A smiling Geraldine welcomed over 30 RTAI members to Harper’s Island Bird Sanctuary on Tuesday. ( She was unable to control the tides but her husband Martin took full credit for the glorious sunshine !) We set off with a spring in our step and soon left the traffic behind as we climbed the railway overpass leading onto the island in this secluded corner of Cork Harbour.
Two bird hides with their beautifully illustrated wall charts provide a base from which to observe the many winter visitors from as far away as Canada and Siberia. Icelandic Blacktailed Godwits and 24 other waterbird species draw many twitchers to this lovely oasis of tranquility . On my next visit I’ll travel solo and bring my “Nocklefinders” ( what my grandson calls binoculars).
After our walk on the wild side , we strolled back to Bakestone Cafe for parsnip soup, frittata, a choice of 4 quiches and salad. Having overindulged over Christmas , most of us decided to eschew the mouth watering desserts .
Mìle buìochas to Geraldine and Martin for a lovely start to the 2024 Ambler calendar .
Lá ‘le Brìde fé mhaise dìbh go léir.
Margaret Walsh.
RTAI CORK BLOG - Suíomh na Múinteoirí Scortha Chorcaí 