Long-Tailed Tit – The Flying Teaspoon

Happy Tuesday; happy July; happy birthday to me! My birthday wish this year was to write about a bird I really like for my birth month's bird blog — which meant hoofing it to get pictures of them in time for the big day. Though their shape is iconic, they are nimble fiends that never… Continue reading Long-Tailed Tit – The Flying Teaspoon

Jackdaw – A case study on leucism

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

Magpie – Intelligent Omens

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

Robin – Ireland’s Beloved Garden Bird

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