Marlfield lake grid reference S172221 at Clonmell Co Tipperary was our next fieldtrip on the 10/Nov/2010. The lake is a shallow manmade one built in 1880 when the Marlfield river was dammed to produce hydro power for a flour mill. The lake is nationally important for Shovler Duck but Gadwall, Mallard,Teal and Wigeon also can be found here along with various other waiding birds. Due to these bird species and spectacular natural beauty of the lake the area has become a valued recreational facility for the surrounding area of Clonmell town. The social attachment this brings to an area can help highlight important environmental issues as they arise, such as a disease called pink Flamingo which occurs in Swan species that feed on bread given to them by the public. This disease was noticed by Tipperary Institute students last year. Swans have an inability to digest bread therefore a bacteria causes their feathers to turn a pink colour.
There was a very tranquil feel to the lake on our arrival, as fog and mist blanketed the water before the energy of the sun quickly imposed it's power.