The day dawned bright and clear as we departed from the pier, setting the stage for what would be an idyllic adventure. The staff was exceptionally courteous and helpful, beginning our journey with a detailed overview of the route and ensuring our life jackets were securely fitted. Departing Malahide Marina right on schedule, we set our course towards Lambay Island.
Upon reaching our destination – Rockabill Island – the boat slowed, allowing us ample time to observe and photograph the diverse bird species nesting on the cliffs and those swimming and fishing nearby. We were surrounded by thousands of Common Murres (Uria aalge), Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), and Razorbills (Alca torda), along with numerous Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) and Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus). Hundreds of birds floated serenely around the boat, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. As we took in the sights, the crew provided captivating insights into the local history, including famous ships, shipwrecks, and intriguing facts about the island itself.
Our journey continued to Rockabill Island. Here, we were treated to a fascinating account of the lighthouse’s history, its construction, and the various upgrades it has undergone over the years. Amidst this backdrop, we spotted several species of terns nesting around the island, including the Common Terns (Sterna hirundo), Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) and Sandwich Terns (Sterna sandvicensis).
During our recent birdwatching adventure, we believe we had the fortune of spotting a Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle). However, what truly captivated us was the breathtaking sight of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii). This small island serves as a crucial breeding colony for about 80% of the european population of these exquisite birds, making our encounter all the more special.
The beauty of the Roseate Tern is legendary, and for good reason. Known for its striking appearance and agile flight, the Roseate Tern typically boasts a pristine white body, a contrasting black cap, and deeply forked tails that earn them the nickname “swallowtails”. During the breeding season, a subtle but enchanting transformation can occur. Some individuals develop a faint rosy hue on their chests, likely a result of a diet rich in crustaceans, which adds an extra touch of elegance to their already stunning appearance.
Roseate Terns favor coastal and island habitats, particularly sandy or rocky beaches and salt marshes, for their breeding grounds. In Ireland and the eastern Atlantic, their European range extends primarily from the Azores through the Irish Sea region to the northern coast of Brittany in France. Despite various environmental challenges, the global population of Roseate Terns has remained relatively stable in recent years, a hopeful sign for conservationists and bird enthusiasts alike.
Our tour offered an incredible value in terms of experience, memories, and fare. We highly recommend this journey to fellow birdwatchers. If you have a passion for birdwatching, this tour is an absolute must.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic . The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.