Perched on the wild and rugged coastline of County Mayo, Downpatrick Head offers bird enthusiasts a front-row seat to one of nature’s most captivating spectacles. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of seabird colonies in summer or the dynamic migration activity in autumn, this iconic location promises a rewarding experience.
During the summer months, the cliffs of Downpatrick Head come alive with the cacophony of breeding seabirds. Among the most prominent are Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), small gulls known for their elegant flight and distinctive call, which gives them their name. Their nests, precariously perched on narrow ledges, are a testament to their adaptability and resilience. The share their nesting sites with the Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), which nest on the steep cliff faces. These birds, related to the albatross, are easily recognized by their stiff-winged flight and distinctive tube noses, which help them excrete excess salt from their diet.
The Common Guillemot (Uria aalge) and Razorbill (Alca torda) also breed here in large numbers, their slender bodies and sharp beaks perfectly adapted to life on the edge. These auks are often seen diving into the sea to catch fish, their sleek black-and-white plumage making them stand out against the ocean backdrop.
Offshore, the waters near Downpatrick Head attract loitering Great Skuas (Stercorarius skua), known for their aggressive behavior towards other seabirds. These powerful birds, also known as “Bonxies,” are a thrill to spot as they patrol the area, often chasing other birds to steal their food.
Passing through the area are Manx Shearwaters (Puffinus puffinus), which glide effortlessly over the waves, and Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis), identified by their slender bodies and graceful dives for fish. Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) are also seen offshore, their distinctive orange beaks and comical appearance making them a favorite among birdwatchers.
As autumn arrives, Downpatrick Head, along with nearby Kilcummin, becomes a prime spot for seawatching, especially with favorable onshore winds. Shearwaters and European Storm-Petrels (Hydrobates pelagicus) can often be seen passing close inshore.
Downpatrick Head is a spectacular headland, alive with the characteristic ‘buzz’ of a seabird colony not only during the summer months. Downpatrick Head is located approximately 5km north of Ballycastle off the R314 along the north Mayo coast.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.