Birds
As far as we are aware regular recording of the bird life of Cuskinny
Marsh Cobh did not take place until the early 1970`s with no unusual
records from before that date available.
Unless otherwise stated the period covered by this report is 1972 to
April 2005.
It was in January 1990 that an official Birdwatch Ireland Nature reserve
was established on the site and since then some management work has
been carried out in an attempt to improve the habitat for birds. In
the summer of 1992 the area of the reserve was greatly increased, incorporating
most of the uncultivated land surrounding the lake.
For the purpose of this report the area considered includes Cuskinny
Bay which is on the southern boundary of the reserve and is always worth
checking when visiting the area.
This systematic list is by no means exhaustive, and while every effort
to include all sightings has been made, if the reader has additional
records of any species, or corrections to the existing records please
send them to Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve, c/o "Blanan",Rushbrooke,
Cobh Co. Cork, Ireland or email blananwilson[at]gmail.com
On behalf of BirdWatch Ireland I would like to thank the Ronan and
Bird families who own the land and without whose support and cooperation
this reserve would not exist. I would also like to thank all bird watchers
that contributed records and observations, especially Mark Carmody,
Ciaran Cronin,Sean Pierce and Eddie Ronayne.
Jim Wilson,
BWI Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve. (14th April 2010)
SYSTEMATIC LIST
Click a species name for more information:
RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata
BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis
MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus
STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus
GANNET Morus bassanus
CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
SHAG Phalacroocrax aristotelis
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
WIGEON Anas penelope
GADWALL Anas strepera
TEAL Anas crecca
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
PINTAIL Anas acuta
SHOVELER Anas clypeata
POCHARD Aythya ferina
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
SCAUP Aythya marila
LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra
GOLDENEYE Bucephalus clangula
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
SPARROWHAWK Accipter nisus
KESTRAL Falco tinnunculus
MERLIN Falco columbarius
PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus
PHEASENT Phasianus colchicus
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
CORNCRAKE Crex crex
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
COOT Fulica atra
OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus
CURLEW Numenius arquata
REDSHANK Tringa totanus
GREENSHANK Tringa nubularia
WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
TURNSTONE Arenaria intrepres
GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius
ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus
GREAT SKUA Catharacta skua
MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
LITTLE GULL Larus minutus
BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus
RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis
COMMON GULL Larus canus
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus graellsii
HERRING GULL Larus argentatus
AMERICAN HERRING GULL Larus smithsonianus
ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides
GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus
KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea
LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons
GUILLEMOT Uria aalge
RAZORBILL Alca torda
BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas
WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus
COLLARD DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur
CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
BARN OWL Tyto alba
LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus
SWIFT Apus apus
KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica
MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta
ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla yarrellii
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros
STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
REDWING Turdus iliacus
MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis
BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
COAL TIT Parus ater
BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus
GREAT TIT Parus major
TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
JAY Garrulus glandarius
MAGPIE Pica pica
JACKDAW Corvus monedula
ROOK Corvus frugilegus
HOODED CROW Corvus corix
RAVEN Corvus corax
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla
GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
SISKIN Carduelis spinus
LINNET Carduelis cannabina
REDPOLL Carduelis flammea
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus
RED-THROATED DIVER Gavia stellata
Seen infrequently in the bay between October and March rarely more than
two in a day.
BLACK-THROATED DIVER Gavia arctica
Single records of one on the bay during December 1998 and early January
2004.
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer
Regularly seen between October and March off the bay with sometimes
up to seven individuals present, particularly after strong southerly
winds when birds have been seen within 10 meters of the shore and one
was recorded on the lake on one occasion.
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
Two to four pairs breed annually on the lake. During the winter months
resident birds are joined by immigrants and counts in double figures
are normal. The highest count on the lake was 38. Birds are also seen
occasionally on the bay during the winter months.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Recorded from September to April but only regularly between October
and March, this beautiful diver is regularly seen in the bay and sometimes
even comes ashore. The number of birds varies a lot with up to ten seen
during the winter months and occasionally as many as 35 have been recorded.
FULMAR Fulmarus glacialis
Recorded in the bay and very occasionally over the lake between March
and August. Thought to have bred in or near French`s Bay, to the west
of the reserve on one occasion.
MANX SHEARWATER Puffinus puffinus
Rarely seen inside Cork Harbour, recorded twice off the bay During June
1977.
STORM PETREL Hydrobates pelagicus
Rarely seen inside Cork Harbour. One was seen off the bay on the 7th
June 1977.
GANNET Morus bassanus
This large seabird regularly enters Cork Harbour and is recorded annually
off the bay in small numbers between July and September. 12 were seen
hunting off the bay on 2nd August 1985. The decline in Mackerel shoals
inside the harbour has led to a reduction in records within the last
10 years. In the winter, Gannets are scarce off our coasts and rare
in the harbour. There is one record of an adult seen off the bay in
January 1985.
CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Recorded on the lake in every month of the year in small numbers, usually
no more than three in a day. From July to October numbers visiting the
lake increase and up to eight birds have been recorded in a day during
this period. Both adult and immature birds are seen feeding on small
eels and small flatfish that enter the lake under the bridge at the
southern end of the reserve at high tide. Cormorants are also regularly
seen in the bay.
SHAG Phalacroocrax aristotelis
Seen regularly in small numbers in the bay in all months of the year.
No confirmed records from the lake.
LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta
A single adult which circled the lake on February 1st 1991 and flew
off to the north. A single adult present irregularly in the bay during
December 2001. One bird is now seen regularly around the lake and in
the bay.
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
These very noticeable birds breed annually in the grounds of nearby
Cuskinny House. The Heronry is a small one with between two and six
pairs breeding. Grey Herons are a prominent feature of the reserve with
birds always to be seen in and around the lake and the bay area all
year round. Three or four birds are usually present on the lake with
another three or four also present on the shoreline of the bay at low
tide. Occasionally roosts of up to 20 birds are recorded in the trees
and fields on the east side of the lake.
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
Mute Swans have been present on the lake for many years and are the
most popular species with the general public. Up to the late 70's these
birds were much persecuted during the breeding season with egg stealing
being the main problem. During one such incident a female was deliberately
killed defending her clutch.
Thankfully this practice seems to have almost disappeared and a pair
has successfully hatched a brood of cygnets on the lake almost every
year since except 1999.
Ringing studies of the Swans on the lake and in the county have shown
that there is a fairly regular change of adult birds on the lake. There
has never been more than one breeding pair on the lake.
In 1992 a new unringed pair chased the resident pair off the lake after
the female of old pair had begun sitting on the nest. This is very unusual
for Mute Swans. The new bird also sat on the same nest for a short while
but no young were produced. The cause of the failure of both pairs was
possibly due to the late "eviction" of the old pair or nest
disturbance.
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
In February 1992 two individuals were seen in the bay. These birds were
almost definitely from a free flying feral population present at nearby
Fota Wildlife Park.
CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
Like the last species a free flying feral population of these geese
has been established at The Lough, Cork City for over 20 years and most
fly to and from Ballycotton during the year. Eight were seen on the
lake on the 26th September 1994.
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
Five on the 12th January 1982 and one on the lake during the winter
of
1990/91 are the only records on the reserve of this rare visitor to
county Cork.
SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
This species, which is very common in the harbour during the winter
months, is rarely seen on the lake, preferring the huge open mudflats
at places like Rossleague. A few pairs breed on the Great Island and
during April and May birds can be seen engaging in courtship displays
on and around the lake, with up to ten individuals having been seen
at any one time. An attempt by parent birds to bring their young onto
the lake is made most years but rarely succeeds because they are usually
driven out aggressively by the Mute Swans defending their young. In
1992 no Mute Swans were hatched and a brood of 11 Shelducks was brought
onto the lake, and apart from the attention of the Grey Herons they
were largely undisturbed.
WIGEON Anas penelope
Despite large numbers present in Cork Harbour in the winter they are
rare visitors to the reserve. A male on the 3rd September 1970 and a
pair on 21st September 1980 and up to 60 during the winter of 2005/2005
are the only records for the reserve.
GADWALL Anas strepera
A very rare visitor to the reserve. A male and female on 24th February
1985 is the only record for the reserve.
TEAL Anas crecca
A species present almost all year round on the reserve in small numbers
and breeding irregularly. Numbers seen vary from two to four during
the summer and as many as 15 in the winter months. There was an exceptional
count of 50 on the 15th December 1977.
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
The most common duck on the reserve, present all year round and breeding
annually. The number of breeding pairs varies from year to year with
an average of six to eight pairs. Maximum counts occur in the autumn
months with over 200 present on occasions.
PINTAIL Anas acuta
A species scarce in the county and the harbour area with rarely more
than 20 birds present in the winter months. On the reserve there are
no records before 1970 and since then they have only been recorded once
or twice up to 1991. During the winter of 1991/1992 Pintail were present
on the lake from 20th October for the winter with a maximum count of
three males and six females, one female remained until April 21th 1992.
SHOVELER Anas clypeata
Recorded only once on the reserve. In March 1980 two males were seen
on the 2nd with one still present on the 17th.
POCHARD Aythya ferina
A scarce visitor to the reserve. Not recorded every year and then only
in the winter months, during very cold weather. Counts of over 70 have
been made on the lake on one or two occasions.
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
Recorded most years on the lake. In 1990 a pair was present on the lake
up to the 15th May and courtship behavior was observed but they did
not stay to breed. During the winter months up to ten have been seen
on rare occasions, but usually only one or two are seen.
SCAUP Aythya marila
A scarce duck in Cork Harbour and seen twice on the lake. Two females
on 6th March 1971 and 10 on 11th December 1981.
LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis
Rarely seen in Cork Harbour. Only one record of four in the bay from
30th December 1988 to 3rd January 1989.
COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra
Not recorded before 1980. During the 1980's small numbers were present
in the eastern end of the harbour and occasionally during the winter
months between two and four could be seen off the bay. Nine were seen
in the bay on 23rd November 1985.
GOLDENEYE Bucephalus clangula
An occasional visitor to the reserve. Recorded in most years during
the 1980’s and 1990’s with usually only two or three seen
on the lake during the winter months, but sometimes as many as ten.
Females are usually recorded with males been seen on rare occasions.
Flocks of between four and eight can be seen in and around the bay during
the winter months also. Since the mid 1990’s numbers have declined
and are now rarely seen on the reserve. This reflects the trend in Cork
Harbour.
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator
Recorded only twice on the lake in the present period. Five or six are
usually seen in and off the bay between late September and early April
where they sometimes come ashore to preen, especially at low tide. Over
100 were present in the bay area on 28th December 1976.
MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
Once a regular breeding species in Ireland, now a rare visitor to Ireland.
One record of an adult female flying the length of the reserve on 21st
and 22nd July 1980 was the first for the Great Island.
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
Very rare on the Great Island with no records since 1980. Three records
during the winter of 1973/74 may have related to the same individual.
Single females seen on 22nd September and 9th November 1973 and 2nd
January 1974.
SPARROWHAWK Accipter nisus
Recorded in every month, usually singly but occasionally two in a day.
Regularly hunts over the reserve and breeds in nearby woodlands.
KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Recorded in every month but not as regularly as the last species. Never
more than one seen in a day.
MERLIN Falco columbarius
A rare visitor to the reserve with less than ten sightings in the present
period. Usually seen in spring, autumn and winter.
PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus
Recorded in every month of the year, always lone birds and usually females
or young birds, recorded most frequently in the winter months.
PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
Present all year round, more often heard than seen especially at the
northern end of the reserve.
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
A resident on the reserve. Its pig-like squealing call can be heard
most days, particularly at dusk, around the edge of the lake. A maximum
of six calling birds has been heard. Since the introduction of the artificial
shoreline this very secretive water bird has been seen in that area
on rare occasions. Probably breeds annually on the reserve.
CORNCRAKE Crex crex
Recorded before the present period but reflecting national trends has
now become extinct in county Cork and over most of its former Irish
range.
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
A resident, breeding water bird of the reserve with up to six pairs
present. Usually up to four seen in a day. Regularly seen feeding on
the roosting rafts in the evenings.
COOT Fulica atra
A scarce winter visitor on the reserve, not recorded every year. In
the mid-1980's some of the highest numbers on the reserve were recorded
with 12 on 3rd March 1984 and 14 on 23re November 1985.
Single pairs have bred irregularly on the reserve, and breeding was
last confirmed in 1980 when a single pair raised two young.
OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
Recorded flying over the reserve regularly and seen in the fields around
the reserve, particularly those on the eastern border. Also feeds regularly
in the bay at low tide. Numbers peak during the winter months when over
100 and occasionally over 200 have been seen.
GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
On rare occasions small flocks of between 20 and 50 birds have been
seen flying high over the reserve during winter and early spring.
LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
In cold weather during the winter months they can seen in the fields
surrounding the reserve and on the shoreline of the bay, as well as
flying overhead. During exceptional cold weather movements 2,500 have
been seen in a day.
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
A very common wader in Cork harbour in winter, preferring large open
mudflats. A rare visitor to the reserve. Recorded in very small numbers
in the bay at low tide.
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
Like its cousin the Snipe, has declined dramatically on the Great Island
in the last 20 years. Never common and has been recorded less than 10
times on the reserve, all before 1980. Drainage of wet bog land and
habitat succession are the main reasons for this species disappearance.
SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
Like the last species the Snipe has declined in numbers on the reserve
over the last 20 years. The best time to see them is during very hard,
cold winter weather. In the present period numbers have dropped from
over twenty in a day to just one or two. The highest count of Snipe
on the reserve was 110 in January 1978.
WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
Apart from eight on the 9th December 1972, Woodcock were recorded annually
in very small numbers up to the mid 1970's. None seen between then and
the mid and late 1990's when they reappeared and have been recorded
annually since then in the conifer plantation.
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa
Cork harbour hold internationally important numbers of this wader in
the winter months, but there is no suitable feeding areas in or near
the reserve. Very rarely seen in the bay in very small numbers (less
than 10). On the lake, one on 20th November 1970 and eight in the autumn
of 1991 were seen feeding along the artificial shoreline.
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus
Studies carried out in the mid-1970's show that very large numbers of
this species migrate over Cork Harbour each spring. In the last week
of April up to 500 have been seen flying over the reserve and small
numbers have been seen feeding on the shoreline of the bay. Cork Harbour
is one of the few places in Ireland where Whimbrel are recorded regularly
in the winter months and individuals have been seen in the bay on occasions.
CURLEW Numenius arquata
Seen mainly in the bay and in the fields to the east of the lake during
the winter and spring. In the fields up to 100 have been counted while
only five or six feed in the bay at low tide.
REDSHANK Tringa totanus
Present in the bay almost all year round in small numbers, rarely more
than ten seen in a day. Occasionally seen on the lake, especially in
the autumn.
GREENSHANK Tringa nubularia
A scarce visitor to the reserve. Recorded annually in the bay at low
tide, especially during autumn and winter, usually singly but occasionally
up to four. Very rarely seen around the lake.
WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola
The only record to date for the Great Island was on the artificial shoreline
of the lake on 10th and 11th September 1990.
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
Usually one or two seen and heard around the lake edge during August
and September with very occasionally up to four seen. During the present
period one has wintered in the bay area most years and sometimes two
or even three have been recorded in winter.
TURNSTONE Arenaria intrepres
Seen regularly in the bay at low tide from October to March with counts
varying considerably between 12 and a maximum of 74.
GREY PHALAROPE Phalaropus fulicarius
A single record of two adults on the bay on 20th September 1981 was
only the second record ever of this species on the Great Island.
ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus
Rarely seen inside Cork Harbour, with only a single record from the
reserve of a dark phase bird in the bay on 31st October 1977.
GREAT SKUA Catharacta skua
Rarely seen inside Cork Harbour, recorded once in the bay in the present
period.
MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus
The first record of this species on the Great Island was on 20th September
1980, this was only the sixth county record. Since then the numbers
seen locally and nationally have increased noticeably, reflecting international
trends. Mediterranean Gulls are now recorded regularly on the lake,
mainly in the winter, usually up to four but occasionally five or six
and on one occasion seven have been seen. Maximum day count is 14.
Since the introduction of roosting rafts on the lake in 1990 the number
of gulls in general using the reserve has increased. Most of the gulls
in the town come to the lake to wash on a daily basis during the winter
months. As a result of such a high turn over the lake has become a very
good place for watching gulls in the winter months. The small size of
the lake means that good views are always guaranteed.
LITTLE GULL Larus minutus
Recorded almost annually on the Great Island in small numbers usually
in autumn and winter. Has been seen in the bay on at least six occasions
in the present period. Also since the reserve was established Little
Gulls have been recorded on the lake on at least six occasions.
BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus
These are the most common gulls on the reserve. Present all year round
and as with the rest of Cork Harbour numbers of this species increase
greatly in the autumn and winter months. Most of the winter birds come
from Eastern Europe and a ringed Black-headed Gull from Lithuania was
seen on one of the roosting rafts during the winter of 1991/1992. Lowest
counts are during the summer months with an average of between 10 and
30 individuals present on the lake, rising to between 100 and 200 in
the winter. Counts of over 500 have been made on a few occasions. As
with the other gull species there is a high turnover of individuals
during the day and the number using the lake in the winter regularly
exceeds 1000.
RING-BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis
The first record of this American gull in Ireland was in 1979, the first
record for the Great Island was one at Rossleague on 17th March 1985.
Since the reserve was established records are as follows. A bird in
its second summer on 13th March 1991, one first summer on 20 June 1991.
One adult remained on and off over the summer in 1996. Since these three
records Ring-billed Gulls have been seen every year mainly during the
winter months with a maximum of six seen together.
COMMON GULL Larus canus
Not as common as its name suggests. Present on the lake and in the bay
throughout most of the year and like the last species highest counts
are made in the winter when up to 50 can be seen in a day.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus graellsii
Seen regularly on the reserve during the autumn and winter with numbers
sometimes exceeding 60 in a day.
HERRING GULL Larus argentatus
Not as common as it was in the 1970's, now found only in small numbers
on the reserve with rarely more than 15 present in a day. Most common
in the winter.
AMERICAN HERRING GULL Larus smithsonianus
During the winter of 2000/2001 three American Herring Gulls were seen
regularly on the lake and in the bay. Recorded most winters since then
up to 2005.
ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides
A rare winter visitor to the reserve, more frequent in recent years.
No records before the present period.
GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus
Like the last species this large northern gull has occurred a few times
on the reserve. No records before the present period.
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus
Our largest gull, common in the harbour but only found in small numbers
on the reserve. Highest counts are made during the winter when numbers
rarely exceed 20 in a day on the lake.
KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
A scarce gull in the harbour, though present all year round. On the
reserve it is very scarce and only seen in the winter and spring, particularly
when large numbers of Black-headed Gulls are present. Usually seen singly
but very occasionally as many as 12 may be present.
SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis
A summer visitor to the reserve. Usually present in the bay from April
to September and occasionally in March and October. Up to 15 have been
seen in a day.
Since the rafts were put in place on the lake, Sandwich Terns have been
seen in small numbers on the rafts in spring and autumn. Eight was the
highest count on the lake in the present period. The earliest record
was two on the 21st March 1976. They have only been observed feeding
on the lake on one occasion.
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
Since the discovery of a colony in the inner harbour in the early 1980's
numbers seen in the bay and on the lake have increased steadily. Spring
and autumn are the best times to see them on the lake, especially since
rafts were put in place. They have been seen feeding very occasionally
in the lake, but are usually seen in and off the bay. During the summer
up to 30 have been seen in the bay while the largest group seen on the
lake was seven in April 1991.
ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea
Rare in the harbour at the best of times and only recorded once or twice
a year in the bay area.
LITTLE TERN Sterna albifrons
Very rare in Cork Harbour, records of this beautiful tern are very scarce
and the last known record was one in the bay during august 1976.
GUILLEMOT Uria aalge
Seen in small numbers in the bay from October to March, counts rarely
exceeding four in a day. In early January 1988 a large mixed flock of
1,000 auks was present in the eastern end of the harbour approximately
300 of which were Guillemots. Tide line corpses are occasionally found
on the beach after strong winter gales or oiling incidences.
RAZORBILL Alca torda
Like the last species this auk is infrequently seen in the bay during
the late autumn and winter, though not as frequently as the Guillemot.
In early January 1988 up to 700 were present off the bay, by far the
largest count of this and the previous species ever recorded in the
harbour.
BLACK GUILLEMOT Cepphus grylle
Present in and off the bay from November to March with counts of two
to five in a day and rarely up to nine.
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas
A scarce visitor to the reserve, rarely more than one in a day and usually
seen in the winter months.
WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus
A common breeding species on the reserve. During late autumn and early
winter flocks of over 100 are occasionally seen in the surrounding farmland.
COLLARD DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
First recorded breeding on the Great Island in 1963, like its history
internationally it has become common though local in its distribution
on the island. Occasionally seen flying over the reserve. Breeding has
never been proved on the reserve.
TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur
Very rare on the Great Island with most of the sightings on the reserve.
One on 28th May and two on the 4th July 1977.
CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
In the 1930's, 40's, and 50's its distinctive call was heard annually
on the reserve (J. Ronan pers comms) but since then has declined dramatically
and has not been heard in recent years. The decline in meadow habitat,
on whose birds it left the responsibility of rearing its young, is probably
the reason for its now very rare occurrence.
BARN OWL Tyto alba
Seen hunting over the reserve in the early 1980's but like in other
parts of the county is declining and has rarely been seen on the reserve
since then.
LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus
A single bird was seen roosting in a tree on the reserve during the
spring of 2003.
SWIFT Apus apus
Arrives on the reserve in early May with up to 12 seen in a day especially
over the lake. Before departing in late August and early September up
to 100 may be counted hunting over the reserve.
KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
The undisputed jewel of the reserve, one or two are normally present
on the reserve from July to November and seen occasionally until mid-March.
Also seen around the bay, particularly on the western side. Breeding
was attempted in the late 1970's but was almost certainly unsuccessful.
The reserve is one of the best places in the harbour to see this colourful
angler.
SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
Bred regularly on the surrounding hilltops where meadow persisted up
until the late 1960's. Since then few if any have bred on the island.
Seen occasionally flying over the reserve during the winter, especially
during cold weather when flocks of up to 200 have been counted.
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
Nearest breeding colony is at Fota Island. This species varies enormously
in abundance from year to year. Usually seen over the lake in late April
and early May with up to 10 occasionally counted. In the autumn similar
numbers are recorded.
The earliest annual sighting on the reserve was one on 15th March 1978.
SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
This well-known summer visitor breeds in farm buildings close to the
reserve, but has been declining in numbers in recent years.
Severe droughts in North Africa, increased use of insecticides, and
more modern, less suitable farm buildings are contributing factors to
its present status.
In late August a small pre-migration roost can be seen in the Phragmites
reed beds around the lake. Up to 200 have been counted entering one
of these evening roosts.
HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica
They once bred on buildings in the town of Cobh as well as on the water
reservoir at Carrignafoy (possibly 100 pairs) up to the early 1980's.
Not known to breed here anymore and is a rare sight both on the island
and the reserve. The last week in April or the first week in May is
the best times to look for them.
MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
Like the Skylark this species has declined as a breeding species due
to the reduction of meadow habitat. A small number still breed on the
island. Scarce on the reserve, occasionally seen at the southern end.
WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta
Very rare in county Cork. One record of a bird on the strand in August
2003.
ROCK PIPIT Anthus petrosus
Cuskinny Bay is one of the most reliable places on the Great Island
to see this species. Breeds in the bay area and can be seen all year
round. Between two and six are usually present.
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
Has bred at the bridge at the northern end of the reserve. Occasionally
flushed from the riverbank in the winter months. Also seen occasionally
in the bay area.
During January 1996 a maximum of 12 roosted in the reed bed in the northwest
corner of the lake.
PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla yarrellii
Regularly seen at the southern end of the reserve in small numbers.
Never more than three in a day.
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
A common resident on the reserve. Winter roosts of up to 12 birds were
found in nest boxes on the reserve in the winter of 1991/92.
ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
A common resident, breeding species on the reserve. In the winter they
are constantly seen around the swan feeding area at the east side of
the lake.
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros
An annual autumn and winter visitor to the Great Island. Usually one
or two seen most winters in the bay area.
STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
Breeds most years in the gorse at the southern end of the reserve. Seen
on or near the sand quay on the bay in the winter. Rarely more than
two seen in a day.
WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
One or two migrants seen most years at the southern end of the reserve
from late march to mid-April, rarely seen in autumn.
BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
A common resident breeding species on the reserve.
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
An annual winter visitor usually seen between mid October to mid March.
Numbers recorded vary considerably from year to year depending on the
severity of the winter weather. A mixed roost of 300 Fieldfare and redwing
was seen on the reserve on the 5th February 1977. Over were 800 recorded
flying low over the harbour from the southern end of the reserve ahead
of a heavy snow storm in the winter of 1980.
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
Scarce on the reserve, probably breeds most years. May be seen all year
round. Rarely more than one or two seen in a day.
REDWING Turdus iliacus
Like the Fieldfare seen from mid October to mid March, with numbers
varying from year to year. Usually seen flying over or in the trees
at the east or north end of the reserve. During severe winter weather
thousands flew low, west past the bay in 1980.
MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus
Breeds on the reserve in most years. Rarely more than two seen in a
day.
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
An annual summer visitor, breeding in the reed beds especially on the
east side of the reserve and formerly at the north end of the reserve.
Present from May to September, a maximum of seven breeding pairs in
any one year.
WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis
Has been heard singing on rare occasions on the reserve in late spring
and early summer.
BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
Usually seen in the winter when one or two may be found infrequently.
Occasionally one or two are seen in the spring or autumn.
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
A breeding summer migrant. Usually heard singing from mid-march onward.
Winters in small numbers on the reserve with as many as 14 present in
some years. Wintering numbers vary from year to year with only two or
three seen in recent years.
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus
A breeding summer migrant with up to four birds heard singing in a day
from mid-may onwards.
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
This is the smallest bird in Europe and a resident breeding bird on
the reserve. Best seen in the wooded areas.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
Rarely seen on the reserve with only one record in the last 20 years,
a single bird on 25th August 1985.
LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
Seen and heard regularly on the reserve particularly in the winter when
flocks of up to 12 are occasionally seen.
COAL TIT Parus ater
A resident breeding species on the reserve. Since the establishment
of a nest box scheme on the reserve in 1990 one pair bred in 1991 and
1992.
A bird ringed in one of the nest boxes on 2nd June 1991 was picked up
dead after hitting a window at Marino Point, Great Island on 4th July
the same year. This is also the first recovery of a bird ringed on the
reserve.
BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus
A common resident breeding species on the reserve. In the nest box scheme
since 1989 over 100 broods with an average of 6 chicks per brood have
been raised.
GREAT TIT Parus major
Like the last species, a common breeding species on the reserve. Great
Tits have reared young in the nest boxes since they were first put up
in 1989.
TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
A scarce breeding species on the reserve. Present all year round. Easiest
to see in the winter months when foliage will not hide these small,
well camouflaged birds which can be seen always creeping up tree trunks
and branches.
JAY Garrulus glandarius
A rare visitor to the reserve with only three records in the present
period.
MAGPIE Pica pica
A species regularly seen on and around the reserve. Breeds occasionally
in the taller trees at the north end.
JACKDAW Corvus monedula
Seen regularly on and around the reserve. Breeds in the surrounding
farmland.
ROOK Corvus frugilegus
A common non-breeding species on the reserve all year round. At nearby
Carrigrue house a large rookery with over 250 pairs bred up to around
2000 when the colony moved to trees on the eastern ridge above the reserve.
HOODED CROW Corvus corix
Has bred in trees at the north and east side of the reserve.
Between three and five are usually seen at low tide in the bay area.
RAVEN Corvus corax
Breeds in tall trees to the southwest just outside the reserve. Has
become more common in the area in recent years. One to three birds regularly
seen and heard in the large field to the east of the lake.
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
Not very common on the reserve, seen occasionally at the southern end.
In late autumn, some roost in the reed beds around the lake.
Numbers vary but sometimes as many as 300 have been counted entering
the reed bed.
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
Breeds on a farm at the north end of the reserve. Rarely seen on the
reserve itself.
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
A common breeding species on the reserve, seen all year round.
BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla
A scarce winter visitor on the Great Island and recorded twice on the
reserve. 20 on the 28th February 1970 and two on 26th November 1983.
GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
A resident breeding species on the reserve seen and heard in small numbers
all year round.
GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
Flocks of up to 12 have been seen on the reserve during autumn and winter.
Singing birds have been regularly heard at the southern end of the reserve
during the breeding season and this is the best place to look for them
at any time of the year.
SISKIN Carduelis spinus
This winter visitor to the alders on the reserve occurs in variable
numbers from year to year. Flocks of over 40 have been seen at the north
and east sides of the reserve.
LINNET Carduelis cannabina
Bred regularly at the southern end of the reserve, now only seen occasionally.
Counts rarely exceed 10 in a day.
REDPOLL Carduelis flammea
Like the Siskin, seen on the reserve most years, in late autumn and
winter. Also preferring the alders where counts vary from year to year
with occasionally up to 40 in a day.
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Up to five in a day have been recorded on the reserve. They have also
bred on the reserve.
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
Breeds close to the reserve but not seen very often on the reserve.
The winter is the best time to fine them when occasionally one or two
birds are seen flying overhead.
REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus
One or two pairs probably breed each year on the reserve. Up to four
seen in a day, usually in autumn and winter.
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