Birdwatching at the Cliffs of Moher

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Birdwatching at the Cliffs of Moher

The following text is by Congella McGuire: The Cliffs of Moher – one of Ireland’s most important bird-breeding sites. The Cliffs of Moher hold one of the major colonies of cliff nesting area in Ireland. This area was designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive in 1989. Included within the designated area are the cliffs, the cliff-top maritime grassland and heath, and a 2---meter zone of open water, directly in front of the cliffs to protect part of the birds feeding area. The designation covers 200 hectares and highlights the area’s importance for wildlife. There are more than 20 species of nesting birds within the area, including 9 species of breeding seabirds Up to 30,000 breeding pairs of seabirds are flound annually at the Cliffs of Moher. From May to August the gregarious seabirds fill the cliffs with their colour and sound. The horizontal beds of shale and sandstone (flagstone) layers provide ideal nesting ledges for seabirds. The cliffs hold one of the five largest concentrations in Ireland for four species of seabirds i.e. Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar and Kittiwake, all in nationally important numbers. Many of the species counted in 1999, appear to have increased in numbers since they were last surveyed in 1987. The counts below are from the Seabird 2000 census and were supplied by Birdwatch Ireland and Dúchas – the Heritage service. The Cliffs of Moher holds the largest mainland colony of Puffins: (1,365 individual adults) in Ireland. The main colony can be seen at Goat island just under the first viewing point. There are smaller colonies on the grassy summits to the north and south of this area. This small comical bird with its black and white evening suit and colourful bill is sometimes called the sea parrot. Razorbill: numbers (7,700 individuals) in particular seem to have increased at the Cliffs and the site is of international importance for this species. It is recognised by its broader and heavy marked bill.