Cabragh Wetlands Nature Reserve.
The Cabragh Wetlands is a small reserve in county Tipperary. It is run, and created by a small group of volunteers.
I hope the reserve will see its fair share of birders, using wheels, because here we can find a bird hide with a lift.
Unfortunately, the other parts of the Wetlands reserve are not accessible, which
For news, visit the blog, The Snipe.
Showing posts with label disabled birding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disabled birding. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
South West: Rosscarbery
I've been wanting to check out the birding access in Rosscarbery for quite some time. The lagoon next and behind the Celtic Ross hotel, and the estuary in front of the hotel.
Roscarbery is no stranger to nature lovers; if you read the local mouthwatering species list on the town's website you know why I too would love to get there.
I have been here very often. Mostly in the evening for Irish Wheelchair Association committee meetings of the regional branch. A pity that I did not have a camera on me in those days, because there's lots to see.
Glandore:
We went to Glandore first. A lovely little village. It sits nestled in the hill above a lovely natural harbour.
I've been here several times before. It is one of those places where you take visitors. Many UK celebs have the same idea, I think, because lots of these have a 2nd house here, either in Glandore or nearby Union Hall.
Glandore, County Cork, Eire. Looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Glandore harbour. A dinghy race was to begin shortly after our departure, and I love the piling of these dinghies at the pier.
Glandore, West Cork. Ireland.
While going down the steep little road, there is a door inviting you in, and where you do not need to take your shoes off.
Always Open House, in this residence:
It was mostly (and only) Herring Gulls which flew about the village and harbour, hoping for a few scraps from the many visitors and tourists taking advantage of the tourists. So, while watching some kids in one of the dinghies, getting ready to take part in the race, I suddenly spotted a lone Herring Gull a bit further away on the quays, where it was strutting about. Because of the obstacles between us, it was a challenging me to get close. This meant that I had to cross part of these quays which had quite an awkward dip, and somehow I had to scale my wheels over this without slipping, sliding or bumping into the many little boats, resting here.
I ended up above the h. Gull; I decided that I would first get some pictures from here, before risking my life and wheels by dipping down further to get closer and perhaps ending up scaring my new-found friend.
I was pleased with this resulting shot.
Herring Gull, Larus argentatus
Rosscarbery.
The main road, the N71, between Cork--Clonakilty and Skibbereen, follows the coastline of the Rosscarbery estuary, when you reach Rosscarbery. The town itself is built on a hill, overlooking the the estuary.
The Rosscarbery tidal estuary, known for its many birds, is split in two by a causeway. This has created a lovely lagoon. The N71 runs over this causeway.
There are two roads running along the lagoon.. the first (coming from Leap/Skibbereen, is
immediately after the Celtic Ross hotel. This is the road into the the town of Rosscarbery. The second road, to Reenascreena, follows this beautiful lagoon all the way. And its sheltered location means that there's lots of avian life here.
On the south side, there are also two roads. One immediately across the Celtic Ross hotel, which follows the west side of the lagoon.
Along the estuary too, two roads follow the coastline here. Sian and I went down the first one, directly across from the hotel. I only had an hour here, which was way too short, to do some serious birding. So I have to return soon. Most of the waders were in the middle of the estuary, which was quite a bit from the road, and below you can see a picture of the waders I took with my Lumix, using only Extrazoom, of 28x zoom, at 2.5mp.
Curlew, Numenius arquata plus Great Black Backed Gulls, Larus marinus
and Herring Gull, Larus argentatus
In Rosscarbery, we had lunch in the Celtic Ross hotel. It is a lovely hotel with good food, and a beautiful setting. and a too small wheelie toilet. One of those where you cannot close the door, and yet there is space enough in a next-door lobby. I do not understand it whenever I come into an old(er) building, where they really have to juggle the available space, to fit this extra (and larger) toilet in, but where it concerns a newly built building on a large patch of ground, and where they have really compromised on these facilities, where space does not seem to be an issue. I really can get very angry. You might think I'm overdoing things here, but you see, I come upon it everywhere!
And here they do create a one or perhaps two, 'accessible rooms' but downstairs we, wheeling visitors, are forgotten to take part in hotel life in a dignified way. Sometimes I'd love to invite those at the top to go and use this toilet with my wheels. Just as much as I'd like to get those of the Cork county council to go for a little ride over the roads here.
Opposite the hotel, across the causeway, part of the large flock of Mute Swans, Cygnus olor ,was gathering along the road. Waiting for a bit of bread from walkers and visitors to the hotel. It was here, and to the left, to the lagoon, where I wanted to go and see what other birds were about.
Mute Swan, Cygnet olor,
It was difficult to get close to the wall, due to the state of the sides of the road, where there were so many gaps, holes and pieces missing, that I decided I would spare Sian the agony of having to pull me out, and stayed a bit back. at the other side of this little road, I spotted something else I was interested in: the tiny flowers of Ivy-leaved Toadflax.
Ivy-leaved Toadflax,Cymbalaria muralis
I spotted something white, other than Mute swans, further along the road, so this is where we headed. I only had an hour, and we had spent part of this already by talking, and deciding which way to go. Anyway we came upon a Little egret with a Blackheaded Gull.
Little Egret, Egretta garzetta
Blackheaded Gull, Larus ridibundus
Next we spotted two of what looked like a Curlew, with a large flock of other, much darker, larger, waders behind it on the sandbank. These looked very much like Curlew, their beaks seemed smaller than the one in front. And yet on my photos do the flock like Curlew. Strange. Double reason why I should go back.
So, who's who?
OK, so I promised to check out the access to go birding here. Because I was relying on my Wednesday group at Bantry Rehabcare to get here at all, I only had an hour, while the others drove around the lagoon and along the other road along the lagoon. As such you can see enough over the wall from the road, depending on birds (or other marine animals; seals do visit here too, ) Annd I hope that I can return soon to check out the Reenascreena road along the lagoon.
I have been here very often. Mostly in the evening for Irish Wheelchair Association committee meetings of the regional branch. A pity that I did not have a camera on me in those days, because there's lots to see.
Glandore:
We went to Glandore first. A lovely little village. It sits nestled in the hill above a lovely natural harbour.
I've been here several times before. It is one of those places where you take visitors. Many UK celebs have the same idea, I think, because lots of these have a 2nd house here, either in Glandore or nearby Union Hall.
Glandore, County Cork, Eire. Looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Glandore harbour. A dinghy race was to begin shortly after our departure, and I love the piling of these dinghies at the pier.
Glandore, West Cork. Ireland.
While going down the steep little road, there is a door inviting you in, and where you do not need to take your shoes off.
Always Open House, in this residence:
It was mostly (and only) Herring Gulls which flew about the village and harbour, hoping for a few scraps from the many visitors and tourists taking advantage of the tourists. So, while watching some kids in one of the dinghies, getting ready to take part in the race, I suddenly spotted a lone Herring Gull a bit further away on the quays, where it was strutting about. Because of the obstacles between us, it was a challenging me to get close. This meant that I had to cross part of these quays which had quite an awkward dip, and somehow I had to scale my wheels over this without slipping, sliding or bumping into the many little boats, resting here.
I ended up above the h. Gull; I decided that I would first get some pictures from here, before risking my life and wheels by dipping down further to get closer and perhaps ending up scaring my new-found friend.
I was pleased with this resulting shot.
Herring Gull, Larus argentatus
Rosscarbery.
The main road, the N71, between Cork--Clonakilty and Skibbereen, follows the coastline of the Rosscarbery estuary, when you reach Rosscarbery. The town itself is built on a hill, overlooking the the estuary.
The Rosscarbery tidal estuary, known for its many birds, is split in two by a causeway. This has created a lovely lagoon. The N71 runs over this causeway.
There are two roads running along the lagoon.. the first (coming from Leap/Skibbereen, is
immediately after the Celtic Ross hotel. This is the road into the the town of Rosscarbery. The second road, to Reenascreena, follows this beautiful lagoon all the way. And its sheltered location means that there's lots of avian life here.
On the south side, there are also two roads. One immediately across the Celtic Ross hotel, which follows the west side of the lagoon.
Along the estuary too, two roads follow the coastline here. Sian and I went down the first one, directly across from the hotel. I only had an hour here, which was way too short, to do some serious birding. So I have to return soon. Most of the waders were in the middle of the estuary, which was quite a bit from the road, and below you can see a picture of the waders I took with my Lumix, using only Extrazoom, of 28x zoom, at 2.5mp.
Curlew, Numenius arquata plus Great Black Backed Gulls, Larus marinus
and Herring Gull, Larus argentatus
In Rosscarbery, we had lunch in the Celtic Ross hotel. It is a lovely hotel with good food, and a beautiful setting. and a too small wheelie toilet. One of those where you cannot close the door, and yet there is space enough in a next-door lobby. I do not understand it whenever I come into an old(er) building, where they really have to juggle the available space, to fit this extra (and larger) toilet in, but where it concerns a newly built building on a large patch of ground, and where they have really compromised on these facilities, where space does not seem to be an issue. I really can get very angry. You might think I'm overdoing things here, but you see, I come upon it everywhere!
And here they do create a one or perhaps two, 'accessible rooms' but downstairs we, wheeling visitors, are forgotten to take part in hotel life in a dignified way. Sometimes I'd love to invite those at the top to go and use this toilet with my wheels. Just as much as I'd like to get those of the Cork county council to go for a little ride over the roads here.
Opposite the hotel, across the causeway, part of the large flock of Mute Swans, Cygnus olor ,was gathering along the road. Waiting for a bit of bread from walkers and visitors to the hotel. It was here, and to the left, to the lagoon, where I wanted to go and see what other birds were about.
Mute Swan, Cygnet olor,
It was difficult to get close to the wall, due to the state of the sides of the road, where there were so many gaps, holes and pieces missing, that I decided I would spare Sian the agony of having to pull me out, and stayed a bit back. at the other side of this little road, I spotted something else I was interested in: the tiny flowers of Ivy-leaved Toadflax.
Ivy-leaved Toadflax,Cymbalaria muralis
I spotted something white, other than Mute swans, further along the road, so this is where we headed. I only had an hour, and we had spent part of this already by talking, and deciding which way to go. Anyway we came upon a Little egret with a Blackheaded Gull.
Little Egret, Egretta garzetta
Blackheaded Gull, Larus ridibundus
Next we spotted two of what looked like a Curlew, with a large flock of other, much darker, larger, waders behind it on the sandbank. These looked very much like Curlew, their beaks seemed smaller than the one in front. And yet on my photos do the flock like Curlew. Strange. Double reason why I should go back.
So, who's who?
OK, so I promised to check out the access to go birding here. Because I was relying on my Wednesday group at Bantry Rehabcare to get here at all, I only had an hour, while the others drove around the lagoon and along the other road along the lagoon. As such you can see enough over the wall from the road, depending on birds (or other marine animals; seals do visit here too, ) Annd I hope that I can return soon to check out the Reenascreena road along the lagoon.
Monday, May 18, 2009
West: County Clare.
Ballyallia Lake in Ennis:
Wide footpaths give access to the east for viewing of the Ducks. It is a well tested site for wheels; a new generation of birders at Enable Ireland, the national organisation for people with cerebral palsy.
There is a ramp to the edge of the lakeside, but from here you will need a scope to watch the more distant Ducks. Apart from many all-year- visitors and breeders, there are also many wading species around the lake on the meadows bordering the lake.
Lakes in the Burren:
Lough Atedan and Lough Inchiquin, Both have good access to the car-park and there is good birding from here and a popular spot by Clare birders.
Bridges of Ross:
This is a viewpoint on the north side of Loophead, and birding is good from the car-park, with birds flying past and over. This seems a very popular spot with birders in Clare indeed. (the great advantage here is that it is good and comfortable from a car if the weather turns on you suddenly!)
New Quay-Lough Murree:
From New Quy, a small village in North Clare, there is a road from Linnanes Pub to Lough Merree. The road follows the flaggy shore to Lough Murree. A good opportunity to get close to the shore and have a good view of the divers. Black Guillemots, Grebes, Brent Geese and Wildfowl on the lake
In Galway city:
The Alexander Nimmo Pier is well accessible and there is good birding here. A list of all regulars and other visitors here. (bottom of page)
For more, local info;
contact: John Murphy: jemurphy@esatclear.ie
Wide footpaths give access to the east for viewing of the Ducks. It is a well tested site for wheels; a new generation of birders at Enable Ireland, the national organisation for people with cerebral palsy.
There is a ramp to the edge of the lakeside, but from here you will need a scope to watch the more distant Ducks. Apart from many all-year- visitors and breeders, there are also many wading species around the lake on the meadows bordering the lake.
Lakes in the Burren:
Lough Atedan and Lough Inchiquin, Both have good access to the car-park and there is good birding from here and a popular spot by Clare birders.
Bridges of Ross:
This is a viewpoint on the north side of Loophead, and birding is good from the car-park, with birds flying past and over. This seems a very popular spot with birders in Clare indeed. (the great advantage here is that it is good and comfortable from a car if the weather turns on you suddenly!)
New Quay-Lough Murree:
From New Quy, a small village in North Clare, there is a road from Linnanes Pub to Lough Merree. The road follows the flaggy shore to Lough Murree. A good opportunity to get close to the shore and have a good view of the divers. Black Guillemots, Grebes, Brent Geese and Wildfowl on the lake
In Galway city:
The Alexander Nimmo Pier is well accessible and there is good birding here. A list of all regulars and other visitors here. (bottom of page)
For more, local info;
contact: John Murphy: jemurphy@esatclear.ie
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
South West Ireland: Wheelchair & -car- birding in Dingle.
Sometime ago, I got a booklet from the West Kerry Birdwatch Ireland, branch. I received a Birding on the Dingle peninsula in PDF form, and the booklet shows there where you can go onto wheelchair accessible paths, and where there is good birding from a car, also, from which you can observe Waterbirds, Waders, Twite, Cuckoo, Chough, or the elusive Corncrake when you're lucky, or perhaps Barn Owl or Hen Harrier. In short, a very good place to go and spend a long weekend, or longer if you can afford the extra time in the hope to go and see the Sea Eagles of the Killarney National Park.
Jill Crosher of the West Kerry branch, did mention that the wheelchair accessible path has not been tested officially, yet. With the alternative being comfortable-car-birding- you won't go home disappointed.
I would love to go up myself, were it not for lack of transport, among other things.
Do you, reader, live in county Kerry, or do you plan a trip to the beautiful Kingdom, with birds in your uppermost mind, you might go and have a look at how the surfaces match up. I would love to hear from you.
I got the booklet in PDF form, but it is available in Ventry Post Office, where the Dingle tidal timetables are on sale too.
Contact details, are on BirdwatchIreland's website.
Apart from facilities for us, wheelies, last month the branch had organised a Dawn chorus with a difference, one for people who are visually impaired.
A quaterly email-newsletter is also available via Jill & Ian Crosher.
Jill Crosher of the West Kerry branch, did mention that the wheelchair accessible path has not been tested officially, yet. With the alternative being comfortable-car-birding- you won't go home disappointed.
I would love to go up myself, were it not for lack of transport, among other things.
Do you, reader, live in county Kerry, or do you plan a trip to the beautiful Kingdom, with birds in your uppermost mind, you might go and have a look at how the surfaces match up. I would love to hear from you.
I got the booklet in PDF form, but it is available in Ventry Post Office, where the Dingle tidal timetables are on sale too.
Contact details, are on BirdwatchIreland's website.
Apart from facilities for us, wheelies, last month the branch had organised a Dawn chorus with a difference, one for people who are visually impaired.
A quaterly email-newsletter is also available via Jill & Ian Crosher.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Access to birding in Dingle's Peninsula.
The West Kerry Branch has published a leaflet on birding on the Dingle peninsula for visitors interested in a few hours away from the town and its many attractions, besides Fungi the Dolphin.
I was pleased to learn from Jill and Ian Cosher that
I was pleased to learn from Jill and Ian Cosher that
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wheelchair access in Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve, West Cork
Glengarriff Woods, is a beautiful nature reserve near Bantry, on the Kenmare.
Ireland had been very much a woodland island in the past, and this woodland helps you to imagine how it has been in those days.
Or, as Dave, my helper & driver for the day, guaranteed me beforehand, I would get a definite overdose for the senses. And how right he was too.
The road into the woods and onto the car park. This in its own is a wonderful experience of the Woods. Walking there with Dave, I stopped at regular intervals, because I was captivated by a certain tree, Wood Anenome, Lichen and the river. Very sad I spotted no other birds than Long Tail Tits. However, Dave had not parked very far in, because he wanted me to try out the bridge.
At the car park, and at several other places there are clear signposts. Perhaps one day we will see a sign showing a trail which would be open to visitors using wheels also? Who knows.
Until then, the best is to contact Clare Heardman, via the NPWS website, who can tell you more about it.
The little Gate Lodge at the Entrance/Exit. Plus Clare's dog.
Last week I was in the Respite in Bantry, run by Rehabcare, the staff organise an outing with their car to somewhere you would really like to go. You and two others come in to stay between Tuesday evening and Friday morning. Allowing each of us a couple of hours with the car and a member of staff.
Glengarriff was on my wish-list, of course. (among other places!) as I wanted to see how accessible it is.
Dave, who was my 'helper' and driver for the day, was only working till noon and we were late to start already. Apart from this, the wind might have died down but the rain was still in the air.
Yet this was the perfect condition to try out the hard gravel path at the other end of the bridge on the Bantry Lady Lookout. I was alarmed at the idea of a gravel path, when Dave mentioned this, but it is the 'larger sort of gravel, and very much compacted.
Clare Heardman, the manager of the reserve, was curious to know how I would get on, on this bridge and also at the other side.
Once you've gone over the bridge, the trail continues, going up steeper before getting really steep. We had to turn back to town, it was not only very cold with only my long scarf. Also, Dave had to get back to town. He finished working at noon and I would soon need a toilet too.
I will need to return to the Woods one day, so I can check out more of the reserve, and if the new Park Hotel has an accessible toilet. So an update will be posted here as soon as I've been back.
It has been weird in a way, I always go out on my own, onto the road with the camera, and going with someone else, was fun. (So Dave, if you get to read this, you're welcome to show me 'round the other parts, if you're working that week in May. )
The river is properly protected with fences like these.
To some other wheelchair users from Rehabcare in Bantry,(including one or two amateur photographers) the visit to Glengarriff Woods was a disappointment in a way because only half a trail was accessible. I had been here, twenty six years ago, when we were house hunting and viewing a little house in the woods, but I think it was further into the woods themselves, and on the other side of the road. Ten years later, I went on a bus trip with the Irish Wheelchair Association which was a bit of a let-down because I was not able to get outside and inhale that special air and smell which always captivates me.
I had no real expectations at all before I went, knowing that access to the different trails was very limited, so I went with the goal of seeing just how accessible it was, let the little forest girl emerge from inside me. She had been locked away for all these twenty six years, with a brief appearance in 2007 when I was treated to a visit to my childhood's forest in the middle of Holland for my birthday. There, my visit was limited also. So instead of going for a walk, we were invited to come and have a drink in the St. Helena cafe which is a lovely round cafe in the middle of the forest, where we would rest our tired feet for a little while before setting off on the last leg of the walk from our home to that of Nora, who lived 4 km. from us. It had been almost 40 years since my last visit.
Some pictures from the Woods:
The Caha Mountains shelter the reserve and create a lovely backdrop.
Wood Anemones were spread over the floor of the woods and their white merry heads were bobbing up and down in the strong wind.
Wood Sorrel was scattered anywhere, and I think that the little rain-drops give a good size reference?
Everywhere you looked, there were species of Lichen and Mosses greeting you, be-it in trees, on stone rock walls, on wood, on the floor, or any other surface you might think of.
I will contact Paul Whelan of the award winning site on Lichen. Lichen.ie to help me with the ID's. , I have posted more photos of my trip to Glengarriff on Wildlife On Wheels, such as those of the Lichen, and Moss which captivated me and my camera.
I loved this tree.
Fungi too, adheres to anything it can find.
Main Gate Lodge,
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve,
Glengarriff,
Co. Cork,
Ireland.
Tel: + 353 27 63636
Fax: + 353 27 63637
E-mail: clare.heardman@environ.ie
OK, so what about the birds? This is my birding blog, after all!
Well, I have seen only Long Tail Tits, and a few Rooks and Jackdaws, but I was too busy with the Lichen and other interesting lifeforms. Also, it was so cold that you did not want to go and sit still! To be fair I wanted to see (and photograph) as much as I could in the short time we had.
But I did not really come for the birds, I think. I came for the reserve. And I have adored weirth growths like Lichen, Moss and Fungi from a very young age too.
so I'm sorry no birding photos.
I will keep this blog updated with news from Glengarriff, because I am sure that gates/trails will become wider, flatter, or inany other way more accessible.
Ireland had been very much a woodland island in the past, and this woodland helps you to imagine how it has been in those days.
Or, as Dave, my helper & driver for the day, guaranteed me beforehand, I would get a definite overdose for the senses. And how right he was too.
The road into the woods and onto the car park. This in its own is a wonderful experience of the Woods. Walking there with Dave, I stopped at regular intervals, because I was captivated by a certain tree, Wood Anenome, Lichen and the river. Very sad I spotted no other birds than Long Tail Tits. However, Dave had not parked very far in, because he wanted me to try out the bridge.
At the car park, and at several other places there are clear signposts. Perhaps one day we will see a sign showing a trail which would be open to visitors using wheels also? Who knows.
Until then, the best is to contact Clare Heardman, via the NPWS website, who can tell you more about it.
The little Gate Lodge at the Entrance/Exit. Plus Clare's dog.
Last week I was in the Respite in Bantry, run by Rehabcare, the staff organise an outing with their car to somewhere you would really like to go. You and two others come in to stay between Tuesday evening and Friday morning. Allowing each of us a couple of hours with the car and a member of staff.
Glengarriff was on my wish-list, of course. (among other places!) as I wanted to see how accessible it is.
Dave, who was my 'helper' and driver for the day, was only working till noon and we were late to start already. Apart from this, the wind might have died down but the rain was still in the air.
Yet this was the perfect condition to try out the hard gravel path at the other end of the bridge on the Bantry Lady Lookout. I was alarmed at the idea of a gravel path, when Dave mentioned this, but it is the 'larger sort of gravel, and very much compacted.
Clare Heardman, the manager of the reserve, was curious to know how I would get on, on this bridge and also at the other side.
Once you've gone over the bridge, the trail continues, going up steeper before getting really steep. We had to turn back to town, it was not only very cold with only my long scarf. Also, Dave had to get back to town. He finished working at noon and I would soon need a toilet too.
I will need to return to the Woods one day, so I can check out more of the reserve, and if the new Park Hotel has an accessible toilet. So an update will be posted here as soon as I've been back.
It has been weird in a way, I always go out on my own, onto the road with the camera, and going with someone else, was fun. (So Dave, if you get to read this, you're welcome to show me 'round the other parts, if you're working that week in May. )
The river is properly protected with fences like these.
To some other wheelchair users from Rehabcare in Bantry,(including one or two amateur photographers) the visit to Glengarriff Woods was a disappointment in a way because only half a trail was accessible. I had been here, twenty six years ago, when we were house hunting and viewing a little house in the woods, but I think it was further into the woods themselves, and on the other side of the road. Ten years later, I went on a bus trip with the Irish Wheelchair Association which was a bit of a let-down because I was not able to get outside and inhale that special air and smell which always captivates me.
I had no real expectations at all before I went, knowing that access to the different trails was very limited, so I went with the goal of seeing just how accessible it was, let the little forest girl emerge from inside me. She had been locked away for all these twenty six years, with a brief appearance in 2007 when I was treated to a visit to my childhood's forest in the middle of Holland for my birthday. There, my visit was limited also. So instead of going for a walk, we were invited to come and have a drink in the St. Helena cafe which is a lovely round cafe in the middle of the forest, where we would rest our tired feet for a little while before setting off on the last leg of the walk from our home to that of Nora, who lived 4 km. from us. It had been almost 40 years since my last visit.
Some pictures from the Woods:
The Caha Mountains shelter the reserve and create a lovely backdrop.
Wood Anemones were spread over the floor of the woods and their white merry heads were bobbing up and down in the strong wind.
Wood Sorrel was scattered anywhere, and I think that the little rain-drops give a good size reference?
Everywhere you looked, there were species of Lichen and Mosses greeting you, be-it in trees, on stone rock walls, on wood, on the floor, or any other surface you might think of.
I will contact Paul Whelan of the award winning site on Lichen. Lichen.ie to help me with the ID's. , I have posted more photos of my trip to Glengarriff on Wildlife On Wheels, such as those of the Lichen, and Moss which captivated me and my camera.
I loved this tree.
Fungi too, adheres to anything it can find.
Main Gate Lodge,
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve,
Glengarriff,
Co. Cork,
Ireland.
Tel: + 353 27 63636
Fax: + 353 27 63637
E-mail: clare.heardman@environ.ie
OK, so what about the birds? This is my birding blog, after all!
Well, I have seen only Long Tail Tits, and a few Rooks and Jackdaws, but I was too busy with the Lichen and other interesting lifeforms. Also, it was so cold that you did not want to go and sit still! To be fair I wanted to see (and photograph) as much as I could in the short time we had.
But I did not really come for the birds, I think. I came for the reserve. And I have adored weirth growths like Lichen, Moss and Fungi from a very young age too.
so I'm sorry no birding photos.
I will keep this blog updated with news from Glengarriff, because I am sure that gates/trails will become wider, flatter, or inany other way more accessible.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
2 places to go Birding on Wheels in the South West: South coast
Aftr having got the info from Niall on the three reserves on the East Coast, I feel rather envious when living in such a beautiful part of the country.
Anyway, there are two lagoons on the South Coast of West Cork. Both are lagoons, one in Rosscarbery, beside the Celtic Ross Hotel, with a road along the side. A large flock of Mute Swans is resident here, and I remember of endless trips in the bus of the West Cork Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) as we drove passed, collecting members living near Ross. And although I cannot remember the particular birds I saw, there always was much wildlife in the lake, created by the causeway. More details
I have many times been in the hotels for IWA committee meetings, yet I cannot remember having gone onto the road without the bus, and do not know if you can get close to the edge. I am dying to find out myself, and would not say no to a chance to go and have a look. Transport, as ever is the big problem though.
The other is in Clonakilty, a little further than Rosscarbery. Or closer, if you are coming from Cork city.
I have never done this walk, or part of it, as I only recently came upon the website, myself. Like Ross, I have been in Clonakilty endless times. A nice historic town (as is Rosscarbery) which has won Tidy Town numerous times.
The NPWS is still working on the marsh to develop the place and offer things like hides, etc. so, I will contact them about these and accessibility.
It looks as if you are able to do birding from a car. As long as you bring scopes and lenses.
Anyway, there are two lagoons on the South Coast of West Cork. Both are lagoons, one in Rosscarbery, beside the Celtic Ross Hotel, with a road along the side. A large flock of Mute Swans is resident here, and I remember of endless trips in the bus of the West Cork Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) as we drove passed, collecting members living near Ross. And although I cannot remember the particular birds I saw, there always was much wildlife in the lake, created by the causeway. More details
I have many times been in the hotels for IWA committee meetings, yet I cannot remember having gone onto the road without the bus, and do not know if you can get close to the edge. I am dying to find out myself, and would not say no to a chance to go and have a look. Transport, as ever is the big problem though.
The other is in Clonakilty, a little further than Rosscarbery. Or closer, if you are coming from Cork city.
I have never done this walk, or part of it, as I only recently came upon the website, myself. Like Ross, I have been in Clonakilty endless times. A nice historic town (as is Rosscarbery) which has won Tidy Town numerous times.
The NPWS is still working on the marsh to develop the place and offer things like hides, etc. so, I will contact them about these and accessibility.
It looks as if you are able to do birding from a car. As long as you bring scopes and lenses.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
3 East coast reserves with access.
Niall Hatch at Birdwatch Ireland has send me details of two Nature reserves on the East coast which are, in one way or another accessible to wheelchair using birders.
I am compiling a list, using a Google document, hoping that this way it will be accessible to you, the readers of Birding on Wheels, and that way you can add your own information. At least I think that is how it works. I've no real experience with Google docs.
Also, Niall has given me contact numbers for the different ferry companies between (our) mainland and Cape Clear, the South western tip of Ireland, host to numerous rare species which often stand on the island.
One of these told me in late 2005/2006 he was planning to adapt his boat that spring. Later on, after another email, I understood his plans had not resulted in action yet.
The reserves which Niall has listed as being accessible, are:
The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve on the North Slobs.
This reserve, 10km north of Wexford town, check the The Heritage Ireland Website is listing an email address as well as telephone numbers, as contact details.
It has accessible hides, accessible visitor centre and wheelchair toilet. With many migrating Geese wintering here in Ireland, this reserve is well worth a visit between September/October and March.
Another accessible Reserve on the East Coast, not yet open to the public, is the East Coast Nature Reserve, owned and run by Birdwatch Ireland. The hides and visitor centre are being constructed at the moment and both will be wheelchair friendly. Niall will also suggest to get manual wheels and scooters for hire. None of others
However, top of the class of Irish Reserves has to be the Belfast Harbour State: it sounds as the birders heaven, to me.
Bear with me, that while trying to find a good link of this site, I first came upon Wild Belfast, then the Victoria Park Reserve, next in line was Belfast Lough, which looks like it is part of the latter and in the next sentence it is not.
Anyone, who is reading this, and who has been there, feel free to explain the location of the Belfast Harbour Estate, to me.
Anyway, the site(s) sound incredible appealing to me and I wish I had transport, this sounds like a very interesting birding/wildlife(ing?) city.
Getting back to the Belfast Harbour Estate; It is wheelchair accessible, and something Darlene will like, if the name of her website is anything to go by;
And I quote Niall here: "They have a fully wheelchair-accessible (and extremely comfortable) heated and double-glazed hide with extremely large, low windows and excellent views over the reserve ponds
(Niall, if you are reading this, I do love your choice of words!) It sounds really nice and I would love to hear from anyone who has been here and experienced this extremely comfy reserve.
Robin, Great Tit and Blue Tit in my garden. The Robin has claimed its pot of peanut cake, not allowing any-bird near. Whenever the Great Tit feeds on its own, the army of 4-5 Coal Tits arrive, start attacking the Great Tit, who then tries to hurry up. The Blue Tit, which usually chases the CTs, is bombarded similarly. She will start eating so fast as I had never seen her do before! The head kept going up and down so in rapid speed.
In the garden of rehabcare, I met this little flower, as well as Nasturtiums and white Roses.
I am compiling a list, using a Google document, hoping that this way it will be accessible to you, the readers of Birding on Wheels, and that way you can add your own information. At least I think that is how it works. I've no real experience with Google docs.
Also, Niall has given me contact numbers for the different ferry companies between (our) mainland and Cape Clear, the South western tip of Ireland, host to numerous rare species which often stand on the island.
One of these told me in late 2005/2006 he was planning to adapt his boat that spring. Later on, after another email, I understood his plans had not resulted in action yet.
The reserves which Niall has listed as being accessible, are:
The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve on the North Slobs.
This reserve, 10km north of Wexford town, check the The Heritage Ireland Website is listing an email address as well as telephone numbers, as contact details.
It has accessible hides, accessible visitor centre and wheelchair toilet. With many migrating Geese wintering here in Ireland, this reserve is well worth a visit between September/October and March.
Another accessible Reserve on the East Coast, not yet open to the public, is the East Coast Nature Reserve, owned and run by Birdwatch Ireland. The hides and visitor centre are being constructed at the moment and both will be wheelchair friendly. Niall will also suggest to get manual wheels and scooters for hire. None of others
However, top of the class of Irish Reserves has to be the Belfast Harbour State: it sounds as the birders heaven, to me.
Bear with me, that while trying to find a good link of this site, I first came upon Wild Belfast, then the Victoria Park Reserve, next in line was Belfast Lough, which looks like it is part of the latter and in the next sentence it is not.
Anyone, who is reading this, and who has been there, feel free to explain the location of the Belfast Harbour Estate, to me.
Anyway, the site(s) sound incredible appealing to me and I wish I had transport, this sounds like a very interesting birding/wildlife(ing?) city.
Getting back to the Belfast Harbour Estate; It is wheelchair accessible, and something Darlene will like, if the name of her website is anything to go by;
And I quote Niall here: "They have a fully wheelchair-accessible (and extremely comfortable) heated and double-glazed hide with extremely large, low windows and excellent views over the reserve ponds
(Niall, if you are reading this, I do love your choice of words!) It sounds really nice and I would love to hear from anyone who has been here and experienced this extremely comfy reserve.
Robin, Great Tit and Blue Tit in my garden. The Robin has claimed its pot of peanut cake, not allowing any-bird near. Whenever the Great Tit feeds on its own, the army of 4-5 Coal Tits arrive, start attacking the Great Tit, who then tries to hurry up. The Blue Tit, which usually chases the CTs, is bombarded similarly. She will start eating so fast as I had never seen her do before! The head kept going up and down so in rapid speed.
In the garden of rehabcare, I met this little flower, as well as Nasturtiums and white Roses.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Staying safe when you go birding on wheels
Most of us can still remember we have to walk(to school) on the right side of the road, and should be facing the oncoming traffic. In countries where they drive on the left, of course- in others like on the European continent, it is simply the other way around.
In fact, I'd trouble every time I returned from a holiday in the UK, and I was crossing the road. I would automatically look to the right first, and this has created some near misses more than a couple of times.
Once I decided on doing a post on road safety for wheelie birders, I asked both the RSA or road safety authority in Ireland(RSA) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) on to which side of the road we should stick to when going for a spot of birding or (other) wildlife watching.
This is the reply from the RSA
and that of the IWA was very much similar. I would like to add though that on narrow or on busy roads, I switch to the left whenever I am approaching a bend in the road.
Not that I am criss-crossing constantly, but I find it very dangerous to stay on the right when there is a bend to the right coming up. The oncoming cars have no idea that I am there, yet if I change to the left hand side, they can see me from the (right) side and drivers on the left side, coming up behind me, can see me also.
It is not only bends which makes me change sides though:
these do too,
The (Cork)county council fails to see that the edge of the road on the right side is about 80 cm further to the right than that it is, as used by vehicles on this road at the moment.
And if I as a wheelie go over this road and keep as much to the side as is possible, I am also 80cmto the left of there where you can see a bit of even-ness on the road, almost 1.5 metres from the grass!
When I was in Bantry, I thought it best to keep to the pavement along the N71, the main Cork-Kenmare/Glengarriff road when I was looking for a bit of autumn colour. However, the problem with these pavements is always- you might be able to get up onto one, but will you be able to get off it as well?? And with the pavement running out of town, I had absolutely no idea, and this kept milling in the head while I was going down.
I was on my way to the Abbey. At the other side of the road, a kind of large pond was created which is tidal and gives the idea of a nice lake there where the Bantry boat club has its clubhouse.
Here you get a glimpse of the cemetery which looks out onto the bay, and being on a slope, the view must be excellent! Lovely birding from there too in your days of peace.
a new life waiting for the wind.
A friend had suggested the gardens of Bantry House as an alternative for miss Lumix (my camera) but I wanted to show her that access is hopeless along all the gravel paths.
I might not get into the gardens, I was taken by this lovely 'Hobbit tree'
Bantry House is on the slope here, where it still has a very large gun outside, facing the bay.
These are across from the road, from the Abbey, a picture of The Sugar Loaf Mountain near Glengarriff, and a house on the island.
Here you can see the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Hungry Hill Mountain which stands at the end of the Beara Peninsula, which lines the Bantry Bay on the north side.
The council has started making a walkway along Bantry Bay, 'just' around the town so to speak from the old pier to New Town. Although they had started building this, work has stopped because of disagreement over ownership of the land. In short, this can take a long time to be finished.
It would be a safe way to go birding, although I have no idea how easy the access will be at the other end. I still have to enquire if it is accessible anyway.
I had planned to go and take a look, that afternoon, after returning from the Abbey. However, with fingers like icicles, I needed a glove first. So after finishing my drink in the hotel, I went to the shop first. I told the girl there, colour is no issue, but I need to be able to operate the camera. So for € 7.-- I got a pair, of which the left-hand one is up at Rehab, seeking a left- handed one hander.
It was by then already past four and as you can see in my last picture, the evening was setting fast.
And the next day I totally forgot. Only when seeing this photo upon my return home did I spot the walkway which I had failed to investigate.
In fact, I'd trouble every time I returned from a holiday in the UK, and I was crossing the road. I would automatically look to the right first, and this has created some near misses more than a couple of times.
Once I decided on doing a post on road safety for wheelie birders, I asked both the RSA or road safety authority in Ireland(RSA) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) on to which side of the road we should stick to when going for a spot of birding or (other) wildlife watching.
This is the reply from the RSA
and that of the IWA was very much similar. I would like to add though that on narrow or on busy roads, I switch to the left whenever I am approaching a bend in the road.
Not that I am criss-crossing constantly, but I find it very dangerous to stay on the right when there is a bend to the right coming up. The oncoming cars have no idea that I am there, yet if I change to the left hand side, they can see me from the (right) side and drivers on the left side, coming up behind me, can see me also.
It is not only bends which makes me change sides though:
these do too,
The (Cork)county council fails to see that the edge of the road on the right side is about 80 cm further to the right than that it is, as used by vehicles on this road at the moment.
And if I as a wheelie go over this road and keep as much to the side as is possible, I am also 80cmto the left of there where you can see a bit of even-ness on the road, almost 1.5 metres from the grass!
When I was in Bantry, I thought it best to keep to the pavement along the N71, the main Cork-Kenmare/Glengarriff road when I was looking for a bit of autumn colour. However, the problem with these pavements is always- you might be able to get up onto one, but will you be able to get off it as well?? And with the pavement running out of town, I had absolutely no idea, and this kept milling in the head while I was going down.
I was on my way to the Abbey. At the other side of the road, a kind of large pond was created which is tidal and gives the idea of a nice lake there where the Bantry boat club has its clubhouse.
Here you get a glimpse of the cemetery which looks out onto the bay, and being on a slope, the view must be excellent! Lovely birding from there too in your days of peace.
a new life waiting for the wind.
A friend had suggested the gardens of Bantry House as an alternative for miss Lumix (my camera) but I wanted to show her that access is hopeless along all the gravel paths.
I might not get into the gardens, I was taken by this lovely 'Hobbit tree'
Bantry House is on the slope here, where it still has a very large gun outside, facing the bay.
These are across from the road, from the Abbey, a picture of The Sugar Loaf Mountain near Glengarriff, and a house on the island.
Here you can see the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Hungry Hill Mountain which stands at the end of the Beara Peninsula, which lines the Bantry Bay on the north side.
The council has started making a walkway along Bantry Bay, 'just' around the town so to speak from the old pier to New Town. Although they had started building this, work has stopped because of disagreement over ownership of the land. In short, this can take a long time to be finished.
It would be a safe way to go birding, although I have no idea how easy the access will be at the other end. I still have to enquire if it is accessible anyway.
I had planned to go and take a look, that afternoon, after returning from the Abbey. However, with fingers like icicles, I needed a glove first. So after finishing my drink in the hotel, I went to the shop first. I told the girl there, colour is no issue, but I need to be able to operate the camera. So for € 7.-- I got a pair, of which the left-hand one is up at Rehab, seeking a left- handed one hander.
It was by then already past four and as you can see in my last picture, the evening was setting fast.
And the next day I totally forgot. Only when seeing this photo upon my return home did I spot the walkway which I had failed to investigate.
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