Karl Martin bird blog: Portmore Lough and Oxford Island

Both Marsh Harrier and Osprey had been reported at Portmore Lough this week, along with a Wood Sandpiper, so it was only right to visit before the weather inevitably declines. I was 33.3% successful as the Marsh Harrier showed up almost straight away as I arrived in the morning and gave good views later in the afternoon. This is the first time I have seen a Marsh Harrier here in Northern Ireland. The other two species did not show, but I can’t complain. At Portmore there were also Tree Sparrows intermingled with the more common House Sparrows, Willow Warblers, Goldcrests, Grey Herons, a Sparrowhawk and many Common Terns which gave me good opportunities to take flight shots from the hide (so there are lots of photos...). A highlight of the visit was when a Buzzard began to mob the Marsh Harrier relatively close to the viewing platform (the Harrier came out on top and the Buzzard retreated). After a good amount of time spent at Portmore, I travelled to Oxford Island, where there were good views of Great Crested Grebe, Pochards, Gadwall, Swallows and many nesting House Martins. There was also a female Mallard with a brood of chicks swimming close to the shore. Sedge Warblers were also present but elusive at both locations.

Grey Heron