Nimmo's Pier

What better way to escape the post-Christmas depression and turkey sandwiches than a trip to Ireland? Steve Menzie any myself left Holyhead in the early hours of the 27th, arriving in Dublin that morning. Unfortunately, Steve was just starting a heavy cold with a constant dripping nose which, combined with about an hour of sleep, resulted in a drive across to the west coast that dragged a little. A couple of hours and a full box of tissues later, we arrived in Galway. A wander along Nimmo's pier was quite good with 3 adult Ring-billed Gulls, a 1cy Iceland Gull and a couple of Sandwich Terns off shore and an adult Iceland Gull. It was FREEZING though, Steve retired to the car soon, while i walked the beaches, with the addition of an adult Iceland Gull and a few other bits and bobs.

From top: Wren, Rook, Rock Pipit and Hooded Crow © Ashley Howe

A drive along the coast to the west of Galway provided little of note. The afternoon, back at Nimmo's, was much the same as the morning with the addition of a 1cy Glaucous Gull. After failing to find a B&B that was open over Christmas, we spend a long cold night in the car.

1st winter Glaucous Gull at low tide at Nimmo's Pier © Ashley Howe