200: Long-eared Owl

As some of you may be aware, we have been working our way towards seeing 200 species of wild British Bird within the UK in 2024. We arrived in Northern Ireland on 199 species, with the possibility of seeing Storm Petrols or Skuas from the ferry, but there was very little birdlife on the outward crossing. So knowing where there were Long-eared owls nesting, we set off to try and see or hear them. Sadly, it was a very windy night so the young were quiet compared to normal, but we did hear one loud and definative 'squeal' ...our 200th bird. (We also saw Storm Petrels on the return ferry crossing.) No owl photos for obvious reasons but a memorable 200th bird experience. 

Magilligan Point

Thanks to Ford fixing the car more quickly than we expected, we were able to go to Magilligan Point in the afternoon....strange looking across a narrow stretch of water into a European country...

The bridge where the Black Guillemots occupied every 'sticky out bit'.

Black Guillemots....

The beach...with lots of shells...below....

Portrush Strand

A bus journey into Portrush, while the car was being fixed, and a walk along the beach. Spectacular chalk cliffs at the far end....and a very nice place for horse riding - there were plenty galloping along the edge of the water. 

A few Belamnites and other fossils, including this bit of Bryozoan. 

Flint in the chalk.

Ammonites - Portrush seafront.

Portrush seafront. 

Larrybane Quarry

Adjacent to the carpark for Carrick-a-rede is yet another film set for Game of Thrones. It is also a cracking site for the parasitic - Thyme Broomrape. 

Possible Norhtern Marsh x Common Spotted-orchids.

Thyme Broomrape ...and below...

 

Carrick-a-rede

 After the Dark Hedges we headed to Carrick-a-Rede, where a rope bridge crosses to the island. Origionally built by fishermen in 1755, it allowed access to the island of Carrick-a- Rede where migrating salmon were caught. Up until the 1960s up to 300 salmon a day could be caught!

Mainland chalk cliffs, looking west.

The rope bridge.

Looking east.

Rock pipit.

Fulmar.

Kittiwakes.

Guillemots.

Spot the Bridled Guillemot.

The bridge. 

The Dark Hedges

Not having read or watched Game of Thrones, I really wasn't expecting to be quite so impressed by this famous Beech Avenue - it was something special.  

Dunseverick Castle

As if doing the Giant's Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour and White Park Bay wasn't enough for the day, we parked in Dunseverick and walked along to the castle. 

A rather pretty waterfall that cascades into the sea. 

Looking down towards the waterfall..

Looking west...

Dunseverick Castle - remains of.....

White Park Beach, Ballintoy

...and after a wander through the dunes - back along the beach. We enjoyed watching the Eider chicks bobbing amng the waves; gannets close in and a Ringed Plover chick that despite the warnings of its mother was determined ot get close to us when we sat down for our sandwiches. A dramatic sky developed in the afternoon heat, but no rain - which is good when camping!

Looking west along the coast, 

Ringed Plover chick. 

Gannets.....

Eider Ducks and chicks.....

Dramatic skies...