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Donegal provides a habitat for a wide variety of birds, both native and visiting. If you enjoy birdwatching, an excellent place to visit is Inch Wildfowl reserve which delivers a world-class visitor and outdoor recreation attraction. Check out their website for an overview of the species to be found passing through the reserve in both summer and winter time. These include the Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper and Great Crested Grebe and many others.
Golden Eagle reintroduction
Glenveagh National Park has recently reintroduced the Golden Eagle to the area. For further information on this exciting project, view the Glenveagh website. Also visit the Golden Eagle Trust for detailed information on the reintroduction programme across Ireland. It is estimated that there are now 7-10 pairs of breeding golden eagles in Donegal.
Our site enjoys an annual springtime visit from a cuckoo and an occasional sighting of the above-mentioned Golden Eagles. Buzzards are also regularly spotted along with a wide variety of native and migratory birds. See Birdwatch Ireland for a wealth of information on species to look out for.
Another great destination for the birdwatcher is Horn Head near Dunfanaghy. These cliffs rise straight out of the water to a height of about 600 ft/180 m on the ocean side of the peninsula. They are an internationally important colony for breeding seabirds. Species include the European shag and the razorbill. It is designated as an Irish Natural Heritage Area and as a refuge for fauna specifically seabirds. Horn Head cliffs are also designated a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation by the Irish government.
Tory Island is a nature lovers paradise and also plays host to a wide variety of species including the endangered Corncrake.
