Rare sightings of ‘stunning’ Bluethroat in Waterford and Wexford
A colourful bird species that has not been sighted in Ireland in five years has been frequenting the southeast over the past week.
According to Ireland’s National Biodiversity Data Centre and Irishbirding.com, sightings of the Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) are relatively rare with the last reported sightings occurring in 2020.
8 sightings of the bird have been recorded in the past 7 days at Helvick Head and Brownstone Head in County Waterford, and at Hook Head in County Wexford.
Only 48 such sightings have been made since September 1954.
The small Robin-like migratory bird is a member of the thrush family.
The male Bluethroat is notable for its striking blue and red throat and its flashing reddish tail.
Wintering in the northeast Africa, the Middle East and in southern Asia, the Bluethroat is an infrequent visitor to Ireland, but is more often found breeding in western Alaska and northern Europe.
Belfast-based nature photographer, Stephen Dunbar photographed the bird in Waterford on Monday.
He posted on X, ”A great days birding in Waterford, fantastic views of the Bluethroat, a stunning bird.”
The Bluethroat was last spotted visiting Irish shores in October 2020 when it was sighted in Cork and on the island of Inishbofin, located off the coast of Galway.
Previous sightings were recorded in 2018, 2015, 2013 and 2012.
