[buzzard12]

Here's the concept, Cape Clear Island for a week, a visually stunning location with a proven track record for birds in autumn. Add to this a group of artist's, seven days in the field from 29th September-6th October 2013, which are to be devoted to observing, drawing and painting anything that stops them. I have spoken to Steve Wing, current warden at Cape Clear Bird Observatory, who thinks it's a fine idea. Accomadation will be available at the bird observatory at reasonable rates, whilst other accomadation is available on the island for those requiring more comfort, or perhaps more room for families...
A rendevous in Dublin on the evening of Saturday 28th September, before travelling on Sunday by rail from Dublin-Cork, before transferring to the ferry dock at Baltimore by minibus perhaps. Cape Clear will not disapoint those visiting for the first time. Cape Clear has an unsurpassed reputation for attracting rare birds from east and west. Migrants abound in autumn and there will always be something to see, whilst local specialities like Chough add further interest.
So basically I need to know if there is real interest in the idea. It would be wonderful to get the idea off the ground, meet in person and eventually get out into the field with you all.
Dates are not cast in iron, some may only be able to come for a long weekend, others want to stay longer, que sera. Unfortunately, visiting artists will have to fund the trip from their own pockets. Happily these days, Dublin is cheap to get to from many locations around europe, whilst accomadation will be reasonable. A few euros for a pint of Murphy's Stout might also be required.
More details to follow should interest be there...

Have created an event page on FB and invited those of you I have there.

[timwootton]

Oh yes, sunshine! Just need to look at the dates re; SOC exhib - but a definite from me assuming this isn't a clash. Great move, mate . . . and not before time

[birdboybowley]

Ah yeah...but is it 2012 or 2013 Al??

[timwootton]

seven days in the field from 29th September-6th October 2013

[buzzard12]

Originally Posted by timwootton

seven days in the field from 29th September-6th October 2013

Sorry for any confusion, tis 2013, plenty of time yet...

Just to add, dates are flexible, could be a little later, even earlier, though October is the time to visit the island and find migrants and vagrants...

Birdwatch Ireland site for CCBO
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Birdw...2/Default.aspx

Photos from October 2012, as can be seen it's a place of remarkable natural beauty as well as being an incredible birding site. As well as landbirds, the island is famous for seabird movements, as well as Whales, Dolphins, Sunfish and Leatherback Turtles in some years...

1. The view west from the Mass Track. Wryneck and Red Breasted Flycatcher on the track the day I took this, as well as Barred Warbler!

2. Chough pair at Firbreaga... several pairs resident and breeding on the island.

3. O Driscoll's Castle

4. The Low Road

5. The view east from beside the Bird Observatory...

A detailed account from my blog of two weeks birding in October on Cape Clear an be found in the archive margin of my blog, click on October 2011 and scroll down...


Rarity find; account by Steve Wing;
http://www.irbc.ie/notes/pdf/BlueWin...SteveWing).pdf

Birding on cape, a blogspot..
http://birdingoncapeclear.blogspot.com/

[buzzard12]

And a few more shots from October 2011...

1. Thai Night; Birder's at the observatory after enjoying CCBO warden Steve Wing's(front right) superb Thai Night...

2. West Bog/Olly Gully, site of many mega rare birds...

3. Short Toed Lark at Lough Errul

4. Red Eyed Vireo at the The Low Road

5. West Bog; Legendary irish birding site...Bobolink, Northern Waterthrush, American Redstart, Fan Tailed Warber, Sykes Warbler just off the top of my head, often full of migrants in fall conditions here. Saw my first Ortolan Buntings, Barred Warbler, Wryneck, Red backed and Woodchat Shrike, Richard's Pipit and Ring Ouzel here as a young birder, a fantastic place on it's day...

[ambling artist]

Cape Clear sounds like a great plan - Just the sort of trip that gets me inspired I am always looking for new locations for my 'Ambling Adventures' although I have visited southern Island before I never managed to feature it in my first DVD and I have never been to Cape Clear. I am not sure that a week will be long enough for me though, as I am always keen to film the Birds, Wildlife and the location as well as doing as much; Birding, sketching and Painting in the field as daylight hours will allow
Can't wait - 'are we there yet'?

please watch the preview of my new DVD on my website www.amblingartist.com

Wayne Castle

[RussB]

Hi there!
I'm very intersested in this! Don't worry, I've not lost my artistic aspirations ( if such a thing is ever possible!); I've just been up to other things. Still been putting in time with the sketchbook, though, so will be posting when I get my scanner sorted. 2013, then? This is summat to really look forward to! I just might get a teeny bit of inspiration!

Cheers

Russ

[oivind egeland]

I'm also very very interested! Places like Cape Clear, Fair Isle and Scilly have been on my wish list for ages. I hope that new information about this event also will appear here on birdforum - I'm not much of an FB user...

[buzzard12]

Originally Posted by oivind egeland

I'm also very very interested! Places like Cape Clear, Fair Isle and Scilly have been on my wish list for ages. I hope that new information about this event also will appear here on birdforum - I'm not much of an FB user...

Yes Oivind, I'm very much aware of the fact many people are not on FB, as well as being members the forum here. You would be most welcome and I will keep you updated. It's a while away yet, though time flies as they say...

[buzzard12]

Originally Posted by ambling artist

Cape Clear sounds like a great plan - Just the sort of trip that gets me inspired I am always looking for new locations for my 'Ambling Adventures' although I have visited southern Island before I never managed to feature it in my first DVD and I have never been to Cape Clear. I am not sure that a week will be long enough for me though, as I am always keen to film the Birds, Wildlife and the location as well as doing as much; Birding, sketching and Painting in the field as daylight hours will allow
Can't wait - 'are we there yet'?

please watch the preview of my new DVD on my website www.amblingartist.com

Wayne Castle

Interestting subject for a documentart, no.....

[solitaryVSong]

Sure sounds like a wonderful idea. I really doubt that I'll be able to make it from the US but I sure can picture the rest of you having a great time. Just make sure the results also get published in a book!

[Bigshent]

Originally Posted by solitaryVSong

Sure sounds like a wonderful idea. I really doubt that I'll be able to make it from the US but I sure can picture the rest of you having a great time. Just make sure the results also get published in a book!

Im sure it will end up in book. (Best Cape island Public houses)

[ospreyscotbird]

Originally Posted by Bigshent

Im sure it will end up in book. (Best Cape island Public houses)

LOL
Would love to come!! Need to get the paper etc out, but as tiny gets bigger they get nearer!!

[solitaryVSong]

Originally Posted by Bigshent

Im sure it will end up in book. (Best Cape island Public houses)

[timwootton]

Originally Posted by RussB

Hi there!
I'm very intersested in this! Don't worry, I've not lost my artistic aspirations ( if such a thing is ever possible!); I've just been up to other things. Still been putting in time with the sketchbook, though, so will be posting when I get my scanner sorted. 2013, then? This is summat to really look forward to! I just might get a teeny bit of inspiration!

Cheers

Russ

Just up your street, Russ.

[Woody]

Certainly sounds exciting! I'd be interested but the finances may well get in the way of that interest. Who wants to buy some paintings?

Mike