Saturday 9 November 2013

Dundrum Bay & Mourne Mountains

This was Eileen's last day of full birding and she wanted to see the Mountains of Mourne sweeping down to the sea at Newcastle, County Down.  We headed down in that direction and one great birding site just before you reach there is Dundrum Bay, both inner and outer channels.  I am included quite a number of scenic shots so that you see what the area looks like.
 
 
As we passed a small stream there was a Little Egret.  I am featuring this bird on my 'Saturday ' post tomorrow so tune in and read about this beautiful bird.
 
 
This is a Grey Heron being mobbed by Crows but I did get it on video so you can see it better at the end of this post.
 
 
This is a shot to the left of this channel and there is a wonderful path that lends along it in both direction although we didn't have the time to do that.  As we stopped at a little bridge for our coffee we were entertained by small birds flying and singing to us.
 
 
This is the view to the left of this path and for Eileen, this was her first views of the Mountains of Mournes sweeping down to the sea.
 
 
This was the outer Dundrum Bay and closer views of the Mournes.
 
 
As you can see the tide was out so there were quite a number of waders such as Oycetercatcher, Lapwing. Godwit, Redshank, Greenshank, at least 6 more Little Egrets, several Heron, Wigeon and Mallard ducks.
 
 
 
 
Little Egret
 
 
Of course there were the usual Gulls and I have deliberately  put this shot in so that you can see how good a site it is for birding and although there are birds in it they are hard to find.
 
 
Redshank, Greenshank and Mallard
 
 
 
 
 Grey Heron
 
 
 
 
 At last, we arrive in Newcastle and there is a magnificent Hotel there called Slieve Donard (that is called after the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains.)  The Swimming pool look onto the sea here.  The song (I know some of your know it) is written by Irish born Percy French and tells the story of him going to London for the first time and writing about it to Mary, his beloved wife back home in Ireland.
 
 
 
 
 This panorama shot is Eileen's.
 
 
Time was running out however we made our way to Castlewellan (about 2 miles from Newcastle) to see if we could see the Red Kites.  They had released quite a number about 3-4 years ago at this place however we didn't see any but just breathed in the beauty and peacefulness of this area.
 
 
 
 
 You can access the video at

http://youtu.be/DFYbQk5tX48

If there is a black space below, click it and the video will appear.
 
 


I hope you enjoyed not only the birds seen but also our beautiful scenry around that part of the world.  Sorry I zoomed the video too quickly in parts.
 
Many thanks for visiting and thanks for all your comments.
 
Tomorrow for my 'Saturday's Post, I will be featuring a

"Little Egret".

34 comments:

  1. Wow. Those are some charming country photos!

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  2. The countryside is so green and beautiful. And I always love egrets! ;)

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  3. That's some beautiful scenery there Margaret and it looks like a great place to go birding too?....[;o)

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    1. HI Trevor Yes I love it adn of coursse we did have good weather. it is not always that good, hengrass se having so many green fields due to the irish rain!! Thanks for your comment.

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  4. the view of the valley is wonderful! i love egrets and herons.

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    1. Hi Tex. Glad you liked the Egrets and Herons and thanks for comments

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  5. I adore that shot of the bridge. Just beautiful.

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    1. Hi Mama. gald you liked the bridge and thanks for comment.

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  6. I love patchwork countrysides...is that an old Roman bridge par chance? the bird shots are just wonderful.

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    1. Hi Lynn. mt computer. Or blogger is playing up so I am trying the answer comments on my mini ipad!!!!! I really cannot see if what I right is correct. Anyway I am glad you like the countryside and images. Do not know anything about that bridge. thanks for comments and excuse spelling!!!!

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  7. the bridge image is my favorite but all are wonderful!! what gorgeous countryside!!

    i think the egret's may be snowy's as i think i see yellow galoshes!!

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    1. hi Debbie. gald you liked the bridge and countryside. these Egrets that I photographed are called Little Egrets. look at tomorrow,s post and you may understand it better. many thanks for comment. We do not have Snowy Egrets here.

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  8. A birder's paradise :) The scenery is jaw-dropping!

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    1. HI Denise I am soglad you enjoyed the scenery and birds. Thanks for comment.

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  9. Really beautiful scenic shots there Margaret. You really do live in a wonderful area both for birds and the landscape. The sweep of the bay at Newcastle is superb.

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    1. HI Phil I am very glad you enjoyed the scenery and the birds. I am so fortunate. Thanks for comments

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  10. beautiful countryside, beach and birding places. Would like to go there myself.

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    1. HI Glad you enjoyedd the scenery and birds. Thank for comment.

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  11. Brilliant scenery, and the Egrets alive and kicking, beauty estuary.

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    1. HI Bob Many thas for your commnts. i am glad you enjoyed the scenery and Egrets.

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  12. I really enjoy seeing the scenic shots (and I too live just 56 klms from Newcastle, but in Australia). Beautiful walks and I'd love the coffee stop too

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  13. It's too bad you didn't see any Red Kites, but you got some great pictures of other birds. And of course the scenery was absolutely gorgeous.

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  14. Gorgeous scenery in that area, Margaret. I know you enjoyed it… The Panorama shot is neat! I love that bridge also. Enjoyed the bird video.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  15. Lovely photos. My favorite is the bridge and its reflection in front of the patchwork landscape.

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  16. Truly beautiful - and a green I simply never see in my part of Oz.

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  17. Beautiful landscapes, Margaret.
    The egret is also lovely.
    Very nice weekend.
    Greetings Irma

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  18. Great set of pictures - reminds me of some of the trips I took to Ireland many years ago - I will have to come back, but its a bit too far for a weekend trip!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. HI Stewart Yes, it is a bit far for a weekend. You are always welcome here. Thanks for comment.

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  19. Beautiful landscape shots Margaret. Lovely scenery and great birding - what more could you want :)

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  20. What a beautiful place! Would love to be there taking photos of all the birds. Thanks for sharing your photos for those of us who won't ever get there :-)

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  21. Wonderful photos! It looks like a very beautiful area.

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  22. A beautiful place indeed, and I enjoyed all the waterbirds!

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  23. HI Kenneth Glad you enjoyed the area adn waterbirds. thanks for comment.

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