BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county ARMAGH

Lough Neagh and Oxford Island Nature Reserve

Lough Neagh, particularly around Oxford Island, is a hotspot for waterfowl and migratory birds, hosting up to 80,000 wintering waterfowl of around 20 species. The reserve features four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, reedbeds, ponds, forests, and wildflower meadows, making it ideal for observing a variety of species.

Great-Crested Grebe: Breeds in high density near Oxford Island. Best seen from the bird hides along the lakeshore.
Whooper Swan: A winter visitor, frequently spotted at Kinnego Hide, especially during the colder months.
Tufted Duck: Common in winter, visible from the hides at Oxford Island or Kinnego Marina.
Pochard: Migratory, often seen from Kinnego Hide, particularly in winter.
Little Egret: Recorded at Lough Neagh, viewable from hides or along the lakeshore.
Winter Diving Ducks: Includes rare species like Ferruginous Duck, Ring-Necked Duck, Red-Crested Pochard, and Smew, seen along Lough Neagh’s south shore in winter.
Redwings: Breeding populations can be spotted in the woodlands around Oxford Island.
Pintail: A winter visitor, often seen in the wetlands around Lough Neagh.
Teal: Common in winter, visible from the bird hides at Oxford Island.

Ardmore Point, Lough Neagh

This site on the southern shore of Lough Neagh is noted for rare sightings and is part of the broader Lough Neagh ecosystem.

Lesser Scaup: Recorded on March 24, 2022, and February 1, 2022, a rare visitor best seen from the shore or nearby hides.
Various Waterfowl: Similar species to Oxford Island, including Tufted Duck and Whooper Swan, can be observed here.

Clare Glen

A wooded area along the River Cusher, ideal for woodland species.

Long-Tailed Tit: Recorded on January 1, 2022, commonly seen in the wooded areas of Clare Glen.
Jay: Noted on November 5, 2021, often spotted in the glen’s mature woodlands.
Blackcap: Nests in older estates like Clare Glen, particularly in spring and summer.

Craigavon Balancing Lakes

These man-made lakes provide habitat for wetland and water-associated birds.

Reed Warbler: Recorded on June 18, 2022, and August 11, 2018, often found in the reedbeds around the lakes.
Various Waders and Waterfowl: Species like Teal and Pintail may also be present, similar to Lough Neagh.

Other Sites in Armagh

Additional locations like Aghacommon, Annaghmore, Bannfoot, Ballyfodrin Landfill Site, Darkley, and Derrymacash are mentioned for birdwatching but lack specific species records in the provided data. These areas likely support similar waterfowl and farmland birds, such as:

Grasshopper Warbler: Nests in old estates and rural areas, potentially at sites like Darkley or Annaghmore.
Common Garden Birds: Species like Robin, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Common Chaffinch, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Blackbird, and Dunnock are widespread across gardens, farmlands, and wooded areas in Armagh.

Seasonal Considerations:

Winter (October–March): Ideal for spotting migratory waterfowl like Whooper Swans, Pintails, and rare diving ducks at Lough Neagh and Oxford Island.
Spring and Summer (March–August): Breeding species like Great-Crested Grebe, Blackcap, and Reed Warbler are more active, particularly at Clare Glen and Craigavon Lakes.
Access and Facilities: Oxford Island Nature Reserve offers a visitor center with maps, a café, and parking, making it the most accessible site. Kinnego Marina is another good starting point for Lough Neagh. Clare Glen and Craigavon Lakes provide walking trails and hides for closer observation.
Conservation: Many of these areas are part of protected reserves, such as Oxford Island’s National Nature Reserve, emphasizing the importance of respecting habitats while birdwatching.
Rare Sightings: Armagh is known for rare species like Lesser Scaup and Ferruginous Duck, particularly around Lough Neagh, making it a draw for dedicated birders.

Recommendations for Birdwatchers

Visit Oxford Island: Start at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre for maps and access to hides. Winter visits maximize waterfowl sightings.
Explore Clare Glen: Ideal for woodland birds, especially in spring.
Check Craigavon Lakes: Look for Reed Warblers in the reedbeds during summer.
Report Sightings: Contribute to platforms like BirdGuides or IrishBirding.com to support conservation efforts.

Armagh:

Armagh is steeped in history and natural beauty, with the Navan Fort, an ancient ceremonial site, offering archaeological intrigue. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium provide stargazing opportunities, while the city’s two cathedrals reflect its ecclesiastical heritage. Other attractions include the nearby Slieve Gullion Forest Park with its hiking trails and panoramic views. Armagh is Ireland’s fifth smallest county by size (1,253 square km) and tenth largest by population (194,394). Population peaked at 232,393 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 108,815, in 1937. In terms of hospitality, Armagh is Ireland’s 26th most visited tourist county with around 57,000 international visitors per year.

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