Roaming in Roscommon

Don't forget there is a talk in Durkins Hotel Ballaghaderreen on Monday the 8th.
It will cover Roaming events in Co. Roscommon. All are welcome kick off at 8pm.
A just in time reminder. Christmas is around the corner and Padraig has some Cards to sell.
5 Euro for a pack of 10 and you get to take as many packs as you like (at €5 a pack of course)

Castlecoot House

There will be an Illustrated talk given be Helen Boland on the Irish Wetland Bird Survey, The talk will commence at 8pm on Wednesday 29th of September in Castlecoot House, Castlecoot, Co Roscommon. The talk will cover the reasons behind the survey, the latest results and how we can get involved in it. Like all voluntary organisations if everyone gets involved then we can all have a bit of fun. Castlecoot House is a great place for a talk or an outing and we get to do both. Everyone is welcome it would be great if as a club we could get involved in something like this. It will give us more of a purpose as well as some experience with bird life. Castle coot village is on the main road from Roscommon to Glinsk, near Fuerty. We hope to see you all there.

Dawn Chorus Roscommon

A good number of hardy souls turned out at Lecarrow to take part in the first Dawn Chorus event in Roscommon. At 5am one had to be either mad or on the way home. Either way I doubt if anyone could say they were not enchanted by the symphony of birdsong that awaited them at Padraig Corcoran's farm.

It was a little frosty but the glorious sunrise to the accompaniment of birdsong soon had everyone in good form. Padraig has been hard at work over the winter. He now has a string of smalllakes surrounded by new planting that will give good concealment. All in all he has created a wildlife sanctuary second to none. There is ease of access for the novice birdwatcher and an abundance of vegitation for the birds. The major work has been compleated but I have no doubt that there are lots more that Padraig will undertake to encourage birds to his farm.

On behalf of Roscommon Birdwatch I would like to Thank Padraig for hosting us today. I would also like to thank all those who braved the early hour and turned up. Next time maybe we will have a picnic.

Don't forget Monday 14th June Hannon's Hotel Roscommon. All are welcome.

Upcoming Events

Sorry for not keeping in touch I have been a tad busy lately. However Padraig was on the phone to me with a gentle shove, so here goes.
Our Dawn Chorus will be on 16/May at Padraig Corcorans Farm in Lecarrow. We will meet in Lecarrow Village before the Cock Crows at 5am or 0500 which ever you like. Every one welcome (don't forget to bring warm clothing).
Monday the 14th of June will see an officer from NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife) give a talk on wildlife in Roscommon. This will be held in Hannons Hotel, Roscommon at 8pm. Once again all are welcome.
I will keep in touch and I will have an update closer to the time of the Dawn Chorus

Trip to Lough Funshinagh

There will be a trip to Lough Funshinagh on Sunday 28/2/2010. We will meet at Lecarrow at 12 am and proceed to the lough. Lecarrow is located on the main road betwen Roscommon and Athlone about 8 miles from Roscommon. Lough Funshinagh has very good access and a fair number of wintering birds.

Birds found in the area include  Bewick's Swan (o),Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Golden Plover, Lapwing, and Snipe. Plus a few more rare sightings. The next question is how many of these birds can you identify.  

Farm Wildlife Walk 6/12/09

I would like to thank Padraig for hosting us on a walk around his farm. Considering the weather we had at least twice the number of people I had expected to turn out. Yes it was typical Irish weather, I think we had nearly everything bar snow. In saying that between Padraig and Dave we all had a very interesting time.

Padraig took the time to explain some of the work he is doing to encourage wildlife (hedgerows, feeders, ponds etc). Although part of the walk was submerged, we got a good view of the work he has carried out and an invitation to return at a later date. Unfortunately with the day that was in it most of the wildlife had gone to ground. That’s not to say that we had a leisurely stroll with nothing to do. Swans, Ducks, Geese, Kestrel and Sparrow hawks were spotted along with a verity of smaller birds.

Dave Watson entertained us with a selection of interesting facts and pointers regarding the various birds we spotted. He also pointed out the various nest boxes around the area and gave us some information on field glasses.

To be honest between Padraig and Dave they have managed to show me how little I know about the life that surrounds me. Most of us go about our daily routine without opening our eyes. I will look forward to the next outing and hope to learn a little more. I would like to once again thank Dave on behalf of the Roscommon Birdwatch committee and those who made the effort to come out on a cold, wet blustery day. To those who attended Thank You, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I.

There is a link on the right under “Links” to some photos of the day. Anyone with photos from the day please email me at rosbirdwatch@topmail.ie

Thank You to all for your support