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Description
Inishbofin is a scenic island with plenty of birding opportunities throughout the year and is well worth a day or weekend trip. The southern section of the island is mainly composed of agricultural land and this is where multiple pairs of breeding Ορτυκομάνα are found, thanks to traditional farming methods and strong local conservation initatives. If staying overnight, you will most likely hear them from the bed, especially from the Inishbofin hostel/camp site and Dolphin Hotel! Other species that breed in this part of the island include (Ευρωπαϊκή) Καλημάνα, (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι and (Κοινή) Σιταρήθρα.
The northern section of the island is more rugged, hilly and interspersed with pools of varying sizes. The coastline is also more dramatic, with steep cliffs, blow holes and sea stacks present. Αμμοσφυριχτής, Ακτίτης, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Στρειδοφάγος and Σταχτοπετρόκλης breed in this part of the island. On the cliffs and sea stacks, there are Northern Fulmar and (Ευρωπαϊκός) Θαλασσοκόρακας breeding. The nest holes of Μύχος can be seen in a few locations in the northern section of the island and the birds may be seen or heard if visiting after sunset. There are also wild Αγριοπερίστερο that still breed on the cliffs and sea caves. Κοκκινοκαλιακούδα can also be found here, particularly in the north-western part of the island. In the winter, a significant flock of wintering Barnacle Goose can be seen on the island or commuting to nearby Inishshark Island.
Inishbofin is also famous for its rarities that turn up during spring and autumn migration and make it a go to destination for many birders at that time of year. During spring migration, (Ευρωπαϊκό) Τρυγόνι, (Ευρωπαϊκός) Συκοφάγος and Τσαλαπετεινός have been recorded on multiple occasions in recent years. Similarly, Χιονοφυλλοσκόπος, Γερακοτσιροβάκος, Κιτρινόφρυδος Φυλλοσκόπος, Στραβολαίμης, Lapland Bunting and (Κοινή) Ροδόσπιζα have been recorded recently during autumn migration. The last few autumn migrations on the island have produced some impressive North American species, including Alder Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Blackpoll Warbler, Black and White Warbler and Tennessee Warbler!
Details
Access
Inishbofin can be accessed by the ferry that runs between Cleggan and the island multiple times a day throughout the year. There is car parking available at Cleggan or its possible to get a bus there from Galway City. Once on the island, its possible to rent bicycles near the pier. The island can be explored through the many roads and trails that wind across the island and there are multiple accomodation options if planning to stay for more than one day.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Agriculture , Beach , Lake , Pond , Canyon/cliff , SeaConditions
Flat , Hilly , RockyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migration , SummerRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
A birdwatching tour package is available with the Dolphin Hotel, usually taking place in the summer months (see link below)
Links
- Ebird for Inishbofin
- Ferry Timetable
- Birdwatching breaks with the Dolphin Hotel
- Inishbofin Hostel and campsite