Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Robert Vaughan

RareBirdAlert @rarebirder.bsky.social · 1d

Finders-in-the-Field: Harlequin Ducks in Co.Donegal, an Irish first
@robertvaughani.bsky.social and two friends headed to Tory Island for an autumn bird-finding trip and end up landing on a fall of Red-eyed Vireos and Ireland's first and second Harlequin Ducks
www.rarebirdalert.co.uk/v2/Content/F...

Finders-in-the-Field: Harlequin Ducks in Co.Donegal, an Irish first

Robert Vaughan and two friends headed to Tory Island for an autumn bird-finding trip and end up landing on a fall of Red-eyed Vireos and Ireland's first and second Harlequin Ducks

www.rarebirdalert.co.uk

4 31

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 1d

Delighted that the quacks showed well for you, shame about the Vireos. I should really get out and bird more often with luck I've been having! And get the lotto tonight...

1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 1d

Thank you very much Chris

1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 1d

Thanks Ed!

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 1d

But then I spotted these 2 ducks asleep in the harbour at Maheroarty. A comical wait for them to pop their heads up, Irelands first Harlequins! Great to hear they are back again this morning. #donegalbirding

4 6 89

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 1d

It was hard to imagine the day getting much better yesterday after twitching the Grey-cheeked Thrush on Tory, and 3 Red-eyed Vireos appearing to arrive on the island after lunch. #donegalbirding

2 2 46

Reposted by Robert Vaughan

Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign @ipsc.bsky.social · 8d

🇵🇸 Look at this solidarity! Even more great civil society organisations have endorsed our National Demonstration for Palestine tomorrow. See you at the Garden of Remembrance at 12.30pm, all out for Palestine! #FreePalestine #GazaGenocide 🇵🇸

1 35 65

Reposted by Robert Vaughan

Michael Huggins @miceal.bsky.social · 11d

#donegalbirding

A lifer today for some of the county’s most enthusiastic and experienced birders - this county-first Swainson’s Thrush should have been heading from Canada to South America, not Málainn Mhóir (Malin More), Gleann Cholm Cille (Glencolumbkille). Photo @delboydonegal.bsky.social

6 53

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 16d

They are beautiful Steph, capturing a stunning bird perfectly.

1 1

Reposted by Robert Vaughan

Cape Clear Bird Observatory (CCBO) @ccbowarden.bsky.social · 22d

birdwatchireland.ie/announcing-t...

Announcing the Steve Wing Memorial Bursary - BirdWatch Ireland

Steve Wing (1957 – 2024) Today we remember our dear colleague and friend, Steve Wing, long-serving Wildlife Officer at BirdWatch Ireland’s Cape Clear Bird Observatory, who passed away on 19th...

birdwatchireland.ie

2 3 19

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 28d

A couple of White-tailed Eagle sketches from earlier in the summer. This tagged female is from a nest in Mountshannon in 2014 and has been settled in Donegal for a few years now.

1 18

Reposted by Robert Vaughan

Michael Huggins @miceal.bsky.social · Sep 6

#donegalbirding

birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/adv...

Hands Off Nature - BirdWatch Ireland

Tell politicians how important nature is to you and stop the EU from tearing up the laws that protect birds and nature.

birdwatchireland.ie

1 3

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Sep 6

Thank you Steph, they are a funny bird, elegance and awkwardness teetering on the long legs! I do have a few failed attempts at feeding poses, happy that one sketch worked out.

1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Sep 5

Thanks Ed.

1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Sep 5

I was in Dublin for a few days earlier in the week, and the timing was perfect for a juvenile Stilt Sandpiper that was found at Broadlough. A beautiful species and my first time to see a juvenile in Ireland, having seen 3 adults previously.

3 4 46

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Sep 4

I was delighted to receive this beautiful 2026 calendar from @hollygroganart.bsky.social , it is stunning! Thank you very much Holly and keep up the great work!

2 15

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Sep 1

We had a little time for birding, the Ring-billed was still about, we had it just opposite the gallery. 3 Caspian and several Baltic also. Lots of White-tailed and a few Golden Eagles on Gotland. It was a great trip, perfect mix of art and birding. Great blog post.

1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Aug 31

No, it ends in mid-October.

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Aug 30

I don't know, they were out of my price range anyway! A few lithographs sold while I was there, but I didn't see prices for originals.

1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Aug 30

I am just back from a wonderful few days in Sweden where I visited the incredible Lars Jonsson exhibition in Stockholm, and then his museum on Gotland. Absolutely mind blowing, the selection and range of work was just unbelievable!

5 4 43

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Aug 29

Beautiful! Can't wait to get a copy!

1 1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Aug 13

Beautiful sketches of a stunning bird Steph, sadly just before my time twitching!

1 1

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Aug 3

I had a really enjoyable afternoon teaching Watercolour techniques at the Colgan Hall in Cardonagh yesterday. A huge thank you to Sinead Smyth for organising the weekend of events, and for inviting me along. It was lovely to meet so many enthusiastic artists trying something new.

6

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · Jul 30

I am really exited to be presenting a Watercolour Workshop this Saturday, August 2nd from 2-4pm, at the Colgan Hall in Cardonagh. I hope it will be a fun and educational event for all.
There are still some tickets available, and you can find them here:
buytickets.at/artstaysdone...

5

Reposted by Robert Vaughan

Michael Huggins @miceal.bsky.social · Jul 29

Finally took possession of this magnificent book, and what an achievement it is by the estimable Ralph Sheppard. Essential and fascinating for #donegalbirding
www.corkuniversitypress.com/978178205023...

The Birds of County Donegal - Cork University Press

The Birds of County Donegal is the first complete record of the history and status of all 376 birds known to have occurred in County Donegal. In this compreh...

www.corkuniversitypress.com

2 1 5