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Updated on Monday, August 18 at 09:49 AM ET
The most recently received Mail is at the top.


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18 Aug Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecel sac [irishbirdnews ]
18 Aug Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecel sac [Neal Warnock ]
18 Aug Re: New IRBC member [joe hobbs ]
16 Aug Re: New IRBC member [derek charles ]
16 Aug Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer? [irishbirdnews ]
16 Aug Re: New IRBC member [irishbirdnews ]
16 Aug New IRBC member [Paul Milne ]
16 Aug Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer? [Dave McAdams ]
16 Aug Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer? [irishbirdnews ]
16 Aug Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer? [irishbirdnews ]
15 Aug Irish Rare Bird Reports 2005 and 2006 now updated with colour photos [Paul Milne ]
15 Aug Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer? []
15 Aug Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland? [Cóilín MacLochlainn ]
15 Aug GS Pecker - Dunleer? [irishbirdnews ]
15 Aug Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecal sac ["Casey, Micheal" ]
15 Aug Bird ring found in Peregrine faecal sac [Neal Warnock ]
15 Aug Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland? [Wilton Farrelly ]
15 Aug Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland? [Breffni Martin ]
15 Aug Request for 'Irish Birds' [irishbirdnews ]
15 Aug Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland? [Tom Gittings ]
15 Aug Re: RSPB NI. [Derek Charles ]
15 Aug Re: West Cork Pelagic [Sean Cronin ]
14 Aug West Cork Pelagic [Mike and Sue Cobley ]
12 Aug Irish Rare Bird Report 2007 - Anonymous records [Paul Milne ]
12 Aug Irish Rare Bird Report 2007 Appendix 1 rarities [Paul Milne ]
12 Aug Re: Rogerstown [Paul Lynch ]
12 Aug Ljubljana [Breffni Martin ]
12 Aug Re: Wild Bird seed ["Fitzharris, Jim" ]
12 Aug Re: Rogerstown [Owen Foley ]
12 Aug Re: Wild Bird seed [John Gallagher ]
12 Aug Re: Rogerstown [Paul Lynch ]
11 Aug Re: Old Head of Kinsale. [Ian Forsyth ]
11 Aug Re: Wild Bird seed [Anne May ]
11 Aug Rogerstown [Evan Salholm ]
11 Aug Wild Bird seed ["Eoin C. Bairéad" ]
11 Aug Re: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers. [irishbirdnews ]
11 Aug Fw: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers. [Peter Wolstenholme ]
11 Aug Re: Old Head of Kinsale. [irishbirdnews ]
10 Aug Old Head of Kinsale. [Peter Wolstenholme ]
10 Aug Useful Identification Articles [Mick Cowming ]
9 Aug Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers. [Peter Wolstenholme ]
8 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Seamus Feeney ]
8 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Peter Wolstenholme ]
8 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Graham Saunders ]
8 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Breffni Martin ]
8 Aug Re: wexford birding [Andrew Crory ]
7 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Breffni Martin ]
7 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Andrew Kelly ]
7 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Andrew Kelly ]
7 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Hugh Delaney ]
7 Aug Re: Worrying lack of insects [Breffni Martin ]
7 Aug Re: Finching [Graham Saunders ]

Subject: Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecel sac
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:47:58 +0100
Unfortuantely not good pr for the peregrine among racing pigeon owners.

Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Neal Warnock" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 3:17 PM
Subject: Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecel sac


The ring was confirmed today as belonging to an unlucky racing pigeon from a
club in Belfast.

Neal Warnock.
Subject: Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecel sac
From: Neal Warnock <nealwarnock AT BTINTERNET.COM>
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:17:46 +0100
The ring was confirmed today as belonging to an unlucky racing pigeon from a 
club in Belfast.

Neal Warnock.
Subject: Re: New IRBC member
From: joe hobbs <jhobbs AT IOL.IE>
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:16:34 +0100
Thanks to all who have sent me good wishes on my appointment to the IRBC.
joe

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "derek charles" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 8:35 PM
Subject: Re: New IRBC member


Excellent choice, congratulations Joe!

Derek



> Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:03:41 +0100> From: pjmilne AT HOTMAIL.COM> Subject: 
> New IRBC member> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE> > > The Irish Rare Birds 
> Committee is delighted to announce that Joe Hobbs has accepted an 
> invitation to join the Committee in the capacity of Webmaster. As a 
> non-voting member, Joe's focus will be on developing a new and upgraded 
> website for the Committee, and ongoing management of our internet 
> presence; a task he has embarked on immediately with characteristic 
> enthusiasm and efficiency. Many of you will know Joe from extended periods 
> birding on Cape Clear and for his participation in bird races and other 
> events, but he also brings additional skills to the Committee. Quite apart 
> from his website development capabilities, Joe also combines a keen eye 
> for detail with an extensive knowledge of Irish bird records, dates and 
> lists, all of which are very valuable assets to us as we accelerate our 
> compilation and publishing of the Irish Rare Bird Report and embark on a 
> new project with BirdWatch Ireland to update the Irish Checklist.> > > > 
> Please join me in welcoming Joe to the Committee.> > > > The current 
> membership of the Committee is as follows:> > > > Paul Milne Secretary 
> (non-voting)> > Dave McAdams Recorder (non-voting)> > Joe Hobbs Webmaster 
> (non-voting)> > Pat Lonergan Voting Member> > Paul Archer Voting Member> > 
> Michael O'Keeffe Voting Member> > Dick Coombes Voting Member> > Aidan G. 
> Kelly Voting Member> > > > > > Regards> > Paul Milne> > Secretary> > IRBC
_________________________________________________________________
Win New York holidays with Kellogg’s & Live Search
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/107571440/direct/01/

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5:12 PM
Subject: Re: New IRBC member
From: derek charles <derek.charles AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:35:39 +0000
Excellent choice, congratulations Joe!
 
Derek



> Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:03:41 +0100> From: pjmilne AT HOTMAIL.COM> Subject: 
New IRBC member> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE> > > The Irish Rare Birds 
Committee is delighted to announce that Joe Hobbs has accepted an invitation to 
join the Committee in the capacity of Webmaster. As a non-voting member, Joe's 
focus will be on developing a new and upgraded website for the Committee, and 
ongoing management of our internet presence; a task he has embarked on 
immediately with characteristic enthusiasm and efficiency. Many of you will 
know Joe from extended periods birding on Cape Clear and for his participation 
in bird races and other events, but he also brings additional skills to the 
Committee. Quite apart from his website development capabilities, Joe also 
combines a keen eye for detail with an extensive knowledge of Irish bird 
records, dates and lists, all of which are very valuable assets to us as we 
accelerate our compilation and publishing of the Irish Rare Bird Report and 
embark on a new project with BirdWatch Ireland to update the Irish Checklist.> 
> > > Please join me in welcoming Joe to the Committee.> > > > The current 
membership of the Committee is as follows:> > > > Paul Milne Secretary 
(non-voting)> > Dave McAdams Recorder (non-voting)> > Joe Hobbs Webmaster 
(non-voting)> > Pat Lonergan Voting Member> > Paul Archer Voting Member> > 
Michael O'Keeffe Voting Member> > Dick Coombes Voting Member> > Aidan G. Kelly 
Voting Member> > > > > > Regards> > Paul Milne> > Secretary> > IRBC 

_________________________________________________________________
Win New York holidays with Kellogg’s & Live Search 
http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/107571440/direct/01/
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:57:43 +0100
Thanks for the clarification Dave. For your information, my mobile no. is 
087 907 5669

Regards
Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave McAdams" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 4:10 PM
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?


> Eric,
>
> I had Joe's mobile number, I didn't have yours, so there wasn't any 
> "choice". It's that simple.
>
> Bird news on JD's site (including any news put out by me) is clearly in 
> the public domain and there for anybody (including you) to pass on as they 
> wish. I had assumed it would automatically find its way onto BINS.
>
> As for the two Fea's-type Petrel sightings, I am sure they relate to one 
> and the same bird, which was loosely associating with large flocks of 
> feeding Manx Shearwaters. It is quite possible that the same bird was 
> involved in Colin Barton and Phil Crockett's sighting off Galley Head 
> earlier in the day.
>
> Regards,
> Dave
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "irishbirdnews" 
> To: 
> Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 12:06 PM
> Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
>
>
>> Mike
>> when dealing with dudes, I have learned that size is almost 
>> irrelevant....unless there is a picture. I think that given the records 
>> of GS peckers in recent weeks, my money is on GSP.
>>
>> By the way, I have just emailed a general note to IRBC. Dave McAdams, an 
>> IRBC member, had two Fea's yesterday off Cork and chose to give the news 
>> to just one news provider...namely Joe Doolan. I only found about about 
>> it a few moments ago. While he has a right to do what he wants, as an 
>> IRBC member comes a respnsibilty to keep with both news providers and not 
>> show such favouritism. I fill in a lot of gaps as well as provide info on 
>> the likes of Cattle Egrets, Hobbies etc...that is surely worth an IRBC 
>> member sending a text...10cent worth, isn't it!
>>
>> Eric
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 7:02 PM
>> Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
>>
>>
>>> Hi Eric,
>>>
>>> I happened to be listening in too and the observer described the bird as 
>>> "as small as a sparrow".  As a result the discussion on the Mooney show 
>>> was that the bird might be a Lesser Spotted.  Obviously size is open to 
>>> a bit of interpretation, though, hopefully the bird will be pinned down 
>>> just in case!
>>>
>>> Regards
>>>
>>> Mike
>>>
>>> Irish Bird Network  wrote:
>>>
>>> <
>>> <  Hi all
>>> <  a man called onto the Mooney show today with a report of a 
>>> 'red-crowned,
>>> <  black and white woodpecker' on his feeder last Monday in the Dunleer 
>>> area.
>>> <  Birders in the area should keep an eye out on their feeders. Yet 
>>> another juv
>>> <  from yet another breeding pair or could it be a Down bird moving 
>>> south?
>>> <
>>> <  That makes three or four juvs visitng gardens in the RoI over the 
>>> past few
>>> <  weeks.
>>> <
>>> <  Eric
>>> <  ps...time to fill the feeders!
>>> <
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>>> Find the home of your dreams with eircom net property
>>> Sign up for email alerts now http://www.eircom.net/propertyalerts
>>>
>>>
>
> 
Subject: Re: New IRBC member
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:44:47 +0100
I think Joe will be a superb addition to the IRBC. His information on the 
Irish list and records have been an invaluable resource to many of us in the 
past. Great choice!

Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Milne" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 5:03 PM
Subject: New IRBC member



The Irish Rare Birds Committee is delighted to announce that Joe Hobbs has 
accepted an invitation to join the Committee in the capacity of Webmaster. 
As a non-voting member, Joe's focus will be on developing a new and upgraded 
website for the Committee, and ongoing management of our internet presence; 
a task he has embarked on immediately with characteristic enthusiasm and 
efficiency. Many of you will know Joe from extended periods birding on Cape 
Clear and for his participation in bird races and other events, but he also 
brings additional skills to the Committee. Quite apart from his website 
development capabilities, Joe also combines a keen eye for detail with an 
extensive knowledge of Irish bird records, dates and lists, all of which are 
very valuable assets to us as we accelerate our compilation and publishing 
of the Irish Rare Bird Report and embark on a new project with BirdWatch 
Ireland to update the Irish Checklist.



Please join me in welcoming Joe to the Committee.



The current membership of the Committee is as follows:



Paul Milne Secretary  (non-voting)

Dave McAdams  Recorder (non-voting)

Joe Hobbs   Webmaster  (non-voting)

Pat Lonergan   Voting Member

Paul Archer    Voting Member

Michael O'Keeffe  Voting Member

Dick Coombes     Voting Member

Aidan G. Kelly      Voting Member





Regards

Paul Milne

Secretary

IRBC
Subject: New IRBC member
From: Paul Milne <pjmilne AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:03:41 +0100
 
The Irish Rare Birds Committee is delighted to announce that Joe Hobbs has 
accepted an invitation to join the Committee in the capacity of Webmaster. As a 
non-voting member, Joe's focus will be on developing a new and upgraded website 
for the Committee, and ongoing management of our internet presence; a task he 
has embarked on immediately with characteristic enthusiasm and efficiency. Many 
of you will know Joe from extended periods birding on Cape Clear and for his 
participation in bird races and other events, but he also brings additional 
skills to the Committee. Quite apart from his website development capabilities, 
Joe also combines a keen eye for detail with an extensive knowledge of Irish 
bird records, dates and lists, all of which are very valuable assets to us as 
we accelerate our compilation and publishing of the Irish Rare Bird Report and 
embark on a new project with BirdWatch Ireland to update the Irish Checklist. 




Please join me in welcoming Joe to the Committee.



The current membership of the Committee is as follows:



Paul Milne Secretary  (non-voting)

Dave McAdams  Recorder (non-voting)

Joe Hobbs   Webmaster  (non-voting)

Pat Lonergan   Voting Member

Paul Archer    Voting Member

Michael O'Keeffe  Voting Member

Dick Coombes     Voting Member

Aidan G. Kelly      Voting Member





Regards

Paul Milne

Secretary

IRBC
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
From: Dave McAdams <dmcadams AT GMX.DE>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:10:22 +0100
Eric,

I had Joe's mobile number, I didn't have yours, so there wasn't any 
"choice". It's that simple.

Bird news on JD's site (including any news put out by me) is clearly in the 
public domain and there for anybody (including you) to pass on as they wish. 
I had assumed it would automatically find its way onto BINS.

As for the two Fea's-type Petrel sightings, I am sure they relate to one and 
the same bird, which was loosely associating with large flocks of feeding 
Manx Shearwaters. It is quite possible that the same bird was involved in 
Colin Barton and Phil Crockett's sighting off Galley Head earlier in the 
day.

Regards,
Dave

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "irishbirdnews" 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?


> Mike
> when dealing with dudes, I have learned that size is almost 
> irrelevant....unless there is a picture. I think that given the records of 
> GS peckers in recent weeks, my money is on GSP.
>
> By the way, I have just emailed a general note to IRBC. Dave McAdams, an 
> IRBC member, had two Fea's yesterday off Cork and chose to give the news 
> to just one news provider...namely Joe Doolan. I only found about about it 
> a few moments ago. While he has a right to do what he wants, as an IRBC 
> member comes a respnsibilty to keep with both news providers and not show 
> such favouritism. I fill in a lot of gaps as well as provide info on the 
> likes of Cattle Egrets, Hobbies etc...that is surely worth an IRBC member 
> sending a text...10cent worth, isn't it!
>
> Eric
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: 
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 7:02 PM
> Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
>
>
>> Hi Eric,
>>
>> I happened to be listening in too and the observer described the bird as 
>> "as small as a sparrow".  As a result the discussion on the Mooney show 
>> was that the bird might be a Lesser Spotted.  Obviously size is open to a 
>> bit of interpretation, though, hopefully the bird will be pinned down 
>> just in case!
>>
>> Regards
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> Irish Bird Network  wrote:
>>
>> <
>> <  Hi all
>> <  a man called onto the Mooney show today with a report of a 
>> 'red-crowned,
>> <  black and white woodpecker' on his feeder last Monday in the Dunleer 
>> area.
>> <  Birders in the area should keep an eye out on their feeders. Yet 
>> another juv
>> <  from yet another breeding pair or could it be a Down bird moving 
>> south?
>> <
>> <  That makes three or four juvs visitng gardens in the RoI over the past 
>> few
>> <  weeks.
>> <
>> <  Eric
>> <  ps...time to fill the feeders!
>> <
>>
>>
>>
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>> Find the home of your dreams with eircom net property
>> Sign up for email alerts now http://www.eircom.net/propertyalerts
>>
>> 
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:38:41 +0100
My reply to Mike was not meant for the general IBN...apologies to all.

Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: 
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 7:02 PM
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?


> Hi Eric,
>
> I happened to be listening in too and the observer described the bird as 
> "as small as a sparrow".  As a result the discussion on the Mooney show 
> was that the bird might be a Lesser Spotted.  Obviously size is open to a 
> bit of interpretation, though, hopefully the bird will be pinned down just 
> in case!
>
> Regards
>
> Mike
>
> Irish Bird Network  wrote:
>
> <
> <  Hi all
> <  a man called onto the Mooney show today with a report of a 
> 'red-crowned,
> <  black and white woodpecker' on his feeder last Monday in the Dunleer 
> area.
> <  Birders in the area should keep an eye out on their feeders. Yet 
> another juv
> <  from yet another breeding pair or could it be a Down bird moving south?
> <
> <  That makes three or four juvs visitng gardens in the RoI over the past 
> few
> <  weeks.
> <
> <  Eric
> <  ps...time to fill the feeders!
> <
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Find the home of your dreams with eircom net property
> Sign up for email alerts now http://www.eircom.net/propertyalerts
>
> 
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:06:55 +0100
Mike
when dealing with dudes, I have learned that size is almost 
irrelevant....unless there is a picture. I think that given the records of 
GS peckers in recent weeks, my money is on GSP.

By the way, I have just emailed a general note to IRBC. Dave McAdams, an 
IRBC member, had two Fea's yesterday off Cork and chose to give the news to 
just one news provider...namely Joe Doolan. I only found about about it a 
few moments ago. While he has a right to do what he wants, as an IRBC member 
comes a respnsibilty to keep with both news providers and not show such 
favouritism. I fill in a lot of gaps as well as provide info on the likes of 
Cattle Egrets, Hobbies etc...that is surely worth an IRBC member sending a 
text...10cent worth, isn't it!

Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: 
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 7:02 PM
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?


> Hi Eric,
>
> I happened to be listening in too and the observer described the bird as 
> "as small as a sparrow".  As a result the discussion on the Mooney show 
> was that the bird might be a Lesser Spotted.  Obviously size is open to a 
> bit of interpretation, though, hopefully the bird will be pinned down just 
> in case!
>
> Regards
>
> Mike
>
> Irish Bird Network  wrote:
>
> <
> <  Hi all
> <  a man called onto the Mooney show today with a report of a 
> 'red-crowned,
> <  black and white woodpecker' on his feeder last Monday in the Dunleer 
> area.
> <  Birders in the area should keep an eye out on their feeders. Yet 
> another juv
> <  from yet another breeding pair or could it be a Down bird moving south?
> <
> <  That makes three or four juvs visitng gardens in the RoI over the past 
> few
> <  weeks.
> <
> <  Eric
> <  ps...time to fill the feeders!
> <
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Find the home of your dreams with eircom net property
> Sign up for email alerts now http://www.eircom.net/propertyalerts
>
> 
Subject: Irish Rare Bird Reports 2005 and 2006 now updated with colour photos
From: Paul Milne <pjmilne AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:45:22 +0100
 The Irish Rare Bird Reports for 2005 and 2006 have now been updated with 
colour photos of many of the years' rarities as well as a small number of 
updated records and corrections. They are available online at the IRBC website 
www.irbc.ie 


Printed versions of both reports will be published in the forthcoming bumper 
edition of Irish Birds - get your orders in now to reserve your copy ! 



Paul Milne
Editor
Irish Rare Bird Report
Subject: Re: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
From: okeeffeml AT EIRCOM.NET
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:02:01 +0100
Hi Eric,

I happened to be listening in too and the observer described the bird as "as 
small as a sparrow". As a result the discussion on the Mooney show was that the 
bird might be a Lesser Spotted. Obviously size is open to a bit of 
interpretation, though, hopefully the bird will be pinned down just in case! 


Regards

Mike

Irish Bird Network  wrote:

<  
<  Hi all
<  a man called onto the Mooney show today with a report of a 'red-crowned, 
<  black and white woodpecker' on his feeder last Monday in the Dunleer area. 
< Birders in the area should keep an eye out on their feeders. Yet another juv 

<  from yet another breeding pair or could it be a Down bird moving south?
<  
<  That makes three or four juvs visitng gardens in the RoI over the past few 
<  weeks.
<  
<  Eric
<  ps...time to fill the feeders! 
<  



-----------------------------------------------------------------
Find the home of your dreams with eircom net property
Sign up for email alerts now http://www.eircom.net/propertyalerts
Subject: Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
From: Cóilín MacLochlainn <environs AT IOL.IE>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:27:37 +0100
Hi Breffni, et al,

Yet another woodpecker was discussed on Wild on Friday (RTE 1) this
afternoon. It was seen (presumably during the week) in a garden in Dunleer,
Co Louth.

The panel thought it was a Lesser Spotted on the basis of small size
('sparrow-sized'), but Eric Dempsey phoned in to say Great Spotted (juv) was
more likely. I'd agree.

While breeding of Great Spotted has been proven in the North, and seems
likely to have occurred in the South this year, the possibility of
immigrants should be considered. The juvs seen in Wicklow (and now Louth,
probably) were very late in the season and could conceivably have flown over
from Wales in a dispersal movement.

Also, there were sightings on Cape and Great Saltee earlier this year, which
would suggest some inward migration.

Also, the relative frequency of reports in the last two to three years would
suggest that there is some kind of prolonged movement going on ­ the island
records suggest it is not just long-staying birds that are being recorded.

So, is this an irruption or a sustained westward expansion? I would not at
this point be totally convinced that the increased reports are due to
breeding taking place, though it probably is.

If it is just an irruption, or a sustained irruption, resulting in some
long-staying birds and probably some breeding, then we won't know for some
time whether the bird has successfully colonised Ireland or will vanish
again, as with previous irruptions (though they seemed to be smaller scale
irruptions).

The prognosis looks good, though, as Ireland has more forests now than it
did a few generations ago.

Regards

Coilin


> From: Breffni Martin 
> Reply-To: Irish Bird Network 
> Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:15:57 +0100
> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
> Subject: Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
> 
> Hi Tom
> 
> The pattern of sightings (up to 5 juvenile birds in July/early August, adult
> birds displaying, calling, knocking in suitable habitat in Spring) would
> appear to be highly suggestive of locally breeding birds rather than an
> irruption or dispersing juveniles from Britain. According to the NIBA
> review, GSW are suspected of breeding in a location in Down for three years.
> All that's missing right now is a nesting hole! Joe Hobbs put together a
> spreadsheet that looks quite convincing...
> 
> Best wishes
> 
> Breffni
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Tom Gittings" 
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 9:47 AM
> Subject: [IBN-L] Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
> 
> 
> According to the latest BWI catalogue, Great Spotted Woodpecker is
> breeding in Ireland - see the Great Spotted Woodpecker doorknocker
> where it is described as Ireland's newest breeding species.
> 
> Has there been any other announcement about this?
> 
> I had not heard anything about this before, but from subsequent
> enquiries Great Spotted Woodpeckers are apparently breeding in
> Wicklow and suspected of breeding in Nothern Ireland.
> 
> Tom Gittings
> 
Subject: GS Pecker - Dunleer?
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:10:42 +0100
Hi all
a man called onto the Mooney show today with a report of a 'red-crowned, 
black and white woodpecker' on his feeder last Monday in the Dunleer area. 
Birders in the area should keep an eye out on their feeders. Yet another juv 
from yet another breeding pair or could it be a Down bird moving south?

That makes three or four juvs visitng gardens in the RoI over the past few 
weeks.

Eric
ps...time to fill the feeders! 
Subject: Re: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecal sac
From: "Casey, Micheal" <Micheal.Casey AT AGRICULTURE.GOV.IE>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:57:18 +0100
Hi Neal,

Great find! That sounds like a UK racing pigeon ring....it seems it paid the 
ultimate price for not racing fast enough...... 


Coloured (anodised) metal rings are usually closed and indicate a captive-bred 
bird. Rings used on wild birds are a simple band that is shaped into a circle, 
with an obvious join where the ends meet. Racing pigeons are fitted with closed 
rings - if you still have the ring, you could check if it is a closed ring 
(i.e. a perfect circle with no joins). "GB" is Great Britain, and "04" probably 
indicates a 2004-hatched bird. 


If that is the case, it means the bird was ringed as a pullus (as these rings 
have to be slipped on while the foot is very small). These are the type of 
rings that are invariably used on captive-bred cage/aviary/pigeon loft birds. 


You can report it like any other ring, even if it's a racing pigeon ring, via 
www.ring.ac. 


Let us know if you get any feedback,

Mícheál

-----Original Message-----
From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE]On Behalf Of
Neal Warnock
Sent: 15 August 2008 16:25
To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
Subject: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecal sac


Hi all,

I discovered a peregrine falcon faecel sac today on top of a regular hunting
post at Skernaghan Point, Islandmagee, County Antrim.  I noticed it contained
a bird ring, thought it might be interesting to see what the code relates to.

Blue metal ring, code: GB 04 L 60102

Anyone any ideas? Could just be a pigeon!

Cheers,

Neal Warnock.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

The information contained in this email and in any attachments is confidential 
and is designated solely for the attention and use of the intended 
recipient(s). This information may be subject to legal and professional 
privilege. If you are not an intended recipient of this email, you must not 
use, disclose, copy, distribute or retain this message or any part of it. If 
you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and 
delete all copies of this email from your computer system(s). 


An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia

Tá an t-eolais san ríomhphost seo, agus in aon ceangláin leis, faoi phribhléid 
agus faoi rún agus le h-aghaigh an seolaí amháin. D’fhéadfadh ábhar an seoladh 
seo bheith faoi phribhléid profisiúnta nó dlíthiúil. Mura tusa an seolaí a bhí 
beartaithe leis an ríomhphost seo a fháil, tá cosc air, nó aon chuid de, a 
úsáid, a chóipeál, nó a scaoileadh. Má tháinig sé chugat de bharr dearmad, 
téigh i dteagmháil leis an seoltóir agus scrios an t-ábhar ó do ríomhaire le do 
thoil. 

Subject: Bird ring found in Peregrine faecal sac
From: Neal Warnock <nealwarnock AT BTINTERNET.COM>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:24:41 +0100
Hi all,

I discovered a peregrine falcon faecel sac today on top of a regular hunting 
post at Skernaghan Point, Islandmagee, County Antrim.  I noticed it contained 
a bird ring, thought it might be interesting to see what the code relates to.

Blue metal ring, code: GB 04 L 60102

Anyone any ideas? Could just be a pigeon!

Cheers,

Neal Warnock.
Subject: Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
From: Wilton Farrelly <wilton.farrelly AT NTLWORLD.COM>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:24:26 +0100
The nesting hole  in Co Down is known but due to obvious reasons and the 
private location of the site, it will not be published.

Wilton


.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Breffni Martin" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 10:15 AM
Subject: Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?


> Hi Tom
>
> The pattern of sightings (up to 5 juvenile birds in July/early August, 
> adult birds displaying, calling, knocking in suitable habitat in Spring) 
> would appear to be highly suggestive of locally breeding birds rather than 
> an irruption or dispersing juveniles from Britain. According to the NIBA 
> review, GSW are suspected of breeding in a location in Down for three 
> years. All that's missing right now is a nesting hole! Joe Hobbs put 
> together a spreadsheet that looks quite convincing...
>
> Best wishes
>
> Breffni
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Tom Gittings" 
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 9:47 AM
> Subject: [IBN-L] Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
>
>
> According to the latest BWI catalogue, Great Spotted Woodpecker is
> breeding in Ireland - see the Great Spotted Woodpecker doorknocker
> where it is described as Ireland's newest breeding species.
>
> Has there been any other announcement about this?
>
> I had not heard anything about this before, but from subsequent
> enquiries Great Spotted Woodpeckers are apparently breeding in
> Wicklow and suspected of breeding in Nothern Ireland.
>
> Tom Gittings
> 
Subject: Re: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
From: Breffni Martin <bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:15:57 +0100
Hi Tom

The pattern of sightings (up to 5 juvenile birds in July/early August, adult 
birds displaying, calling, knocking in suitable habitat in Spring) would 
appear to be highly suggestive of locally breeding birds rather than an 
irruption or dispersing juveniles from Britain. According to the NIBA 
review, GSW are suspected of breeding in a location in Down for three years. 
All that's missing right now is a nesting hole! Joe Hobbs put together a 
spreadsheet that looks quite convincing...

Best wishes

Breffni

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Gittings" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 9:47 AM
Subject: [IBN-L] Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?


According to the latest BWI catalogue, Great Spotted Woodpecker is
breeding in Ireland - see the Great Spotted Woodpecker doorknocker
where it is described as Ireland's newest breeding species.

Has there been any other announcement about this?

I had not heard anything about this before, but from subsequent
enquiries Great Spotted Woodpeckers are apparently breeding in
Wicklow and suspected of breeding in Nothern Ireland.

Tom Gittings
Subject: Request for 'Irish Birds'
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:48:53 +0100
Hi all, see below an email from Geir Mobakken, who is trying to get Irish 
Birds. If anyone can help him, perhaps you could email him directly .

Thanks
Eric
*******
Maybe a shot in the dark but I wonder if you could help me with this: How to 
get complete volumes of Irish Birds? Will pay. Is there any websites or 
anything where an ad would do?
What is your best suggestion?

My email is : geirmobakken AT yahoo.no


Geir Mobakken
Subject: Great Spotted Woodpecker breeding in Ireland?
From: Tom Gittings <tgittings AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:47:06 +0100
According to the latest BWI catalogue, Great Spotted Woodpecker is 
breeding in Ireland - see the Great Spotted Woodpecker doorknocker 
where it is described as Ireland's newest breeding species.

Has there been any other announcement about this?

I had not heard anything about this before, but from subsequent 
enquiries Great Spotted Woodpeckers are apparently breeding in 
Wicklow and suspected of breeding in Nothern Ireland.

Tom Gittings
Subject: Re: RSPB NI.
From: Derek Charles <Derek AT METSTEEL.CO.UK>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:29:56 +0100
In case it is of interest to anyone the following vacancies are currently 
available for the RSPB in NI. 


*	Land-use Policy Officer (£20-25,000) 
*	Conservation Team Coordinator (£12,500-14,000) 
*	Assistant Warden (Portmore Lough) (£13,500-15,000) 
*	PR Advisor (£19,000-23,000) 

Details are on the RSPB internet in the 'Vacancies' pages. Closing dates for 
all posts is 29 August. Will be advertised in the Belfast Telegraph on Friday. 


Derek
Subject: Re: West Cork Pelagic
From: Sean Cronin <n737wh AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:15:37 +0100
Hi Mike
 
I would definately be interested. I haven't been on a pelagic yet and they are 
usually fully booked before I even hear about them. Please let me know if a 
space is available. 

 
Regards
 
Sean Cronin
 
Cork.
> Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:25:51 +0100> From: cobley AT UTVINTERNET.COM> Subject: 
West Cork Pelagic> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE> > Hi all,> The West Cork 
branch of Birdwatch ireland are having a pelagic trip on 24th August. There are 
some vacancies so if you are interested please email me to make a booking.> 
Boat departs Baltimore 10 am, 4 hours at sea, stops off at Cape Clear Island at 
2 pm and then departs for Baltimore at 3.30pm and returns to Baltimore about 4 
pm. Cost is euro 45 pp. Overnight accommodation can be arranged for those who 
might need it > Anyone who is interested but can not make this trip - please 
email me and I will add you to our pelagic mailing list> Mike Cobley> 
cobley AT utvinternet.com 

_________________________________________________________________
It’s time to join the family - Get the next generation of Free Windows Live 
Services now! 

http://get.live.com/
Subject: West Cork Pelagic
From: Mike and Sue Cobley <cobley AT UTVINTERNET.COM>
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:25:51 +0100
Hi all,
The West Cork branch of Birdwatch ireland are having a pelagic trip on 24th 
August. There are some vacancies so if you are interested please email me to 
make a booking. 

Boat departs Baltimore 10 am, 4 hours at sea, stops off at Cape Clear Island at 
2 pm and then departs for Baltimore at 3.30pm and returns to Baltimore about 4 
pm. Cost is euro 45 pp. Overnight accommodation can be arranged for those who 
might need it 

Anyone who is interested but can not make this trip - please email me and I 
will add you to our pelagic mailing list 

Mike Cobley
cobley AT utvinternet.com
Subject: Irish Rare Bird Report 2007 - Anonymous records
From: Paul Milne <pjmilne AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:53:50 +0100
Further to my email regarding Appendix 1 records, there are still a significant 
number of unclaimed Appendix 2 records. If anyone knows who the observers of 
the following records might be, please send through the details. 


 Many thanks
Paul Milne
Secretary
IRBC


 American Wigeon Anas americana 1 male 25-Feb-07 25-Feb-07 Lissagriffin Lake 
Cork unknown 

 American Wigeon Anas americana 1 male 24-Nov-07 24-Nov-07 Cahore marshes 
Wexford unknown 

 American Wigeon Anas americana 1 male Possibly a returning individual 
27-Nov-07 23-Dec-07 Lissagriffin Lake Cork unknown 

 American Wigeon Anas americana 1 male 30-Dec-07 30-Dec-07 Smerwick Harbour 
Kerry unknown 

 American Wigeon Anas americana 1 female shot - corpse to be mounted 15-Dec-07 
15-Dec-07 North Slob Wexford unknown 

 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 1 female 25-Apr-07 25-Apr-07 Firville Lake, near 
Borrisokane Tipperary unknown 

 Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 1 unknown Reported on birdwatchmayo.org 
20-Oct-07 20-Oct-07 Kilkerin, Partry Mayo unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 2 female 10-Feb-07 17-Feb-07 Lough Gur 
Limerick unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 female 13-Feb-07 19-Apr-07 Lough 
Derravaragh Westmeath unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 male 09-Mar-07 09-Mar-07 Rahan's Lough 
Monaghan unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 2 male and female Probably two of the three 
birds recorded at this site earlier this year. (See above) 09-Apr-07 09-Apr-07 
Lough Gur Limerick unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 2 male and female 10-Apr-07 10-Apr-07 
Bracklagh Lough Cavan unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 male Presumed returning individual, last 
seen May 2006 25-Apr-07 28-Apr-07 Pat Redden's Lake Tipperary unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 male Possibly the same bird as reported at 
this site in March (see above) 26-Apr-07 26-Apr-07 The Gearagh Cork unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 male Presumed to be the Blanket Nook bird 
(see above), now in eclipse plumage. 18-Jul-07 10-Aug-07 Inch Island Lake 
Donegal unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 male Presumed returning individual 
11-Dec-07 11-Dec-07 Lough Gur Limerick unknown 

 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 1 male Presumed returning individual 
16-Dec-07 16-Dec-07 Rahan's Lough Monaghan unknown 

 Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata 1 adult male Presumed one of above, 
returning. 30-Sep-07 30-Sep-07 Ballinskelligs Bay Kerry unknown 

 Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 1 17-Aug-07 17-Aug-07 Cape Clear Island 
Cork unknown 

 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 4 Unconfirmed report 11-Dec-07 11-Dec-07 
Kilbrittain Cork unknown 

 Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 1 Reported on birdwatchmayo.org 16-Oct-07 
21-Oct-07 Westport Quay Mayo unknown 

 Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 1 21-Oct-07 21-Oct-07 The Gearagh Cork unknown 

 Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 3 Reported on birdwatchmayo.org 29-Oct-07 
29-Oct-07 Killala Bay Mayo unknown 

 Red Kite Milvus milvus 1 unknown 14-Jan-07 14-Jan-07 Near Wicklow town Wicklow 
unknown 

 American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica 1 unknown 06-Jan-07 06-Jan-07 
Westport Quay Mayo unknown 

 American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica 1 Reported on birdwatchmayo.org 
06-Oct-07 07-Oct-07 Tramore Bay, Srah. Mayo unknown 

 American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica 1 juvenile 02-Nov-07 10-Nov-07 
Ballycotton Cork unknown 

 American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica 1 unknown Possibly the same bird as 
reported here last month. (see above) 09-Dec-07 09-Dec-07 Ballycotton Cork 
unknown 

 Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla 1 juvenile 04-Oct-07 05-Oct-07 
Ballycotton Cork unknown 

 White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis 1 unknown 28-Sep-07 28-Sep-07 
Carrahane Strand Kerry unknown 

 White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis 1 unknown 07-Oct-07 07-Oct-07 
Lurgangreen Louth unknown 

 Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii 1 unknown 04-Oct-07 05-Oct-07 Ballycotton 
Cork unknown 

 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus 1 unknown Possibly a returning 
individual 17-Oct-07 15-Dec-07 Dundalk Port Louth unknown 

 Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus 1 unknown 18-Dec-07 18-Dec-07 
Timoleague Cork unknown 

 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 1 Reported on birdwatchmayo.org 10-Sep-07 
10-Sep-07 Annagh Beach Mayo unknown 

 Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus 1 "immature" 04-Oct-07 04-Oct-07 
Rineville Bay, Kilcredaun Clare unknown 

 Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus 1 "immature" 26-Oct-07 26-Oct-07 
Fodry Point, Loop Head Clare unknown 

 Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia 1 1st-winter 22-Apr-07 22-Apr-07 Near 
Wicklow town Wicklow unknown 

 Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia 1 adult Presumed returning individual. 
28-Dec-07 29-Dec-07 Cobh Cork unknown 

 Little Auk Alle alle 1 Found Dead. Reported on birdwatchmayo.org 03-Nov-07 
03-Nov-07 Barnynagappul Strand, Doogort, Achill. Mayo unknown 

 Little Auk Alle alle 1 09-Nov-07 09-Nov-07 Newcastle Wicklow unknown 

 Little Auk Alle alle 1 Found in a garden 04-Dec-07 04-Dec-07 Clifden Galway 
unknown 

 Wryneck Jynx torquilla 1 05-Oct-07 05-Oct-07 Mizen Head Cork unknown 

 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 28-Dec-07 28-Dec-07 Near Annamoe 
Wicklow unknown 

 Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major 1 in area since 20th October 
20-Oct-07 ? South Wexford Wexford unknown 

 Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus 1 21-Oct-07 21-Oct-07 Cape Clear Island 
Cork unknown 

 Scandinavian Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus littoralis 2 27-Dec-07 27-Dec-07 
Pilmore Strand/Redbarn area Cork unknown 

 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 3 3 on 15th Nov. One present on 18th Nov. and 
26th Dec. Two from 27th Dec. 16-Nov-07 30-Dec-07 Pilmore Strand/Redbarn area 
Cork unknown 

 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 1 14-Dec-07 17-Dec-07 Vartry Reservoir Wicklow 
unknown 

 Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta 1 Possibly 2 birds present. 17-Dec-07 17-Dec-07 
Blackditch Reserve, Newcastle Wicklow unknown 

 Blue-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava flava 1 07-Sep-07 07-Sep-07 Ventry Kerry 
unknown 

 Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria 1 1st-winter 22-Sep-07 23-Sep-07 Mizen Head Cork 
unknown 

 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 1 adult 07-Aug-07 07-Aug-07 Dursey 
Island Cork unknown 

 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 1 1st-winter 05-Oct-07 05-Oct-07 Mizen 
Head Cork unknown 

 Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva 1 1st-winter 20-Oct-07 21-Oct-07 
Dunowen /Strawtown, Galley Head Cork unknown 

 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus 3 05-Oct-07 05-Oct-07 Mizen Head Cork 
unknown 

 Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni 1 2nd-winter Presumably same bird as 
seen at Mutton Island on 9th (see above) 14-Jan-07 14-Jan-07 Nimmo's Pier 
Galway unknown 

 Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni 1 2nd-winter 31-Mar-07 31-Mar-07 
Rossaveal Galway unknown 

 Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni 1 1st-winter 01-Apr-07 01-Apr-07 
Rossaveal Galway unknown 

 Black Brant Branta bernicla nigricans 1 adult Presumed returning individual. 
01-Nov-06 02-Feb-07 Dungarvan Waterford unknown 

 Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 1 1st-winter ?? 28-Dec-07 Rosscarbery Cork 
unknown 

 Wilson's Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 1 27-Jul-07 27-Jul-07 Bridges of Ross 
Clare unknown 

 Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni 1 2nd-winter 20-Dec-07 30-Dec-07 
Nimmo's Pier Galway unknown 

 Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri 1 Adult Presumed returning individual. 
28-Jan-07 09-Feb-07 Pilmore Strand Cork unknown 

 Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius 1 juvenile Possiibly the same bird as 
recorded in early September at this site. 03-Oct-07 03-Oct-07 Ballycotton Cork 
unknown 

 Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus 1 adult 19-Aug-07 26-Aug-07 Ennis Clare 
unknown 

 Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri 1 Adult Presumed returning individual. 
25-Jan-07 01-Jun-07 Nimmo's Pier Galway unknown 

 Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni 1 2nd-winter 19-Jan-07 19-Jan-07 
Killybegs Donegal unknown German birder? 

 Kumlien's Gull Larus glaucoides kumlieni 1 1st-winter 21-Jan-07 21-Jan-07 
Rossaveal Galway unknown German birder? 

Subject: Irish Rare Bird Report 2007 Appendix 1 rarities
From: Paul Milne <pjmilne AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:52:27 +0100
Work is now well underway on the 2007 Irish Rare Bird Report.

However, as always, much depends on the birding community to provide the 
documentation that is necessary to verify each record in a timely manner. Here 
is the list of 2007 Appendix 1 records for which we have no photo or no written 
description. We would ask everyone to review this list and if you can help with 
the documentation to please forward your photos or notes. 


 Many thanks
Paul Milne
Secretary
IRBC 



 Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii 1 Reported as Richardson's Cackling Goose 
Branta hutchinsii hutchinsii. 19-Nov-07 12-Jan-08 Annagh,The Mullet Mayo 
D.Suddaby ? ? 

 Canada Goose Branta canadensis 1 ? 29-Dec-07 North Slob Wexford T.Kilbane et 
al ? 

 American Black Duck Anas rubripes 1 unknown Presumably the same bird as 
recorded at this site from 20-27th October 2006 21-Feb-07 21-Feb-07 Ventry 
Kerry D.Brown et al ? 

 American Black Duck Anas rubripes 1 male Thought to be the same bird first 
recorded near Milford (see above). 29-Dec-07 31-Dec-07 Blanket Nook Donegal 
unknown ? ? 

 'American' Eider Somateria mollissima dresseri 1 male 28-Oct-07 28-Oct-07 
Glasagh Bay, Fanad Head Donegal W.Farrelly ? ? 

 White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii 1 unknown 01-Jan-07 01-Jan-07 Blair's Cove, 
Dunmanus Bay Cork unknown ? ? 

 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 2 01-Dec-07 01-Dec-07 Near Ardgroom, Castletownbere 
Cork unknown ? ? 

 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 1 23-Dec-07 30-Dec-07 Near Mizen Head Cork unknown 
? ? 

 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 1 24-Dec-07 24-Dec-07 Near Naad/Ballincollig Cork 
unknown ? ? 

 Black Kite Milvus migrans 1 27-Apr-07 27-Apr-07 Near Castleconnell Limerick 
unknown ? ? 

 Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1 unknown 10-Jan-07 10-Jan-07 Near Moycullen Galway 
P.Reaney ? ? 

 Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1 male 22-Feb-07 22-Feb-07 Near Darragh Clare 
B.O'Donoghue ? ? 

 Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1 unknown 12-Oct-07 29-Oct-07 Ballycotton Cork 
G.Gordon G.Walsh et al ? 

 American Robin Turdus migratorius 1 unknown Seen briefly by a non-birdwatcher 
in a garden 20-Nov-07 20-Nov-07 Tralee Kerry unknown ? ? 

 Serin Serinus serinus 2 male and female Reported on Birdguides 30-May-07 
30-May-07 Blackrock Rugby F.C. Dublin unknown ? ? 

 Greenland Redpoll Carduelis flammea rostrata 1 29-Sep-07 29-Sep-07 Bloody 
Foreland Donegal D.Breen ? ? 



 Atlantic Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis atlantis 1 Showing characters of 
the Azorean atlantis subspecies. Presumably the same bird as seen at this site 
in January. 25-Mar-07 25-Mar-07 Sandymount Strand Dublin N.Keogh none none 

 Woodlark Lullula arborea 1 reported belatedly to IRBC 22-Mar-07 22-Mar-07 
Liscarroll Cork P.Tadeusz none none 

 Woodlark Lullula arborea 1 18-Oct-07 18-Oct-07 Three Castles, Mizen Head Cork 
D.Ballard none none 

 Woodlark Lullula arborea 1 20-Oct-07 21-Oct-07 Dursey Island Cork D.Scott none 
none 

 Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota 1 unknown 04-Nov-07 04-Nov-07 
Ballymacrown, near Baltimore Cork D.O'Sullivan none none 

 Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus 1 unknown 15-Oct-07 15-Oct-07 Cape Clear 
Island Cork P.Phillips M.Stewart none none 

 Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi 1 03-Nov-07 03-Nov-07 Three Castles, 
Mizen Head Cork D.Ballard none none 

 Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus 1 14-Oct-07 14-Oct-07 Cape Clear Island 
Cork R.H.Coombes et al none 

 Western/Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli/orientalis 1 13-Oct-07 
13-Oct-07 Toor Pier, Mizen Head Cork D.Fox et al none 

 Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum 1 unaged 10-Oct-07 14-Oct-07 
Tarmon, The Mullet Mayo D.Suddaby et al none 

 Greenland Redpoll Carduelis flammea rostrata 1 unaged North Western' Redpoll 
08-Oct-07 08-Oct-07 Erris Head Mayo D.Suddaby none none 

 Greenland Redpoll Carduelis flammea rostrata 1 unaged North Western' Redpoll 
17-Oct-07 17-Oct-07 Tarmon, The Mullet Mayo D.Suddaby none none 

 Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea flammea 4 unaged 30-Oct-07 30-Oct-07 Tarmon, 
The Mullet Mayo D.Suddaby et al none 

Subject: Re: Rogerstown
From: Paul Lynch <paulllynch AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:11:37 +0100
Owen
I'll discuss with the branch later in the month and let you know the
outcome.

Regards Paul



On Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 3:00 PM, Owen Foley  wrote:

> Paul,
>
> This is unfortunate news, as the option to simply pull up to the hide
> at any time was one of the real pros of this location. Is there no way
> this situation can be overcome? Perhaps making keys available to
> birders?
>
> Walking down on a nice evening isnt a big deal all things
> considered....but then there is the weather we have been treated to
> lately....and currently.
>
> Owen
>
> On 8/12/08, Paul Lynch  wrote:
> > Evan/Owen
> > I have received confirmation from the council that the gate was indeed
> > erected to prevent unwanted activities such as time racing, quads, etc.
> All
> > this land including the land the hide is on is owned by the council so
> its
> > out of BWI's hands.
> > We plan to continue manning the hide as normal every weekend from
> September
> > through to March. Wardens and visitors will have to park at the
> allotments
> > and walk from there. Whether this affects the number of visitors remains
> to
> > be seen but I'm sure if you asked Liam Feeny  who regularly walks this
> area,
> > he would tell you of the wealth of wildlife we all drive past en route.
> >
> > Regards Paul
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM, Evan Salholm  >wrote:
> >
> > > Some time ago mention was made that the way to the Rogerstown
> > > (southern)hide
> > > was inaccessible due to the locking of the gate near the allotments.
> > > I tried to gain access,and failed, on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
> > > Can anyone throw any light on what is happening? Is it a BWI issue? Or
> is
> > > another party involved?
> > > To me this looks like an issue separate from whether the hide is
> manned.
> > >
> > > Evan
> > >
> >
>
>
> --
> In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of
> people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
> - Douglas Adams
>



-- 
Regards Paul
Subject: Ljubljana
From: Breffni Martin <bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:57:01 +0100
Anyone know what Ljubljana and environs is like for birding in October - 
wondering wheather to take up a trip offer. Very little info on the web...

Thanks

Breffni 
Subject: Re: Wild Bird seed
From: "Fitzharris, Jim" <Jim.Fitzharris AT SMURFITKAPPA.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:09:55 +0100
Is that a pet shop?

-----Original Message-----
From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE] On Behalf Of John 
Gallagher 

Sent: 12 August 2008 14:59
To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
Subject: Re: Wild Bird seed

Eoin,
theres a place in Dundrum, not far after you turn off Bird Ave to go onto 
Dundrum road. 

Its on the Right as you head towards Dundrum before the Costcutters & Post 
Office 



On 8/11/08, Eoin C. Bairéad  wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> I can't think of anywhere else to ask the question, so I'll ask it here.
>
> The shop where I've been buying wild bird seed  for some years now has
> now joined the rest of such establishments, in that the seed now has,
> not alone a huge proportion of Black Sunflower seeds complete with
> seed cases, but what look awfully like cashews, nuts about 1cm long.
>
> Since my House Sparrows, Tits & Finches cheerfully spit out all this
> rubbish, I'm faced each day with a little pile of what has just become
> Rat food, and an empty feeder.
>
> Is there anywhere in central Dublin where I could buy proper seed.
>
> Thanks
>
> Eoin
>
>
>
>
> --
> --
> Eoin C. Bairéad
> Dublin, Ireland
> Áth Cliath, Éire
>


******************************************************************************** 

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intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the sender.

******************************************************************************** 

Smurfit Kappa Group plc. Registered in Ireland No. 433527.
Registered office: Beech Hill, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4.
Subject: Re: Rogerstown
From: Owen Foley <pariah.owen AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:00:22 +0100
Paul,

This is unfortunate news, as the option to simply pull up to the hide
at any time was one of the real pros of this location. Is there no way
this situation can be overcome? Perhaps making keys available to
birders?

Walking down on a nice evening isnt a big deal all things
considered....but then there is the weather we have been treated to
lately....and currently.

Owen

On 8/12/08, Paul Lynch  wrote:
> Evan/Owen
> I have received confirmation from the council that the gate was indeed
> erected to prevent unwanted activities such as time racing, quads, etc. All
> this land including the land the hide is on is owned by the council so its
> out of BWI's hands.
> We plan to continue manning the hide as normal every weekend from September
> through to March. Wardens and visitors will have to park at the allotments
> and walk from there. Whether this affects the number of visitors remains to
> be seen but I'm sure if you asked Liam Feeny  who regularly walks this area,
> he would tell you of the wealth of wildlife we all drive past en route.
>
> Regards Paul
>
>
>
> On Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM, Evan Salholm wrote:
>
> > Some time ago mention was made that the way to the Rogerstown
> > (southern)hide
> > was inaccessible due to the locking of the gate near the allotments.
> > I tried to gain access,and failed, on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
> > Can anyone throw any light on what is happening? Is it a BWI issue? Or is
> > another party involved?
> > To me this looks like an issue separate from whether the hide is manned.
> >
> > Evan
> >
>


-- 
In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of
people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.
- Douglas Adams
Subject: Re: Wild Bird seed
From: John Gallagher <galjohn AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:58:32 +0100
Eoin,
theres a place in Dundrum, not far after you turn off Bird Ave to go onto
Dundrum road.
Its on the Right as you head towards Dundrum before the Costcutters & Post
Office


On 8/11/08, Eoin C. Bairéad  wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> I can't think of anywhere else to ask the question, so I'll ask it here.
>
> The shop where I've been buying wild bird seed  for some years now has now
> joined the rest of such establishments, in that the seed now has, not alone
> a huge proportion of Black Sunflower seeds complete with seed cases, but
> what look awfully like cashews, nuts about 1cm long.
>
> Since my House Sparrows, Tits & Finches cheerfully spit out all this
> rubbish, I'm faced each day with a little pile of what has just become Rat
> food, and an empty feeder.
>
> Is there anywhere in central Dublin where I could buy proper seed.
>
> Thanks
>
> Eoin
>
>
>
>
> --
> --
> Eoin C. Bairéad
> Dublin, Ireland
> Áth Cliath, Éire
>
Subject: Re: Rogerstown
From: Paul Lynch <paulllynch AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:31:57 +0100
Evan/Owen
I have received confirmation from the council that the gate was indeed
erected to prevent unwanted activities such as time racing, quads, etc. All
this land including the land the hide is on is owned by the council so its
out of BWI's hands.
We plan to continue manning the hide as normal every weekend from September
through to March. Wardens and visitors will have to park at the allotments
and walk from there. Whether this affects the number of visitors remains to
be seen but I'm sure if you asked Liam Feeny  who regularly walks this area,
he would tell you of the wealth of wildlife we all drive past en route.

Regards Paul



On Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM, Evan Salholm wrote:

> Some time ago mention was made that the way to the Rogerstown
> (southern)hide
> was inaccessible due to the locking of the gate near the allotments.
> I tried to gain access,and failed, on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
> Can anyone throw any light on what is happening? Is it a BWI issue? Or is
> another party involved?
> To me this looks like an issue separate from whether the hide is manned.
>
> Evan
>
Subject: Re: Old Head of Kinsale.
From: Ian Forsyth <forsyth.i AT BTINTERNET.COM>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:01:23 +0100
It did not appear in my email either. I have checked.
Ian Forsyth
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "irishbirdnews" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 12:07 PM
Subject: Re: Old Head of Kinsale.


> Hi Peter, could you resend your email of August 9th again. For some 
> reason, I don't seem to have seen it on IBN. Of course it may have been 
> deleted in error by myself...lots of emails there when I returned from the 
> Kerry pelagic. Well done to Ed for the great work for the pelagic...shame 
> the birds just weren't out there.
>
> Thanks
> Eric
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Peter Wolstenholme" 
> To: 
> Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2008 4:59 PM
> Subject: Old Head of Kinsale.
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
> Tadg O;Keefe has informed me that access is available
> 24hrs. a day at present for birdwatching/Sea Watching.
> All you need is your 2 birdwatching identity cards, as outlined in my 
> email of 9th. August 2008.
> Later in the season, when the golf course closes down for the winter, 
> access hours may be reduced, but the seawatching season will be over by 
> then.
> Best wishes,
> peter wolstenholme
> Birdwatch West Cork.
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 
> 270.6.0/1604 - Release Date: 11/08/2008 05:50
>
>
> 
Subject: Re: Wild Bird seed
From: Anne May <Anne AT TPWHELEHAN.IE>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:48:36 +0100
You could try Flower Centre Raheny, they stock Chapelwood Bird food


Anne May

-----Original Message-----
From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE] On Behalf Of Eoin C. 
Bairéad 

Sent: 11 August 2008 13:46
To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
Subject: Wild Bird seed

Hi

I can't think of anywhere else to ask the question, so I'll ask it here.

The shop where I've been buying wild bird seed  for some years now has now
joined the rest of such establishments, in that the seed now has, not alone
a huge proportion of Black Sunflower seeds complete with seed cases, but
what look awfully like cashews, nuts about 1cm long.

Since my House Sparrows, Tits & Finches cheerfully spit out all this
rubbish, I'm faced each day with a little pile of what has just become Rat
food, and an empty feeder.

Is there anywhere in central Dublin where I could buy proper seed.

Thanks

Eoin




-- 
-- 
Eoin C. Bairéad
Dublin, Ireland
Áth Cliath, Éire
Subject: Rogerstown
From: Evan Salholm <Evan.Salholm AT SPD.DCU.IE>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:25 +0100
Some time ago mention was made that the way to the Rogerstown (southern)hide
was inaccessible due to the locking of the gate near the allotments.
I tried to gain access,and failed, on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
Can anyone throw any light on what is happening? Is it a BWI issue? Or is
another party involved?
To me this looks like an issue separate from whether the hide is manned.

Evan
Subject: Wild Bird seed
From: "Eoin C. Bairéad" <ebairead AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:46:11 +0100
Hi

I can't think of anywhere else to ask the question, so I'll ask it here.

The shop where I've been buying wild bird seed  for some years now has now
joined the rest of such establishments, in that the seed now has, not alone
a huge proportion of Black Sunflower seeds complete with seed cases, but
what look awfully like cashews, nuts about 1cm long.

Since my House Sparrows, Tits & Finches cheerfully spit out all this
rubbish, I'm faced each day with a little pile of what has just become Rat
food, and an empty feeder.

Is there anywhere in central Dublin where I could buy proper seed.

Thanks

Eoin




-- 
-- 
Eoin C. Bairéad
Dublin, Ireland
Áth Cliath, Éire
Subject: Re: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers.
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:45:27 +0100
Thanks Peter...and well done to Mick and Tadg.

Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Wolstenholme" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 12:49 PM
Subject: Fw: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: wolsten AT indigo.ie
To: Irish Bird Network
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 11:09 AM
Subject: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers.


Hi Everyone,
Good News at last.
Mick Hartnett and Tadg O'Keefe, two of the oldest and most respected birders 
in Cork, have negotiated access for birdwatchers to the Old Head Golf Links, 
under certain conditions.
To gain access to the Old Head, birdwatchers are asked to first of all make 
two copies of an Identity card as follows;

The Identity card to be of the size of a credit card/RSPB Membership Card, 
and sealed in Plastic.
You can get this done at most printers if you havn't got a computer and 
sealer yourself.

The 2 Identity Cards must contain the following wording and a passport type 
photograph.
OLD HEAD GOLF LINKS, KINSALE
BIRDWATCHING PERMIT
Name and address
phone no's, home and mobile

The card must be signed by the holder on the back
before it is sealed.

You can make this on your computer, or get it done in a printing works.

Take these cards to the gatekeeper at the Old Head, and they will keep one 
card in the gate-hut, as different people man the gate.

You will be told where you can go, but you will be able to drive out to the 
lighthouse for seawatching.The owners intend to build a sea-watching hide 
out against the lighthouse wall.
Also there are patches of cover on the golf course, a nursery etc., which 
hold migrants, it is intended to give birdwatchers
a map to these areas.

Obviously it goes without saying that we will be expected
to behave responsibly, not go charging across the fairways and greens.etc.

This is a wonderful opportunity for local birders in Cork to gain access to 
the Old Head. In the future RSPB/Wildlife Trust membership cards etc. may be 
acceptable. But let's get this system up and running first.

As for times of access, ask when you are talking to the gatekeeper. If you 
have any problems,
please contact Tadg O'Keefe : 0874184224

Best Wishes,
peter wolstenholme
Subject: Fw: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers.
From: Peter Wolstenholme <wolsten AT INDIGO.IE>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:49:11 +0100
----- Original Message ----- 
From: wolsten AT indigo.ie 
To: Irish Bird Network 
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 11:09 AM
Subject: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers.


Hi Everyone,
Good News at last.
Mick Hartnett and Tadg O'Keefe, two of the oldest and most respected birders in 
Cork, have negotiated access for birdwatchers to the Old Head Golf Links, under 
certain conditions. 

To gain access to the Old Head, birdwatchers are asked to first of all make two 
copies of an Identity card as follows; 


The Identity card to be of the size of a credit card/RSPB Membership Card, and 
sealed in Plastic. 

You can get this done at most printers if you havn't got a computer and sealer 
yourself. 


The 2 Identity Cards must contain the following wording and a passport type 
photograph. 

OLD HEAD GOLF LINKS, KINSALE
BIRDWATCHING PERMIT
Name and address
phone no's, home and mobile

The card must be signed by the holder on the back
before it is sealed.

You can make this on your computer, or get it done in a printing works.

Take these cards to the gatekeeper at the Old Head, and they will keep one card 
in the gate-hut, as different people man the gate. 


You will be told where you can go, but you will be able to drive out to the 
lighthouse for seawatching.The owners intend to build a sea-watching hide out 
against the lighthouse wall. 

Also there are patches of cover on the golf course, a nursery etc., which hold 
migrants, it is intended to give birdwatchers 

a map to these areas.

Obviously it goes without saying that we will be expected
to behave responsibly, not go charging across the fairways and greens.etc.

This is a wonderful opportunity for local birders in Cork to gain access to the 
Old Head. In the future RSPB/Wildlife Trust membership cards etc. may be 
acceptable. But let's get this system up and running first. 


As for times of access, ask when you are talking to the gatekeeper. If you have 
any problems, 

please contact Tadg O'Keefe : 0874184224

Best Wishes,
peter wolstenholme
Subject: Re: Old Head of Kinsale.
From: irishbirdnews <irishbirdnews AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:07:35 +0100
Hi Peter, could you resend your email of August 9th again. For some reason, 
I don't seem to have seen it on IBN. Of course it may have been deleted in 
error by myself...lots of emails there when I returned from the Kerry 
pelagic. Well done to Ed for the great work for the pelagic...shame the 
birds just weren't out there.

Thanks
Eric
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Wolstenholme" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2008 4:59 PM
Subject: Old Head of Kinsale.


Hi Everyone,
Tadg O;Keefe has informed me that access is available
24hrs. a day at present for birdwatching/Sea Watching.
All you need is your 2 birdwatching identity cards, as outlined in my email 
of 9th. August 2008.
Later in the season, when the golf course closes down for the winter, access 
hours may be reduced, but the seawatching season will be over by then.
Best wishes,
peter wolstenholme
Birdwatch West Cork.
Subject: Old Head of Kinsale.
From: Peter Wolstenholme <wolsten AT INDIGO.IE>
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:59:45 +0100
Hi Everyone,
Tadg O;Keefe has informed me that access is available
24hrs. a day at present for birdwatching/Sea Watching.
All you need is your 2 birdwatching identity cards, as outlined in my email of 
9th. August 2008. 

Later in the season, when the golf course closes down for the winter, access 
hours may be reduced, but the seawatching season will be over by then. 

Best wishes,
peter wolstenholme
Birdwatch West Cork.
Subject: Useful Identification Articles
From: Mick Cowming <mickcowming AT YAHOO.IE>
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:10:31 +0100
Click the Birdforum link to access the articles. All are in PDF format with an 
emphasis on birds across the Atlantic but some will be of use to us here.

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=120405

Cheers,

MC
Subject: Access to the Old Head of Kinsale for Birdwatchers.
From: Peter Wolstenholme <wolsten AT INDIGO.IE>
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 11:09:06 +0100
Hi Everyone,
Good News at last.
Mick Hartnett and Tadg O'Keefe, two of the oldest and most respected birders in 
Cork, have negotiated access for birdwatchers to the Old Head Golf Links, under 
certain conditions. 

To gain access to the Old Head, birdwatchers are asked to first of all make two 
copies of an Identity card as follows; 


The Identity card to be of the size of a credit card/RSPB Membership Card, and 
sealed in Plastic. 

You can get this done at most printers if you havn't got a computer and sealer 
yourself. 


The 2 Identity Cards must contain the following wording and a passport type 
photograph. 

OLD HEAD GOLF LINKS, KINSALE
BIRDWATCHING PERMIT
Name and address
phone no's, home and mobile

The card must be signed by the holder on the back
before it is sealed.

You can make this on your computer, or get it done in a printing works.

Take these cards to the gatekeeper at the Old Head, and they will keep one card 
in the gate-hut, as different people man the gate. 


You will be told where you can go, but you will be able to drive out to the 
lighthouse for seawatching.The owners intend to build a sea-watching hide out 
against the lighthouse wall. 

Also there are patches of cover on the golf course, a nursery etc., which hold 
migrants, it is intended to give birdwatchers 

a map to these areas.

Obviously it goes without saying that we will be expected
to behave responsibly, not go charging across the fairways and greens.etc.

This is a wonderful opportunity for local birders in Cork to gain access to the 
Old Head. In the future RSPB/Wildlife Trust membership cards etc. may be 
acceptable. But let's get this system up and running first. 


As for times of access, ask when you are talking to the gatekeeper. If you have 
any problems, 

please contact Tadg O'Keefe : 0874184224

Best Wishes,
peter wolstenholme
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Seamus Feeney <flyfisher1 AT EIRCOM.NET>
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 20:11:33 +0100
Ah yes, a barbeque, I'd forgotten about those.
Still plenty of Midges in the northwest. Usually huge numbers in the moth 
trap in the mornings. I wish you would take some of ours.

Séamus.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Peter Wolstenholme" 
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 7:46 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects

> Hi Everyone,
> This thread has gone off track.
> My main point is that midges, seem to have dissappeared.
> Only harry remarked that he'd been midged up the mountaind somewhere in 
> May.
> Has anyone suffered midges in their garden in the evening, or whilst 
> barbequing, or fishing or birding a bog in the evening.
> Down here around, Courtmacsherry, Timoleague, I havn't met anyone who has 
> suffered from them this year. The chemist says his sales off insect 
> repellent ,\9and sunglasses of course) are way down.
> Am I the only person in Ireland who thinks something is amiss ?
> cheers pete w
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Breffni Martin" 
> To: 
> Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 10:07 AM
> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>
>
>> ...see what i mean?
>>
>> ;-)
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Hugh Delaney" 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 6:00 PM
>> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>>
>>
>>> 'However it would
>>> have been perfectly possible for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 
>>> years
>>> ago.'
>>>
>>> So there was sufficient heat & light back then? (-
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Breffni Martin" 
>>> To: 
>>> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:31 PM
>>> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>>>
>>>
>>>> 
>>>>
>>>> One of the most regrettable things about the global warming debate is 
>>>> that is is often difficult to have any debate at all. As someone who 
>>>> buys parts of the theory but is less than convinced by other parts, I 
>>>> find that if I raise any objection, I am immediately down as a GW 
>>>> Denier (a bit like a holocost denier) and by citing evidence in support 
>>>> to the naysayers, you're accused of losing your objectivity. I 
>>>> completely buy the evidence for season creep and believe that this is 
>>>> evidence of an ecological response to warming because the data is so 
>>>> comprehensive. However other evidence that is often cited is more 
>>>> questionable. For example the northward spread little egrets in europe 
>>>> is often cited as evidence of global warming. However it would have 
>>>> been perfectly possible for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 years 
>>>> ago. Egrets are naturally expansive and it may be that the present 
>>>> northward expansion of little egrets only happens to coinside with 
>>>> warming (notwithstanding the fact that overwintering would have been 
>>>> impossible 50 year ago) as opposed to being driven by it. Nobody said 
>>>> that the European expansion of collared doves was due to global 
>>>> warming...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>>> From: "Graham Saunders" 
>>>> To: 
>>>> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 5:33 PM
>>>> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>> That light and heat are the most important factors influencing the 
>>>>>> timing
>>>>>> of biological phenomena such as migration and germination, flowering 
>>>>>> etc
>>>>>> - yes.
>>>>
>>>> Breffni,
>>>>        We disagree on the importance of sunlight and heat: It's your 
>>>> adamancy againt my circumspection. Perhaps best fought out by a 
>>>> banana-ripening duel: you can pick your weapon; I suspect you'll go for 
>>>> a high-powered laser or a mercury vapour light; I choose a small phial 
>>>> of ethene...
>>>>
>>>> Graham
>>>>
>>>> ps It's not just microrganisms on those deep sea vents: crabs, eels and 
>>>> other fish, worms and other invertebrates, corals... None of them ever 
>>>> see visible or UV light.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of 
>>>> Breffni Martin
>>>> Sent: 04 August 2008 14:25
>>>> To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
>>>> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>>>>
>>>> Graham,
>>>>
>>>> For my own sins i completed a degree in biochemistry and botany (I 
>>>> would
>>>> have enjoyed debating this with the redoubtable Willie myself, 
>>>> doubtless
>>>> another blasphemous global warming denier!) Later I did extensive
>>>> extracurricular post grad work on a certain species of plant and I 
>>>> believe
>>>> that by artifically varying only the length/wavelength of incident 
>>>> light, I
>>>> could have made these plants tap dance the Soldiers of Destiny up the
>>>> Garvaghy Road on the 12th!
>>>>
>>>> Light is indeed the primary driver for plant lifecycles and everything 
>>>> else
>>>> is keyed to this. The second driver is indeed temperature (availability 
>>>> of
>>>> water is largely a function of temperature and so, in the weird science 
>>>> of
>>>> global warming, it is not a forcing factor because the amount of water 
>>>> in
>>>> the system is not changing - unlike CO2). But that not simplistic at 
>>>> all.
>>>> From a few simple parameters it is possible to generate extraordinary
>>>> complexity (chaos). All species are dependent on the productivity of 
>>>> plants:
>>>> ""When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to 
>>>> the
>>>> rest of the world"  (J Muir)
>>>>
>>>> Warmth affects cold blooded creatures a lot more than warm blooded - 
>>>> without
>>>> adequate heat they die - no lizards in Antarctica!
>>>>
>>>> Seed germination requires a specific set of threshold parameters to be 
>>>> met
>>>> including O2, water and other processes including heat - these are 
>>>> designed
>>>> to ensure the seeds germinates at the right time of year in the absence 
>>>> of
>>>> light (ie they are proxies for light). In wildtypes there are a range 
>>>> of
>>>> genetically controlled criteria. Some go early, some late. Depending on 
>>>> the
>>>> seasons weather, some survive, most fail - one of the reasons why 
>>>> plants
>>>> produce loads of seeds.
>>>>
>>>> The triggers are mostly external - external stimuli trigger internal
>>>> biochemical processes. But environmental triggers are kind. I can't 
>>>> think of
>>>> any species that will spontaneously germinate in the absence of any 
>>>> external
>>>> trigger, maybe Seamus can think of one.
>>>>
>>>> For sure many species take their cue from processes taking place in 
>>>> other
>>>> species. An oak epiphyte will not start growing until the oak wakes up 
>>>> etc.
>>>> There is an extraordinary cascade of effects but light/temperature are 
>>>> still
>>>> king though.
>>>>
>>>> Don't know the answer to the elm question - elm was highly cultivated 
>>>> in the
>>>> 19th century - could be something to do with selective breeding.
>>>>
>>>> Sure, if the sun shut down tomorrow, everything on this planet would 
>>>> die
>>>> within a couple of years except microorganisms living on volcanic vents 
>>>> 5
>>>> miles under the sea surface - fair enough!
>>>>
>>>> But i'm not sure to what extent we are disagreeing. Light and the 
>>>> length of
>>>> day drives the lifecycle of most species, either directly (eg by 
>>>> interacting
>>>> with some bird equivalent of the pineal triggering a migration 
>>>> stimulating
>>>> hormone) or indirectly (eg by making a food species or other 
>>>> opportunity
>>>> available). Temperature is generally a proxy for light but is variable 
>>>> from
>>>> year to year so species have evolved strategies to deal with it. A 
>>>> multitude
>>>> of ecological/biochemical processes cascade from this certainly, but 
>>>> they
>>>> are driven by the great phenological helmsman, the sun. The concern is 
>>>> that
>>>> as temperature increases quickly, some species may not be able to adapt 
>>>> in
>>>> time.
>>>>
>>>> Breffni
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
> 
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Peter Wolstenholme <wolsten AT INDIGO.IE>
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 19:46:21 +0100
Hi Everyone,
This thread has gone off track.
My main point is that midges, seem to have dissappeared.
Only harry remarked that he'd been midged up the mountaind somewhere in May.
Has anyone suffered midges in their garden in the evening, or whilst 
barbequing, or fishing or birding a bog in the evening.
Down here around, Courtmacsherry, Timoleague, I havn't met anyone who has 
suffered from them this year. The chemist says his sales off insect 
repellent ,\9and sunglasses of course) are way down.
Am I the only person in Ireland who thinks something is amiss ?
cheers pete w
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Breffni Martin" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 10:07 AM
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects


> ...see what i mean?
>
> ;-)
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Hugh Delaney" 
> To: 
> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 6:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>
>
>> 'However it would
>> have been perfectly possible for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 
>> years
>> ago.'
>>
>> So there was sufficient heat & light back then? (-
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Breffni Martin" 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:31 PM
>> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>>
>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> One of the most regrettable things about the global warming debate is 
>>> that is is often difficult to have any debate at all. As someone who 
>>> buys parts of the theory but is less than convinced by other parts, I 
>>> find that if I raise any objection, I am immediately down as a GW Denier 
>>> (a bit like a holocost denier) and by citing evidence in support to the 
>>> naysayers, you're accused of losing your objectivity. I completely buy 
>>> the evidence for season creep and believe that this is evidence of an 
>>> ecological response to warming because the data is so comprehensive. 
>>> However other evidence that is often cited is more questionable. For 
>>> example the northward spread little egrets in europe is often cited as 
>>> evidence of global warming. However it would have been perfectly 
>>> possible for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 years ago. Egrets are 
>>> naturally expansive and it may be that the present northward expansion 
>>> of little egrets only happens to coinside with warming (notwithstanding 
>>> the fact that overwintering would have been impossible 50 year ago) as 
>>> opposed to being driven by it. Nobody said that the European expansion 
>>> of collared doves was due to global warming...
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>>> From: "Graham Saunders" 
>>> To: 
>>> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 5:33 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>>>
>>>
>>>>> That light and heat are the most important factors influencing the 
>>>>> timing
>>>>> of biological phenomena such as migration and germination, flowering 
>>>>> etc
>>>>> - yes.
>>>
>>> Breffni,
>>>        We disagree on the importance of sunlight and heat: It's your 
>>> adamancy againt my circumspection. Perhaps best fought out by a 
>>> banana-ripening duel: you can pick your weapon; I suspect you'll go for 
>>> a high-powered laser or a mercury vapour light; I choose a small phial 
>>> of ethene...
>>>
>>> Graham
>>>
>>> ps It's not just microrganisms on those deep sea vents: crabs, eels and 
>>> other fish, worms and other invertebrates, corals... None of them ever 
>>> see visible or UV light.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of 
>>> Breffni Martin
>>> Sent: 04 August 2008 14:25
>>> To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
>>> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>>>
>>> Graham,
>>>
>>> For my own sins i completed a degree in biochemistry and botany (I would
>>> have enjoyed debating this with the redoubtable Willie myself, doubtless
>>> another blasphemous global warming denier!) Later I did extensive
>>> extracurricular post grad work on a certain species of plant and I 
>>> believe
>>> that by artifically varying only the length/wavelength of incident 
>>> light, I
>>> could have made these plants tap dance the Soldiers of Destiny up the
>>> Garvaghy Road on the 12th!
>>>
>>> Light is indeed the primary driver for plant lifecycles and everything 
>>> else
>>> is keyed to this. The second driver is indeed temperature (availability 
>>> of
>>> water is largely a function of temperature and so, in the weird science 
>>> of
>>> global warming, it is not a forcing factor because the amount of water 
>>> in
>>> the system is not changing - unlike CO2). But that not simplistic at 
>>> all.
>>> From a few simple parameters it is possible to generate extraordinary
>>> complexity (chaos). All species are dependent on the productivity of 
>>> plants:
>>> ""When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the
>>> rest of the world"  (J Muir)
>>>
>>> Warmth affects cold blooded creatures a lot more than warm blooded - 
>>> without
>>> adequate heat they die - no lizards in Antarctica!
>>>
>>> Seed germination requires a specific set of threshold parameters to be 
>>> met
>>> including O2, water and other processes including heat - these are 
>>> designed
>>> to ensure the seeds germinates at the right time of year in the absence 
>>> of
>>> light (ie they are proxies for light). In wildtypes there are a range of
>>> genetically controlled criteria. Some go early, some late. Depending on 
>>> the
>>> seasons weather, some survive, most fail - one of the reasons why plants
>>> produce loads of seeds.
>>>
>>> The triggers are mostly external - external stimuli trigger internal
>>> biochemical processes. But environmental triggers are kind. I can't 
>>> think of
>>> any species that will spontaneously germinate in the absence of any 
>>> external
>>> trigger, maybe Seamus can think of one.
>>>
>>> For sure many species take their cue from processes taking place in 
>>> other
>>> species. An oak epiphyte will not start growing until the oak wakes up 
>>> etc.
>>> There is an extraordinary cascade of effects but light/temperature are 
>>> still
>>> king though.
>>>
>>> Don't know the answer to the elm question - elm was highly cultivated in 
>>> the
>>> 19th century - could be something to do with selective breeding.
>>>
>>> Sure, if the sun shut down tomorrow, everything on this planet would die
>>> within a couple of years except microorganisms living on volcanic vents 
>>> 5
>>> miles under the sea surface - fair enough!
>>>
>>> But i'm not sure to what extent we are disagreeing. Light and the length 
>>> of
>>> day drives the lifecycle of most species, either directly (eg by 
>>> interacting
>>> with some bird equivalent of the pineal triggering a migration 
>>> stimulating
>>> hormone) or indirectly (eg by making a food species or other opportunity
>>> available). Temperature is generally a proxy for light but is variable 
>>> from
>>> year to year so species have evolved strategies to deal with it. A 
>>> multitude
>>> of ecological/biochemical processes cascade from this certainly, but 
>>> they
>>> are driven by the great phenological helmsman, the sun. The concern is 
>>> that
>>> as temperature increases quickly, some species may not be able to adapt 
>>> in
>>> time.
>>>
>>> Breffni
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
> 
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Graham Saunders <g.saunders AT QUB.AC.UK>
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 10:20:11 +0100
Breffni,
        Perhaps you should send me a private e-mail.

Graham


-----Original Message-----
From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of Breffni 
Martin 

Sent: 08 August 2008 10:08
To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects

...see what i mean?

;-)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Hugh Delaney" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects


> 'However it would
> have been perfectly possible for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50
> years
> ago.'
>
> So there was sufficient heat & light back then? (-
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Breffni Martin" 
> To: 
> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:31 PM
> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>
>
>> 
>>
>> One of the most regrettable things about the global warming debate is
>> that is is often difficult to have any debate at all. As someone who buys
>> parts of the theory but is less than convinced by other parts, I find
>> that if I raise any objection, I am immediately down as a GW Denier (a
>> bit like a holocost denier) and by citing evidence in support to the
>> naysayers, you're accused of losing your objectivity. I completely buy
>> the evidence for season creep and believe that this is evidence of an
>> ecological response to warming because the data is so comprehensive.
>> However other evidence that is often cited is more questionable. For
>> example the northward spread little egrets in europe is often cited as
>> evidence of global warming. However it would have been perfectly possible
>> for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 years ago. Egrets are naturally
>> expansive and it may be that the present northward expansion of little
>> egrets only happens to coinside with warming (notwithstanding the fact
>> that overwintering would have been impossible 50 year ago) as opposed to
>> being driven by it. Nobody said that the European expansion of collared
>> doves was due to global warming...
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Graham Saunders" 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 5:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>>
>>
>>>> That light and heat are the most important factors influencing the
>>>> timing
>>>> of biological phenomena such as migration and germination, flowering
>>>> etc
>>>> - yes.
>>
>> Breffni,
>>        We disagree on the importance of sunlight and heat: It's your
>> adamancy againt my circumspection. Perhaps best fought out by a
>> banana-ripening duel: you can pick your weapon; I suspect you'll go for a
>> high-powered laser or a mercury vapour light; I choose a small phial of
>> ethene...
>>
>> Graham
>>
>> ps It's not just microrganisms on those deep sea vents: crabs, eels and
>> other fish, worms and other invertebrates, corals... None of them ever
>> see visible or UV light.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of
>> Breffni Martin
>> Sent: 04 August 2008 14:25
>> To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
>> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>>
>> Graham,
>>
>> For my own sins i completed a degree in biochemistry and botany (I would
>> have enjoyed debating this with the redoubtable Willie myself, doubtless
>> another blasphemous global warming denier!) Later I did extensive
>> extracurricular post grad work on a certain species of plant and I
>> believe
>> that by artifically varying only the length/wavelength of incident light,
>> I
>> could have made these plants tap dance the Soldiers of Destiny up the
>> Garvaghy Road on the 12th!
>>
>> Light is indeed the primary driver for plant lifecycles and everything
>> else
>> is keyed to this. The second driver is indeed temperature (availability
>> of
>> water is largely a function of temperature and so, in the weird science
>> of
>> global warming, it is not a forcing factor because the amount of water in
>> the system is not changing - unlike CO2). But that not simplistic at all.
>> From a few simple parameters it is possible to generate extraordinary
>> complexity (chaos). All species are dependent on the productivity of
>> plants:
>> ""When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the
>> rest of the world"  (J Muir)
>>
>> Warmth affects cold blooded creatures a lot more than warm blooded -
>> without
>> adequate heat they die - no lizards in Antarctica!
>>
>> Seed germination requires a specific set of threshold parameters to be
>> met
>> including O2, water and other processes including heat - these are
>> designed
>> to ensure the seeds germinates at the right time of year in the absence
>> of
>> light (ie they are proxies for light). In wildtypes there are a range of
>> genetically controlled criteria. Some go early, some late. Depending on
>> the
>> seasons weather, some survive, most fail - one of the reasons why plants
>> produce loads of seeds.
>>
>> The triggers are mostly external - external stimuli trigger internal
>> biochemical processes. But environmental triggers are kind. I can't think
>> of
>> any species that will spontaneously germinate in the absence of any
>> external
>> trigger, maybe Seamus can think of one.
>>
>> For sure many species take their cue from processes taking place in other
>> species. An oak epiphyte will not start growing until the oak wakes up
>> etc.
>> There is an extraordinary cascade of effects but light/temperature are
>> still
>> king though.
>>
>> Don't know the answer to the elm question - elm was highly cultivated in
>> the
>> 19th century - could be something to do with selective breeding.
>>
>> Sure, if the sun shut down tomorrow, everything on this planet would die
>> within a couple of years except microorganisms living on volcanic vents 5
>> miles under the sea surface - fair enough!
>>
>> But i'm not sure to what extent we are disagreeing. Light and the length
>> of
>> day drives the lifecycle of most species, either directly (eg by
>> interacting
>> with some bird equivalent of the pineal triggering a migration
>> stimulating
>> hormone) or indirectly (eg by making a food species or other opportunity
>> available). Temperature is generally a proxy for light but is variable
>> from
>> year to year so species have evolved strategies to deal with it. A
>> multitude
>> of ecological/biochemical processes cascade from this certainly, but they
>> are driven by the great phenological helmsman, the sun. The concern is
>> that
>> as temperature increases quickly, some species may not be able to adapt
>> in
>> time.
>>
>> Breffni
>>
>>
>
>
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Breffni Martin <bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM>
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 10:07:45 +0100
...see what i mean?

;-)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Hugh Delaney" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 6:00 PM
Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects


> 'However it would
> have been perfectly possible for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 
> years
> ago.'
>
> So there was sufficient heat & light back then? (-
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Breffni Martin" 
> To: 
> Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:31 PM
> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>
>
>> 
>>
>> One of the most regrettable things about the global warming debate is 
>> that is is often difficult to have any debate at all. As someone who buys 
>> parts of the theory but is less than convinced by other parts, I find 
>> that if I raise any objection, I am immediately down as a GW Denier (a 
>> bit like a holocost denier) and by citing evidence in support to the 
>> naysayers, you're accused of losing your objectivity. I completely buy 
>> the evidence for season creep and believe that this is evidence of an 
>> ecological response to warming because the data is so comprehensive. 
>> However other evidence that is often cited is more questionable. For 
>> example the northward spread little egrets in europe is often cited as 
>> evidence of global warming. However it would have been perfectly possible 
>> for little egrets to breed in Ireland 50 years ago. Egrets are naturally 
>> expansive and it may be that the present northward expansion of little 
>> egrets only happens to coinside with warming (notwithstanding the fact 
>> that overwintering would have been impossible 50 year ago) as opposed to 
>> being driven by it. Nobody said that the European expansion of collared 
>> doves was due to global warming...
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "Graham Saunders" 
>> To: 
>> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 5:33 PM
>> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>>
>>
>>>> That light and heat are the most important factors influencing the 
>>>> timing
>>>> of biological phenomena such as migration and germination, flowering 
>>>> etc
>>>> - yes.
>>
>> Breffni,
>>        We disagree on the importance of sunlight and heat: It's your 
>> adamancy againt my circumspection. Perhaps best fought out by a 
>> banana-ripening duel: you can pick your weapon; I suspect you'll go for a 
>> high-powered laser or a mercury vapour light; I choose a small phial of 
>> ethene...
>>
>> Graham
>>
>> ps It's not just microrganisms on those deep sea vents: crabs, eels and 
>> other fish, worms and other invertebrates, corals... None of them ever 
>> see visible or UV light.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of 
>> Breffni Martin
>> Sent: 04 August 2008 14:25
>> To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
>> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
>>
>> Graham,
>>
>> For my own sins i completed a degree in biochemistry and botany (I would
>> have enjoyed debating this with the redoubtable Willie myself, doubtless
>> another blasphemous global warming denier!) Later I did extensive
>> extracurricular post grad work on a certain species of plant and I 
>> believe
>> that by artifically varying only the length/wavelength of incident light, 
>> I
>> could have made these plants tap dance the Soldiers of Destiny up the
>> Garvaghy Road on the 12th!
>>
>> Light is indeed the primary driver for plant lifecycles and everything 
>> else
>> is keyed to this. The second driver is indeed temperature (availability 
>> of
>> water is largely a function of temperature and so, in the weird science 
>> of
>> global warming, it is not a forcing factor because the amount of water in
>> the system is not changing - unlike CO2). But that not simplistic at all.
>> From a few simple parameters it is possible to generate extraordinary
>> complexity (chaos). All species are dependent on the productivity of 
>> plants:
>> ""When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the
>> rest of the world"  (J Muir)
>>
>> Warmth affects cold blooded creatures a lot more than warm blooded - 
>> without
>> adequate heat they die - no lizards in Antarctica!
>>
>> Seed germination requires a specific set of threshold parameters to be 
>> met
>> including O2, water and other processes including heat - these are 
>> designed
>> to ensure the seeds germinates at the right time of year in the absence 
>> of
>> light (ie they are proxies for light). In wildtypes there are a range of
>> genetically controlled criteria. Some go early, some late. Depending on 
>> the
>> seasons weather, some survive, most fail - one of the reasons why plants
>> produce loads of seeds.
>>
>> The triggers are mostly external - external stimuli trigger internal
>> biochemical processes. But environmental triggers are kind. I can't think 
>> of
>> any species that will spontaneously germinate in the absence of any 
>> external
>> trigger, maybe Seamus can think of one.
>>
>> For sure many species take their cue from processes taking place in other
>> species. An oak epiphyte will not start growing until the oak wakes up 
>> etc.
>> There is an extraordinary cascade of effects but light/temperature are 
>> still
>> king though.
>>
>> Don't know the answer to the elm question - elm was highly cultivated in 
>> the
>> 19th century - could be something to do with selective breeding.
>>
>> Sure, if the sun shut down tomorrow, everything on this planet would die
>> within a couple of years except microorganisms living on volcanic vents 5
>> miles under the sea surface - fair enough!
>>
>> But i'm not sure to what extent we are disagreeing. Light and the length 
>> of
>> day drives the lifecycle of most species, either directly (eg by 
>> interacting
>> with some bird equivalent of the pineal triggering a migration 
>> stimulating
>> hormone) or indirectly (eg by making a food species or other opportunity
>> available). Temperature is generally a proxy for light but is variable 
>> from
>> year to year so species have evolved strategies to deal with it. A 
>> multitude
>> of ecological/biochemical processes cascade from this certainly, but they
>> are driven by the great phenological helmsman, the sun. The concern is 
>> that
>> as temperature increases quickly, some species may not be able to adapt 
>> in
>> time.
>>
>> Breffni
>>
>>
>
> 
Subject: Re: wexford birding
From: Andrew Crory <andrew.crory AT GMAIL.COM>
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 08:51:09 +0100
Cheers lads,
had a copy of the book. hopefully I can catch up with a few things.

All the best

Andrew


On 8/5/08, joe hobbs  wrote:
>
> Lee Evans asked me to post this to the birdnet.
> joe
> *******************************************************
> The first-summer drake KING EIDER was still present at Ring Marsh
> (Tacumshin) on 3rd August, where it had been present since 31st July.
> Tacumshin also had a PECTORAL SANDPIPER and Black Tern on 2nd August and the
> MONTAGU'S HARRIER was at South Slob NR on 26th July.
>
> As an aside, I cannot seem to post to this group anymore, although I do
> receive all emails. Does anyone know how I can get back on to contributing
> again?
>
> Many thanks
>
> Lee G R Evans
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: joe hobbs
> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
> Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 11:53 AM
> Subject: Re: wexford birding
>
>
> Andrew
> You might consider getting a copy of 'Finding Birds in Ireland' by Eric
> Dempsey and Mick O'Clery. It covers the entire island and the chapter on
> Wexford is superb. Well worth having.
> joe
>    ----- Original Message -----
>    From: Andrew Crory
>    To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
>    Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 10:06 AM
>    Subject: wexford birding
>
>
>    Hi All,
>    I'm heading down Wexford way at the weekend. Never been birding there,
>    wouldn't mind catchin up with the King Eider if it was still about. In
> fact,
>    any of the recent stuff down there would do me in order to fill some
>    annoying gaps in my meagre irish list (marsh harrier, black tern and
>    anything else worth seeing near Tacumshin etc.). Any advice would be
>    appreciated.
>
>
>    Andrew
>
>
>    No virus found in this incoming message.
>    Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
>    Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.12/1592 - Release Date:
> 8/5/2008 6:03 AM
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.12/1592 - Release Date: 8/5/2008
> 6:03 AM
>
Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Breffni Martin <bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 18:07:53 +0100
Could be - it was not a dome though, more a sphere attached by a thin 
tendril...


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Andrew Kelly" 
To: 
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 6:05 PM
Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects


Breffni
Wasps abandon their summer nests usually in Autumn and another much smaller 
nest is built to over winter.
They look like a small (5 cm?) dome with an entrance and I think the 
interior looks quiet paper spiral like if the exterior is damaged, from what 
I remember.
Are you sure it wasn't a wasp's nest ?
Andrew



> Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 17:12:47 +0100
> From: bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM
> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
>
> Last summer about this time of the year I found a nest of something that 
> may
> have been a hornet on the ceiling of my patio (outside). It was empty with 
> a
> spiral like structure, attached to ceiling at the thin end, beige in 
> colour,
> about 3 or 4 cm in diameter, a bit bigger than a golf ball, one exit hole.
> It may have been there for several weeks without being noticed. I had
> planned to collect it but it blew away that night. I have a photo
> somewhere...what might it be?
>
> Regards
>
> Breffni
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "JAMES RIPPEY" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:47 AM
> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
>
>
> >I dont think there are reliable records of Hornet in Ireland although I 
> >am
> >strongly of the opinion that I saw 1 land one a car at Drum Manor Forest
> >Park, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, on 1st August 1984; it had a sttrongly 
> >reddish
> >brown colouration and I dont think it was a Lunar Hornet or Hornet
> >Clearwing moth (latter not known in Northern Ireland). Indeed I remember
> >remarking at the time to someone that "You would know it if that stung
> >you." I also looked at one in a collection in the Ulster Museum (a 
> >British
> >specimen) later and it looked similar. At the time I saw it I did not
> >realise the Hornet was not found in Ireland, or I would probably have 
> >tried
> >to catch it.
> >
> > IAN RIPPEY 6.8.2008
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Graham Saunders" 
> > To: 
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 9:56 AM
> > Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> >
> >
> > There's plenty of wasps up here; not a plague but sufficient to be a
> > nuisance. But it is good weather for hornets; I am right in believing 
> > that
> > they prefer wetter conditions, aren't I? But I guess they don't occur in
> > Ireland, and not this far north.
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of
> > Breffni Martin
> > Sent: 04 August 2008 23:22
> > To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
> > Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> >
> > I think the "microorganisms" (also more evolved small multicellular
> > organisms) depend on chemosynthesis and so avoid the hegemony of 
> > sunlight.
> > The crabs etc eat the microorganisms and dead stuff that drops from the
> > sea...
> >
> > Has anybody noticed a plague of wasps? I saw very few and only late last
> > year...
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Graham Saunders" 
> > To: 
> > Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 5:33 PM
> > Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
> >
> >
> >>> That light and heat are the most important factors influencing the
> >>> timing
> >>> of biological phenomena such as migration and germination, flowering 
> >>> etc
> >>> - yes.
> >
> > Breffni,
> >        We disagree on the importance of sunlight and heat: It's your
> > adamancy againt my circumspection. Perhaps best fought out by a
> > banana-ripening duel: you can pick your weapon; I suspect you'll go for 
> > a
> > high-powered laser or a mercury vapour light; I choose a small phial of
> > ethene...
> >
> > Graham
> >
> > ps It's not just microrganisms on those deep sea vents: crabs, eels and
> > other fish, worms and other invertebrates, corals... None of them ever 
> > see
> > visible or UV light.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of
> > Breffni Martin
> > Sent: 04 August 2008 14:25
> > To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
> > Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> >
> > Graham,
> >
> > For my own sins i completed a degree in biochemistry and botany (I would
> > have enjoyed debating this with the redoubtable Willie myself, doubtless
> > another blasphemous global warming denier!) Later I did extensive
> > extracurricular post grad work on a certain species of plant and I 
> > believe
> > that by artifically varying only the length/wavelength of incident 
> > light,
> > I
> > could have made these plants tap dance the Soldiers of Destiny up the
> > Garvaghy Road on the 12th!
> >
> > Light is indeed the primary driver for plant lifecycles and everything
> > else
> > is keyed to this. The second driver is indeed temperature (availability 
> > of
> > water is largely a function of temperature and so, in the weird science 
> > of
> > global warming, it is not a forcing factor because the amount of water 
> > in
> > the system is not changing - unlike CO2). But that not simplistic at 
> > all.
> > From a few simple parameters it is possible to generate extraordinary
> > complexity (chaos). All species are dependent on the productivity of
> > plants:
> > ""When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the
> > rest of the world"  (J Muir)
> >
> > Warmth affects cold blooded creatures a lot more than warm blooded -
> > without
> > adequate heat they die - no lizards in Antarctica!
> >
> > Seed germination requires a specific set of threshold parameters to be 
> > met
> > including O2, water and other processes including heat - these are
> > designed
> > to ensure the seeds germinates at the right time of year in the absence 
> > of
> > light (ie they are proxies for light). In wildtypes there are a range of
> > genetically controlled criteria. Some go early, some late. Depending on
> > the
> > seasons weather, some survive, most fail - one of the reasons why plants
> > produce loads of seeds.
> >
> > The triggers are mostly external - external stimuli trigger internal
> > biochemical processes. But environmental triggers are kind. I can't 
> > think
> > of
> > any species that will spontaneously germinate in the absence of any
> > external
> > trigger, maybe Seamus can think of one.
> >
> > For sure many species take their cue from processes taking place in 
> > other
> > species. An oak epiphyte will not start growing until the oak wakes up
> > etc.
> > There is an extraordinary cascade of effects but light/temperature are
> > still
> > king though.
> >
> > Don't know the answer to the elm question - elm was highly cultivated in
> > the
> > 19th century - could be something to do with selective breeding.
> >
> > Sure, if the sun shut down tomorrow, everything on this planet would die
> > within a couple of years except microorganisms living on volcanic vents 
> > 5
> > miles under the sea surface - fair enough!
> >
> > But i'm not sure to what extent we are disagreeing. Light and the length
> > of
> > day drives the lifecycle of most species, either directly (eg by
> > interacting
> > with some bird equivalent of the pineal triggering a migration 
> > stimulating
> > hormone) or indirectly (eg by making a food species or other opportunity
> > available). Temperature is generally a proxy for light but is variable
> > from
> > year to year so species have evolved strategies to deal with it. A
> > multitude
> > of ecological/biochemical processes cascade from this certainly, but 
> > they
> > are driven by the great phenological helmsman, the sun. The concern is
> > that
> > as temperature increases quickly, some species may not be able to adapt 
> > in
> > time.
> >
> > Breffni
> >

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Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Andrew Kelly <andrew_kelly_home AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 18:06:20 +0100
Breffni
Or an unfinished structure.
Andrew

> Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 17:12:47 +0100
> From: bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM
> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
> 
> Last summer about this time of the year I found a nest of something that may 
> have been a hornet on the ceiling of my patio (outside). It was empty with a 
> spiral like structure, attached to ceiling at the thin end, beige in colour, 
> about 3 or 4 cm in diameter, a bit bigger than a golf ball, one exit hole. 
> It may have been there for several weeks without being noticed. I had 
> planned to collect it but it blew away that night. I have a photo 
> somewhere...what might it be?
> 
> Regards
> 
> Breffni
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "JAMES RIPPEY" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:47 AM
> Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
> 
> 
> >I dont think there are reliable records of Hornet in Ireland although I am 
> >strongly of the opinion that I saw 1 land one a car at Drum Manor Forest 
> >Park, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, on 1st August 1984; it had a sttrongly reddish 
> >brown colouration and I dont think it was a Lunar Hornet or Hornet 
> >Clearwing moth (latter not known in Northern Ireland). Indeed I remember 
> >remarking at the time to someone that "You would know it if that stung 
> >you." I also looked at one in a collection in the Ulster Museum (a British 
> >specimen) later and it looked similar. At the time I saw it I did not 
> >realise the Hornet was not found in Ireland, or I would probably have tried 
> >to catch it.
> >
> > IAN RIPPEY 6.8.2008
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "Graham Saunders" 
> > To: 
> > Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 9:56 AM
> > Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> >
> >
> > There's plenty of wasps up here; not a plague but sufficient to be a 
> > nuisance. But it is good weather for hornets; I am right in believing that 
> > they prefer wetter conditions, aren't I? But I guess they don't occur in 
> > Ireland, and not this far north.
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of 
> > Breffni Martin
> > Sent: 04 August 2008 23:22
> > To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
> > Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> >
> > I think the "microorganisms" (also more evolved small multicellular
> > organisms) depend on chemosynthesis and so avoid the hegemony of sunlight.
> > The crabs etc eat the microorganisms and dead stuff that drops from the
> > sea...
> >
> > Has anybody noticed a plague of wasps? I saw very few and only late last
> > year...
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Graham Saunders" 
> > To: 
> > Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 5:33 PM
> > Subject: Re: [IBN-L] Worrying lack of insects
> >
> >
> >>> That light and heat are the most important factors influencing the 
> >>> timing
> >>> of biological phenomena such as migration and germination, flowering etc
> >>> - yes.
> >
> > Breffni,
> >        We disagree on the importance of sunlight and heat: It's your
> > adamancy againt my circumspection. Perhaps best fought out by a
> > banana-ripening duel: you can pick your weapon; I suspect you'll go for a
> > high-powered laser or a mercury vapour light; I choose a small phial of
> > ethene...
> >
> > Graham
> >
> > ps It's not just microrganisms on those deep sea vents: crabs, eels and
> > other fish, worms and other invertebrates, corals... None of them ever see
> > visible or UV light.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Irish Bird Network [mailto:IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie] On Behalf Of
> > Breffni Martin
> > Sent: 04 August 2008 14:25
> > To: IBN-L AT listserv.heanet.ie
> > Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> >
> > Graham,
> >
> > For my own sins i completed a degree in biochemistry and botany (I would
> > have enjoyed debating this with the redoubtable Willie myself, doubtless
> > another blasphemous global warming denier!) Later I did extensive
> > extracurricular post grad work on a certain species of plant and I believe
> > that by artifically varying only the length/wavelength of incident light, 
> > I
> > could have made these plants tap dance the Soldiers of Destiny up the
> > Garvaghy Road on the 12th!
> >
> > Light is indeed the primary driver for plant lifecycles and everything 
> > else
> > is keyed to this. The second driver is indeed temperature (availability of
> > water is largely a function of temperature and so, in the weird science of
> > global warming, it is not a forcing factor because the amount of water in
> > the system is not changing - unlike CO2). But that not simplistic at all.
> > From a few simple parameters it is possible to generate extraordinary
> > complexity (chaos). All species are dependent on the productivity of 
> > plants:
> > ""When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the
> > rest of the world"  (J Muir)
> >
> > Warmth affects cold blooded creatures a lot more than warm blooded - 
> > without
> > adequate heat they die - no lizards in Antarctica!
> >
> > Seed germination requires a specific set of threshold parameters to be met
> > including O2, water and other processes including heat - these are 
> > designed
> > to ensure the seeds germinates at the right time of year in the absence of
> > light (ie they are proxies for light). In wildtypes there are a range of
> > genetically controlled criteria. Some go early, some late. Depending on 
> > the
> > seasons weather, some survive, most fail - one of the reasons why plants
> > produce loads of seeds.
> >
> > The triggers are mostly external - external stimuli trigger internal
> > biochemical processes. But environmental triggers are kind. I can't think 
> > of
> > any species that will spontaneously germinate in the absence of any 
> > external
> > trigger, maybe Seamus can think of one.
> >
> > For sure many species take their cue from processes taking place in other
> > species. An oak epiphyte will not start growing until the oak wakes up 
> > etc.
> > There is an extraordinary cascade of effects but light/temperature are 
> > still
> > king though.
> >
> > Don't know the answer to the elm question - elm was highly cultivated in 
> > the
> > 19th century - could be something to do with selective breeding.
> >
> > Sure, if the sun shut down tomorrow, everything on this planet would die
> > within a couple of years except microorganisms living on volcanic vents 5
> > miles under the sea surface - fair enough!
> >
> > But i'm not sure to what extent we are disagreeing. Light and the length 
> > of
> > day drives the lifecycle of most species, either directly (eg by 
> > interacting
> > with some bird equivalent of the pineal triggering a migration stimulating
> > hormone) or indirectly (eg by making a food species or other opportunity
> > available). Temperature is generally a proxy for light but is variable 
> > from
> > year to year so species have evolved strategies to deal with it. A 
> > multitude
> > of ecological/biochemical processes cascade from this certainly, but they
> > are driven by the great phenological helmsman, the sun. The concern is 
> > that
> > as temperature increases quickly, some species may not be able to adapt in
> > time.
> >
> > Breffni
> > 

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Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
From: Andrew Kelly <andrew_kelly_home AT HOTMAIL.COM>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 18:05:05 +0100
Breffni
Wasps abandon their summer nests usually in Autumn and another much smaller 
nest is built to over winter. 

They look like a small (5 cm?) dome with an entrance and I think the interior 
looks quiet paper spiral like if the exterior is damaged, from what I remember. 

Are you sure it wasn't a wasp's nest ?
Andrew 



> Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 17:12:47 +0100
> From: bmartin AT REGINTEL.COM
> Subject: Re: Worrying lack of insects
> To: IBN-L AT LISTSERV.HEANET.IE
> 
> Last summer about this time of the year I found a nest of something that may 
> have been a hornet on the ceiling of my patio (outside). It was empty with a 
> spiral like structure, attached to ceiling at the thin end, beige in colour, 
> about 3 or 4 cm in diameter, a bit bigger than a golf ball, one exit hole. 
> It may have been there for several weeks without being noticed. I had 
> planned to collect it but it blew away that night. I have a photo 
> somewhere...what might it be?
> 
> Regards
> 
> Breffni
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "JAMES RIPPEY" 
> To: