February 18 - 22 Mon – Fri
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Shannon
Based: Ballyvaughan
Walking: Easy
Description :
Coastal West Ireland has the enviable reputation of being the mildest area of the British Isles during winter, remaining immensely green with bird numbers are at their highest for any time of the year. Small passerines are responding to the lengthening days, with many already in full song.
A well-indented coastline, featuring sheltered tidal bays and clusters of low-lying islands connected by causeways, facilitates easy exploration of bird-rich sites. Wetlands of the interior, wooded riparian habitats, scrubby cover in The Burren and dramatic coastal headlands, collectively ensure a healthy diversity of bird species.
Our travels take us from the Shannon Estuary in the south to Lough Corrib in the north, frequently cutting across the wonderful limestone landscapes of The Burren. The region is steeped in history and features mediaeval castles and churches throughout.
This event offers a first-class and comfortable start to the birdwatching season, likely including one or two species of rarity status. Glaucous, Iceland and Ring-billed Gulls; Bufflehead and Ring-necked Duck were among highlights of our 2007 tour.
Otters and Irish Hares (the Irish form of our Blue Hare) are reasonably common and Pine Martens occur. On one evening we shall tour the narrow single-track routes of The Burren using a powerful spotlight to search for mammals.
Our base at Ballyvaughan is a wonderful spot even by Irish standards, located by a peaceful harbour overlooking Galway Bay.
Itinerary
Day 1 Mon...Late Morning Rendezvous:
At Shannon Airport we start birdwatching with a visit to the nearby lagoon where Shelduck, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and Black-headed Gull prime the tour. Wetlands en route to our base at Ballvaughan add Great Crested and Little Grebes, Whooper and Bewick's Swans, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler to the tally.
Days 2 - 4 Tue - Thu:
Birdwatching from Ballyvaughan Harbour is incredibly productive. Great Northern Diver, Black-Guillemot, Brent Goose, Red-breasted Merganser, Greenshank, Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone and Rock Pipit are among regulars. Cover in gardens support Fieldfare and Redwing plus resident small passerines, many in full song.
Galway Bay features a multitude of inlets, islands and promontories, where waders flight in response to tide. Golden and Grey Plovers, Dunlins and Sanderlings are the regular fare, with a few Greenshanks and possibility of a Spotted Redshank. All three divers, Shags and auks (Razorbill, Common and Black Guillemots), plus sea ducks are scoped offshore.
At the famed Nimmo's Pier in Galway Harbour Little, Iceland, Glaucous and Ring-billed Gulls are searched for. Gannet, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Chough are seen around coastal headlands, where Merlins and Peregrines frequently show. Following adverse weather conditions Little Auks may even turn up.
Rivers are checked for Kingfisher and Dipper.
Day 5 Fri:
Following breakfast we travel directly to Shannon to catch the late morning flight back to London.
Cost: £595...includes:
four nights dinner, b&b in twin en-suite rooms; lunches days 2-4; all excursions within Ireland.
Deposit: £150
Single Room Supplement: £80
Cheap flights from London Stansted to Shannon, coinciding with the start and finish of this tour, are available through Ryanair
See 'About Us' for statement about flights.