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Description
Lingstown is a large expanse of reedbed which makes up part of the Tacumshin Lake complex. While the rest of Tacumshin Lake offers more variety in species and easier birding, Lingstown deserves its own recognition for being one of the best places in Ireland to see and hear some of Irelands rarest breeding species and reedbed specialists. The reedbed here is one of the few sites in Ireland where Bearded Tit breed. Lingstown is also one of the best places in Ireland to find Cetti's Warbler. This species is a recent coloniser in the country and there is a good possibility that the species will begin breeding in Lingstown in the near future, if not already. Like with most reedbed species, these two species are difficult to find and a mix of patience, a good ear and a slice of luck will reward any determined birder!
Other breeding species that can be found here include Reed Warbler and Water Rail, both of which have large breeding populations relative to the rest of the country. Common Cuckoo, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler and Stock Dove are also regualrly observed here, the latter of which can be found in the neighbouring farmland or in the trees bordering the reedbed.
Lingstown is also an excellent site for oberving raptors. It is one of the best places in Ireland to see Western Marsh Harrier, with hopes that the species will attempt to breed here more regularly in the future. Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl are regulalry observed here during the passage and winter months. Lingstown is also a great site for rare raptors, with records in recent years including Northern Harrier, Montagu's Harrier and Eurasian Hobby. Other rarities that have been recorded here in recent years include Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret and Spotted Crake.
It's well worth visiting the site in addition to a visit to Tacumshin Lake (see other listed birdingplace) for a short visit or spending a few hours at a vantage point seperately.
Details
Access
Lingstown is west of the parking areas for Tacumshin Lake and is near the village of Tomhaggard. There are a number of parking options available (see map). Lingstown is best accessed by car or bicycle and is probably too far a walk from Tacumshin Lake itself. It is also possible to take the 383 Bus Eireann bus from Wexford Bus Station or Kilmore Quay to Tenacre Cross and one can walk to Lingstown from there (roughly 2 km). Keep in mind this bus only goes once in the morning and once in the evening on Wednesdays and Saturdays only (see link below)!
Terrain and Habitat
Reedbeds , Agriculture , Scattered trees and bushes , WetlandConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Summer , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Lingstown is often visited at sunset during the winter months as there are great opportunities to see small numbers of Hen Harrier and Western Marsh Harrier go to roost in the reeds. Its also a good time to see large numbers of waterbirds flying to Tacumshin Lake to forage and roost for the night.
It should be noted that livestock are present in the fields at certain times of the year and to be mindful of this when picking a vantage point for birding here.