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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 2h

Well done & thanks to Tim Slattery winner of the Steve Wing bursary 2026, Tim spent 2 weeks working closely with the obs warden receiving training helping monitor bird migration & running our busy residential Observatory. Watch out for Tim's own account of how he got on in the next BWI newsletter.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A couple of images from the our pelagic trip this past weekend. Sooty Shearwaters and Arctic Skua. Photos JH.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Our Pelagic trip this morning out of Cape Clear included: 10 Com Scoter, 5 Grey Phal, 1 Purple Sand, 1 Pom Skua, 3 Bonxie, 1 Wilsons & 100+ Storm Petrel, Shearwaters- Sooty 200+, Cory's 6, Great 14, Puffin 2, Swallow 1, Minke Whale 3, Com Dolphin 10 Photo Bonxie & Fastnet by Wayne Greene-Salm.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Details just in of Chiffchaff originally ringed as recently fledged on 24-Jul-2025 at Bad Homburg, Dornholzhausen, Darmstadt, Germany that we processed here on Cape Clear 30th April this year. Never ceases to amaze that such tiny birds, this one a healthy 7.6g, can travel so far, over 800 miles,

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Our Melodious Warbler during August was the first ringed here in 30yrs, incredibly, and to the delight of visiting bird ringers we ringed two more yesterday morning. Migration is a very exciting time to be at a bird Observatory.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Birds dropping in today discovered between showers included a Woodchat Shrike, Ortolan Bunting, Whinchat, Garden Warbler, several Spotted Flycatchers and a Common Swift. Image here the Shrike.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Our first Convolvulus Hawkmoth of the year in the obs trap this morning.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

A Dark green fritillary just outside the obs today.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Hundreds of Manx Shearwaters in Roaringwater Bay right now.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

A very productive weekend at the global bird fair with fellow bird observatories council colleagues promoting avian conservation & research (especially at Cape Clear) to hundreds of visitors. A notable increase this year in young people wanting to hear about & tvisit obs across Britain & Ireland.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

This morning some bird ringing on the East side of the island produced an adult breeding male Grasshopper Warbler (see image below). Puffins moving on from breeding grounds are now appearing in small numbers rafting in Roaringwater Bay, 16 last evening and 9 today.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The CCBO 2023/24 report is now complete. With the sad passing of warden Steve Wing in Sep 24' this publication could not have been achieved without the photographs and information provided by the birding community, a huge thanks to all involved. See birdwatchireland.ie/publications...

birdwatchireland.ie

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Gull ringing today in the best of company with NPWS rangers on the Calf Islands, 100 mostly Lesser black backed Gull chicks were colour ringed. Future field sightings of these birds help gather data about survival rates, longevity, migration routes, wintering grounds and colony recruitment.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

The first Storm Petrels of the year were ringed during the early hours of this morning with visiting UK ringer Tommy Saunders and a small group of young Irish ecologists staying at the bird Observatory. Photo from last night's session.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

A stunning Yellow Shell moth was one of the ' finds' enjoyed this afternoon by the current ' Wildlife Weekend with the Warden' group. Photo JH.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

In keeping with Birdwatch Irelands logo 'Protecting birds & Biodiversity', CCBO are accumulating a list of the diverse flora & fauna of the island, Over 800 species have been recorded since Feb 25' the latest addition a nationally rare insect - Raspberry Beetle Byturus tomentosus, 4th Irish record.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Guests taking part in this past few days Wildlife Weekend with the warden didn't miss out on home made ice cream at the island goat farm. Species recorded included Chough, Wheatear, Common Lizard, Field Cuckoo Bee, Irish Marsh Orchid and Western Bee Fly amongst many others. Photos from the weekend.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

A Long-tailed Skua reported yesterday was a nice addition to the year list. The last few days have been notable for several sightings Clouded Yellow butterfly daily. This one on the wild flower patch outside the bird observatory this afternoon. Photo JH.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Last night at 2210hrs a European Nightjar was hunting over the fields where I was setting up the observatory moth trap on the East side of the island, fortunately it missed this fabulous Striped Hawk-moth, the first island record.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

A warm welcome to this group of ex students now young professional Irish Naturalists returning to stay at the bird observatory this week by way of an annual reunion. Some impressive bird sightings included Quail, Hen Harrier & Hobby, also Common Lizard & a large pod of Common Dolphins.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

An invasion of Painted Lady butterflies across the island today.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

The latest Wildlife Weekend with the warden saw our guests taking part in bird ringing, moth trapping, bird census, wildlife surveys & Bat monitoring. Highlights included, Chough, Common Lizard, Hairy Birds foot Trefoil, Poplar Hawkmoth, Wall butterfly, Rose Chafer, Pippistrelle Bats & much more.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

BirdWatch Ireland are delighted to announce the recipient of the Steve Wing bursary scheduled for this autumn, & thank everyone who took the time to apply, competition was fierce & picking out one from many excellent applications was a tough task. Congratulations go to Tim Slattery (pictured here).

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

A slow start to the year for moths so far, this Bordered Gothic the pick of last night's catch.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Colour ringing Chough chicks yesterday morning.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 03/05/2026

Two Basking Sharks just offshore in Roaring-water Bay this morning, 9 days later than the first record last year, great to see them back. Image here a Basking Shark dorsal fin 2 to 3 feet above water, one of this mornings sightings.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

A Hobby began a flurry of additions to the observatory year list this morning, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and a smart Pied Flycatcher were amongst the bird ringing. Image, today's Pied Flycatcher.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Video of 1 of 20 Whimbrels recorded today. Also this afternoon our first Spotted Flycatcher of the spring was ringed at Cotter's Garden.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

An interesting time to view Great Northern Divers right now, at least a dozen offshore in roaring water Bay, every plumage from first winter to adult summer and many variations in transitional plumage like the one shown here. Photo JH.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Record shots here of a distant Surf Scoter seen today from the island ferry, the diagnostic white nape visible. Also from the ferry 2 Whimbrels, Common Gull, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers. Several Swallows also heading north across Roaringwater Bay.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

A surprise this morning by way of an impressive adult male Surf Scoter on sea and in flight from the island ferry this morning. A further surprise when researching for this post was to discover that the last Cape Clear record for this species was exactly 33yrs ago today.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

A few migrants trickling through these past few days, Yesterday a Yellow Wagtail (scarce in Ireland) was found during the daily census & today a Sedge Warbler (shown here) amongst the bird ringing brightened up a murky morning for the current observatory guests. Video Charlotte Salter-townshend.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

A chilly NE breeze didn't do much for migration today, just a couple of Chiffchaffs, some signs of spring however, Speckled Wood, Tapered Drone Fly, Large (Moss) Carder Bee and Scarlet Pimpernel this morning.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Great to have to opportunity to present to the members of West Cork BWI group last night.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

It's not too late to apply to be the recipient of the 2026 Steve Wing Memorial Bursary. Submissions can be sent to ccbo@birdwatchireland.ie. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31st March 2026. See the BirdWatch Ireland website for further details. Visit birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/cap...

birdwatchireland.ie

Steve Wing Memorial Bursary - BirdWatch Ireland

The Steve Wing Memorial Bursary, named after our late friend and colleague, helps with support training, mentorship and direct experience.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

10 days later than our first spring fall last year, this morning a sprinkling of Robins, Blackcaps & Chiffchaffs featured amongst the bird ringing & got our passage of passerines underway. Common Scoter, Sandwich Tern, Merlin and Wheatear were all new for year during the last 48hrs. Image Chiffchaff

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Spring is in the air, well bats, moths & migrating birds are at least! This past week Pipistrelle bats were out hunting, the moth trap was deployed recording Dotted Border. White tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier and Firecrest have been spotted, none of which were recorded last spring. Pic Dotted Border.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

Yesterday we were blessed with a fabulous sunny calm afternoon for the visit of the first corporate volunteers weekend this year, enabling us to finish preparing the island's primary ringing sites, Nordy Wood & Cotter's Garden ready for 2026. Thanks to all involved.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Delighted to come across this amazing Orange Peel Fungus this afternoon close to the observatory, the latest new addition to the list of wildlife of Cape Clear.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

The cold front brought us a rare visitor to Cape this morning, located by local resident birder Mary Cadogan, a fine male Gadwall at the lake. Photo JH.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 16/11/2025

A late in the year Lesser Whitethroat was ringed this afternoon. Field sightings today included 8 Sooty Shearwaters, Arctic Skua, Black Redstart and Short eared Owl.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

A Merlin was amongst the ringing this morning, the first ringed here in over 20yrs. We have recorded up 3 individuals about the island almost daily for several weeks now, looks like a good year for them.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

October thus far, records include Black browed Albatross, Hobby, Jack Snipe, Grey Phalarope, Sabines Gull, Pomarine Skua, Wryneck, Tawny Pipit, Common Redstart, Ring Ouzel, Yellow browed, Pallas's, & Radde's warbler, Crossbill, Rosefinch, Ortolan & Rustic Bunting. Photo today's Pallas's.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

Fewer migrants today against yesterday, no sign of the Rustic Bunting. This morning a Common Rosefinch was ringed at Michael Vincent's garden, in the afternoon a Wryneck was found and photographed by David O' Connor at central bog. Also today, Merlin, Garden Warbler and Common Crossbill.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Todays highlights; Merlin, Hen Harrier, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, 3 Spotted Flycatchers, a late moving Sand Martin. Also a flurry Swallows (24) & a flock of 9 Common Buzzards. A Coal Tit, Irish ssp hibernicus, was an addiction to this year's species ringed (see photo).

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Yesterday morning's Marsh Warbler was relocated singing in Cotter's garden during the afternoon. Apparently this is the first one ever ringed in Ireland.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Highlights of a PM pelagic trip for our residential bird course attendees were Sooty Shearwater, 10 Storm Petrels, Pomarine Skua, 2 Bonxie, Arctic Tern & Grey Phalarope but the show stoppers were 2 Humpback Whale with a supporting cast of 2 Minke Whale & 100+ Common Dolphin. Photos Humpback Whale.

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Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

Visiting Copeland bird observatory warden Adam Ringland was delighted to ring one of two adult Choughs that surprisingly ventured into our mist nets this morning.

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