Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Black Rock

Dark-bellied Brent Goose, Black Rock, 19th October 2015 (David O'Connor).

There was a comprehensive count of Brent Geese in Tralee Bay and Castlemaine Harbour last week, by the Irish Brent Goose Research Group. They found 1932 Brent in Tralee Bay, along with single Black Brant and Dark-bellied Brent, and 857 Brent in Castlemaine Harbour, 798 of which were at Inch. 15% of birds were juveniles, and the average brood size was 2.69, so it seems they had a good breeding season this year.

(with thanks to Gerry Murphy and Jill Crosher)

Glossy Ibis influx

The sightings of Glossy Ibises in Co. Kerry started with the first at Carrahane last week, seen in flight heading inland, followed by two at Lough Naparka, near Castlegregory, a couple of days later. The two there included a ringed bird and that serial number has been submitted to Spanish ringing groups, to which this bird belongs, and they assure us of a reply with details of where the bird originated.

The two birds at Lough Naparka were joined by two more on 17th October, and the number there varied between three yesterday, and two again today (including the original ringed bird). However, the six seen at Baile an Rainaigh, near Ballyferriter, this afternoon surely shows something like an influx is under way. There has been a long-staying Glossy Ibis at Tramore, Co. Waterford since early September, and another recent singleton at Ring Marsh, Co. Wexford, on 17th October, so it makes it all the more remarkable that eleven have been recorded in Kerry in just the past few days. Perhaps the beginning of another major national influx such as happened in late 2011?

Glossy Ibis, Lough Naparka, 19th October 2015 (M.O'Clery).

Ringed Glossy Ibis, Lough Naparka, 19th October 2015 (M.O'Clery).

Glossy Ibis, Lough Naparka, 19th October 2015 (M.O'Clery).

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.