From Opus

Photo by Tacumshin
Tacumshin Lake, Co Wexford, Ireland

[edit] Overview

A shallow coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a narrow ridge of sand and shingle, Tacumshin Lake is well-known as a wader haunt and one which frequently attracts vagrants. The water level varies considerably but the lake is roughly 5km long by 2km wide and has several low sandy islands.

There is a small marsh known as 'White Hole' at the south-western corner and there are extensive reed beds particularly in the north-west.

[edit] Birds

[edit] Notable Species

Breeding species of Tacumshin include Common Shelduck, Water Rail, Oystercatcher and Ringed Plover but most interest lies outside the breeding period.

In autumn the lake is popular with birders in search of rare waders. Most of the regular European waders can be seen and there is the possibility of rarer species such as Broad-billed Sandpiper and Marsh Sandpiper. North American waders recorded here include Short-billed Dowitcher, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Buff-breasted Sandpiper with Pectoral Sandpiper annual and White-rumped Sandpiper and Baird's Sandpiper virtually so. A Pied-billed Grebe was present in November 2003.

Wintering and passage waterfowl also occur at Tacumshin in variety and numbers with both Whooper Swan and Bewick's Swan, Pale-bellied Brent Goose and various duck species including regular Garganey in autumn and Greater Scaup in winter.

Spring migration is quieter for both waders and waterfowl but Little Gull and terns do occur.

[edit] Check-list

Birds you can see here include:

Mute Swan, Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swan, Pale-bellied Brent Goose, Common Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Common Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Greater Scaup, Hen Harrier, Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Eurasian Golden Plover, Northern Lapwing, Red Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Dunlin, Ruff, Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Spotted Redshank, Common Redshank, Common Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Little Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Hooded Crow, Reed Bunting

[edit] Other Wildlife

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[edit] Site Information

[edit] History and Use

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[edit] Areas of Interest

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[edit] Access and Facilities

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[edit] Other Nearby Sites

Tacumshin Lake is conveniently close to another excellent birding location, Lady's Island Lake, on the south coast of Wexford.

From the town of Wexford take the road towards Kilmore Quay and turn off to the left following signs for Tomhaggard. From this village minor roads lead to the lake at Lingstown and the marsh at White Hole.

To view the eastern end of the lake head east from Lingstown for about 5km and turn right which leads to viewing points over the reedbeds and the island known as Sigginstown.

[edit] Contact Details

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[edit] External Links

• Go Ireland; Wexford Birdwatching
• Tacumshin Lake on Google Maps

Content and images originally posted by Steve