Rate birdingplace Frank McManus Hide - Turvey Nature Reserve
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Parkland leading to a shallow estuary with extensive mudflats at low tide, the saltmarsh is inundated with sea water to varying degrees.
The Rogerstown Estuary / Turvey Nature Reserve is set within the inner Rogerstown estuary – a relatively small, narrow and extremely shallow estuary with extensive mudflats at low tide. The reserve was an area of reclaimed land used as grazing pasture, but is now being restored back to saltmarsh. The saltmarsh is inundated with sea water to varying degrees on a daily basis. It is during these times that the brackish grasslands and inter-tidal creeks are extremely important for birds, providing safe roosting sites for thousands of wintering wildfowl and waders. The soft mud flats, exposed during low tides, are their feeding areas. The winter time is when European Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Red Knot, Sanderling, Common Redshank, Eurasian Oystercatcher, herons, geese and ducks are numerous. During the summer Northern Lapwing breed and the surrounding trees are home to a variety of summer visitors, such as Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff and Blackcap, especially within the Turvey Parklands, managed by Fingal County Council and Fingal Birdwatch Ireland who look after the two bird hides on site.
To get to the Frank McManus Memorial South Hide Turvey Nature Reserve from Dublin, take the M1 motorway heading north, taking exit 4 signposted for Skerries, Rush, Donabate and R132. At the double roundabouts, follow signs for Skerries and Donabate and continue north (for 1.6 klm) on the R132 dual carriageway going straight through a small roundabout till reaching a larger roundabout at a large petrol garge forecourt. Take the exit for Donabate along Turvey Avenue (for 960m) A proper large car park is available at the Turvey Nature Reserve entrance. Click on the P in the map for directions. PLEASE BE AVISED, DO NOT LEAVE ANY VALUABLES IN YOUR VEHICLE WHAT SO EVER. No matter where you are or what country you are visiting. There are marked walking/cycling trails, and one leading to the Frank McManus Memorial South Hide; (See Map) please keep to these trails for your own safety and to avoid disturbance to the wildlife. Please do not open gates or climb over fences and be aware that grazing animals are present at all times of the year. Dogs are permitted in the Turvey nature reserve from September to March since kept under control, all other times dogs must be kept on lead to avoid harassment of the ground nesting birdlife and mammals.
The Rogerstown Reserve and the Turvey Parklands are open all year-round. But note that the Frank McManus Hide in the Turvey Parkland is only open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm from September to March. The North hide (see separate entry on Birdingplaces) is open year round.
Just to say thanks to Brendan Black, warden on the day I visited. A warm welcome and knowledge aplenty about the area, history, hide and birds. Got my first Lapwings and Buzzard of 2024 and enjoyed the Golden Plover, Shelduck, R.B. Merganser, Knot, Teal, Wigeon, Grey Plover, Common, Black Headed and Herring Gulls. Great couple of hours.
The first week of August isn't the best time to go birding, but one has to grasp opportunities when they arise. The view from the McManus hide included many gulls and there were also plenty Eurasian Curlew and Little Egret. Unfortunately, access to the hide is limited, which I hadn't realised (it's not mentioned in this article, although it is on the Birdwatch Ireland site), but I made the best of the view from the fence, so the walk wasn't a complete waste of time. I'd certainly have another go if I'm in Dublin in the winter.
En route to the hide, there's some pools and reedbeds which are worth inspection.
The walk to the hide is about a mile, largely along a good track. It is, however, exposed and I'd recommend taking refreshments and suitable clothing. No toilets on site.
My rating reflects the site's potential, the distance to walk, the availibilty of the hide and my own poor timing.
Thank you Axel, that you bring this to our attention. We have added the opening hours of the bird hide to the description.
Hide opening is much more restricted than that. Birdwatch Ireland states: " every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm from September to March". Worth referring to their website for current info. Oh, and a sign by the car park might be helpful.
Thanks again Axel, we added this info too.