Our first stop will be at Lough Owel. This shallow lake attracts thousands of waterbirds, including Pochard and Tufted Duck as well as large numbers of Coots, and is suitable for the surface-feeding species such as Shoveler, Wigeon, Teal and possibly Gadwall.

We should see Great Crested Grebes and Whooper Swans. As usual, we will always be on the look-out for something special with Goosander and Smew being recorded at this site in recent years.

From here we shall travel further inland towards Lough Derravaragh. This excellent wildfowl habitat is perfect for a host of diving ducks and is also known for Whooper Swans, grebes and Pintail.

Around the area we expect to encounter large numbers of Golden Plover and Lapwing while the fields of the midlands usually abound with winter thrushes like Redwings and Fieldfares.

Finch flocks in this area are always worth watching in winter with Bramblings being regularly seen each year.

You can contact Eric at BirdsIreland@eircom.net

Tour Leaders
Eric Dempsey & Esther Murphy