ROGERSTOWN is a tidal estuary that holds large numbers of waders and wildfowl in winter. It is also one of the best Dublin sites for Green Sandpiper in autumn. It can be watched from both the south and north sides. To get to the south side from Dublin, take the M1 motorway heading north and take the exit signposted for Skerries, Donabate and Rush. At the double roundabouts, follow signs for Skerri
es and Donabate and continue north on the N1. About 500m past the end of the dual carriageway, take the second right turn for Portrane and Donabate and continue left at the T-junction. There is a small left turn opposite the sign for ‘Rogerstown Estuary Hide’ about 600m along this road. Take this turn and follow the track past the tall trees on the right and then follow right. Continue for almost 1km past the old allotment shed and field on the left and then open farmland on right until the track swings to left. At the end of this track is the south hide which is open and manned at the weekends from Oct to March. Good views of the inner estuary can be had from the hide area. The ‘flooded field’ directly opposite the hide is also worth checking for wildfowl, waders and for roosting gulls. Green Sandpipers are regularly found in autumn on the inner channels inland and west of the hide. To watch from the north side, from the N1, take right turn signposted Skerries, Rush and Lusk. Continue for 400m and take first right turn signposted Balleally. Follow this road for almost 1.5km until you reach a row of bungalows on the right. A small gate on the right is marked Birdwatch Ireland Reserve and leads to a track through a row of trees and then across the open fields to reach north hide, which remains open at all times. The channels in this area are also good for Green Sandpiper and Kingfisher. The outer estuary can be reached by continuing past the gate until you reach the entrance to the Balleally Refuse Tip. Continue past the entrance and follow the rough track under the railway bridge. The outer estuary can be viewed from here and by following the track along the shoreline. Birds found at Rogerstown
From autumn through winter and into early spring, Rogerstown holds large numbers of wildfowl including Greylag and Brent Goose, as well as Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. It is also an excellent area for Little Egret, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Kestrel. It also attracts large numbers of waders including Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank and Greenshank. In autumn it is also good for seeing Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper and Ruff. The nearby refuse dump also means that large numbers of gulls are found here. The fields and hedgerows are also worth checking for Yellowhammers and finches in winter. In summer, common warblers like Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap are found. by Eric Dempsey
