BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county CAVAN

County Cavan, known as the “Lake County” due to its 365 lakes, offers diverse habitats including lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, and drumlin hills, making it an excellent region for birdwatching.

Lough Oughter and Killykeen Forest Park

Lough Oughter, a Specially Protected Area (SPA), is a complex of lakes and wetlands near Cavan Town, surrounded by Killykeen Forest Park, a 240-hectare wooded area with trails and lakeside views. This area is ideal for waterfowl and woodland birds.

Great-Crested Grebe: Commonly seen on Lough Oughter, particularly in summer during breeding season. Viewable from the forest trails or lakeshore.
Whooper Swan: A winter visitor, often spotted on the lake from November to March.
Tufted Duck: Frequently seen on Lough Oughter, especially in winter, from the shoreline or Killykeen trails.
Little Egret: Recorded in Cavan’s wetlands, visible along the lake’s edges.
Kingfisher: Occasionally spotted along the shores of Lough Oughter, particularly near quieter waters.
Various Waterfowl: Species like Teal, Pochard, and Mallard are common in winter, best seen from lakeside paths.
Woodland Birds: In Killykeen Forest Park, expect Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-Tailed Tit, and Robin, commonly found along the forest trails.

Lough Sheelin

Located in the south of Cavan, bordering Meath and Westmeath, Lough Sheelin is renowned for brown trout fishing but also supports waterfowl and waders.

Brown Trout-Associated Birds: Species like Heron and Cormorant are attracted to the lake’s fish populations, visible along the shores.
Waders: Ringed Plover may be spotted along the lake’s edges, especially during migration periods (spring and autumn).
Waterfowl: Winter visitors such as Wigeon and Goldeneye can be seen on the lake.

Lough Gowna

Another SPA in the south of Cavan, Lough Gowna is a quieter lake ideal for observing waterbirds.

Mute Swan: Commonly seen on the lake year-round.
Coots and Moorhens: Frequently spotted in the reedbeds and shallow waters.
Reed Warbler: Recorded in Cavan’s reedbeds, likely present in summer around Lough Gowna’s margins.

Lough Ramor

Located in the east of Cavan near Virginia, Lough Ramor is a significant site for waterfowl and is bordered by Páirc na BhFianna (Deerpark) Forest.

Pochard: A winter visitor, often seen on the lake from the shore or nearby forest trails.
Tufted Duck: Common in winter, viewable from lakeside paths.
Blackwater River Birds: The Blackwater River, which flows through Lough Ramor, may host Dipper and Grey Wagtail along its banks.
Woodland In Deerpark Forest, look for Goldcrest, Ireland’s smallest bird, and Treecreeper, both common in wooded areas.

Cavan Burren Park

Situated near the Cuilcagh Mountains, this park features limestone landscapes, bogs, and ancient sites, offering habitats for upland and bogland birds.

Hen Harrier: A bird of prey found in Cavan’s uplands and bogs, identifiable by its owl-like face and low, gliding flight. Best seen in open areas of the park during spring or summer.
Merlin: A small falcon, occasionally spotted in the open boglands, especially during migration.
Skylark: Common in open grassy areas, often heard singing high above the park in spring and summer.
Meadow Pipit: Frequently seen in the park’s open landscapes, particularly in spring.

Dún a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt

This forest park near Kingscourt offers trails along the river, with lush greenery and opportunities to spot woodland and riverine birds.

Jay: Noted in Cavan’s forests, likely present in Dún a Rí’s mature woodlands.
Sparrowhawk: A common raptor in Ireland, often seen darting through the forest.
Blackcap: Nests in wooded areas, viewable in spring and summer along the trails.
Riverine Birds: Along the river, Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail may be spotted.

Cuilcagh Mountain Park and Mullaleam Loop

The Cuilcagh Mountain Park, home to the highest point in Cavan (665m), includes blanket bogs and the Shannon Pot, the source of the River Shannon. The Mullaleam and Cuilcagh Mountain Park Loop is a 15.8-mile trail popular for birdwatching.

Golden Eagle: Reintroduced to Ireland, occasionally spotted soaring over the Cuilcagh Mountains, particularly in spring or summer.
Peregrine Falcon: Nests in upland crags, viewable from the trail’s higher points.
Raven: The largest passerine, common in upland areas, often seen or heard calling over the mountains.
Red Grouse: Found in the boglands, particularly in spring when males are more visible.

Other Notable Sites

Bracklagh Lough, Kilcogy, and Other Smaller Lakes: Sites like Bracklagh Lough, Lough Inchin, and Parisee Lough support waterfowl such as Mallard, Teal, and Moorhen.
Bellamont Forest near Cootehill: A good spot for woodland birds like Chaffinch, Wren, and Blackbird.
Belturbet: Known for Hooded Crow sightings, a common species across Cavan’s open countryside.

Garden and Common Birds

Across Cavan’s rural gardens, farmlands, and suburban areas, birdwatchers can expect to see:
Robin: Ireland’s best-loved bird, common in gardens and hedgerows, recognizable by its red breast.
Blackbird: Widespread, often seen foraging in gardens or fields.
House Sparrow: Common in urban and suburban areas, especially near human habitation.
Eurasian Magpie: Recognizable by its black and white plumage and long tail, often seen in open country or gardens.
Goldfinch: Vibrant with a red face and yellow wing bars, increasingly common at garden feeders.
Wren: One of Ireland’s smallest birds, often heard singing in hedges and undergrowth.

Seasonal Considerations:

Winter (November–March): Best for migratory waterfowl like Whooper Swans, Pochard, and Tufted Ducks at Lough Oughter, Lough Sheelin, and Lough Ramor.
Spring and Summer (March–August): Ideal for breeding birds like Reed Warbler, Blackcap, and Skylark, especially at Killykeen, Dún a Rí, and Cavan Burren Park.

Access and Facilities:

Killykeen Forest Park: Offers well-marked trails (white blazes for shorter routes, purple arrows for longer ones) and is family-friendly with flat terrain.
Cavan Burren Park: Features trails past ancient sites, ideal for combining birdwatching with history.
Dún a Rí Forest Park: Has picnic areas, public toilets, and trails suitable for all levels, with ample parking at Kingscourt Community Centre.
Cuilcagh Mountain Park: The boardwalk and stairwells make it accessible, but the terrain can be challenging; best for experienced birders seeking upland species.
Conservation: Lough Oughter and Lough Gowna are SPAs, emphasizing their importance for bird conservation. Birdwatchers should follow ethical guidelines, keeping a safe distance to avoid disturbing nests or wildlife.
Rare Sightings: Cavan has recorded rare species like Lesser Scaup (March 16, 2007) and Smew (January 24, 2006), particularly around Lough Oughter or smaller lakes like Bracklagh Lough.

Recommendations for Birdwatchers

Start at Lough Oughter/Killykeen: The combination of wetlands and forest makes this a must-visit for diverse species. Use the trails and lakeside paths for optimal viewing.
Visit Cavan Burren Park: Perfect for upland birds like Hen Harrier and Golden Eagle, with scenic trails enhancing the experience.
Explore Dún a Rí: Ideal for a relaxed walk with chances to see woodland and riverine species.
Check Local Reports: Platforms like BirdGuides or the Cavan Birdwatch group (mentioned in the Anglo Celt) provide updates on recent sightings.
Contribute to Conservation: Report sightings to the Irish Rare Birds Committee or BirdWatch Ireland to support monitoring efforts.

County Cavan:

Cavan is a haven of lakes and rolling hills, with the Shannon-Erne Waterway offering tranquil boating and fishing opportunities. The Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff explores local history, while the Marble Arch Caves, part of a UNESCO Geopark, showcase stunning underground formations. Other attractions include the Killykeen Forest Park’s walking trails. Cavan is Ireland’s 19th largest county by size (1,891 sq km) and eighth smallest by population (81,704). Population peaked at 243,158 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 52,618 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Cavan is Ireland’s 20th most visited tourist county with around 111,000 international visitors per year.

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