BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county DERRY

County Derry offers a variety of birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse habitats, including the coastal areas of Lough Foyle, the River Bann, wetlands, and inland woodlands. It is particularly notable for its wintering waterfowl, waders, and coastal species, with sites like the Bann Estuary and Lough Foyle being internationally significant.

Lough Foyle (RSPB Reserve, near Eglinton and Culmore)

Brent Goose: Large flocks of Pale-bellied Brent Geese winter here, especially October–March.
Whooper Swan: Winter visitor, seen in wetlands and fields around the lough.
Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler: Common wintering ducks in large numbers.
Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank: Waders abundant on mudflats during winter and migration seasons.
Golden Plover, Lapwing: Seen in fields and wetlands, especially in winter.
Little Egret: Increasingly common along the lough’s edges.
Great Northern Diver: Winter visitor, spotted offshore.
Slavonian Grebe: Rare winter visitor, occasionally seen on the lough. Lough Foyle, a Special Protection Area (SPA), is one of Ireland’s most important sites for wintering waterfowl and waders, with thousands of birds arriving from Arctic breeding grounds. The RSPB Lough Foyle Reserve offers viewing points near Eglinton, with mudflats and saltmarshes accessible at low tide. The Longfield Point hide is a key spot. Winter (November–March) is the best time for waterfowl and waders.

Bann Estuary (Coleraine to Castlerock, including Portstewart Strand)

Eider: Common along the coast, especially in winter.
Red-breasted Merganser: Winter visitor, seen in estuarine waters.
Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Turnstone: Coastal waders, year-round but peak in winter.
Sanderling, Dunlin: Wintering waders, abundant on sandy shores like Portstewart Strand.
Brent Goose: Winter flocks feed in estuarine grasslands.
Merlin, Peregrine Falcon: Raptors hunting over the estuary and dunes.
Twite: Small flocks in coastal areas, especially in winter. The Bann Estuary, where the River Bann meets the sea, is a hotspot for coastal and estuarine birds. Portstewart Strand, a National Trust site, offers sandy beaches and dunes ideal for waders. Viewing points near Coleraine and Castlerock provide access to mudflats and saltmarshes. Winter and autumn (September–March) are prime times for migratory species.

Roe Estuary (near Limavady)

Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose: Winter visitors, seen in wetlands and fields.
Waders (e.g., Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank): Common on mudflats during migration and winter.
Kingfisher: Occasionally spotted along the River Roe’s quieter sections.
Little Egret: Common in estuarine areas. The Roe Estuary, near Limavady, is a quieter site compared to Lough Foyle but excellent for waders and waterfowl. The mudflats and surrounding fields attract winter migrants. Access is best via local paths near the estuary mouth, with winter being the optimal season.

Magilligan Point and Benone Strand (North Coast)

Snow Bunting: Winter visitor, seen on beaches and dunes.
Sanderling, Dunlin, Ringed Plover: Waders foraging along the shoreline.
Common Scoter, Red-throated Diver: Winter seabirds, spotted offshore.
Chough: Rare, occasionally seen along coastal cliffs.
Skylark, Meadow Pipit: Found in coastal grasslands and dunes. Magilligan Point and Benone Strand, on Derry’s north coast, offer expansive sandy beaches and dunes for coastal birdwatching. The area is good for wintering waders and seabirds, with seawatching opportunities during autumn storms. The nearby Umbra Nature Reserve adds grassland species to the mix.

Binevenagh (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Limavady)

Peregrine Falcon: Breeds on cliffs, often seen hunting.
Raven: Common, soaring over cliffs and uplands.
Buzzard, Kestrel: Raptors frequent in open areas.
Wheatear, Stonechat: Summer migrants in grassy and rocky areas.
Red Grouse: Found in upland heather moorlands. Binevenagh’s cliffs and moorlands, part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, provide habitats for raptors and upland birds. Trails from Downhill or Limavady offer scenic views and birdwatching opportunities, especially in spring and summer for breeding species.

Ness Wood and Ervey Wood (Near Burnfoot, East Derry)

Great Spotted Woodpecker: Recent colonist, seen in mature woodlands.
Treecreeper, Coal Tit, Goldcrest: Common in mixed woodlands.
Sparrowhawk, Buzzard: Hunt in wooded areas.
Jay, Chaffinch: Resident woodland birds, active year-round. These Forest Service woodlands near Burnfoot offer habitats for woodland birds. Ness Wood, with its trails and proximity to the River Faughan, is particularly good for spotting woodpeckers and tits. Spring is ideal for hearing and seeing active woodland species.

Muff Glen (Near Eglinton)

Dipper: Found along fast-flowing streams in the glen.
Grey Wagtail: Common near watercourses.
Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit: Abundant in wooded areas.
Sparrowhawk: Occasionally seen hunting smaller birds. Muff Glen, a small wooded valley, is a local gem for riverine and woodland birds. The streams attract Dippers and Grey Wagtails, while the trees host common songbirds. Accessible trails make it suitable for casual birdwatching, especially in spring.

Rare and Notable Sightings (Various Sites)

Green-winged Teal: Rare transatlantic vagrant, occasionally seen at Lough Foyle.
Ring-billed Gull: Rare, recorded at coastal sites like Coleraine.
Little Gull: Rare winter visitor, spotted at Lough Foyle or Bann Estuary.
Corncrake: Extremely rare, historically recorded in coastal grasslands. Derry occasionally attracts rare vagrants, especially during autumn migration (September–November). Lough Foyle and the Bann Estuary are key sites for these sightings. Check www.irishbirding.com for recent records.

Seasonal Tips:

Spring (March–May): Summer migrants like Wheatear and Stonechat arrive in uplands. Woodland birds like Great Spotted Woodpeckers are active in Ness Wood.
Summer (June–August): Breeding season for resident species like Dippers and Skylarks. Coastal sites are quieter but still good for waders.
Autumn (September–November): Peak migration time for waders and rare vagrants at Lough Foyle and Bann Estuary. Seawatching at Magilligan Point is productive during storms.
Winter (December–March): Best for waterfowl (Brent Geese, Whooper Swans) and waders at Lough Foyle and Bann Estuary. Snow Buntings and divers appear along the coast.
Conservation Context: Lough Foyle and the Bann Estuary are part of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Ramsar sites, highlighting their importance for wintering birds. Species like Brent Goose and Whooper Swan are conservation priorities. Report rare sightings to Irish Birding (www.irishbirding.com) (www.irishbirding.com) or the NI Birdwatchers’ Association to support monitoring efforts.

Access and Resources:

Binoculars and a telescope are essential for estuarine and coastal birdwatching, especially at Lough Foyle and Bridges of Ross (just over the border in Clare, but relevant for seawatching).
Check www.irishbirding.com or BirdGuides (www.birdguides.com) (www.birdguides.com) for real-time sighting updates.
Sites like Portstewart Strand and Lough Foyle RSPB Reserve have good access, with hides and parking. Rural sites like Roe Estuary may require local knowledge.
Waterproof clothing and sturdy boots are recommended for coastal and wetland areas.
The NI Birdwatchers’ Association and RSPB NI offer local events and guided walks.

County Derry:

County Derry offers a rich historical tapestry, with the city’s 17th-century walls providing a walkable journey through its past. The Guildhall and Tower Museum explore Derry’s maritime and political history, while the Peace Bridge offers scenic views over the River Foyle. Derry is Ireland’s 15th largest county by size (2,067 square km) and sixth largest by population (252,231). Population previously peaked at 222,174 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 139,693 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Derry is Ireland’s 16th most visited tourist county with around 135,000 international visitors per year.

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