BOBOLINK IN DONEGAL
In the middle of September, a strong system hit north-west Europe including Iceland, Scandinavia, Scotland, but more importantly the northernmost parts of Ireland. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Swainson’s Thrush had been found off Scotland as a direct result of the recent fast-moving storm. On the 20 th September 2020, I was woken to a phone call from Conor Foley at 10:20 … yes, I was still asleep at that time. I was almost wondering why he was ringing at this ridiculously early time, basically the middle of the night. I answered and I was immediately greeted to “have you not heard the news?” … I hadn’t. “Bobolink on Fanad Head” I couldn’t believe it. I quickly rang the other usual lads and was on the road up to John Cusack’s within minutes. Wilton Farrelly had just gone and found a fourth for Ireland and the first Bobolink in 17 years. Incredible stuff. There was one catch, the bird hadn’t been seen in an hour. Despite the negative news John, Vanessa, Michael and myself bombed it