Lough Boora Parklands

A recent count of the native endangered species Grey Partridge-Perdix Perdix carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service recorded 436 birds in the Boora conservation area.

This is the highest number ever recorded in the area and ten years ago the number recorded was a mere 26 birds.

This is a great success story to date and gives the prospect that the last wild and indigenous population of Grey Partridge in Ireland will survive and prosper into the future.

A rare photo of Whooper Swans skating on ice for the Winter Solstice Spectacular at Tumduff wetlands in Lough Boora Parklands.Tumduff Mór is one of three wetland areas located within the parklands, closely situated to the Boora Lakes. The wetlands are fringed with birch and willow scrub.

Whooper swans migrate many hundreds of miles to their wintering sites, arriving mainly from Iceland.  They have a deep honking call and, despite their size, are powerful fliers. Their preferred breeding habitat is wetland, spending much of their time swimming, straining the water for food, or eating plants that grow on the bottom.

 The photo of this early morning performance was taken by Tom Egan on Friday 18th December 2009

The Bord na Mona Leabeg Offices Social Club and the Boora Works Social Club held a joint Charity Walk on the 4th October 2009 in Lough Boora Parklands. The walk was in aid of the Oncology Unit in Tullamore Hospital and we are pleased to say that we raised €2,500 for the unit.

The event was open to any friends and family that wished to join in on the day. Over 70 people participated in the walk on a beautifully clear and sunny October morning.  It was also a great opportunity to appreciate the unique landscape that is Lough Boora Parklands that we work beside and pass through on our commute to work on a daily basis.

The participation and support  received was greatly appreciated and it is hoped to run a similar event next year.

Over 150 Whooper swans have been spotted on the Noggus Bog flood, which qualifies as an internationally significant number.  This shot was taken mid November 2009. 

During the winter months Whooper swan’s can be seen regularly throughout the parklands, however to see such a large number in one sitting is unusual.  

Many of the swans can be seen loafing or roosting on bare peat areas, whilst others are seen feeding on the grasslands within the parklands.   The whooper swans have arrived mainly from Iceland, escaping the colder locations in search of warmer climates and more food.

Why not take advantage of the wonderful bird watching facilities available at Lough Boora parklands this winter!.

Lough Boora Parklands has long been known as an excellent bird watching location.  In a recent article featuring in the Midland Tribune 5th November ‘09, author Derek Fanning pays tribute to the parklands, its history, landscape and the diverse bird species which can be found there. 

A group of ten people led by Alex Copland of Birdwatch Ireland paid the parklands a visit on Sunday 1st November ’09, to see the many winter migrant birds. The birds have migrated from colder locations seeking warmer climates and more food. The whooper swans have arrived from Iceland and the lapwings from Scotland, Scandinavia and Iceland. 

Offaly Heritage Seminar will take place on Saturday 7th November 2009 at Lough Boora Parklands.  The aim of the seminar is to report on the progress of Offaly heritage Plan 2007-11, and to provide an opportunity for people interested in heritage to meet. A number of key speakers from a range of heritage groups will be in attendance such as Offaly Heritage, Queen’s University Belfast, Archaeological Survey of Ireland, and BirdWatch Ireland.