County Louth (formerly Dundalk Bay) local patch. (8 Viewers)

fredbern said:

Still fresh in my memory is one such evening when a barn owl, totally oblivious to the fact that I was thigh deep in the river, landed on a post beside me and began to eat its catch with amazing gusto. I didn't move a muscle for what seemed like ages as I reckoned it was one of those 'once in a lifetime' events. Gerry and I still fish the river but sadly the sightings of barn owls are now a rarity. One small consolation occurred early in the new year when I heard the characteristic 'screech' while standing at my back door late one evening. Unfortunately though I didn't manage to see the bird but it was nice to hear and then take a trip down memory lane.

Click to expand...

MargaretM said:

Wow, you were so lucky to have such a great view of the owl Freddie. I am hoping that there might be a barn owl nesting in Parsonstown (close to Cruictown). One was sighted at the end of the Summer and apparently they have nested at this site for many years. Its a mucky spot, I nearly lost my wellie in a lake of mud when I tried to access the field yesterday. I will check it out over the next week or so.
Hope the weather lifts for the outing in Carlingford today.
Re the bird seed, the shop in Castlebellingham only has a few of the small bags left and Goldcrop in Dunleer don't stock it. There are shops in Drogheda and Navan that do sell birdseed, I will put the prices up when they get back to me. Sorry for the delay Gareth.

Click to expand...

Peter Phillips said:

dfd said:

Hi Peter,

What's the story re access to Loch Fea at present. As far as I know it's on the Shirley Estate and I remember them being sniffy about access previously.

I not sure, I did not look for anyboby to ask first. Heading for Kingscourt from carrick, I took the left turn after the estate with sighposts for two lakes(Descart lough). About 1km up this road(the estate still on your left) there is a double silver gate I parked here and walked 100 metres straight up the track to the ornate bridge and viewed the lake from here.

Click to expand...

Peter,

Caught up that RND this morning - thanks for info.

Dave

Click to expand...

Peter Phillips said:

Sound promising. The birds may have lost their roost/nest site. Its not to far from where I live. Which side of the M1 is it on? I might meet up with you there some evening if it suits?

Peter,

I would be delighted if we took a walk or two along the river. A bit early in the season yet but let's pencil that one in the diaries for later on. I still have your mobile number so I will contact you. If Margaret and Sandra are interested it might be a good idea to stake ourselves out along a stretch of the river and that way cover more ground.

The river Dee runs almost parallel to and not far from the N33 link road from the M1 to Ardee. A point of interest - since that road was built I have not heard one quail calling in the evenings. This was once part and parcel of the evenings fishing. On a calm sultry evening the characteristic pit-pill-it call can be heard fields away.

Click to expand...

gareth2005 said:

Has anyone received their Birdwatch Ireland Magazine yet this year? I'm not sure when its due but I moved address recently and fear that I might not receive it.

Click to expand...

ardnasx1 said:

I haven't received mine yet so I wouldn't worry just yet.

Eric Dempsey's outing and talk on Saturday was enjoyable and an excellent turnout.

I picked up these pellets in Parsonstown yesterday. They were in a place where barn owls are known to roost but as they aren't black and shiny they might not be barn owl pellets, does anyone know what they are? One of them is darker than the others so they might be from 2 different birds. There was a kestrel around the area so that's one possibility.

Click to expand...

Peter Phillips said:

Hi Sandra,

The pellets on the left are old pellets-hence the bleaching and dried out look. The pellet on the left looks good. I will send the picture on to the chap who is doing his pHD on Barn Owls (if thats ok) and he should know.

Peter

Click to expand...

gareth2005 said:

Its no problem i'll probably buy some at that pet store on the Newry road that was mentioned earlier in the thread, but thanks for looking anyway.

Click to expand...

fredbern said:

On the subject of barn owls, fellow birder and superb angler Gerry Keenan and I have been treated to some wonderful views of barn owls over the years while fishing the evening rise on the river Dee at Stabannon/Richardstown. The evening rise occurs when female (mainly) sedge flies alight on the river surface to oviposit following the mating game. This usually happens at dusk from late April/early May onwards, weather dependent. This is also barn owl time! Still fresh in my memory is one such evening when a barn owl, totally oblivious to the fact that I was thigh deep in the river, landed on a post beside me and began to eat its catch with amazing gusto. I didn't move a muscle for what seemed like ages as I reckoned it was one of those 'once in a lifetime' events. Gerry and I still fish the river but sadly the sightings of barn owls are now a rarity. One small consolation occurred early in the new year when I heard the characteristic 'screech' while standing at my back door late one evening. Unfortunately though I didn't manage to see the bird but it was nice to hear and then take a trip down memory lane.

Click to expand...

Enda said:

the scope on sale at aldi today is well worth the 36 euro. bought one for the young fellow and was suprised at the quality( for the price) would recommend for a first scope for anyone starting

Click to expand...

gerry k said:

thanks for reminding me of the evenings fishing/birding, at this time I would like to say hi to everyone and intoduce myself, some of you may have seen me out and about the odd time with my good friend Freddie.

Click to expand...

ardnasx1 said:

Peter, I think you have those ponds the right way around, the pond at Keenan's Cross is near Nannie's pub and is not the one with the asbestos warnings.

Click to expand...