Kilbogget Park - 10th March 2024.
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South Dublin Members,Kilbogget Park, 10th March 2024 (picture: Des Higgins)
Expectations for worthwhile birding at the Kilbogget Park outing were low as on the morning it was cold, wet, and gloomy with no improvement in the weather forecast. However, undeterred a group of 20 South Dublin members gathered by the Granville Road entrance at 10:00 at which time almost uncannily it stopped raining and remained dry for the duration of the event. This lifted everyone’s spirits and for the next few hours springtime returned with airborne dancing midges, Wood Pigeons performing display flights, Song Thrushes calling, and a Hooded Crow nest building.
Kingfisher, Kilbogget Park, 10th March 2024 (picture: Gustavo Zoladz)
The park, which was once a landfill site, was transformed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council into a marvellous recreational amenity and wildlife sanctuary the later developed from the re-shaping of the Deans Grange Stream to create ponds and wetland habitats. The payoff to biodiversity from this admirable effort was evident as in less than 2 hours on the 2km walking trail when an impressive 39 bird species were tallied. For a comprehensive list of species seen on the day please check out this eBird webpage set up by branch member Simon Robinson.
The highlights included several sightings of a Kingfisher darting along the water’s edge and when it stopped to perch on low hanging tree branches. Everyone was delighted and a few commented it was their first encounter with this iconic bird which was a magical experience.
Grey Wagtail, Kilbogget Park, 10th March 2024 (picture: Gustavo Zoladz)
There were picturesque views of Light-Bellied Brent Geese Skeins flying overhead framed by the Willow trees and emerging Yellow Flag Irises below. Two Grey Wagtails with their yellow plumage looking especially bright in the low light were watched from the bridge near the flood storage system.
However, the star attraction of the morning was undoubtedly a Water Rail first spotted by Gustavo Zoladz. Every bird reference guide describes how this little bird is shy, evasive, more often heard than seen and only reliably observed when skulking around the base of reed beds at twilight.
Water Rail, Kilbogget Park, 10th March 2024 (picture: Gustavo Zoladz)
However, the one viewed on the outing was none of those things as the group watched in disbelief as it confidently and uncharacteristically swam across the open water before eventually vanishing into vegetation resembling a small skinny Moorhen while on its way. Even veteran birdwatchers present commented that they had seldom seen the bird and were unaware that they were proficient swimmers.
Water Rails are resident in Ireland with the numbers bolstered in winter by migrants from northern Europe. Surprisingly, they are believed to be relatively common, but the population size is difficult to estimate on account of their elusive behaviour.
Some More Pictures
Some more pictures taken on the day by Gustavo Zoladz.
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Kilbogget Park should be regarded as a prime location for Dublin birdwatchers and many of those attending expressed that they were eager to return later in the spring. Des Higgins led the event which concluded at 11:45 just when the rain was returning. None of those attending who had reluctantly ejected themselves out of bed on that miserable Sunday morning could have anticipated the enjoyable and rewarding experience that lay ahead.