BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county DONEGAL

County Donegal, located in the northwest of Ireland, is renowned for its rugged coastline, mountains, bogs, and islands, offering diverse habitats for birdwatching. Its position along the Wild Atlantic Way and its northerly location make it a hotspot for seabirds, migratory species, and rare vagrants.

Inch Wildfowl Reserve (Inch Lake)

Located near Lough Swilly, this reserve is a world-class site for wildfowl and waders, with a mix of lake, wetlands, and surrounding farmland. It’s a Special Protection Area (SPA) and features a bird hide for viewing.
Black-tailed Godwit: Winter migrant, commonly seen feeding in the wetlands, especially from the hide.
Curlew Sandpiper: Recorded during migration seasons (spring and autumn), visible on mudflats.
Great Crested Grebe: Present year-round, often seen on the lake from the hide or causeway.
Whooper Swan: Winter visitor, roosting in large numbers in the evening, best seen from the causeway.
Brent Goose: Internationally important numbers winter here, visible on surrounding fields.
Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Pintail: Wintering waterfowl, commonly seen from the hide or along the lake.
Scaup, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser: Recorded in good numbers, particularly in winter.
Bullfinch: Seen in hedgerows along the causeway road, especially in autumn and winter.
Rare Black-winged Pratincole (third Irish record, July 2023) and Collared Pratincole (2019) have been spotted at nearby Blanket Nook Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the same ecosystem.
Viewing Tips: Access the new bird hide by taking the road from Burt Chapel towards Buncrana, turning left at the round church. Walk the causeway for lake views and check fields for geese. Evening visits in winter maximize roosting bird sightings.

Tory Island

A remote island off the northwest coast, accessible by ferry from Magheroarty or Bunbeg (weather permitting), Tory Island is a Special Protection Area (SPA) famous for its seabird colonies and migratory species, including the endangered Corncrake.

Puffin: Breeds on northern cliffs from March to September, best seen from cliff edges or boat trips.
Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, Fulmar: Large breeding colonies on cliffs, visible in summer.
Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater: Seabirds breeding in summer, best seen during seawatching or at dusk.
Corncrake: A rare and secretive summer visitor, heard (and occasionally seen) in long grass, particularly from April to July.
Hooded Merganser: A rare vagrant pair recorded in 2021, highlighting the island’s potential for surprises.
Chough: Resident, often seen feeding in grassy areas with their distinctive red beaks.
Viewing Tips: Walk the island’s cliffs for seabirds and listen for Corncrake calls in grassy areas. Bring a bird identification guide, as the island’s isolation attracts rarities. Photographers should respect nesting sites to avoid disturbance.

Horn Head

Near Dunfanaghy, Horn Head’s 600-foot cliffs are an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds, designated as a Special Protection Area and Natural Heritage Area.

European Shag: Breeds on cliffs, visible year-round but most active in summer.
Razorbill: Breeding seabird, seen on cliff ledges from April to July.
Kittiwake, Fulmar, Guillemot: Common breeding species, best viewed from cliff-top trails in summer.
Peregrine Falcon: Hunts along the cliffs, often seen soaring in spring and autumn.
Chough: Feeds on coastal grasslands, particularly in autumn.
Viewing Tips: Park near the Horn Head viewpoint and walk the cliff-top trails. Use binoculars for distant seabird colonies and stay safe near cliff edges, especially in windy conditions.

Sheskinmore Lough Reserve

Located between Portnoo and Ardara, this reserve is part of a shallow coastal lagoon with machair grasslands, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as an SPA and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Greenland White-fronted Goose: Internationally important wintering population, seen in fields from November to March.
Barnacle Goose: Winter visitor, often seen with White-fronted Geese in surrounding farmland.
Chough: Present in autumn, feeding in machair grasslands.
Lapwing: Breeds in summer, visible in wet grasslands and fields.
Waders: Species like Curlew, Snipe, and Redshank are common in spring and summer.
Viewing Tips: Access on foot through dunes near the caravan site at Rosbeg (1.5 km west). Respect private land and use the reserve’s paths to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Glenveagh National Park

A vast wilderness in central Donegal, featuring mountains, lakes, and woodlands, Glenveagh is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a key site for reintroduced birds of prey.

Golden Eagle: Reintroduced since 2000, with 7–10 breeding pairs now in Donegal. Best seen soaring over uplands in spring and summer.
Merlin: Small falcon, occasionally spotted in open boglands, especially during migration.
Peregrine Falcon: Nests in crags, visible hunting over valleys in spring and autumn.
Cuckoo: Annual spring visitor, heard calling in woodlands like those near Glenveagh Castle.
Red Grouse: Found in boglands, more visible in spring during territorial displays.
Meadow Pipit, Skylark: Common in open areas, often heard singing in spring and summer.
Viewing Tips: Visit the park’s visitor center for maps and ranger advice on eagle sightings. Walk trails around Glenveagh Castle or Lough Veagh for woodland and upland species. A spotting scope is recommended for distant eagles.

Malin Head and Surrounding Areas

Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head, and nearby Malin Bay offer sheltered inlets for coastal and migratory birds.

Eider Duck: Resident, seen in Malin Bay year-round, often in small flocks.
Barnacle Goose: Winter migrant, visible in coastal fields near Malin.
Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard: Regularly spotted hunting over coastal cliffs or inland.
Corncrake: Rare, occasionally heard in grassy areas near Malin, particularly in summer.
American Eider: Rare vagrant recorded at nearby Doagh Isle (June 2011), indicating potential for surprises.
Viewing Tips: Park near Malin Head’s weather station and scan the sea or cliffs. Check sheltered bays for ducks and geese, especially in winter.

Killybegs Harbour

Ireland’s largest fishing port, located on Donegal Bay, attracts large numbers of gulls and other seabirds due to fishing activities.

Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull: Winter visitors, often seen among gull flocks in January and February.
American Herring Gull, Kumlien’s Gull: Rare vagrants recorded among common gulls, best spotted in winter.
Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull: Common year-round, roosting on piers or factory roofs.
Black Guillemot: Present year-round, seen in the harbour or near the main pier.
Waders: Dunlin, Turnstone, and Redshank feed on mudflats at the eastern end of town in winter.
Viewing Tips: Park in public areas near the harbour and check factory roofs and piers for gulls. Be cautious around busy port activities and visit in winter for white-winged gulls. Mudflats are best at low tide.

Mullaghderg

A coastal site on the Wild Atlantic Way, featuring beaches, headlands, and grasslands, Mullaghderg is under-birdwatched but offers great potential.

Long-tailed Duck, Great Northern Diver, Common Eider: Common after gales in winter, seen in the bay or small inlets.
Black Guillemot, Common Ringed Plover, Curlew, Dunlin, Turnstone, Sanderling: Found in coves and along the beach, especially in winter.
Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Sparrowhawk: Hunt over coastal grasslands, particularly in autumn and winter.
Chough: Feeds among cattle in grasslands, visible year-round.
Viewing Tips: Explore small bays and headlands on foot after stormy weather for displaced seabirds. No facilities are available, but nearby Annagry offers cafes and pubs.

Donegal Bay

A key wintering site for waterfowl, Donegal Bay supports nationally important populations of several species, accessible from Ballyshannon or coastal roads.

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra): Up to 1,150 birds winter here, seen offshore in large rafts.
Mute Swan: 109 birds recorded in 1995, visible in estuaries near Ballyshannon.
Long-tailed Duck: 32 birds in 1996, often seen after storms.
Red-breasted Merganser: 50 birds in 1996, common in winter near the coast.
Sanderling: 100 birds in 1996, feeding along sandy shores.
Slaty-backed Gull: Ireland’s second record at Killybegs, highlighting the bay’s gull-watching potential.
Viewing Tips: Scan the bay from coastal roads or piers near Ballyshannon. Winter visits maximize waterfowl sightings, and a telescope is useful for offshore birds.

Cruit Island (Donegal Thatched Cottages Area)

A scenic island connected by a causeway, Cruit Island offers coastal and grassland habitats, free from intensive farming, supporting rare and protected species.

Chough: Flocks of up to 20 regularly seen feeding in grasslands, identifiable by red beaks and claws.
Corncrake: Rarely heard in recent years on Cruit, but present on nearby Owey Island in summer, accessible by boat.
Snipe: Found in interior wetlands, more likely in twilight when their “bleating” drumming is heard.
Shag: Common on outlying rocks, visible year-round.
Waders: Various species, including Oystercatcher and Curlew, feed along the coast.
Viewing Tips: Walk coastal paths or interior wetlands near Donegal Thatched Cottages. Bring a bird guide to identify species and listen for Snipe at dusk. Boat trips to Owey Island are recommended for Corncrake.

Lough Swilly

An internationally important site for wildfowl and waders, Lough Swilly has hosted rare vagrants like the Black-winged Pratincole (2023) and Egyptian Vulture (2021).

Bewick’s Swan, Whooper Swan, Brent Goose: Large wintering populations, seen on the lough or nearby fields.
Teal, Wigeon, Bar-tailed Godwit, Knot: Common in winter, feeding on mudflats.
Red-breasted Merganser, Great Northern Diver: Regular in winter, visible offshore or near Muff and Quigley’s Point.
Rock Pipit: Seen along rocky shores, particularly in winter.
Viewing Tips: Check the lough from coastal roads between Muff and Quigley’s Point or visit Blanket Nook for rare sightings. Winter is best for waterfowl diversity.
Ballygilgan Nature Reserve (“The Goose Field”)
Near Lifford, this reserve is a traditional wintering site for Barnacle Geese, with freshwater ponds attracting additional species.
Barnacle Goose: Over 2,000 winter here, visible in fields from November to March.
Waterfowl: Mallard, Teal, and Wigeon use the ponds in winter.
Waders: Snipe and Redshank feed in wet areas.
Finches and Buntings: Wintering species like Chaffinch and Reed Bunting are attracted to a cereal patch at the east end.
Viewing Tips: Access the reserve on foot and scan fields for geese. Check ponds and cereal patches for smaller birds. Winter visits are optimal.

Seasonal Considerations:

Spring (March–May): Breeding seabirds (e.g., Puffin, Razorbill) are active on Tory Island and Horn Head, while Corncrake and Cuckoo arrive.
Summer (June–August): Breeding waders like Lapwing at Sheskinmore and seabirds on cliffs are prominent.
Autumn (September–November): Migratory passerines and rare vagrants (e.g., Black-winged Pratincole) appear at sites like Tory Island and Lough Swilly.
Winter (November–March): Waterfowl (e.g., Whooper Swan, Brent Goose) and gulls (e.g., Iceland Gull) dominate at Inch Lake, Donegal Bay, and Killybegs.

Access and Facilities:

Inch Wildfowl Reserve: Features a hide and causeway; parking is available near Burt Chapel.
Tory Island: Ferry-dependent; limited facilities, so bring supplies.
Horn Head: No facilities; park at viewpoints and walk trails.
Sheskinmore Lough: Access via Rosbeg dunes; no facilities, respect private land.
Glenveagh National Park: Visitor center, trails, and parking; free entry, with a £3 bus to the castle.
Killybegs: Public parking and pubs near the harbour; stay safe around port activities.
Conservation: Many sites (e.g., Inch Lake, Sheskinmore, Tory Island) are SPAs or SACs, emphasizing their ecological importance. Avoid disturbing nesting birds, especially Corncrake and breeding waders. Report rare sightings to BirdWatch Ireland or the Irish Rare Birds Committee via BirdGuides.
Rare Sightings: Donegal’s species list includes over 450 species, with notable rarities like Slaty-backed Gull, Hooded Merganser, and American Eider. Blanket Nook and Lough Swilly are particularly known for vagrants.
Common Garden Birds: Across Donegal’s rural areas, expect Robin, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Wren, and Magpie, especially in gardens or hedgerow

Recommendations for Birdwatchers

Start at Inch Wildfowl Reserve: Ideal for waterfowl and waders, with easy access and a hide. Winter visits are best for diversity.
Visit Tory Island: A must for seabirds and Corncrake, but plan for ferry schedules and weather. Summer and autumn maximize sightings.
Explore Glenveagh National Park: Essential for Golden Eagle and upland species. Consult park rangers for recent eagle activity.
Seawatch at Killybegs or Mullaghderg: Winter gull-watching at Killybegs and post-storm seawatching at Mullaghderg offer rare finds.
Join BirdWatch Ireland: The Donegal Branch organizes outings to sites like Donegal Bay and Fanad. Check birdwatchireland.ie for events or contact local branches.
Use Resources: “Finding Birds in Ireland” by Eric Dempsey and Michael O’Clery is recommended for detailed site information. BirdGuides.com provides real-time sighting updates.

Donegal:

Donegal is a land of wild coastlines and Gaelic heritage, with Slieve League’s towering sea cliffs offering some of Europe’s highest coastal views. Glenveagh National Park features a historic castle and sprawling gardens amidst rugged mountains. The beaches of Bundoran and the traditional tweed workshops of Ardara make Donegal an engaging destination for nature and cultural enthusiasts. The Grianan of Aileach stone fort adds ancient intrigue and splendid views. Donegal is Ireland’s fourth largest county by size (4,830 square km) and 13th largest by population (167,084). Population peaked at 296,448 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 108,344 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Donegal is also Ireland’s 13th most visited tourist county with around 199,000 international visitors per year.

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