Just back from a week in NI. Didn't do any hardcore birding but still got a nice list.
Highlight of the week was a juvenile Cuckoo still being fed by Meadow Pipits at Murlough on the 1st of August. Also good numbers Stonechats with fledglings present as well as a very attractive Common Blue Butterfly.
Newcastle harbour had it's usual flock of Black Guillemots close in every day, whilst Gannet, Common Guillemot, Manx Shearwater, Kittiwake, Sandwich Tern and Fulmar could all be regularly spotted feeding further out over bay. Plenty of Redshank and Turnstone about as well.
Also, a Red Kite near Tyrella Beach on Saturday and another just south of Ballynahinch on Sunday.
Cuckoo aside, the other highlight was a Hummingbird Hawk Moth (a lifer!) that was feeding on my in-laws buddleia that, in a brief 30 minute spell, was besieged by Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Large White and Silver-washed Fritillary.
Oh. There was one other highlight... I finally proposed to my girlfriend and she - crazy dame that she is - said "yes"!
