Bantry and Sheep's Head Outing February 12th 2012

21 members enjoyed a fantastic trip to Bantry and Sheep's Head on Sunday. John Lynch led the group around Bantry Harbour, the Graveyard, The Air Strip, and Sheep's Head. In the harbour we saw a lot of gulls including 2 Iceland and a 1st Winter Med.

The flat calm conditions allowed us to scan for divers out at sea as we made our way down to Gearhies Harbour,1/2 way down Sheep's Head. There were well over 50 Great Northerns in the Bay, but locating a Black Throat was difficult, when you thought you had one, it dived and was never seen again.

At Gearhies Harbour we were confronted with the most amazing sight, and record for Co.Cork: of 34 Mediterranean Gulls in the harbour. Mussels are processed here and the discards have obviously fed and bred a growing colony. After lunch here, we climbed over the Goat's Pass enjoying fantastic views for miles from Mizen to Dursey. The air was crystal clear.

At the lake in Kilcrohane were 9 whoopers, and more bird species. We finished near Durrus with a Canada and Farmyard Goose, suspected escapes. The Canada goose probably the one which was in Timoleague last year.

The sweepstake was won by Carol James from Ballydehob, who guessed nearest to the record 57 species seen in the day. She was presented with her winnings and a Peter Wolstenholme print by Peter.

Written by Peter Wolstenholme.