Wildlife of Clonakilty

Birdwatching around Clonakilty Bay

Birdwatching around Clonakilty Bay can be very rewarding. It affords easy access and viewing all around both estuarys and lagoons. Sea watching can be done from Dunmore or the Virgin Mary's Bank on Inchydoney Island. Don't forget to have a look around the islands dune systems.

The estuary's hold large numbers of Duck and Waders from late Autumn to early Spring, with a peak in December and January. The lagoons and marshes provide the birds with safe roosts and feeding. The lagoons are best visited at high tide as excellent views can be had of the birds.

The following birds can be seen in Winter:- Internationally important numbers of Black-tailed Godwit, Nationally important numbers of Golden, Grey and Ringed Plovers and Shellduck. Ten species of regional importance are; Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Redshank, Knot, Dunlin, Lapwing, Teal and Wigeon.

Other visitors include Turnstone, Red-Breasted Mergansers and sometimes Brent Geese. Out in the bay you will find Cormorants, Shags, Great Northern Divers and Red-Throated Divers.

Some of the above may stay until late Spring when the first arrival of Whimbrel stop off en route from Africa to Iceland.

In early Summer many of our visitors arrive; Swallows, Warblers and Wheatears. Recent Spring/Summer rarities include Black-Winged Stilts, Purple Heron and Scops Owl.

Autumn is also a good time for migrants. In recent years we have had Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Little Egrets, Wood Sandpiper, Long-Billed Dowitcher and American Wigeon. Regulars include Little Stints, Curlew Sandpipers, Ruff and the Short-Eared Owl which overwinters on Clogheen Strand.

On our local lakes in Winter, you will find the following Duck; Pochard, Tufted, Pintail, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and there is also Coot and Moorhens. If you are lucky you might also see Water Rail and Shoveler Duck.

Enjoy your Birds, information compliments of Michael O'Sullivan, Chairman of the West Cork Branch of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy - Head Office; Ruttledge House, 8 Longford Place, Monkstown, Co. Dublin.

Dunowen Cottage