Great
Black-backed Gull and chick
The poor weather this June had us quite concerned for the regular trip to
Ireland's Eye. But Saturday morning proved to be fresh and rain-free. A
group of 26 set out on the ferry at 10:00am and were first treated to close
views of the Black Guillemots that nest in the harbour wall. The boatman
took us around by the stacks on the way so we got great views of
Gannets many carrying nesting material back up to their sites. The approach of the
boat caused many small groups of Razorbills and Guillemots to disperse. As
we rounded the stacks individual Puffins were to be seen scatted along under
the cliff. We counted at least a dozen. Oystercatchers were to be seen
nesting near the Martello tower as we docked. They had two chicks with an
egg still in the nest. At this point the group of ringers,
led by Oscar Merne, split from the main group and headed to the Cormorant colony to ring young birds as this is
on the outer rocks and only accessible at low tide.
As usual the Great Black-backed Gulls were not amused by our presence as we climbed up to the
north-west cliff. From here we had excellent views of Fulmars and
Kittiwakes, all sitting on the nests, leaving and arriving and generally
making lots of noise. Lower on the cliff Razorbills could be seen feeding
chicks and among the Guillemots a Bridled Guillemot was spotted. The
occasional Puffin could be seen at the edge of the grassy back near the
cliff top. The ground was quite wet and so it was decided to walk around the island, by
the beach, rather than climb over the high centre. There were plenty more
Oystercatchers disturbed by our presence and at the east end of the beach
individual Ringed Plovers were to be seen, very well camouflaged between the
stones and seaweed and sand mix of this beach. A Common Seal was basking on
the rocky point. At this stage we could now see the ringing group at the
Cormorant colony. Heading north as the cliffs start to rise we came across
what could only be described as a crèche for young Great Back-backed Gulls.Some Lesser Black-backed Gulls were also seen further along and more
Kittiwakes were nesting in crevasses. Nearing the stacks we spotted a
Peregrine Falcon circling, but it did not seem to bother the seabird
colonies. The view from the island's north-east cliff gave great views
looking down on the Gannet colony. There were also some Herring Gulls to be
found here, as well as more Great Back-backed. With the weather forecast for
rain in the afternoon and it clearly visible over the Dublin Mountains it was
decided to return to the boat for 2:00pm. So ends the final Tolka Branch
Trip for this season. We'll be back with our outing to Swords Estuary in
September.
John Hammond
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