Thursday 24 July 2014

GOOD FENCES - Copeland Island in June (4)

Lighthouse Island is one of the Copeland Islands, off the north eastern coast of Co Down, close to Donaghadee and the entrance to Belfast Lough.  Today I am showing you a number of fences that are for catching birds so that they can be ringed as a lot of important work goes on on the island as it is the home of the Copeland Bird Observatory.  CLICK HERE to visit their web site.




 No fence here, just thought you might like to see the beautiful Pink Campion against the blue sky!


   In 1671 James Ross obtained a fee farm grant of these islands. In 1770 David Kerr bought the islands from the Earl of Clanbrassil. A light beacon was established 1715 on what is now Lighthouse Island followed by a permanent lighthouse in 1813.   In 1884 the lighthouse, which still partially exists, was replaced by one on nearby Mew Island.  This is Nina, Richarrd and Wesley on top of the Lighthouse.



The old stairs up to the top.  In all my time on Copeland I had never been up there myself until that day.


At ground level there were 2 barred windows each 
with a Manx Shearwater in the middle of them.


This is a view from the top and now you can see Mew island.  It is no longer inhabited although there is someone responsible for keeping things in working order and a house for him to stay on when he is on Mew.


Notice the fence on the fishing boat!


These 2 shots were taken from inside the trap (fence).






View looking over the Heligoland trap.


This is beautiful view we have from the kitchen window when you are washing the dishes. (No great chore there then!)

I hope you enjoyed this post and I am linking it with Tex's meme,

Thank you for not only visiting and also to those bloggers who leave comment on this post or google +.

42 comments:

  1. Wow, gorgeous views of the island and lighthouse.. Lovely post, and photos, Margaret.

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  2. Coming in here is like being on a perpetual holiday with the best Guide! This is a gorgeous place, such interesting info you always include!

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  3. Love the views you found here!

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  4. the lighthouse is just lovely. always a fan. what a gorgeous view. i feel like those steps are super tiny. not quite of to code of us. ha. ha!! have a great weekend! ( :

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  5. always love the stone fences! like those window grates a LOT!

    glad you could link in, margaret!

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  6. Beautiful view! Love the stone fence!

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  7. I like 'em all, but the one with the 'trap' and the lighthouse in the distance is my favorite.

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  8. Gorgeous photos, Margaret. I especially love that spiral stone staircase!! Wow! Wishing you a wonderful day! blessings ~ tanna

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  9. I especially love your photo of the pink flowers against the sky.

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  10. so beautiful, all of these photos. my favorite is the stairs.. that is wonderful and i love stone fence

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  11. What a beautiful place. I love all of it.

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  12. Beautiful island. Love all the pink flowers.

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  13. Beautiful pics. I had always wondered what the pink flower is.

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  14. Copeland Island is beautiful. I think even I could enjoy doing dishes with the view there. I also like the view of Mew Island from the lighthouse.

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  15. Stone fences are my favorite. Thank you for visiting my Not So Good Fence.

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  16. Wonderful shots of this beautiful place. I love the view through the window.

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  17. All sensational views, making me wish I was there as well! But your photos are the next best thing. Very lovely visit.

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  18. Great shots of the light house!

    How do the fences work...the birds get caught underneath them?
    ~

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    1. Hi There are several different kinds of trap and there is a lot more information about the 'Copeland Island' under LABELS in the right hand column and I explain the Heligoland trap here - http://birdingforpleasure.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/good-fences-helogoland-trap.html there is much more about the ringing/banding on some of the posts and this is a very important research island for certain birds such as the Manx Sheawaters. Thank you for your comments.

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  19. It's such a wonderful place! I loved getting a bit of the history. We have Copelands in our family. I just love the campion, and oh, those windows, and well, the VIEW! Too wonderful!

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  20. Very enjoyable post Margaret, thank you!

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  21. Breathtaking photos! That pink against the sky is just beautiful!

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  22. great post, i really enjoyed the tour and beatiful photos!

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  23. A pity you didn't see the Heligoland in action Margaret - It's a fiendish device. You have some wonderful pictures of Copeland and I didn't know the manxies were captured for posterity on the windows like that. A very informative post for your followers.

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  24. Beautiful place and flowers! And I love that small gate :)

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  25. Your view is magnificent! I would want to stay outside all the time! Enjoy your week! Hugs, Diane

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  26. Another wonderful post! And good to see the work being done to tag the birds.

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  27. Stupendo questo post, meravigliose immagini e luoghi da favola. Un abbraccio
    Emi

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  28. The campion field is gorgeous! And I love the last remnant of the lighthouse.

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  29. This is absolutely beautiful!

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  30. Pretty pink flowers, nice view from the top! I wouldn't have thought to find a fence on a boat, but there you have it!

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  31. Wow Margaret, the views in your images are breathtaking and those pink flowers are gorgeous! Wonderful post! I thoroughly enjoyed viewing your photography.

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  32. Wow,Copeland Island is such wonderful place to enjoy the varieties of scene with flowers, fences,birds etc♡♡♡
    I LOVED the pink flower as well.
    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  33. What a beautiful island - love the campion and lighthouse :) Lovely photos Margaret.

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  34. Love the exploration of this lighthouse!

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  35. Beautiful pictures of Mew Island. It's gorgeous there! I do see the fence on the little red fishing boat. Very interesting about catching the birds. That is an awesome stone fence/wall. Can't imagine having that view out my kitchen window.. lucky you. Lovely!

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  36. What beautiful photos. I loved them all.

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  37. A beautiful spot Margaret and a sanctuary for the birds.
    I can tell you have a wealth of knowledge of your local birds - they are a fascinating subject!
    Wonderful fences and interesting netting traps, though I'm sure the birds won't agree with me!

    My father was a bird watch so in a way I have always been one too! From when I was knee high to a grasshopper I accompanied him on hiking trips in the New Zealand countryside!
    Thank you for your comment on my post.
    Shane

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  38. Seeing that view would definitely take one's mind off doing the dishes! :) I always enjoy your travel images.

    Thanks for your visit and comment on my fences.

    Happy weekend to you!

    Lindy

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