BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county WESTMEATH

County Westmeath, located in Ireland’s midlands, offers diverse birdwatching opportunities through its numerous lakes, bogs, woodlands, farmlands, and river systems. Positioned in the heart of Ireland’s lakelands, with sites like Lough Ennell and Lough Ree, Westmeath supports a variety of resident, breeding, wintering, and migratory birds.

Lough Ree (Including Coosan Point and Portlick)

Lough Ree, a large lake on the River Shannon and a Special Protection Area (SPA), is a key site for waterfowl, waders, and breeding birds, with surrounding wetlands and woodlands. Coosan Point and Portlick are prime viewing areas near Athlone.

Whooper Swan: Winter visitor, seen in flocks on the lake or nearby fields from November to March.
Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler: Common winter waterfowl, visible in shallow waters or wetlands at Coosan Point.
Tufted Duck, Goldeneye: Winter diving ducks, abundant in open water near Portlick.
Great Crested Grebe: Breeds in summer, seen year-round on the lake, particularly at Coosan Point.
Little Grebe: Resident in reedbeds or quieter waters, visible throughout the year.
Grey Heron, Little Egret: Common along lake edges, especially in winter at Portlick.
Kingfisher: Occasionally spotted along the lake’s quieter shores or feeder streams near Coosan Point.
Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler: Summer residents in reedbeds, singing from April to August.
Rare Green-winged Teal or Garganey may appear during migration seasons.
Viewing Tips: Access via public paths at Coosan Point or Portlick. Winter is best for waterfowl, summer for breeding birds. A telescope is useful for distant lake views. Check IrishBirding.com for recent sightings.

Lough Ennell (Near Mullingar)

Lough Ennell, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) near Mullingar, is a significant site for wintering waterfowl and breeding birds, with surrounding grasslands and woodlands.
Pochard, Tufted Duck: Winter diving ducks, visible in open water from November to March.
Mallard, Teal, Wigeon: Common winter waterfowl, seen in shallow waters or wetlands.
Great Crested Grebe: Breeds in summer, seen year-round on the lake.
Little Grebe: Resident in reedbeds, visible throughout the year.
Grey Heron: Common along lake edges, particularly in winter.
Mute Swan: Resident in calm waters, often in pairs or small groups.
Lapwing: Winter flocks in surrounding fields or wetlands, visible from November to March.
Snipe: Winter visitor in wet areas, best seen at dawn or dusk.
Viewing Tips: Access via public roads or paths near Mullingar, such as at Ladestown. Winter is best for waterfowl, spring for breeding residents. Binoculars are essential for lake views.

Scragh Bog (Near Mullingar)

Scragh Bog, a raised bog and Natural Heritage Area (NHA) near Mullingar, is a rare intact midland bog, supporting bogland and wetland species.
Snipe: Common in wet bog areas, particularly in winter; listen for “drumming” displays in spring.
Curlew: Breeds in spring and summer, though declining; visible on open bog areas.
Meadow Pipit, Skylark: Breed in open boglands, singing from April to August.
Stonechat: Common in scrubby bog edges, perching on gorse or low shrubs year-round.
Kestrel: Hovers over the bog, hunting for small prey, visible year-round.
Reed Bunting: Common in wet areas, more active in summer.
Rare Hen Harrier may hunt over the bog in winter, though sightings are rare.
Viewing Tips: Access via designated paths off the R395; check with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) for restrictions. Spring is best for breeding birds, winter for waders. Stay on paths to protect the bog habitat.

River Shannon (Near Athlone)

The River Shannon, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), flows through Westmeath near Athlone, supporting riverine birds with adjacent wetlands and woodlands.
Kingfisher: Frequently spotted along quiet stretches near Athlone, perched on branches over water.
Dipper: Resident in fast-flowing sections, diving for insects in shallow waters.
Grey Wagtail: Common along the river, particularly in winter, with its yellow underparts and wagging tail.
Grey Heron, Little Egret: Common along riverbanks, visible year-round.
Mallard, Moorhen: Abundant in slower river sections or wetlands, visible throughout the year.
Mute Swan: Resident in calm waters, often seen near Athlone.
Spotted Flycatcher: Summer visitor (May–August), hawking insects near riverside trees.
Viewing Tips: Walk riverside paths in Athlone, such as along the Shannon banks. Early mornings are best for Kingfisher and Dipper. Respect private land boundaries.

Belvedere House and Gardens (Near Mullingar)

A 160-hectare estate with woodlands, a lake, and parklands, Belvedere House is ideal for woodland and waterbirds, managed by Westmeath County Council.
Jay: Common in mature woodlands, especially in autumn when collecting acorns.
Great Spotted Woodpecker: Resident, often heard drumming in spring in mixed woodlands.
Goldcrest, Treecreeper: Common in coniferous and deciduous woods, visible year-round.
Blackcap, Chiffchaff: Summer breeding warblers, singing from April to August.
Long-tailed Tit: Small flocks move through woodlands, particularly in winter.
Mallard, Moorhen: Resident in the lake, visible year-round.
Buzzard: Increasingly common, soaring over parklands or woodlands.
Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush: Abundant in gardens and woodlands, especially in spring.
Viewing Tips: Explore marked trails around the lake or woodlands. Spring is best for breeding birds, winter for mixed tit flocks. Entry fees apply, with parking, toilets, and a café available.

Lough Owel (Near Mullingar)

Lough Owel, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), is a clear-water lake supporting waterfowl and surrounding farmland birds.
Pochard, Tufted Duck: Winter diving ducks, visible in open water from November to March.
Mallard, Wigeon: Common winter waterfowl, seen in shallow waters.
Great Crested Grebe: Breeds in summer, seen year-round on the lake.
Little Grebe: Resident in reedbeds, visible throughout the year.
Grey Heron: Common along lake edges, particularly in winter.
Yellowhammer: Declining but present in farmland hedgerows near the lake, more visible in summer.
Linnet, Goldfinch: Common in surrounding fields, feeding on seeds in autumn.
Viewing Tips: Access via public roads near Mullingar; confirm public access points. Winter is best for waterfowl, summer for breeding residents. A telescope is useful for lake views.

Knockdrin Woods (Near Mullingar)

A mixed woodland near Mullingar, Knockdrin Woods supports woodland birds and offers a quieter alternative to larger sites.
Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker: Common in woodlands, with woodpeckers drumming in spring.
Sparrowhawk: Hunts small birds in wooded areas, particularly in autumn.
Goldcrest, Coal Tit: Resident in coniferous woods, visible year-round.
Blackcap, Chiffchaff: Summer breeding warblers, singing from April to August.
Long-tailed Tit: Small flocks move through woodlands, particularly in winter.
Bullfinch: Occasional in hedgerows, feeding on berries in autumn.
Viewing Tips: Access via public paths near Knockdrin Castle; confirm access with local authorities. Spring is best for breeding birds, winter for mixed flocks. Binoculars are recommended.

Seasonal Considerations:

Spring (March–May): Breeding warblers (e.g., Blackcap, Chiffchaff), Curlew, and Sedge Warbler are active in woodlands, bogs, and wetlands.
Summer (June–August): Summer migrants like Spotted Flycatcher, Swallow, and House Martin are prominent in wetlands and farmlands.
Autumn (September–November): Winter visitors like Whooper Swan, Snipe, and Lapwing arrive at lakes and wetlands.
Winter (November–March): Waterfowl (e.g., Wigeon, Pochard) and waders (e.g., Lapwing, Snipe) dominate lakes and wetlands, with mixed tit flocks in woodlands.

Access and Facilities:

Lough Ree: Public paths at Coosan Point and Portlick have parking; limited facilities, so bring supplies.
Lough Ennell: Public roads near Mullingar offer access; no facilities at most points.
Scragh Bog: Free entry with designated paths; no facilities, check NPWS for access details.
River Shannon: Riverside paths in Athlone have parking; urban facilities available.
Belvedere House: Entry fees apply, with parking, toilets, and a café.
Lough Owel: Limited public access; parking on nearby roads, no facilities.
Conservation: Lough Ree, Lough Ennell, and Scragh Bog are SPAs or SACs, emphasizing their ecological importance. Avoid disturbing nesting birds, especially Curlew or Kingfishers. Report rare sightings to BirdWatch Ireland or the Irish Rare Birds Committee via BirdGuides.
Rare Sightings: Westmeath’s lakes and wetlands occasionally host vagrants like Green-winged Teal, Garganey, or Little Gull, particularly at Lough Ree. Inland sites like Scragh Bog are under-birdwatched, offering potential for new records.
Common Garden Birds: Across Westmeath’s towns (e.g., Mullingar, Athlone) and rural areas, expect Robin, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Wren, Dunnock, and Magpie, especially in gardens and hedgerows.

Recommendations for Birdwatchers

Start at Lough Ree: Essential for wintering waterfowl and breeding grebes, with easy access at Coosan Point or Portlick.
Explore Lough Ennell: Ideal for winter ducks and waders, with convenient access near Mullingar.
Visit Scragh Bog: Great for bogland species like Curlew and Snipe, with a unique midland bog experience.
Check Belvedere House: Perfect for woodland birds like Great Spotted Woodpecker, with family-friendly facilities.
Join BirdWatch Ireland: The Westmeath Branch organizes outings to lakes and bogs. Check birdwatchireland.ie or contact local branches for events.
Use Resources: “Finding Birds in Ireland” by Eric Dempsey and Michael O’Clery provides site-specific advice. BirdGuides.com and IrishBirding.com offer real-time sighting updates.

Westmeath:

Westmeath offers a blend of lakes and historic charm, with Athlone Castle providing insights into medieval Ireland along the Shannon River. The Belvedere House and Gardens showcase Georgian elegance, while Lough Ree offers boating and fishing opportunities. Other attractions include the ancient Fore Abbey and its monastic ruins and traditional seven wonders. Westmeath is Ireland’s tenth smallest county by size (1,763 square km) and 11th smallest by population (96,221). Population peaked at 141,300 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 52,861 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Westmeath is Ireland’s 22nd most visited tourist county with around 95,000 international visitors per year.

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