
Bird Watching
Autumn Birdwatching Weekend
Inishbofin
October 6th-10th
With Anthony McGeehan
This October the Dolphin Hotel is hosting a special five-day birdwatching tour of Inishbofin which, weather permitting, will also include a trip to the neighbouring island of Inishshark.
Day-long tuition will be provided in the company of Anthony McGeehan. Each evening a bird-themed talk will address the identification of the day's birds and those that are anticipated during autumn.
Inishbofin west of Galway has established a pedigree of attracting unusual birds at migration seasons, especially in October. Birds from both North America and Siberia have occurred, sometimes simultaneously! Offshore, seabirds pass on migration while the adjoining island of Inishshark plays host to Barnacle geese that arrive from Greenland, as well as many Grey Seals and their pups. The beaches of Inishbofin harbour flocks of shorebirds and scattered bushes provide oases for migrant warblers, thrushes and other songbirds on migration. Change occurs daily and chimes with the weather. Wind as well as calm conditions deliver birds. No two Octobers are the same but the thrill of making unexpected discoveries never diminishes. Expect plenty of excitement but be prepared for daily walks of several miles duration.
Cost: € 449 per person, includes bird watching course plus 4 B&B, 4 dinners, 5 lunches.
Provisional Itinerary
- Arrive Wed on 11.30 am ferry from Cleggan. Course starts after lunch at the Dolphin Hotel.
- Daily walks exploring different parts of the island, with the expert guidance of Anthony McGeehan.
- Optional boat trip to Inishark to see Barnacle Geese and Grey seals
- Lunch and dinner included every day
- Evening talks and slideshows
- All rooms en-suite.
- Single rooms available.
Course finishes at lunchtime Sunday. Afternoon free to relax before departure on 4pm ferry.
Suitable for all levels of experience; beginners welcome. Bring binoculars, walking shoes and waterproof gear.



This is a provisional itinerary and is subject to change due to weather conditions or at the discretion of the guide.
For buses from Galway to the Cleggan ferry contact Citylink on 1890 28 08 08 or www.citylink.ie
Contact us: info@dolphinhotel.ie phone the Dolphin Hotel on 095 45991
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INISHBOFIN BIRD LIST FOR 22, 23 and 24 MAY 2009
Where bold is used, the species was not seen (or heard) by all members of the group.
GREAT NORTHERN DIVER One off Duach Beach; one off East End Bay
FULMAR Several over Westquarter cliffs
MANX SHEARWATER In sound between Inishbofin and Cleggan on 24 May
SHAG Common
CORMORANT One on Lough Bofin
GANNET Several
MALLARD Several
SHELDUCK Pair in flight at Duach Beach
WHOOPER SWAN One at Granny’s Lake
MUTE SWAN Five cygnets, Granny’s Lake; two nests, Lough Bofin
PEREGRINE One adult female, over Doonmore Hotel
CORNCRAKE One at George Lacey’s field, Westquarter
MOORHEN Pair, Granny’s Lake
LAPWING Several pairs with young, Middlequarter
OYSTERCATCHER Common, one nest at Cromwell’s Fort
RINGED PLOVER Several, including one nest at Westquarter
COMMON SNIPE Drumming over Westquarter
WHIMBREL One flying and calling over Doonmore Hotel
COMMON SANDPIPER Pair at Middlequarter
DUNLIN Four at Duach Beach
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Common
LESSER BLACK_BACKED GULL Common
HERRING GULL Common
COMMON GULL Common!
KITTIWAKE Seen off harbour mouth from ferry
ARCTIC TERN Seen at long range over colony on Inishscinimore
SANDWICH TERN Two at East Bay
GUILLEMOT One flying between Inishbofin and Inishshark
BLACK GUILLEMOT Pair in Inishbofin Harbour
ROCK DOVE At least 15 seen
COLLARED DOVE One at East End – a fairly rare bird on Inishbofin
TURTLE DOVE One near end of The Clossy, Middlequarter. Very rare!
SAND MARTIN At least ten
HOUSE MARTIN One seen
SWALLOW Common
SKYLARK Common
HOODED CROW Common
RAVEN Three large flying juveniles on north coast of Inishbofin
CHOUGH One pair seen, others heard
MAGPIE Common
WREN Common
SONG THRUSH Heard singing in three areas
BLACKBIRD Common
DUNNOCK Two seen, others heard
STONECHAT Common
WHEATEAR Common (several ‘Greenland’ Wheatears seen on migration)
ROBIN Common
SEDGE WARBLER Common
GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Pair at The Clossy
MEADOW PIPIT Common
ROCK PIPIT Common on coast
PIED WAGTAIL At least four pairs
GREY WAGTAIL One near Granny’s Lake – an uncommon bird on Inishbofin
STARLING Common
LINNET Several
REED BUNTING At least eight seen
HOUSE SPARROW Possibly just five pairs
Bird Watching
The Island is a breeding ground for many species of birds read more>
Activities
There are many activities which can be enjoyed on the Island read more>
Music
Inishbofin has a long history of traditional Irish Music read more>
