As the cool autumn air begins to settle over Mayo, the windswept landscapes of Annagh Head and the Mullet Peninsula come alive with the flutter of wings. These coastal areas, known for their rugged beauty, become a haven for both passing and wintering birds, drawing bird enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Mullet Peninsula and Annagh Head are strategically located along important migration routes, making them prime spots for observing a variety of bird species. During the autumn migration, many species pass through on their way to warmer climates, while others settle in for the winter, taking advantage of the mild coastal conditions.
Among the notable species is the Brent Goose (Branta bernicla), which migrates from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to winter along the Irish coast. These geese are often seen grazing in coastal fields and salt marshes, their dark plumage and white neck ring distinguishing them from other species.
The Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis), another winter visitor, also finds refuge in the area. With its distinctive black and white plumage and striking facial markings, the Barnacle Goose is a captivating sight as it feeds in flocks across the Mullet Peninsula’s open landscapes.
Waders such as the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) are also common in these regions during the winter months. These small shorebirds, with their slightly curved bills and rapid foraging movements, are often spotted along mudflats and sandy shores. They are joined by the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica), a larger wader with a long, slightly upturned bill, known for its impressive non-stop migration from the Arctic to Africa, passing through Mayo along the way.
The Red-throated Diver (Gavia stellata), a species known for its slender neck and elegant diving capabilities, can also be seen wintering off the coast of Annagh Head. These birds, with their distinctive red throat patch (in summer) and grey, speckled winter plumage, are often observed fishing in the coastal waters.
There are many rare, unusual and scarce birds reported from the area. The winter is good for geese, swans and ducks, but autumn provides excellent chances to see passage migrants, too.
Rare or scarce or unusual birds, which had been seen quite recently at Annagh Beach includes Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) (Sept 2021), White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) (July 2021), American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis dominica) (April 2021), Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) (12/09/2006) and Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola).
The peninsula is noted for ihre resting areas in winter e.g. for the Greenland Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris). A helpful website is https://www.birdingplaces.eu/en/birdingplaces/ireland/annagh-marsh .
In conclusion, the Mullet Peninsula and Annagh Head provide an excellent opportunity to observe a diverse array of bird species, from hardy wintering geese to delicate passing waders. For bird enthusiasts, these locations offer a blend of breathtaking scenery and the chance to witness the incredible journey of these birds, whether they are stopping over or settling in for the winter. Annagh Beach is part of a peninsula, in the northwest of the county Mayo, that includes Blacksod and Broadhaven Bays, headlands, beaches, lakes, marshes, hills and many offshore islands.
The nearest town is Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet).
How to get to the Mullet Peninsula and Annagh Marsh? Drive through Bangor Erris, then enter the town of Belmullet. Take the second exit off the roundabout in the town and, after the two supermarkets on your left, either turn left for most of the peninsula or go straight on (northwards) for the Erris Head area. Drive west as a direction past Annagh Marsh and take the first track to the right.
Nearby Sites are Carrowmore Lake and Carrowteige.
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