Dunlin

We never see too many Dunlin at Loop Head, well not on land anyway, but often birds are observed during migration from seawatches.  So to find three birds in the small flash pool of the Horse Field near the Bridges of Ross, was nice for a change. Over the years this little flash has not produced many birds apart from one Little Stint, a few Ringed Plovers and the odd stray Golden Plover.  Below are a few shots on what was a sunny day with excellent light.

Dunlin, Bridges of Ross © John N Murphy

Dunlin

After a meeting today in Ennistymon, I was anxious to get to the shore to search for more North American waders.  At Cregg Beach in Lahinch there were two first-winter Mediterranean Gulls and loads of other mixed gulls feeding in large flocks all along the mid Clare coast today.  I got as far as Seafield, Quilty where on the high tide there were only seven Dunlin on the beach.  All the rest of the waders had pushed off to the islands to roost on high tide. 

Dunlin

Also at Lady's Island were many other waders, including these Dunlin in stunning summer plumage.