Summary note on all species recorded at the reserve. Main observations have been since 1976, but I’ve included some earlier records gleaned from e.g. the then-annual Cork Bird Report.<\/p>\n
Throughout the species account, I’ve labelled each species based on frequency and timing of occurrences at the reserve, rather than national or international definitions.<\/p>\n
Frequency:-<\/strong><\/p>\n Vagrant: seen less than 5 times since 1976, unpredictable<\/p>\n Rare: 5 – 10 sightings since records began, period of occurrence somewhat predictable<\/p>\n Scarce: Almost annual sightings, of individuals or small flocks<\/p>\n Common: Predictable, during likely period of occurrence<\/p>\n Period of occurrence:-<\/strong><\/p>\n Spring: Main records are in late March – early June<\/p>\n Summer: Main records are early May – late August<\/p>\n Autumn: Main records are late June – mid October<\/p>\n Winter: Main records are late October – mid March<\/p>\n Status:-<\/strong><\/p>\n Resident: Seen all year round, probably breeds in or near the reserve<\/p>\n Visitor: Seen in the reserve in specific periods<\/p>\n Passage migrant: Seen passing through the reserve during migration<\/p>\n Note that records of many wildfowl and wader species fall in two eras; before and after the sluice was installed in 1987. This sluice allows us set different water levels in summer and winter, encouraging certain species, such as Mute Swan, Little Grebe and Coot, to use and even colonise the lagoon. However, the reduced salinity has allowed the surrounding club rush to spread all the way to the shoreline, eliminating the wader roosting areas. <\/p>\n Control of the club rush and the reestablishment of the wader roosts will be a priority for the ongoing management of the reserve.<\/p>\n