RSPB Dawn Chorus at Stranmillis University College

Following a successful outing in September 2023 to Stranmillis University College, RSPB were delighted to return. On this occasion it was for a Dawn Chorus morning. The College Campus is situated in forty-six acres of mature mixed woodland habitat in South Belfast. The invitation was extended to Stranmillis Lifelong Learning students and as a result the event was well over-subscribed. It was decided that, with such a large group, an expert guide was required, so Dot Blakely, a well-known local birding expert, accepted an invitation to lead the outing.  All images are courtesy Greg McCready, Stranmillis University College Art and Design Technician, who acted as co-ordinator for the College for this shared event.

Greg guided the group slowly up the exit car route known locally as Cardiac Hill. A particular highlight occurred almost immediately as Greg pointed out the three Grey Heron nests. This site has been part of the annual BTO Heronries Census for many years. Greg surveys the site each spring which provides valuable information to the Ireland census. We stopped for some time to watch the Grey Herons fly in to feed their young chicks.

At the top of the hill, on our left was Stranmillis House, a Victorian listed building, and to our right the start of the new Centenary Nature Trail which had been especially commissioned and designed for the College Centenary. Although this was primarily a birding outing, it would have been difficult to ignore the abundance of spring wildflowers. There was in particular a grassy bank covered extensively with primrose. The wood anemone and three-cornered garlic provided a white carpet of flowers underneath the woodland trees.

Thanks to Mel and Greg for organising another outing to Stranmillis University College Campus, enabling attendees to explore this very special, unique space. Huge thanks go to Dot Blakely for so willingly giving up her time to share her knowledge and expertise, making the outing such an enjoyable and engaging morning for everyone.  The full story, written by RSPB, can be viewed via the following link: https://group.rspb.org.uk/belfast/news-blogs/blog/rspb-belfast-local-group-dawn-chorus-outing-at-stranmillis-university-college-13-april-2024/