The Kumlien's, Skate & Ladybird.

A few more shots of the second-winter Kumlien's Gull that's been hanging around Omey Island now for a while. Spent most of its time sat up on a chimney of a derelict cottage.

Kumlien's Cottage

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Second-winter Kumlien's Gull, Omey Island, 10th February 2016.

Martin O'Malley told me that one of the Brent Geese in Kingstown Bay at the end of Sky Road was colour ringed. While I had at least 25 geese a few days later most stayed swimming around in the water which wasn't very helpful for reading rings. Martin also showed me this eggcase along with quite a large dead embryo inside. It definitely a Common Skate of some sort, the first one I've seen since taking an interest in eggcases in recent months. It was still covering in brown bark-like material which normally wears off to relieve the black leathery eggcase below which is just about visible on this one. Clew Bay in county Mayo was a renowned fishing ground for the species once apon a time. Martin also said he used to regularly come across them during his fishing years and says that they're are still a few in the area. Though they were once a common species throughout Ireland they are now listed as endangered by the ICUN due to overfishing which has decimated the population unfortunately. Commerical fishing of the species is now prohibited but are still popular amongst recreational fishermen (rod and line) but are obliged to release them once caught. They have a lifespan of 20 - 100 years. The largest can reach up to 100kg/221 lbs in weight with a 2.4 metre/8 foot "wingspan". Common Skate is now believed to relate to two different species - Flapper Skate and Blue Skate.  I'm waiting for news back from the Shark Trust to see if it can be identified down to either species.

Common/Flapper/Blue Skate, Kingstown Bay, Clifden, 15th February 2016.

I had this Eleven-spotted Ladybird out on Tawin Island last week when I was down there. Can't say I've seen one before. I normally only see the common Seven-spotted ones.

Eleven-spotted Ladybird, Tawin Island.