The Shannon Callows are the flood lands of
the river Shannon between Athlone and Portumna and are designated as both an
SPA and SAC. They are one of the most important breeding sites in the country
for lapwing, redshank, curlew and snipe and the largest of all wet grassland
sites. As part of my job, I’m lucky
enough to watch the breeding season unfold for each of these birds. I see their
trials, and their triumphs. I also get to watch winter progress into spring and
summer in one of the rarest and most beautiful landscapes in Ireland. Winter migrants such as Whooper swan, Golden
Plover, Dunlin, Shoveler and Pintail leave as summer visitors like Whinchat and
Wheatear arrive. Flooded land turns into a wonderful expanse of flower rich
grassland, alive with the sound of bees going about their business on a summer’s
day.
Over
the season I hope to make regular updates to this blog, sharing with you the
progress of the wader breeding season and the sights and sounds of the Shannon
Callows.
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| Winter flood on the Commonage Bullock Island © B. Caffrey |
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| The Shannon Callows in summer © N. Warnock |
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