What a weekend of contrasting weather! This weekend saw the first in a series of workshops in the lovely surroundings of Sycamore Hill, near Newcastle in Wicklow. This was our ‘Bird Field Photography’ workshop, hosted by myself, Hazel and one of Ireland’s top bird photographers, John Fox. Saturday was a perfect day for photography with sunshine and calm weather. Sycamore Hill lived up to it’s logo with hundreds of Swallows spending the day circling above and around the house. I have found that the valley of Sycamore Hill is like a mini-migrant funnel, bringing birds either down from the mountains or along a stretch of woodland and hedges just inland from the coast. This past week I have seen up to 15 Chiffchaffs feeding around the garden before moving through towards the coast while small flocks of Siskins were also constantly flying over. And two weeks ago, a superb Spotted Flycatcher was among another wave of migrant warblers that appeared in the garden.

Saturday was about putting what we had discussed into practice and everyone on the course spent time trying their hand at photographing the flying Swallows. Siskins were constantly flying over but were not attracted to the feeders, a Blackcap was seen but not photographed while two Wheatears were seen at the entrance as people arrived. The Swallows remained over the house until darkness descended that evening, their calls creating a beautiful dusk chorus and a fitting end to a great day.

Sunday was another thing altogether. It started so well with a Jay in the garden at Sycamore Hill and a doe and her fawn feeding in the meadow. But the forecast was for rain to hit around midday. So it was with great hope (rather than expectation) that we hit for Tacumshin Lake in Wexford for the start of our photographic field trip. I just love this place. Thousands of waders are so intent on feeding that they usually allow great views and wonderful photographic opportunities. It’s also a great place for raptors and Ireland’s second Pallid Harrier has been present here for several weeks. But today was not the ideal day for photography. Dark clouds loomed on the horizon and strong southerly winds made viewing, photography and speaking almost impossible. Then, bang on time, the rain arrived and boy…did it rain! We were soaked…there is nowhere to hide at Tacumshin. Still, before then, and even in the rain, we did manage to see and photograph a great selection of waders, many of them approaching us really closely. And just to add a little spice to the day, we also found a beautiful Semipalmated Sandpiper, two White-rumped Sandpipers and 12 (yes 12!) Buff-breasted Sandpipers among the Dunlin, Knot, Ringed Plovers, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpipers. These are avian superstars that have crossed the Atlantic from their high Arctic Canadian breeding grounds. As one person commented…’they were worth getting soaked for’!

We retreated back to our cars and headed over to Lady’s Island Lake where we were treated to a lovely flock of adult and juvenile White Wagtails and two Wheatears. These birds made excellent models for photography. Checking over the wetlands we encountered yet another White-rumped Sandpiper along with several photogenic Curlew Sandpipers. With more rain and wind adding an ‘element of misery to the day’, we decided to end our photographic efforts and return back to Wicklow. With a fire down and warm tea and coffee in our hands, we ended our photography workshop with a group discussion. A big thank you to everyone who joined our course. And, as darkness descended once again upon Sycamore Hill, the Swallows arrived once more to end our day.