BIRD-Watching in Ireland’s county TYRONE

County Tyrone offers diverse birdwatching opportunities due to its varied landscapes, including the flat peatlands of East Tyrone, the shores of Lough Neagh, the Sperrin Mountains, and river systems like the River Strule. While not as renowned for rare migrants as coastal counties, Tyrone’s bogs, woodlands, rivers, and lake margins support a range of resident, breeding, and wintering birds.

Lough Neagh (Including Washing Bay and Ardboe)

Lough Neagh, the largest lake in insular Europe and the 34th largest on the continent, borders East Tyrone and is a Special Protection Area (SPA) hosting up to 80,000 wintering waterfowl of around 20 species, making it a prime birdwatching site, particularly from October to March.

Whooper Swan: Winter visitor, seen in large flocks on the lake or nearby fields at Washing Bay, visible from November to March.
Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler: Common winter waterfowl, abundant in shallow waters or wetlands near Ardboe.
Goldeneye, Tufted Duck: Winter diving ducks, visible in open water at Washing Bay.
Great Crested Grebe: Breeds in summer, seen year-round on the lake, particularly near Ardboe.
Little Grebe: Resident in reedbeds or quieter waters, visible throughout the year.
Grey Heron, Little Egret: Common along lake edges, particularly in winter at Washing Bay.
Golden Plover, Lapwing: Winter flocks in fields or wetlands near the shore, especially at Ardboe.
Common Gull, Black-headed Gull: Abundant in winter, often seen on the lake or nearby fields.
Viewing Tips: Access via public roads or paths at Washing Bay or Ardboe. Winter is best for waterfowl and waders; low tide exposes feeding areas. A telescope is useful for distant birds. Check IrishBirding.com for recent sightings.

Haughey’s Bog and Nearby Peatlands

Haughey’s Bog, recently purchased by Ulster Wildlife for restoration, and other Tyrone peatlands like Fairy Water Bogs, are important for bogland species, supporting breeding and wintering birds.

Hen Harrier: Winter visitor, seen hunting over bogs, identifiable by its low, gliding flight.
Merlin: Rare winter visitor, hunting over open boglands, particularly in autumn or winter.
Snipe: Common in wet bog areas, especially in winter; listen for “drumming” displays in spring.
Curlew: Breeds in boglands in spring and summer, though declining; visible on open bogs.
Meadow Pipit, Skylark: Breed in open boglands, singing in spring and summer from trails.
Stonechat: Common in scrubby bog edges, perching on gorse or low shrubs year-round.
Kestrel: Hovers over bogs, hunting for small prey, visible year-round.
Reed Bunting: Common in wet areas, more active in summer.
Viewing Tips: Access Haughey’s Bog via designated paths (check with Ulster Wildlife for updates on restoration). Spring is best for breeding birds, winter for raptors. Stay on paths to protect the bog habitat. A telescope is useful for distant sightings.

River Strule (Near Omagh)

The River Strule, flowing through Omagh, supports riverine birds and is known for its Atlantic salmon and brown trout, attracting species like Kingfisher.

Kingfisher: Frequently spotted along quiet stretches near Omagh, perched on branches over water.
Dipper: Resident in fast-flowing sections, diving for insects in shallow waters; look for the Irish subspecies (Cinclus cinclus hibernicus).
Grey Wagtail: Common along the river, particularly in winter, with its yellow underparts and wagging tail.
Grey Heron: Common along riverbanks, visible year-round.
Mallard, Moorhen: Abundant in slower river sections, visible throughout the year.
Spotted Flycatcher: Summer visitor (May–August), hawking insects near riverside trees.
Viewing Tips: Walk riverside paths near Omagh, such as those in Gortin Glen Forest Park. Early mornings are best for Kingfisher and Dipper. Respect private land boundaries.

Sperrin Mountains (Including Davagh Forest and Gortin Glen)

The Sperrin Mountains, with peaks like Sawel Mountain (2,224 feet), feature blanket bogs, heaths, and woodlands, supporting upland and forest birds. Davagh Forest, soon to host the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, is a key site.

Red Grouse: Resident in boglands, more visible during spring territorial displays; the Irish subspecies (Lagopus lagopus hibernicus) is found here.
Hen Harrier: Winter visitor, seen hunting over heaths or bogs in Gortin Glen.
Merlin: Rare winter visitor, hunting over open areas.
Meadow Pipit, Skylark: Common in open uplands, singing in spring and summer from trails like the Sliabh Beagh Way.
Raven: Resident, soaring over hills or heard calling, particularly in Davagh Forest.
Cuckoo: Spring visitor, heard calling in bogs or woodlands from April to June.
Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker: Common in woodlands like Davagh Forest; Jay may be the Irish subspecies (Garrulus glandarius hibernicus).
Goldcrest, Coal Tit: Resident in coniferous woods, visible year-round; Coal Tit may be the Irish subspecies (Parus ater hibernicus).
Viewing Tips: Access via trails in Davagh Forest or Gortin Glen Forest Park. Spring is best for breeding birds, winter for raptors. Free entry, with parking at trailheads; no facilities in remote areas. A telescope is useful for upland species.

Black Lough (Near Cookstown)

A small lake and surrounding wetland near Cookstown, recently noted for avian influenza in wild birds, supporting waterfowl and waders.

Greenland White-fronted Goose: Winter visitor, occasionally seen flying over or feeding in nearby fields.
Mallard, Teal: Wintering ducks in the lake or wetlands, visible from November to March.
Snipe: Winter visitor in wet areas, often hidden in grass, best seen at dawn or dusk.
Lapwing: Winter flocks in surrounding fields, visible from November to March.
Little Grebe: Resident in the lake, seen year-round.
Moorhen: Common in reedbeds, visible throughout the year.
Viewing Tips: Access via public roads near Black Lough; confirm public access points. Winter is best for waterfowl and waders. Binoculars are essential due to the small size of the lake.

Moy and Surrounding Farmland

The Moy area, with its fertile farmlands and hedgerows, supports farmland and hedgerow birds, particularly near the Blackwater River.

Yellowhammer: Declining but present in hedgerows, more visible in summer.
Linnet, Goldfinch: Common in fields, feeding on seeds in autumn.
Bullfinch: Occasional in hedgerows, feeding on berries in autumn.
Fieldfare, Redwing: Winter visitors, feeding in flocks in hedgerows or fields near Moy.
Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush: Common in hedgerows, especially in winter with feeding flocks.
Buzzard: Increasingly common, soaring over fields or woodlands.
Viewing Tips: Explore public paths or roads near Moy, checking hedgerows and fields. Spring is best for breeding birds, winter for thrushes. Respect private farmland.

Seasonal Considerations:

Spring (March–May): Breeding birds like Curlew, Skylark, and Spotted Flycatcher are active in bogs and woodlands.
Summer (June–August): Summer migrants like Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher are prominent in uplands and riversides.
Autumn (September–November): Winter visitors like Whooper Swan, Fieldfare, and Redwing arrive at Lough Neagh and farmlands.
Winter (November–March): Waterfowl (e.g., Wigeon, Teal) and waders (e.g., Lapwing, Golden Plover) dominate Lough Neagh, with raptors like Hen Harrier in bogs.

Access and Facilities:

Lough Neagh: Public roads at Washing Bay and Ardboe offer parking; limited facilities, so bring supplies.
Haughey’s Bog: Limited access; check with Ulster Wildlife for updates. No facilities.
River Strule: Riverside paths near Omagh have parking; urban facilities in Omagh.
Sperrin Mountains: Trailheads at Davagh Forest or Gortin Glen have parking; no facilities in remote areas.
Black Lough: Limited public access; parking on nearby roads, no facilities.
Conservation: Lough Neagh and Tyrone’s bogs are SPAs or Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), emphasizing their ecological importance. Avoid disturbing nesting birds, especially Curlew and Hen Harrier. Report rare sightings to BirdWatch Ireland or nibirds@live.co.uk. Avian influenza was detected in wild birds at Black Lough in January 2025, so follow biosecurity guidelines (e.g., avoid contact with dead birds).
Rare Sightings: Tyrone’s inland location limits vagrants, but Lough Neagh occasionally hosts species like Green-winged Teal or Little Gull. Inland bogs and farmlands are under-birdwatched, offering potential for new records.
Common Garden Birds: Across Tyrone’s towns (e.g., Omagh, Cookstown) 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 Neagh: Essential for wintering waterfowl and waders, with easy access at Washing Bay or Ardboe. Winter visits maximize diversity.
Explore Haughey’s Bog: Ideal for bogland species like Hen Harrier and Curlew, especially as restoration enhances habitats.
Visit the Sperrin Mountains: Great for upland birds like Red Grouse, with scenic trails in Davagh Forest.
Check the River Strule: Perfect for Kingfisher and Dipper, with accessible paths near Omagh.
Join BirdWatch Ireland or Local Groups: The NI Birdwatchers’ Association organizes outings. Contact nibirds@live.co.uk or check nibirdpics.blogspot.co.uk for updates.
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.

County Tyrone:

Tyrone is a county of rolling landscapes and historic sites, with the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh offering a fascinating look at emigration history through recreated villages. The Sperrin Mountains provide hiking trails with panoramic views, while the Beaghmore Stone Circles add ancient intrigue. Other attractions include the historic town of Dungannon and its castle ruins. Tyrone is Ireland’s seventh largest county by size (3,263 square km) and 11th largest by population (188,383). Population peaked at 312,956 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 127,586 in 1936. In terms of hospitality, Tyrone is Ireland’s 24th most visited tourist county with around 68,000 international visitors per year.

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