'un. The island itself is beautiful, sparsely populated and hosts a vast array of birds, particularly
seabirds. Nearly all of the common Irish species are found here. The birds here are relatively
tame in comparison to the mainland, and they offer good views and are rather photogenic!
This year, I could only manage two birding trips down to the island - 8-11 June and
29-30 July.
I couldn't find anything unusual, but it was very enjoyable. All of the standard Irish birds seem
to be there and the birds seem to be happy, healthy and in good numbers. If nothing else,
hike the island and let the beauty take you away. Finish every night with a pint of Guinness
down at the Hotel! Magic!
This is my very first bird report so go easy on me - I'd appreciate CONSTRUCTIVE critisism
if any, and perhaps pm me if you really feel the need to insult me. Oh, and of course feel free
to ask questions on the Forum or else, again, pm me.
First up, the boat ride into the island: Cormorants abound (there is a colony, on a little island
off Roonagh Pier called Cormorant Island). Shags are also present, although in smaller
numbers. Black Guillemots are abundant-you are garuanteed to see one braving the waters.
These are the regulars, at varying times any seabird can crop up.
One elderly local remembers when the island used to be a cacophony of seabird song. All of
the major colonies have gone. I was told after I left the island that the lighthouse may be the only
site left. You bet I was fuming I didn't go to the lighthouse! Ah well, I went second time round to find
the elusive and very rare Corncrake.
Corncrakes used to keep the island awake but they are nationally nearly extinct. This year, a lone
male was heard calling on Clare Island, and there have been several consistant reports of Corncrakes
on the island. Whether they are breeding there or not is unclear-I didn't find any, but, at June/July, I
may have been too late-breeding season was over. However, Clare Island is a very special
place indeed because it is one of the very few places in Ireland where the Corncrake frequents, even
as a very rare passage migrant.
During my attempt to find the Corncrake, I completely forgot about the lighthouse cliffs. However, the
calls of auks could be clearly heard and many Storm Petrels and Manx Shearwaters could be seen
wheeling over the waters. The only auks I could positively identify were Guillemots and Black
Guillemots. Both seem to be doing well, especially Black Guillemots. There is more than likely
Razorbills present, too, although I coudn't positively identify any.
Another thing Clare Island is important for birders is a Gannetry. This is a very old site for breeding
Gannets. Despite the fact I was not there during the breeding season, I saw plenty of Gannets out
at sea and around the harbour.
Gulls are the most abundant birds here. Lesser Black-backed, Greater Black-backed and Herring
Gulls are plentiful. Herring Gulls, despite an Irish drop of 90%, are doing extremely well on Clare
Island, and Great Black-backed Gulls are abundant. The Kittiwake is also plentiful, and are quite
tame, and away from the cliffs, are found at the harbour and out on the open sea.
One islander remembers finding an "Arctic Skua" nesting in his garden. He described it as "similar to a seagull and when I approached it spat green liquid at me". This was most definately a Fulmar, so not all Gulls are Gulls!
On land, most of the common Irish species are found here. In particular, Wheatears, Linnets, Pied
Wagtails, Stock Doves and Magpies are common. Swallows are more numerous than House
Martins but both are present.
Clare Island is also important in that pure, wild Rock Doves are still present in reasonable numbers. Song Thrushes and Robins also regularly show up, and I had a
particularly interesting encounter with a young Robin. (See my "Fearless Robin" post.)
Stonechats are extremely abundant here and they offer very good photo opportunities, as they show no fear and seem to be very curious of people.
Ravens are found in the uplands and are quite local, but then again, it is a small island. Hooded Crows are also abundant, but they are shy of people. Perhaps they are persecuted on the island?
Even if they are, their numbers are healthy and they are very common. They were the only birds I found difficult to photograph.
Wrens are the most abundant land bird. The nest in grassy undergrowth on the Southern cliffs.
They are hard to see, but easy to hear! Starlings are interesting-I saw none on my first visit but there was tons on the second. The adults were busy feeding their fledged young, and there was an awful lot of them. Meadow and Rock Pipits are extremely common, too. Skylarks liven up the skies with their songs and are also plentiful.
But not all news is good news. I remember Twites, Choughs and Corn Buntings on the island. I saw none on my trips and they appear to have vanished completely or occour irregularly.
There's good accomodation on the island, and even a day trip from the stunning town of Westport is well worth it. The people are lovely and the alcohol is lovely too. And plentiful.
Seriously, the island does hold many secrets, but planned hedging would greatly increase bird activity and there is very few trees. However, again, I really cannot praise the place highly enough.
Anyway, hope that was...something anyway.
I stop now.
Cheers, Mabel
