Seabirds still migrating

Second-summer Pomarine Skua passing Fodry Point © John N Murphy

At Loop Head today 11th October 2011, there was one Snow Bunting at the Fodry, a flock of 400 Gannets were feeding off the tip of Loop Head Lighthouse, 27 Snipe and 34 Golden Plovers were in open ground around the lighthouse along with 12 Chough.  One Wheatear was in the harbour with another at fields near the Bridges of Ross along with 46 Golden Plover. Seven Swallows were in Kilbaha. One Whimbrel was at Horse Island.

A one hour seawatch (10.30-11.30) off Fodry Point there were seven Pomarine Skuas, seven Arctic Skuas, one Leach’s Petrel which was taken by a Peregrine out to sea, one Red-throated Diver and four Great Northern Divers.

A one hour seawatch this evening (17.00-18.00) off the Bridges of Ross produced three Long-tailed Skuas (two adults and one 2nd-cal bird), 15 Arctic Skuas, 11 Pomarine Skuas, seven Bonxies, five Leaches Petrels, one Storm Petrel, three Sooty Shearwaters, six Manx Shearwaters, two Great Northern Divers and one Red-throated Diver.
Mammals & Insects

Irish Hare near the tip of Loop Head © John N Murphy

There were hundreds of Drinker Moth caterpillars throughout the headland, 26 Irish Hares, two Speckled Wood Butterflies, one Peacock Butterfly and one Grey Seal was off Fodry Point.

John N Murphy.