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Ireland's Birds
Ireland has fewer breeding species of bird compared with some other European countries, but what it lacks in this respect is compensated for in other ways. Ireland holds healthy populations of species which are in serious decline elsewhere in Europe. Corncrakes are recovering their numbers in the midlands, while Roseate Tern have strongholds in Dublin and Wexford. The islands and headlands of the western and southern coasts have impressive numbers of breeding seabirds and Coal Tit, Jay and Dipper are represented here by subspecies.
Many North American vagrants find there way here following westerly winds in the autumn, particularly onto the West and South West coasts, and the same winds bring many pelagic sea birds. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in seabirds generally and it can be said with considerable confidence that we have the best sea watching spots in Europe. Rare Shearwaters and Petrels are now regularly seen at places such as The Bridges of Ross, Mizen Head and Cape Clear Island - mainly due to increased coverage by birders. Even discounting the occurrence of rarities, sea watching off the west coast, given the right conditions, can be an awe inspiring experience with sometimes 10,000 Shearwaters per hour passing close to land. Because of the mild climate in winter, thousands of shorebirds use our estuaries and for the same reason northern gulls also visit us.
Ireland has a population of about four million people, of which only about 250 are active birders. This means that when you are out birding it is very unusual to meet another birder - even at one of the hot spots. Finding our own birds is the norm which adds a great deal to the charm of birding in Ireland. Many birders who live in very 'active' birding countries find this aspect of Irish birding particularly appealing.
So you can see Ireland has a lot to offer birders all the year round. This, when combined with lovely scenery, mild climate and its friendly people, this all make Ireland an ideal birding location for a birding vacation or short break.
Guided day trips are offered for groups or individuals covering the whole of Ireland as well as birding breaks and pelagic trips which can include accommodation based at Bantry, West Cork. Custom made birding tours are also available. Please contact us with your enquiry.
Birding Accommodation in West Cork, Ireland.
County Cork has the longest bird list of the Irish counties. It also has some of the best scenery in Ireland, is the largest county and is the best place in Ireland for a vacation
- yes a bit of bias did creep in there somehow ( sorry )
Enquiries
email birdingireland@gmail.com - expect a reply within a few hours
Tel +353 2753809
Cell +353 868736436
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The pic to the right is of our house Ravens Oak, which is less than 10 minutes drive from the town of Bantry. The four windows to the left of the main entrance belong to our completely self contained apartment which is available for letting. Private access is at the rear.
The apartment has its own website www.ravens-oak.com Birders are especially welcome to stay with us and if they ask, they can be accommodated on a bnb basis. Local knowledge and advice.are freely available to all. Some also take advantage of the bird guiding service that I offer. It's a great place to stay - ( sorry again ) |
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