Great Spotted Woodpecker Sighting on Cloonlarge Loop.

We are delighted to tell you, that well know local teacher Declan Donlon. reported to us a sighting of Great Spotted Woodpecker on the Cloonlarge Loop. Unfortunately, Declan didn’t get a photo himself but thanks to the support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service we can share this fantastic photo taken by Owen Murphy from the Breeding Waders EIP. Thank you Owen and Well Done Declan!

We will all be keeping an eye out now, with cameras at the ready. The Great Spotted Woodpecker was absent from Ireland, until around 15 years ago. Since then, the species has been slowly increasing its population and expanding into new areas.

The bird does not sing, but makes a distinctive drumming display from early spring onwards.

Wonders never cease on the magical Cloonlarge Loop!