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Recent reports

Recent reports (subject to verification or correction)  - see also Archives
submit sightings - email reports (at) waterfordbirds.com or tweet / DM @watbirds
please also consider submitting records to BirdTrack & National Biodiversity Centre Ireland
national records - www.irishbirding.com

Website policy on rare breeding or other sensitive species

APRIL 2024

See guidance on what to report (not necessarily all for online publication here).

Thanks to all observers and photo-contributors, and to the organisers of the WhatsApp groups covering birds and other wildlife in Co Waterford, for their help.

Fri 26 Apr:
RATHMOYLAN: Whitethroat singing.
ANNE VALLEY: Sedge Warbler.
CLONEA BAY: BLACK-THROATED DIVER still present, off Clonea Strand Hotel.
CALISO BAY: 50+ Whimbrel.
N of LISMORE: Treecreeper & Barn Owl.

Thurs 25 Apr:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper at Villierstown Quay; 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Dromana.

Weds 24 Apr:
N of LISMORE: Cuckoo calling.
Near KILSHEELAN: Swift on Co Waterford side.

Tues 23 Apr:
Near PORTALLY: Grasshopper Warbler singing.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 70+ Whimbrel at Lisselan & more heading N without stopping.
BALLYSCANLON/CARRIGAVANTRY: 2+ Cuckoos at Carrigavantry.
N of LISMORE: Crossbill.

Mon 22 Apr:
CLONEA BAY: BLACK-THROATED DIVER , viewed from in front of hotel.
DUNGARVAN: 5 Swifts over town centre, Sedge Warbler at Duckspool, Abbeyside.
Near MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: 5 roding Woodcock & 3 Grasshopper Warblers, Reanadampaun Commons.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Swifts, Cappoquin (St Anne’s Church).
N of LISMORE: Barn Owl & Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Sun 21 Apr:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Swifts around Lismore Castle.
CLONEA BAY: Black-throated Diver off Ballinclamper, Whitethroat at Ballyvoyle.
BALLYSCANLON: Reed Warbler.
Near GARRARUS: Sedge Warbler.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 11 Wheatears.
WATERFORD CITY: 2 Swifts.

Sat 20 Apr:
DUNGARVAN: Reed Warbler & 2 Sedge Warblers at old dump ponds, Ballyneety.
CLONEA BAY: Black-throated Diver.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP still present, with 13 Tufted Duck.
ANNESTOWN: Common Sandpiper.
CASTLETOWN FEN: Sedge Warbler & Jay.
PORTALLY to RATHMOYLAN: Whitethroat singing at Swines Head -1st Co Waterford report of the year.

Fri 19 Apr:
WATERFORD HARBOUR: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, Cheekpoint.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Sedge Warbler (1st Co Waterford report of the year), Lisselan.
BALLYSCANLON LAKE: Reed Warbler singing (1st Co Waterford report of the year).
CLONEA BAY: Black-throated Diver in close to full breeding plumage.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 1 CATTLE EGRET at Ballynaclash, Clashmore; Dipper pair at Glenshelane Wood.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.

Thurs 18 Apr:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: OSPREY.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
COMERAGH MOUNTAINS: Woodcock roding.
BUNMAHON: Cuckoo calling at Seafield.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pintail, Gadwall pair, Tufted Duck pair & good numbers of Whimbrel at Lisselan.
CASTLETOWN: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming & Jay.

Weds 17 Apr:
N of LISMORE: Barn Owls calling.
DUNGARVAN: Puffin out-of-habitat in Western Bay - flew in, then sat in water opposite Circle K garage & later off Cunnigar tip.
BUNMAHON: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL still at Seafield.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Cuckoo (1st Co Waterford report of the year) & Arctic Skua.

Tues 16 Apr:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: BLACK KITE over N end of Lisselan, drifted high & E before being list from sight - 1st county record.
BUNMAHON: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Seafield.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming & Crossbills.

Mon 15 Apr:
BUNMAHON: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Seafield.
CLONEA BAY: 70+ Whimbrel at Ballinard (also smaller numbers at Killongford & Ballyneety, Dungarvan Bay).

Sun 14 Apr:
COLLIGAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker.
DUNGARVAN: Kingfisher at old dump, Ballyneety.
ARDMORE: Common Swift.
TRAMORE BAY: 2 presumed Common Swifts, Newtown Cove - 1st Co Waterford report of year.
BUNMAHON: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Seafield.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP & 18 Tufted Duck.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: 20+ Willow Warblers & 9 Wheatears.

Sat 13 Apr:
BUNMAHON: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL & 2 Kingfishers at Seafield.
DUNGARVAN: Short-eared Owl, Common Sandpiper, 3-4 Whimbrel & c520 Bar-tailed Godwit (only c20 in breeding plumage) on the Cunnigar.
HELVICK HEAD: Arctic Tern (1st county report of year) & 2-3 Arctic Skuas (seawatch 11:55-13:15).
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Raheen Quay, Clashmore - 1st county report of year.

Fri 12 Apr:
BUNMAHON: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL at Seafield.
HELVICK HEAD: Significant fall of Chiffchaffs & Willow Warblers with small numbers of Blackcaps.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallow.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker & Jay.

Thurs 11 Apr:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.still present.
BLACKWATER/BRIDE VALLEY: Dipper & 30 House Martins, Clashmore village; 2 Dippers, Tallow.

Weds 10 Apr:
N of LISMORE: Barn Owl.

Tues 9 Apr:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Several CATTLE EGRETS still present at Ballynaclash, Clashmore.

Sun 7 Apr:
N of LISMORE: House Martins - 1st county report of the year.
MID/WEST WATERFORD: Red Kite.
WEST WATERFORD: 3 Red Kites.

Sat 6 Apr:
MID/WEST WATERFORD: Red Kite.

Fri 5 Apr:
HELVICK HEAD: 2 Arctic Skuas, 2 Puffins & large movement (1000s) of Manx Shearwaters (seawatch 09:15-14:00), also a Swallow.

Thurs 4 Apr:
DUNGARVAN: Female Goldeneye just below Ballyneety Bridge - a very scarce species in Co Waterford in recent years.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Green Sandpipers on Blackwater, Dipper near Newport.

Weds 3 Apr:
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT still present - had not been seen for several weeks.
COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier.
DUNGARVAN: c.20 Stock Doves near Western Bay; Barn Owl, Abbeyside.
DRUM HILLS: Swallow.
BLACKWATER/BRIDE VALLEY: Several CATTLE EGRETS still present at Ballinaclash; 2 Dippers at Clashmore bridge; 2 Great Spotted Wodpeckers drumming & Jay, Towers west of Lismore; Kingfisher & 2 Dippers, Tallow area.

Tues 2 Apr:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Lismore Castle grounds.
CASTLETOWN FEN: 2 Fieldfares.

Mon 1 Apr:
DUNMORE EAST: Purple Sandpiper.
BROWNSTOWN HEAD: Merlin & good numbers of Willow Warblers.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP & 13 Tufted Ducks.
DRUM HILLS: 2 Crossbills at Reenaclogheen Wood.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

MARCH 2024:

Sun 31 Mar:
DUNMORE EAST: Purple Sandpiper.
DUNGARVAN TOWN: 3 Fieldfares.

Sat 30 Mar:
DUNMORE EAST: Adult Yellow-legged Gull.
DUNGARVAN: 3 Swallows, town centre.

Thurs 28 Mar:
TRAMORE: Merlin at Backstrand, 8 Red-throated Divers in the Bay.
Near BALLYSCANLON: Great Spotted Woodpecker.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.
CLONEA BAY: 3+ Sand Martins. DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe off Ballynacourty Pier; Willow Warbler, Chiffchaffs & Blackcap behind Nissan garage.
WHITING BAY: Merlin.
Near LISMORE: Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Jay.

Weds 27 Mar:
DUNGARVAN TOWN: 2 Willow Warblers (1st report of year for Co Waterford) & 20+ Chiffchaffs along stream behind Nissan garage.
HELVICK HEAD: Also a noticeable fall of Chiffchaffs & Willow Warblers (including a ‘northern’, acredula-type WW), plus a Wheatear, Blackcap, Water Rail & 10+ Manx Shearwaters.
ANNE VALLEY: 2 Swallows.

Mon 25 Mar:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 7 CATTLE EGRETS at Ballynaclash, Clashmore.
WATERFORD HARBOUR: 6 Sandwich Terns at Woodstown.

Sun 24 Mar:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 3 CATTLE EGRETS at Ballynaclash, Clashmore.
DUNGARVAN: Swallow.

Sat 23 Mar:
Near WATERFORD CITY: Barn Owl near Couse Bridge; Great Spotted Woodpecker recently in Carriganore/Butlerstown area.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP, 19 Tufted Ducks & 2 Sand Martins.
DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe in summer plumage off Ballinacourty Pier.

Fri 22 Mar:
TRAMORE: 3 Wheatears & 8 Sandwich Terns at Backstrand, 2 Sand Martins at Boating Lake.

Thurs 21 Mar:
DUNGARVAN: Adult RING-BILLED GULL off Cunnigar car-park.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Pink-footed Goose with whooper Swans at Keereen, several Swallows (1st county report of year) at Cappoquin.
Near LISMORE: Crossbills.
WEST WATERFORD: 2 Red Kites.

Tues 18 Mar:
ANNE VALLEY: Water Rail.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Jay & Dipper, Clashmore.
Near LISMORE: 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming.
WEST WATERFORD: Red Kite.

Mon 18 Mar:
BALLYSHUNNOCK RESERVOIR: 2 Sand Martins - 1st county report of the year.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.

Sun 17 Mar:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 8 CATTLE EGRETS opposite Newport.

Fri 15 Mar:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Sandwich Terns inside Cunnigar tip.
CLONEA BAY: 4 Sandwich Terns at Ballyvoyle.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Common Sandpiper & Kingfisher at Newport; Dipper pair at Clashmore village; Woodcock
at Clashmore; Barn Owl N of Kilmolash & another near Glenshelane.
N of LISMORE: 2 Barn Owls.
WEST WATERFORD: Male MARSH HARRIER & RED KITE.

Thurs 14 Mar:
RATHMOYLAN COVE: Black Redstart & 3 Wheatears.
Near WATERFORD CITY: Chiffchaff & male Blackcap, Ring Road (Couse Br to Tramore Rd).

Weds 13 Mar:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 6 CATTLE EGRETS at Ballynaclash.

Mon 11 Mar:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 4+ CATTLE EGRETS back at Ballynaclash.
Near LISMORE: 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
WHITING BAY: Male Wheatear - 1st of spring for Co Waterford.
DRUM HILLS: Brambling at Ballycurrane.
Near DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.

Sat 9 Mar:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.
BALLYSCANLAN: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Fri 8 Mar:
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT still present (since at least 11 Nov 2023).

Thurs 7 Mar:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP & male RING-NECKED DUCK.
KILMACTHOMAS: >100 Stock Doves.
DUNGARVAN: Sandwich Tern at Barnawee, Mediterranean Gull at Killongford.
HELVICK: BLACK-THROATED DIVER.

Weds 6 Mar:
DUNGARVAN: 3 Common Scoter in harbour-mouth.

Tues 5 Mar:
DUNGARVAN: 17 Stock Doves near Western Bay, Blackcap.
BLACKWATER/BRIDE: Treecreeper at Raheen Quay, Clashmore & at Dromana Wood; Jay at Ballynaclash; Great Spotted Woodpecker near Towers west of Lismore; Crossbill near Lismore; Green Sandpiper at Tallowbridge.

Mon 4 Mar:
HELVICK: BLACK-THROATED DIVER.
N of LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Sun 3 Mar:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.
DUNGARVAN: BLACK-THROATED DIVER in harbour-mouth, viewed from Ballynagaul; 7 Common Scoter & 2 Slavonian Grebes off Ballynacourty.
HELVICK HEAD: Great Skua & several Manx Shearwaters.

Sat 2 Mar:
WEST WATERFORD: Male MARSH HARRIER, & Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
BRIDE VALLEY: Blackcap on garden feeder, Tallow.
DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl.
Near KILMACTHOMAS: Jay over N25.
WATERFORD CITY: Long-eared Owl, Ring Road.

Fri 1 Mar:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP & Dipper.
ANNESTOWN: Chiffchaff.
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT still present this week.

FEBRUARY 2024:

Thurs 29 Feb:
WATERFORD HARBOUR (Fornaght Strand to Barrow Bridge): I-WeBS count totals included 36 Great Crested Grebes (22 Fornaght/Woodstown, 12 Geneva), 241 Brent Geese (225 Fornaght/Woodstown), 85 Knot (Woodstown), 309 Dunlin, 530 Oystercatcher & 1070 Common Gulls.

Weds 28 Feb:
Near LISMORE: Treecreeper.
BLACKWATER CALLOWS: Shoveler.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 2 Jays, Newport road.
DUNGARVAN: Sandwich Tern off Ballinacourty lighthouse, 2 Slavonian Grebes off Ballinacourty pier, Chiffchaff Dungarvan then, behind Nissan garage.
WATERFORD CITY: Dipper & Blackcap along St John’s River walk, Tramore Road.

Tues 27 Feb:
Near LISMORE: Brambling.
DRUM HILLS: Woodcock.
STRADBALLY: 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (1 drumming).
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Whimbrel & 8 Gadwall at Lisselan.

Mon 26 Feb:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP & RING-NECKED DUCK.
COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Male Hen Harrier.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 4 Crossbills, Ballynaclash.
Near LISMORE: Brambling.

Sun 25 Feb:
WATERFORD CITY: 7 WAXWINGS, Ballynakill.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP, male RING-NECKED DUCK, 17 Tufted Duck & 2 Coots.
WEST WATERFORD: Male MARSH HARRIER.

Sat 24 Feb:
Near LISMORE: 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (2 drumming, 1 hole-excavating), & Crossbill.
WEST WATERFORD: Male MARSH HARRIER.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Slavonian Grebes off Barnawee railway bridge, 6 Common Scoter off Ballinacourty.
WATERFORD CITY: Kingfisher along St John’s River.

Fri 23 Feb:
WEST WATERFORD: Male MARSH HARRIER & Red Kite.
DRUM HILLS: 5 Waxwings again, SW of Toor Cross-roads.
KILMACTHOMAS: 19+ Yellowhammers near Flahavan’s.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Common Sandpiper, 2 Jack Snipe, 3 Whimbrel, 2 Pintail, 13 Greylag Geese & a Chiffchaff, mainly Kilmacleague

Thurs 22 Feb:
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT still present.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP.
COMERAGH MOUNTAINS: Adult or subadult male Hen Harrier.

Tues 20 Feb:
CLONEA BAY: 3 Whimbrel & 17 Rock Pipits,Ballinard / Ballinclamper; 56 Red-throated & 23 Great Northern Divers in bay.
DUNGARVAN: Blackcap.
HELVICK HEAD: An early Manx Shearwater W (seawatch 1225-1325).
Near LISMORE: Barn Owl & Treecreeper.

Mon 19 Feb:
WEST WATERFORD: Male MARSH HARRIER.

Sun 18 Feb:
DRUM HILLS: Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Blackcap & Treecreeper at Mount Stuart, & another GSW within 2 km.
STRADBALLY: Dipper.
SUIR VALLEY: Great Spotted Woodpecker at Mount Congreve.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 2 Jack Snipe at Lisselan.

Fri 16 Feb:
DUNGARVAN: Chiffchaff & Jay at Brickey canal, 2 Slavonian Grebes & 10 Common Scoter in the Bay
DRUM HILLS: Woodcock near Faha.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Kingfisher at Lisselan.

Thurs 15 Feb:
CASTLETOWN FEN: Coot.
ANNESTOWN: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL still present.
DRUM HILLS: 5 WAXWINGS at same location as 13-15 Feb.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 4 CATTLE EGRETS near Ballynaclash quay.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallow.
WEST WATERFORD: 3 Red Kites.

Weds 14 Feb:
ANNESTOWN / ANNE VALLEY: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 5 Chiffchaffs & 2 Water Rails.
DRUM HILLS: 5 WAXWINGS at same location as yesterday.

Tues 13 Feb:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 6+ CATTLE EGRETS at Ballynaclash, Clashmore; Whimbrel at Newport East; 5 Jays at Glendine Bridge.
DRUM HILLS: 5 WAXWINGS c.1 km SW of Toor Cross-roads.
DUNGARVAN: Blackcap.
ANNESTOWN: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL still present; flock of 20 Siskins, Anne Valley.

Mon 12 Feb:
FENOR BOG: Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Near LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming, Crossbills & Jays.
Near DUNGARVAN: Barn Owl at Master McGrath monument.

Sun 11 Feb:
ANNESTOWN: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL still present.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Whimbrel, Newport.
WEST WATERFORD: 2 Red Kites.

Sat 10 Feb:
ANNESTOWN: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL.

Fri 9 Feb:
ANNESTOWN: Male GREEN-WINGED TEAL.

Weds 7 Feb:
Near LISMORE: 9 Crossbills.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallowbridge.
DUNGARVAN: 2 Slavonian Grebes between Ballynacourty pier & Abbeyside, also 81 Great Crested Grebes & 14 Great Northern Divers in the harbour.
BUNMAHON: Kingfisher.
ANNE VALLEY: Chiffchaffs & Water Rail.
Near WATERFORD CITY: Chiffchaff, male Blackcap & drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Tues 6 Feb:
Near WATERFORD CITY: Green Sandpiper N of Couse Bridge.

Mon 5 Feb:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 7 CATTLE EGRETS still at Ballynaclash, Clashmore; 50 Whooper Swans near Boheravaghera Cross Roads, SE of Cappoquiin.
Near LISMORE: Merlin.
BRIDE VALLEY: Green Sandpiper at Tallowbridge.
HELVICK HEAD: Blackcap.
DUNGARVAN: Water Rail behind Nissan garage.
COOLNACUPOGUE BOG (near Tramore): Water Rail.

Sun 4 Feb:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 7 CATTLE EGRETS at Ballynaclash, Clashmore; Barn Owl, Tourin.
DRUM HILLS: Woodcock & Great Spotted Woodpecker at Mountstuart.
LEMYBRIEN: Long-eared Owl.
DUNMORE EAST: Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Fri 2 Feb:
Near LISMORE: 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming.
DUNGARVAN: Flock of 50+ Stock Doves between Western Bay & Youghal Road.
TRAMORE: Mediterranean Gull, Tramore town; apparent Hooded x Carrion Crow hybrid, Kingfisher & Whimbrel, Backstrand.

Thurs 1 Feb:
Near LISMORE: Barn Owl.
BRIDE VALLEY: 2 Green Sandpipers at Tallowbridge.

JANUARY 2024:

Weds 31 Jan:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 7 CATTLE EGRETS again at Ballynaclash, Clashmore.

Tues 30 Jan:
BLACKWATER/BRIDE VALLEY: now 7 CATTLE EGRETS at Ballynaclash, Clashmore; Green Sandpiper & 2 Dippers at Tallow.; 2 ringtail Hen Harriers.
Near LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Crossbills & Treecreeper.
WEST WATERFORD: 2+ Red Kites.
DUNGARVAN: 2 WAXWINGS, Dungarvan town, & Slavonian Grebe off Abbeyside.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Shoveler.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Pintail, 8 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall & 13 Greylag Geese at Lisselan.
Near WATERFORD CITY: Barn Owl.

Mon 29 Jan:
DUNGARVAN TOWN: 2 WAXWINGS still present.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 4+ CATTLE EGRETS still at Ballynaclash, Clashmore.

Sun 28 Jan:
DUNGARVAN TOWN; 2 WAXWINGS.
CLASHMORE to AGLISH: Barn Owl.
BUNMAHON: 1st-winter Iceland Gull at river mouth.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: 3 Shoveler.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 11 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall & 13 Greylag Geese at Lisselan.
DUNMORE EAST: 5 Purple Sandpipers.

Sat 27 Jan:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 5 CATTLE EGRETS again near Ballynaclash quay, Clashmore.
WEST WATERFORD: 2 Red Kites.

Fri 26 Jan:
DUNMORE EAST: 2 Purple Sandpipers & an unseasonal Painted Lady butterfly.
CLONEA BAY: Wintering Sandwich Tern again at Ballinard.
DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe off Ballinacourty pier, flock of 25 Stock Doves near Western Bay, 30+ Snipe at Abbeyside.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: 5 CATTLE EGRETS near Ballynaclash Quay, Clashmore.
Near LISMORE: 3 drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Thurs 25 Jan:
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering Common Sandpiper near Reginald's Tower.

Weds 24 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Dark-bellied Brent Goose, 13 Greylag Geese & Scaup again at Lisselan, 3 Yellowhammers near Lisselan, Merlin & Short-eared Owl.

Tues 23 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: Dark-bellied Brent Goose at pitch & putt course.

Mon 22 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: DOTTEREL at Lisselan, Merlin.
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT still present.
COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Red Kite & Hen Harrier.

Sat 20 Jan:
DRUM HILLS: Hen Harrier.
Fri 19 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Kingfisher & Pintail.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: LESSER SCAUP.
KILMACTHOMAS: Jay.
KILMURRIN COVE: Adult Yellow-legged Gull.
DUNGARVAN: Jack Snipe on the Cunnigar, 7 Common Scoter off Ballinacourty lighthouse, high count of 890 Knot in Western Bay, Blackcap.
Near LISMORE: Treecreeper.

Thur 18 Jan:
DRUM HILLS: Jack Snipe at Knocknaglogh.
WEST WATERFORD: Red Kite.

Wed 17 Jan:
TRAMORE: Mediterranean Gull at Boating Lake, Jack Snipe at Saleen/Corbally.

Tues 16 Jan:
DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at Western Bay, GREAT WHITE EGRET flew upriver towards Park Hotel.

Mon 15 Jan:
Near LISMORE: Crossbills & Great Spotted Woodpecker.
DRUM HILLS: Long-eared Owl.
DUNGARVAN: LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER at Western Bay.
WATERFORD CITY: Over-wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT still present.
TRAMORE ROAD: Blackcap.

Sun 14 Jan:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Green Sandpiper near Tallow Bridge.
WHITING BAY: Redhead GOOSANDER.
DUNGARVAN: LONG-BELLIED DOWITCHER still in Western Bay (presumed overwintering bird since October), Slavonian Grebe off Ballynacourty pier, adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose near pitch & putt course.
CLONEA BAY: Wintering Sandwich Tern again, between Ballinard & Ballinclamper.
COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Adult male Hen Harrier.
BALLINLOUGH: Water Rail & 2 Shoveler.
ANNESTOWN: Water Rail & 8+ Chiffchaffs.

Sat 13 Jan:
Near LISMORE: 2+ drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
CALISO BAY: 9 Common Scoter.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Scaup, 5 Pintail, 6 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 13 Greylag Geese & 11 Whooper Swans at Lisselan.
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Flyover Crossbill in song, 13 Tufted Duck & 1 Coot.
DERRIGAL (nr Portlaw): 40+ Whooper Swans.
ANNESTOWN: Kingfisher & good numbers of wintering Chiffchaffs.

Fri 12 Jan:
Near LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming & Crossbill singing.
COMERAGH/MONAVULLAGH MOUNTAINS: Crossbills carrying nest material, & Merlin.
WEST WATERFORD: Woodcock.
WATERFORD CITY: Wintering LESSER WHITETHROAT present most days recently, since at least 11 November 2023, presumed same bird as during winter 2022/23.

Thur 11 Jan:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP. TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Kingfisher at Cloghernagh inlet, Scaup & Pintails at Lisselan, Short-eared Owl & ringtail Hen Harrier.
DUNGARVAN: Slavonian Grebe off Barnawee railway-bridge.
CLONEA: Over-wintering Sandwich Tern again off Ballinard.

Weds 10 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Scaup, Pintail, 6 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall & 13 Greylag Geese at Lisselan, Short-eared Owl.
ANNESTOWN: 8+ wintering Chiffchaffs & 3+ Water Rails.
DUNGARVAN: Wintering Blackcap.
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Kingfisher at Tallowbridge.

Tues 9 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Male RING-NECKED DUCK, 6 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall & 13 Greylag Geese at Lisselan.
Near WATERFORD CITY: Barn Owl.
Near LISMORE: Crossbills & Jay.

Mon 8 Jan:
TRAMORE BAY: Common Scoter.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 5 White-fronted Geese at Lisselan.
Near LISMORE: Crossbills & Jay.

Sun 7 Jan:
CLONEA: Wintering Sandwich Tern at Ballinclamper.

Sat 6 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Kingfisher, Scaup, Pintails & 13 Greylag Geese at Lisselan, Merlin.
ARDMORE: Male Black Redstart at cliff-walk, 1 Common Scoter in Ardmore Bay.
WHITING BAY: 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult & 1st-winter).
WEST WATERFORD: Red Kite & Barn Owl.

Fri 5 Jan:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP still present.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Short-eared Owl.
DUNGARVAN: 32 Red-throated & 12 Great Northern Divers, 35 Great Crested Grebes & 2 Black Guillemots in outer harbour.
BALLYQUIN (near Ardmore): 1 Common Scoter flew W, 81 Red-throated Divers on sea.
ARDMORE BAY: 10 Red-throated Divers.
Near ARDMORE: Merlin.
DRUM HILLS: Woodcock at Ballycurrane.

Thur 4 Jan:
KNOCKADERRY RESERVOIR: Male LESSER SCAUP, Kingfisher & a wintering Blackcap.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: White-fronted Goose & Scaup at Lisselan, Short-eared Owl.
Near TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Ringtail Hen Harrier.
LISMORE: CATTLE EGRET.
Near LISMORE: Great Spotted Woodpecker, several Crossbills, & Treecreeper.

Weds 3 Jan:
WHITING BAY: 2 Mediterranean Gulls, 30+ Sanderling, 60+ Ringed Plover, & 50+ Skylark.

Tues 2 Jan:
BLACKWATER VALLEY: Wintering Common Sandpiper.
ARDMORE: Purple Sandpiper along the cliff-walk - a rare sighting away from the two semi-regular sites in the county (Clonea Bay & Dunmore East).
DUNGARVAN: Water Rail behind Nissan garage.
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: 13 Greylag Geese, Dark-bellied Brent Goose, adult White-fronted Goose, Scaup, 9 Pintail & 5 Shoveler at Lisselan, Merlin.

Mon 1 Jan:
TRAMORE BACKSTRAND: Adult Greenland White-fronted Goose still at Lisselan.

Jan-Dec 2023

EARLIER YEARS/MONTHS - click link below:

Record & rarity archives

April 2024 photos:

Click photos for larger versions or see 2024 photo-page:

2024 photo-page (link)

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Sedge Warbler (with metal ring on R leg), near Garrarus, 21 Apr 2024 © A McNeill

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Reed Warbler, Ballyscanlon Lake, 19 Apr 2024 © A McNeill

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Black Kite, Lisselan, Tramore, 16 Apr 2024 © D Weldon

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Black Kite, Lisselan, Tramore, 16 Apr 2024 © D Weldon

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Black Kite, Lisselan, Tramore, 16 Apr 2024 © D Weldon

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Black Kite, Lisselan, Tramore, 16 Apr 2024 © D Weldon

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Sandwich Tern, Dungarvan, 7 Apr 2024 © T Murphy

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Sparrowhawk, near Lismore, 7 Apr 2024 © AD Malcolm

March 2024 photos:

Click photos for larger versions or see 2024 photo-page:

2024 photo-page (link)

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Chiffchaff (1of 20), Dungarvan, 27 Mar 2024 © T Murphy

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Ring-billed Gull, adult, the Cunnigar, Dungarvan, 21 Mar 2024 © A Allen

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Sparrowhawk, near Lismore, 18 Mar 2024 © AD Malcolm

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Water Rail, 8 Mar 2024 © A McNeill

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Sparrowhawk, near Lismore, 5 Mar 2024 © AD Malcolm

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Treecreeper, Clashmore, 5 Mar 2024 © PM Walsh

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Lesser Scaup male, Knockaderry Reservoir, 1 Mar 2024 © M Cowming

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Lesser Scaup male (with Tufted Duck), Knockaderry Reservoir, 1 Mar 2024 © M Cowming

February 2024 photos:

Click photos for larger versions or see 2024 photo-page:

2024 photo-page (link)

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Sparrowhawk, near Lismore, 29 Feb 2024 © AD Malcolm

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(R to L) Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup & Tufted Duck males, Knockaderry Res 25 Feb 2024 © M Cowming

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(R to L) Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup & Tufted Duck males, Knockaderry Res 25 Feb 2024 © M Cowming

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(R to L) Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup & Tufted Duck, Knockaderry Res 25 Feb 2024 © M Cowming

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Lesser Scaup male, Knockaderry Reservoir, 25 Feb 2024 © M Cowming

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Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mount Stuart, Drum Hills, 18 Feb 2024 © G Tobin

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Jay, Anne Valley, 18 Feb 2024 © A McNeill

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Dipper, Stradbally, 18 Feb 2024 © A McNeill

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Waxwing (1 of 5), SW of Toor Cross-roads, Drum Hills, 15 Feb 2024 © AD Malcolm

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Waxwing (1 of 5), SW of Toor Cross-roads, Drum Hills, 13 Feb 2024 © PM Walsh

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Waxwing (1 of 5), SW of Toor Cross-roads, Drum Hills, 13 Feb 2024 © PM Walsh

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Waxwing (1 of 5), SW of Toor Cross-roads, Drum Hills, 13 Feb 2024 © PM Walsh

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Waxwing (1 of 5), SW of Toor Cross-roads, Drum Hills, 13 Feb 2024 © PM Walsh

VIDEO link (X/Twitter): Green-winged Teal, Annestown, 9 Feb 2024 (JA Power)

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Water Rail, Coolnacuppogue Bog, 5 Feb 2024 © A McNeill

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Cattle Egret (1 of 7), Ballynaclash, Clashmore, 3 Feb 2024 © A McNeill

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Green Sandpiper, Tallowbridge, 3 Feb 2024 © A McNeill

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Red Kite, west Co Waterford, 3 Feb 2024 © A McNeill

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Stock Doves (46 of a flock of 50+!), Dungarvan, 2 Feb 2024 © T Murphy

January 2024 photos:

Click photos for larger versions or see 2024 photo-page:

2024 photo-page (link)

VIDEO link (X/Twitter): Cattle Egrets, Ballynaclash, Clashmore, 31 Jan 2024 (AD Malcolm)

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Waxwing, Dungarvan, 30 Jan 2024 © F Lloyd

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Waxwing, Dungarvan, 30 Jan 2024 © F Lloyd

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Waxwing, Dungarvan, 30 Jan 2024 © F Lloyd

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Waxwing, Dungarvan, 30 Jan 2024 © F Lloyd

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Waxwing, Dungarvan, 30 Jan 2024 © F Lloyd

VIDEO link (X/Twitter): Dotterel, Lisselan, Tramore Backstrand, 24 Jan 2925 (A Jacques)

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Long-billed Dowitcher, Dungarvan, 15 Jan 2024 © T Murphy

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Long-billed Dowitcher, Dungarvan, 14 Jan 2024 © T Murphy

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probable (but silent) Siberian Chiffchaff, Annestown, 14 Jan 2024 © A Watson

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probable Siberian Chiffchaff, Annestown, 14 Jan 2024 © A Watson

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Lesser Whitethroat, Waterford city, Jan 2024 © A McNeill

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Lesser Scaup, make, Knockaderry Reservoir, 5 Jan 2024 © P Archer

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Cattle Egrets, near Lismore, 4 Jan 2024 © F Lloyd

2023 photos (in progress):

Click photos for larger versions or see 2023 photo-page:

2023 photo-page (link)

Sightings listed here are reports, not necessarily authenticated records. Records are regularly updated, and older records added or amended where necessary. Many thanks to observers who provided records above - any further records (current or older) would be appreciated. Please email sightings or digital photos to reports (at) waterfordbirds.com or tweet to @watbirds.

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