While spending time near the sea, you may have seen an odd black shape perched on a rock. It stands proud; head tilted up towards the sun, wings outstretched, feet firmly planted on stone. Do not be alarmed; this is not a witch in disguise, nor is it a descendant of Dracula on the hunt… Continue reading Cormorant – The Sun-Basking Seabird
For many people in Ireland, the word "crow" is a catch-all term used to describe almost every black bird they see. This assumption is sometimes correct, since more often than not these birds do usually belong to the Corvidae family, of which the crow is a member. But this generalisation glosses over the unique traits… Continue reading Jackdaw – A case study on leucism
There will actually be two birds discussed in this post: the pied wagtail (Motacilla alba yarrellii) and the grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea). The pied wagtail, glasóg shráide in Irish, is a common sight around urban areas. I remember walking through my college campus each morning and being accompanied by these sprightly little birds dashing across… Continue reading Wagtails – Little Movers
The Eurasian magpie (Pica pica), known as snag breac in Irish; a clever bird shrouded in myth and mysticism. I grew up hearing the nursery rhyme I'm sure you all know: One for sorrow,Two for joy,Three for a girl,Four for a boy,Five for silver,Six for gold,Seven for a secret that can never be told. A… Continue reading Magpie – Intelligent Omens
The European robin (Erithacus rubecula); spideog in Irish. These cheerful little birds, with their inquisitive eyes and colourful little bodies, can usually be found peeking out of hedgerows or singing their hearts out in trees. They are frequent visitors to our gardens and a beloved sight in the cold winter months. Were you to ask… Continue reading Robin – Ireland’s Beloved Garden Bird