Lough Erne

Lough Erne occupies both Co. Cavan and Co. Fermanagh. The main waterways are located in Co. Fermanagh, although part of Upper Lough Erne touches into Co. Cavan.

Its name finds its origins in one of the ancient tribes of the Fir Bolg, the Éirnai. The Fir Bolg were the people that occupied Ireland before the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Irish, Loch Éirne means ‘ Lake of the Éirnai’.

 

Curlew

The Curlew (Numenius arquata) is the largest wading bird in the Europe. It is very widespread, with its range extending east to the Urals and from Scandinavia and Russia in the north. It is easily recognisable by its long curved bill, brown upper plumage and long legs. There has been a decline in its population across Europe which may be due to agricultural intensification. It is resident in Ireland throughout the year. It breeds in damp pastures and meadows, boglands in and some lowlands agricultural areas. Curlews generally winter in coastal areas in Britain, but in Ireland they over winter in inland areas as well. Curlews use their long bills to hunt out worms, shellfish and shrimps in coastal muddy areas. Curlews are among the red list species of conservation concern in Ireland as specified by Birdwatch Ireland and RSPB Northern Ireland.

Curlew

Curlew

The Curlew (Numenius arquata) is the largest wading bird in the Europe. It is very widespread, with its range extending east to the Urals and from Scandinavia and Russia in the north. It is easily recognisable by its long curved bill, brown upper plumage and long legs. There has been a decline in its population across Europe which may be due to agricultural intensification. It is resident in Ireland throughout the year. It breeds in damp pastures and meadows, boglands in and some lowlands agricultural areas. Curlews generally winter in coastal areas in Britain, but in Ireland they over winter in inland areas as well. Curlews use their long bills to hunt out worms, shellfish and shrimps in coastal muddy areas. Curlews are among the red list species of conservation concern in Ireland as specified by Birdwatch Ireland and RSPB Northern Ireland.

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Redshank

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Courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland
Redshank
Courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland

Redshank

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Courtesy of BirdWatch Ireland
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Grey Heron

The Grey Heron[Ardea cinerea]

Lorcan Scott Duchas
Grey Heron
Lorcan Scott Duchas

Grey Heron

The Grey Heron[Ardea cinerea]

Lorcan Scott Duchas
Enlarge image



Along the upper shores of Lough Erne, the nesting areas of the curlew, great crested grebe and the redshank can be found. This is also the wintering location of roughly 5% of the world’s whooper swan population. It is a paradise for birds.

Much of the lakeshores of Cavan are covered by marshlands. These undisturbed areas attract birds looking for a safe place to nest.

On Upper Lough Erne, close to Crom Castle , is Inishfendra Island . This island is Ireland ’s largest heronry, where herons build their nests and breed.


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