Harper’s Island Wetlands nature reserve is situated in the Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water complex, in the northern section of Cork Harbour. Over 125 species of bird have been seen on the nature reserve. The wetlands are an extremely important safe feeding and roosting refuge for many species of wintering waterbirds. Nearly half of the Cork Harbour Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit population roost on the island on spring high tides. At times, during the spring months, peak Black-tailed Godwit counts can exceed 2,000 birds representing over 4% of the global population. The Glounthaune Estuary/Slatty Water complex also supports populations of national importance of Shelduck, Teal, Little Grebe, Golden Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank and Black-headed Gull with Harper’s Island supporting significant components of these populations.
Meet in the car park at the entrance; – link: https://goo.gl/maps/1F2JGGiGuDtcyVk8A. The trip will be led by the local wetland’s experts.
Wellington boots are not essential, though we would recommend sensible walking shoes and dressing appropriately according to the weather. The outing will be on a limestone chip nature trail with two viewing hides.
If the weather is bad we will meet in the first viewing hide on the nature trail, the Borrow Dyke Hide. Bring binoculars if you have them.
This event is open to all. Dogs are not allowed on the nature reserve and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Check out our website www.harpersislandwetlands.ie for more information on Harper’s Island Wetlands, what to expect and how to get there.
If you need to contact the team please do so via Facebook www.facebook.com/harpersislandwetland/
We’d love to see you there sharing the site and sights with us!