The level of birdsong varies along the trail, no doubt the level of broadleaved trees and degree of openness and light resulting in more birds in some areas than others. Sometimes it is good to just stop and listen.
 |
| Blackcap – Photo by Sarah Gould |
Birds tend to be more active in the early morning and late afternoon while their singing is strongest in spring and early summer.
Summer song is dominated here by migrants such as Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff that will all migrate south when the breeding season is over.
 |
| Willow Warbler – Photo by Tom Lee |
The native species the Jay (Scréachóg) is a woodland specialist, and you should be lucky enough to see them, especially as they are one of the most colourful and striking native species, but if not then you may hear their loud chattering within the woodland.
 |
| Jay – Photo by Derek Parker |
Listen out for the ‘mewing’ of the Buzzard too. This bird-of-prey is now frequently observed in the area and has made a great comeback across Ireland having been driven to extinction in the early part of the 20th century.
 |
| Buzzard – Photo by Andy Morffew |
Continuing down the track toward Stop 8, we pass mature Lawson Cypress.
Note the historic field boundaries within the mature plantation giving us clues about the former land use of the forest.
If you are lucky you may get to see an Irish hare (Giorria).
| 🡸 Stop 6 | Stop 8 🡺 |