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The Lough

Cork  >  Ireland

A limestone lake in Cork City known for its wintering Northern Shoveler and rare gulls.

Added* by Luke Lambert
Most recent update 3 June 2024

Description

The Lough is a lake in south-west Cork City that holds interesting waterbirds, particularly in the winter months. Northern Shoveler can be easily seen here and at times the numbers can reach national importance. Common Teal and Tufted Duck are also regular here and occasionally Common Pochard, Gadwall and Northern Pintail can be seen. The island on the lake provides an excellent roosting area and hundreds of corvids can be seen arriving in on winter evenings and are often joined by Grey Heron and Little Egret. In recent years, Cattle Egret has also been recorded regularly.

The lake is probably best known for the chance to see rare gulls. Ring-billed Gull and Yellow-legged Gull have been seen most winters, as have Iceland Gull and Mediterranean Gull. Bonaparte's Gull and Glaucous Gull have also been observed here.

In spring and summer, the lake is much quieter but Eurasian Coot breed, as do the feral Greylag Goose.

Details

Access

The Lough is located in south-west Cork City. There is a small car park next to the Lough. Click on the P in the map for directions to the car park. Alternatively, the 214 bus stops next to the lake.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Lake

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Car , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

The Lough is also well known for its bats. Daubentons, Lesiler's and Long-eared Bats can all be found here on summer evenings.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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