First-time trip to Tacumshin lake

cfitz

I'm considering a trip to Tacumshin in the coming days. I've never been before, it's a few hours away. I'm most interested in seeing birds of prey. What might I see? Any tips on specific locations etc?

All advice appreciated. Thanks very much!

V_Moth

cfitz wrote: »

I'm considering a trip to Tacumshin in the coming days. I've never been before, it's a few hours away. I'm most interested in seeing birds of prey. What might I see? Any tips on specific locations etc?

All advice appreciated. Thanks very much!

I was there last Monday and it was very quiet. The water levels are still much higher than usual, covering a lot of the best habitat and the majority of the birds were very distant. Good places to look from include "The Forgotten Corner" (http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,705633,606695,5,1) and Lingstown (http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,703832,607232,5,1). A telescope is always very useful at this site!

The pics are the damaged caused to viewpoint near the Forgotten Corner by the storms over the winter. The nice benches were a complete loss unfortunately.

OpenYourEyes

It's probably not the best time of year for raptors there either (though there'd still be some!). In winter there's Hen Harriers, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines - this time of year Harriers and Peregrines are gone back to breeding sites and less likely to be there. Later in the season you can expect Hobbys to start turning up there, but I think its a bit early for them at the moment.

I havn't been there since the storms, but it's a fantastic birdwatching site in general.

Edit: just checked Irish Birding and there was a Marsh Harrier and Red Kite there two weeks ago, so there's always a chance of seeing something I suppose! Great site in general anyway and worth checking out - hopefully you get to see a few BOPs too!

If you have a full day it's worth swinging by Wexford Wildfowl Reserve - always a chance of seeing something there too!

Capercaille

5 garganey in Tacumshin today so hopefully might get breeding pairs this year:)

stevensi

Was there myself today. Was lucky enough to see 2 male Garganey and 1 female. Overall though it was pretty quiet . No birds of prey today but still a bit of wildfowl about including the Garganey, Pintail, Tufties, Pochard, Scaup, Gadwall and Mallard. Plenty of Swallows and Sand Martins but not very many waders. If you are thinking of crossing onto the island make sure you bring a pair of waders the water level though having dropped a lot is still pretty high for the time of year.

Desmo

stevensi wrote: »

Was there myself today. Was lucky enough to see 2 male Garganey and 1 female. Overall though it was pretty quiet . No birds of prey today but still a bit of wildfowl about including the Garganey, Pintail, Tufties, Pochard, Scaup, Gadwall and Mallard. Plenty of Swallows and Sand Martins but not very many waders. If you are thinking of crossing onto the island make sure you bring a pair of waders the water level though having dropped a lot is still pretty high for the time of year.

The island opposite the east end car park (Sigginstown Island)? Am hoping to go next Friday or so. I was there for Paddy's weekend and the place was a complete disaster; the water levels were incredibly high and the amount of rubbish washed up was dire; it sounds like one of the local farmers has been very active in clearing the rubbish so hats off to him and the folks who helped.

Des

DellyBelly

Hi Des,

The Garganey when I got them were with a flock of Wigeon in Forgotten corner. They are pretty good at hiding out in the reed beds but they were in the company of a flock of teal so if you do see teal flying about check it out because you might pick a Gargnaey out with it.

Desmo

DellyBelly wrote: »

Hi Des,

The Garganey when I got them were with a flock of Wigeon in Forgotten corner. They are pretty good at hiding out in the reed beds but they were in the company of a flock of teal so if you do see teal flying about check it out because you might pick a Gargnaey out with it.

Much obliged for the info. I still have never seen a Garganey so they are top of my hit list. I will try Forgotten Corner and the East end pool.

Des

DellyBelly

Well if you do see a flock of Teal go by look out for a lighter coloured bird with them and it more than likely will be the Garganey. Hopefully you connect with the male as it is a lovely marked duck. Best of luck....

stevensi

That is true about the bird being a lighter colour. Its what stood out for me when I saw them flying past. Although I did get a great view of the male sitting out in the open for a while as well.