Midlander_ie
Tom Murtagh
Peter Anderson and myself made a trip to Glen Lough NPWS reserve, near Edgeworthstown (GPS 53.658424,-7.588391) on the Longford/Wesmeath border during the week.
The lake (which throughout Summer takes on the appearence of a fen) is quite flooded now after the heavy rain of recent days. Inconveniently, most of the waterbirds were on the opposite side of the lake and partially obstructed views (from the Reserve hide) across the reedbeds didnt yield much other than a sizeable flock of Whoopers on the southern side of the lake, together with assorted ducks, mainly Wigeon, Mallard, Teal and a few Shoveler and a small number of Mute Swans. Close by the hide however, we had decent views of a pair of Gadwall with a few more found on the southern side of the lake, viewed later from a road by the peat factory to the south. This alternate view allowed for a reasonably accourate count of the Whoopers present, numbering 238 approx - a few more swans were partially hidden in the reedbeds and not included in the count. The area is also good for raptors and on our visit we had a Buzzard and a Kestrel, both regulars , viewed from the hide. There is a somewhat elusive Hen Harrier (ringtail) in the area, seen quartering the reedbeds on earlier autumn/ winter visits , but a "no show" on this occasion.
Interestingly, we observed a good number of Stonechats around the reedbeds, a species not so widespread locally. A mixed flock of Linnets and Redpoll were also encountered along the path to the hide.
Kingfisher and Water Rail are also regularly recorded at this site
The site is fairly quiet during Spring/Summer as water levels are low then so now is a good time for a site visit !
The lake (which throughout Summer takes on the appearence of a fen) is quite flooded now after the heavy rain of recent days. Inconveniently, most of the waterbirds were on the opposite side of the lake and partially obstructed views (from the Reserve hide) across the reedbeds didnt yield much other than a sizeable flock of Whoopers on the southern side of the lake, together with assorted ducks, mainly Wigeon, Mallard, Teal and a few Shoveler and a small number of Mute Swans. Close by the hide however, we had decent views of a pair of Gadwall with a few more found on the southern side of the lake, viewed later from a road by the peat factory to the south. This alternate view allowed for a reasonably accourate count of the Whoopers present, numbering 238 approx - a few more swans were partially hidden in the reedbeds and not included in the count. The area is also good for raptors and on our visit we had a Buzzard and a Kestrel, both regulars , viewed from the hide. There is a somewhat elusive Hen Harrier (ringtail) in the area, seen quartering the reedbeds on earlier autumn/ winter visits , but a "no show" on this occasion.
Interestingly, we observed a good number of Stonechats around the reedbeds, a species not so widespread locally. A mixed flock of Linnets and Redpoll were also encountered along the path to the hide.
Kingfisher and Water Rail are also regularly recorded at this site
The site is fairly quiet during Spring/Summer as water levels are low then so now is a good time for a site visit !
