The Avoca area is rich in biodiversity and is an important site in Ireland for the red kite. This spectacular bird of prey was reintroduced to Ireland from Wales in 2007. The red kite had become extinct in Ireland in the 1700s due to its habitats being destroyed and deliberate attempts to reduce its numbers. Even though it mainly feeds on dead animals, people were worried it would kill animals like sheep and pheasants.
There is a signposted ‘Red Kite Walk’ from the car park opposite the church in Avoca Village. This walk loops through the woods to return to the original start point. It has beautiful views, and it offers a chance to see these impressive birds. There is also a good chance of seeing them at the Meeting of the Waters and the Miner’s Cross. The kites can be identified from below by their forked tail, which twists in flight, and by their black wing tips that contrast with the bold white patches on their wings.
The Meeting of the Waters is a beautiful site where the Avonbeg and the Avonmore rivers join to form the Avoca River. Here, the river valley is lined with native woodland, including oak, hazel, ash, birch, and holly. During summer nights, many types of bats can be seen, including the common pipistrelle, soprano pipistrelle, and Leisler’s bat.
Citizen Science
Take a picture at the Meeting of the Waters repeat photography post. The photographs will help to track the changes in river flows and in the trees’ leaves throughout the seasons and from year to year.
If you see a red kite, or any other bird, please record it using the BirdTrack app.