21st May. Thumbs up for Bluethroat.

I had planned a trip to tory on the 21st May. I was delighed to hear about the Bluethroat on the 20th as its a lifer for me! News the bird had only been seen briefly before flying away was a bit dissappointing, but the weather looked like it could still through up a few surprises

Good weather overcentral- northern Europe with cloud over the western seaboard

Light east-south east wind predicted

I got the early ferry (monday)7.45 on mondays and fridays. 8.45 tuesday to thursday.

Tory Ferry

Bunbeg Harbour

The crossing over was quiet with a couple of Great Northern Diver. 4 Swallows passed the boat flying in from the west towards Donegal.

Heavy cloud and light rain on Tory overnight

Guillemot and Razorbills

Manx Shearwater

Dunlin

There was a large flock of Dunlin in the harbour with some Turnstone and a few Redshank.

25 Little Terns at the lake

Lapwing

Snipe drumming

West end looking north

House Martin. A pair around the cliffs north of the Lighthouse

Bog road heading into West Town

Willow Warbler

 Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Willow Warblers in West town.

Rock Pipit

 I heard a couple of Corncrake calling and on investigtion the Bluethroat popped up out of the nettles

Davey Hunter with Bluethroat

Most of the shots were out of focusbut I managed two shots close up..

Bluethroat

Heading out east there were 2 Redwing at the football pitch

Chiffchaff

Lesser Whitethroat at Grace's B&B East Town

3-4 Corncrake calling at the lake

Anton Meenans land up east was quiet

Mobile Black Redstart in East Town

Black Redstart

Davey Hunter in West Town

 No sign of the Bluethroat for over two hours.

Thums up for Bluethroat