The Slieve Bloom is an ideal place for the avid, or even the casual, birdwatcher, with spring and summer being the best times to visit.
Whilst there are opportunities for observing birdlife all around the reserve, below are some of the best places.
At the The Ridge of Capard you can appreciate the birds from the moment you step out at the car park, with Reed Bunting, Lesser Redpoll, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Grasshopper Warbler all taking advantage of the scrub to be found around the parking areas.
If you take the boardwalk to the viewing platform, look up and scan the skies for a hunting Hen Harrier. In the summer, follow the boardwalk through the heath and blanket bog to enjoy the sound of Meadow Pipit and Skylark with perhaps the occasional distinctive call of the Red Grouse. The old bog track may lead you to Snow Buntings in the winter; Stonechats and Wheatears in the summer.
Taking either the blue or purple trail loop will probably allow you to hear, if not see, the Cuckoo in spring. Follow the purple route downhill and scan the ridge for Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Further down, at dusk, Long-eared owls and Woodcocks may be encountered.
Parking near The Cut may afford you the opportunity to spy hunting Hen Harriers on the moorland. Merlins, Peregrines and Ravens can also be present.
Wolftrap Mountain has a track leading from the car park up to the summit with the radio masts. On the way up this track, Wheatear, Red Grouse and the occasional Merlin can be seen, whilst in winter Snow Buntings will be feeding alongside where you walk.
In early summer listen for the drumming Snipe, the call of the Skylarks and maybe a Curlew as you reach the top near the masts. Large flocks of Golden Plover will stage here on their migration, with perhaps the odd Dotterel in their midsts.
