Veon Ecology was busy in Kenmare County Kerry this week conducting Winter Bird Surveys for a Flood Relief Scheme the council is planning to carry out in the town. Veon Ornithologist Sara Sheridan took these photographs as part of the Bird Surveys:
- Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) is a small species of gull commonly found across Ireland all year round. The Irish population is supplemented in the winter by many more of the species migrating here from northern European countries. As indicated by the name the gull has a dark brown, almost black cap on its head during the summer season. However, the gull loses the cap when seen in its winter plumage and is left with a black spot on the side of the head as is visible on the one depicted. The Black-Headed Gull is also identifiable by its bright red/orange legs and bill.
- The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is a large resident species of gull that breeds on Irish coasts with the largest breeding colony found on Lambay Island, and winters across the country. The Herring Gull has very pale grey upper parts and pale pink legs.
- Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) were a rare sighting in Ireland until 1997 when the species was confirmed to be breeding in Ireland. Since then, the numbers Little Egret have increased significantly with the species now a resident species found along coastlines and on river across the country. They are a medium sized bird, smaller than a Grey Heron, with clean white plumage and dark legs and bill. Little Egret are an Annex I species under the EU Bird’s Directive (Council Directive 2009/147/EC), making it even more remarkable that it successfully expanded its range into Ireland without any human assistance.
- Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) are a large resident species of wader in Ireland. They are very identifiable by their black and white plumage and bright orange-red legs and bill. Oystercatcher is Red Listed by the Birds of Conservation Concern 4 (2020-2026) (Gilbert, Stanbury & Lewis, 2021). Oystercatcher is an Amber listed species on the Birds of Conservation Concern Ireland (BoCCI) list.
