Birdwatchers to visit Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head is the destination for the next outing of BirdWatch Mayo.
BirdWatch Mayo will hold its next outing on Sunday, July 13th, when the destination is Downpatrick Head in North Mayo.
July is a great month for cliff-nesting seabirds. Young guillemots, just eight days old, are jumping from the cliff to join their fathers and swim out to sea. The kittiwakes will be noisily feeding their young, whilst close to the cliff top, solitary fulmar chicks are being fattened up to be abandoned to fledge on their own.
Birdwatchers may also be able to spot some passing gannets, other pelagics and possibly some cetaceans.
Meet in the car park at 10.30am. The morning is the best time to view these birds as the easterly-facing cliffs are easier to observe. The group will take a short walk up to the cliffs whilst observing the blowhole on the way. It is a favourite site for rock doves of which Mayo still has a few pure-bred individuals. A telescope is useful as some of the viewing is distant, particularly on the sea stack.
Non-members are very welcome but children must be accompanied. Bring your own refreshments and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
For further details, log onto www.birdwatchingmayo.org or email birdwatchmayo@gmail.com.
