fredbern said:[ Also at least 6 ruff at dundalk harbour with the (now) long-billed dowitcher, twitched nonetheless by at least 20 visitors during the day...
Garethgareth2005 said:I think that whole area beside the Marshes shopping Centre including the woods is set for future development thus threatening the last viable breeding site for the Barn Own and Sparrow Hawk that have been spotted in the area.
Derek Watters said:Gareth
I don't think there's anywhere suitable for barn owl to breed there, but it may well be providing a rich food source to such predators. As far as I am aware, Dundalk Town Council has plans to develop the area known as "Clarkes Forest" into a public park, which in itself, if not properly undertaken, may be detrimental to the area's wildlife.
PS - I note from an earlier posting, that you mentioned you're living near the Avenue Road (as I do) and that you had not seen any blackcaps this year - has this changed, as this is the first year I recall not having them eating me out of apples!
Derek
Road from Ramparts past The Marshes still closed, but I now recon 25 - 30% of the trees are down!Derek Watters said:I'd estimate that at least 10% of the trees were blown down in the storm. It was difficult to see the extent of the damage as the whole area around the Marshes Shopping Centre was closed off due the falling / flying debris.
I will visit later when I get a chance and get better estimates.