Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

Two nice shots from branch member John McAuley taken at Lough Ennell recently. Little Egrets and a Grey Wagtail.

Kildare Animal Foundation Wildlife Unit

Thanks to the amazing work of the Kildare Animal Foundation - this magnificent Buzzard is on the mend. If anyone has any information in relation to shooting or poisoning of birds of prey in Westmeath - please contact your local NPWS wildlife ranger or the Gardaí.

Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

A few garden birds from John McAuley. How is everyone's 2017 list coming along? ;-)

Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

Happy new year to all Westmeath branch members and all of our Facebook followers. Thanks for all your support in 2016. Thanks to John McAuley for this lovely selection of shots taken near Craughwell, County Galway during the week.

Westmeath Spca

BirdWatch Ireland

HELP!!!

Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

Some lovely shots from Lilliput on the shores of Lough Ennell - from branch member - John McAuley.

BirdWatch Ireland

The Heritage Bill was debated in the Seanad on Wednesday last. Several speakers spoke passionately against the proposed changes which will allow hedge-cutting in August and upland burning during March on a pilot-basis. Many made reference to the overwhelming number of emails and letters they had received from members of the public who strongly object to any attempts to change the existing laws protecting our wild birds & mammals during the breeding season. Senator's Grace OSullivan (Green Party) and Senator Alice Mary Higgins (IND), Michael MacDowell (IND), Kevin Humphreys (Lab), Fintan Warfield (SF) and David Norris (IND) and others - all made reference to the inherent flaws in the proposed bill. The bill is going back to the committee stage this week on November 17th in order for Minister Humphreys to provide clarifications to the objections raised during the debate. Unfortunately - with the support of Fianna Fail - Minister Humphreys can still push the bill through in its current form. We therefore need our members to contact their Fianna Fail representatives as soon as possible to express your objections to the proposed changes. Click on the following link for all the information you need on how to help. http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/OurWork/PolicyAdvocacy/Agricultureforestry/HedgecuttingUplandburningLegalchanges/FLASHCAMPAIGNTOPROTECTIRISHNATURELAWS/tabid/1567/Default.aspx

Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

The Madness Begins! The starlings have begun to roost in the reed beds at Lilliput, Lough Ennel. They will soon be joined by their Scandinavian companions. 4.15 - 4.45pm at the boathouse at Lilliput.

Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

Another lovely selection of photos from Westmeath Branch member John McCauley. These were all taken yesterday at Lough Boora Parklands. #loughboora

Timeline Photos

Our next branch event is our November meeting - this Thursday 10th November - 8pm Bloomfield House Hotel. Guest speaker - David Fallon, Ecologist with Bord na Mona - to give us an update on Bord na Mona's conservation projects. Free event - all welcome.

Photos from Birdwatch Ireland Westmeath Branch's post

Thanks to branch member John McCauley for these 2 terrific shots of a Buzzard - taken just outside Mullingar yesterday.