Birds of Stephenstown Pond

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To detail the vast selection of birds that may be seen at Stephenstown Pond could fill many volumes. For the purposes of your visit to this site I will mention the common species, and give some detail on just a few of the birds to be found around the pond. This list does not follow any scientifically accepted sequence, but is designed for ease of reading.

The more common Woodland and Grassland birds found here all year round include the Robin (Erithacus rudecula) whose pleasant warbling brightens even a cold Winter's day. Robins are extremely possessive of their territories, and visitors to the pond will often see aggressive territorial disputes between males. The Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Blackbird (Turdus merula), Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus), Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris), and Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) are resident at the pond. The Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula), while one of Irelands prettiest birds can also be one of the most destructive. It eats the buds of fruit trees and flowering shrubs thus destroying much of the flowers and fruits of the year. Fortunately, Bullfinch numbers do not pose a threat at Stephenstown Pond. Other common residents include the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), Dunnock (Prunella modularis), Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis), and Pied Wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii). The elegant Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) can be found hunting for insect food around the steams that flow into the pond. This black, grey, and yellow bird feeds on flies and midges, and may sometimes take Dragonflies and Mayflies. The crow family is represented by Rook (Corvus frugilegus), Jackdaw (Corvus monedula), Magpie (Pica pica), Hooded Crow (Corvus corone cornix) and the occasional Jay (Garrulus glandarius). These opportunists will take any food available, including the eggs and chicks of other birds.

Visitors to the Pond site always enjoy watching the antics of the many Blue Tits (Parus caeruleus), Great Tits (Parus major), Coal Tits (Parus ater), and Long-tailed Tits (Aegithalos caudatus). Ireland's tiniest bird, the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) is a common year round visitor to the park. The female has a yellow crest, while the crest of the male is yellow with an orange centre. The song and calls of Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) and Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) are a delight. Flocks (or Charms) of Goldfinch can often be seen picking out the seed of Thistles. Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) occasionally visit the pond area, and can be seen at any time of year. Winter often brings small numbers of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) to the quiet waters of the pond.

As in any balanced natural environment, Stephenstown Pond has its share of predators. In the world of birds, these take the form of the Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and Barn Owl (Tyto alba). The marsh area provides these hunters with adequate food in the form of small mammals and birds.

Swallows (Hirundo rustica), Swifts (Apus apus), and House Martins (Delichon urbica) mark the arrival of Summer at the pond. Other Summer migrant visitors include the Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) and Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata). Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus), and Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) may visit the Willow Copse and Wetland areas.

Winter migrants such as Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris), and Redwing (Turdus iliacus) arrive at the site to feed on the abundant berries and Ash-keys. The spectacular Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) has been known to visit the pond during the Winter months.

Another member of the grebe family is present at the pond all year round, and has bred successfully for a number of years. The Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) - also known as the Dabchick - is an endearing little bird. It dives frequently in its search for small fish and insects.

The pond, and its rich swamp area, is an important breeding area for many water-loving birds. The reed beds offer protection for the nests and young of several species. Mallard (Anas Platyrhynchos) are the most common of the ducks on Stephenstown Pond. Their numbers have been kept high by the constant feeding provided by visitors to the pond. Children need little encouragement to bring along a crust of bread for the ducks. Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) and Coots (Fulica atra) are very common here. These two birds are often needlessly confused. The Moorhen has a red and yellow bill whereas the Coot's is white. The Moorhens spend most of their time in waterside vegetation (such as the Waterlillies) searching for water plants, berries, insects, and snails. The Coots hunt in open water, often diving below the surface to find weeds and underwater creatures. Coots are territorial, and are particularly aggressive to both other birds and their own kind during the breeding season.

Another aggressive bird is the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). Admired for their beauty and gracefulness, these majestic birds often drive off (and sometimes kill) other water birds which dare to enter their territory. The Mute Swan, in spite of its name is not silent, but is capable of producing a variety of calls, snorts and hisses. The fluffy young, or Cygnets, are born in July and are regularly carried on their parent's back for protection.

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