Birds of Prey
Eurasian Sparrowhawk / Spioróg
What?
Birds of prey are some of our lesser-known birds and some are rarely seen - they need to keep their presence a secret to hunt successfully. As soon as their cover is blown the game is up. It just takes one eagle-eyed (pardon the pun!) member of the flock to sound the alarm and the whole buffet takes to the air and the bird of prey goes home hungry. Life is tough when everyone wants to avoid you.
Who?
Also known as raptors, birds of prey are those which feed on other birds or mammals, but they can also feed on fish, insects, frogs and lizards. On Iveragh, in order of size, you might encounter Merlin (Meirliún), Sparrowhawk (Spioróg), Kestrel (Pocaire gaoithe), Barn Owl (Scréachóg reilige), Long-earned Owl (Ceann cait), Peregrine (Seabhac seilge), Buzzard (Clamhán), or the mighty White-tailed Eagle (Iolar mara).
To see them, one tip is to look in the air or trees above a flock of birds to see if a raptor is planning an attack. Another tip is to listen for alarm calls of smaller birds. A frantic series of loud calls is often a way birds signal danger to each other and to let the raptor, or other predator, know “We see you! Don’t bother!”.
When?
One that is especially elusive is the Hen Harrier (Cromán na gcearc). Spring is a time to look above our heather moorlands to hopefully see why these birds are known as ‘sky dancers’. The male (grey-white) and larger female (streaked brown) engage in a courtship display including spiralling flights and a mid-air passing of food from the talons of one bird to the talons of the other. Winter is an opportunity to look for additional species on migration. Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier and Osprey may be tempted by our milder winters so, no matter the time of year, keep your eyes on the skies.
Common Kestrel / Pocaire gaoithe
Eurasian Sparrowhawk / Spioróg
A sparrowhawk in Carhan Woods, Cahersiveen
Eurasian Sparrowhawk / Spioróg
A common kestrel / Pocaire gaoithe
Common Kestrel / Pocaire gaoithe
Peregrine Falcon / Seabhac seilge
