Belfast Bay census of Friday, Jan. 29, 2016

[Ronald Harrell]

Gary Gulezian and I did the census of Belfast Bay yesterday morning (1/29/2016) under overcast skies with occasional light rain or snow.  Temperatures were mild for January with little wind, and we had a good morning of birding (19 species).  The second cycle Glaucous Gull was still there.  We have reached the stage of winter where large numbers of Herring Gulls (685) and Mallards (345) are found on the bay.  Virtually all the Mallards were feeding actively, while most of the Herring Gulls were preening and loafing.  A highlight of the day was a Peregrine Falcon flying fast and low (2ft) off the water: apparently it was trying to put up one of the Goldeneyes or Buffleheads in that area.  That did not work and the bird flew into some woods.

The entire report can be found on ebird by clicking on:

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S27202910

Ron Harrell

[djil...@gmail.com]

I will be in Belfast sometime in the next few days. I'm familiar with Belfast. Could you  please recommend some specific spots for good birding?

[Fyn Kynd]

Check around the harbor. There are often nice sea ducks and gulls if you take the time to look.

-Fyn