

Common Crane, Inny Estuary, 13th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

Still present from the evening before, but seen to depart south shortly after.

Firecrest, Bolus Head, 18th October 2015 (Pat McDaid)

There was one reported this morning, but a probable second was seen briefly later in the day.

Firecrest, Bolus Head, 18th October 2015 (Pat McDaid)

Lesser Whitethroat and Chiffchaff, Bolus Head, 18th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

At 8 days, now officially the longest staying Lesser Whitethroat in Kerry history.

Siberian Chiffchaff, Bolus Head, 17th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

One of two present, the second and third on this headland this autumn.

Gull-billed Tern

Gull-billed Tern, Blennerville, 17th October 2015 (Davey Farrar).

Yellow-browed Warbler, Feohanagh

Yellow-browed Warbler, Feohanagh, 17th October 2015. 

Yellow-browed Warbler

Yellow-browed Warbler, Coumeenoole, 14th October 2015.

2 Pecs now at Carrahane

Pectoral Sandpiper, Carrahane, 13th October 2015 (Fionn Moore).

Two birds are now present at this site. Although close to a hundred birds have been recorded in Kerry, the vast majority occur in September, with only a couple of records after the first week of October.

Pectoral Sandpiper, Carrahane, 13th October 2015 (Fionn Moore).

Common Crane, Inny Estuary

Adult Common Crane, Inny Estuary, 12th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

(Click the image for a closer view)

Adult Common Crane, Inny Estuary, 12th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

Common by name, but not by nature - only the tenth record for Kerry.

Eye candy

A couple of even better photos from a man who's enormous camera lens is the envy of every birder. Some say size isn't important. We know different.

Pectoral Sandpiper, Carrahane, 9th October 2015 (Eric Dempsey).

Siberian Chiffchaff, Bolus Head, 10th October 2015 (Eric Dempsey).

Thanks for the great talk in the TBWC last Thursday, Eric!

Lesser Whitethroat

Lesser Whitethroat, Bolus Head, 11th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

Lesser Whitethroat, Bolus Head, 11th October 2015 (Pat McDaid).

This bird was found yesterday (Saturday) by K.Cronin, and was still present today. Only the 10th record for Kerry.

Black Scoter, Rossbeigh

 The first and, so far, only record of this species for Ireland was discovered last January at this site (see this post HERE), so it would be a fair assumption that this is a returning individual. Let's hope it stays the winter, as not all birders got to see this major rarity in the weeks following its initial discovery.

Black Scoter, with Common Scoter, Rossbeigh, 10th October 2015 (M. O'Clery).

Close-up of the top photo.

Black Scoter, with Common Scoter, Rossbeigh, 10th October 2015 (M. O'Clery).

Black Scoter, with Common Scoter, Rossbeigh, 10th October 2015 (M. O'Clery).

First-winter male Eider, with Common Scoter, Rossbeigh, 10th October 2015 (M. O'Clery).

There was also an immature/female Surf Scoter in the 500+ inshore scoter present, with another 300–400 scoter at extreme range, a large increase on the number of scoter generally present throughout last winter. Perhaps the mussel beds on which they feed have recovered somewhat from the devastating storms of 2012-2013.

Pectoral Sandpiper still present

Pectoral Sandpiper, Carrahane, 9th October 2015 (Ed Carty).

Pectoral Sandpiper, Carrahane, 9th October 2015 (Ed Carty).

One of the tamest of birds, allowing approach down to 3m, and present for three days now.