Look, I'm just going to say it: it's too hot. I know, I know, we complain about the rain and the grey skies and the wind, and then we also complain when the sun comes out — but don't we think it's just a smidge too warm? I'm being baked in my office, sweating faster… Continue reading Bullfinch – The Bud Bully
What a long year it's been. I've been outsourcing my hope to the tiny green shoots pushing out of the hard soil. Then the intense rain we've been getting has flooded the flower pot. The metaphors write themselves. But folks, we're heading into February: Valentine's month. When everything out of your control feels dark, it's… Continue reading Linnet – A Real Bleeding Heart
It's been quite the summer so far. Heatwave after heatwave interspersed with storms; Dublin has been glistening in the humid air. For a nice cooldown, let's talk about a bird you can see while having a sneaky drink out by the Bord Gáis theatre. They're a stealthier summer sign than some of our other seasonal… Continue reading Common Tern – Dublin Port’s Divers
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
Lá Bealtaine shona daoibh; Happy Beltane! The hazy sun and dried grass have me itching for a cold drink, sunglasses, and some tunes. What a time to be welcoming the summer solstice. Traditionally this holiday has ties to the robin, but in light of an ghrian ag scoilteadh na gcloch, we've decided to talk about… Continue reading Stonechat – Between a Rock and a Prickly Place
Daffodils, show me your sunny crowns! That 10-day period of no sun had me brooding and contemplative, to the point where even writing felt like a colourless activity. It's also not the best weather for birdwatching, but I must say the twittering symphony of birdsong has helped me keep it together while waiting for the… Continue reading Meadow Pipit – The Changeling’s Prey
The heaviness of autumn has truly draped itself upon us. At some point in the last couple of weeks the world became just a little more muffled under the constant pattering of rain. I know that soon I'll be listening to the wind keening down the chimney and breathing in the smoky haze of winter… Continue reading Rook – Resplendent Requiems
It's already over. Summer lasted thirty seconds and I didn't even get to go on a picnic? I had to pull a jacket out of the wardrobe the other day? I am craving soup? Truth be told, I like autumn. It suits my complexion, my outfits look better, and I can buy a hot chocolate… Continue reading Pigeon – From Cliffs to Cobblestones
We're posting this month's post later than intended because our personal lives have been pretty chaotic the last few weeks. Have you ever heard the phrase "April showers bring May flowers"? Well, we've been going through more of an April whirlwind; and that's not even including the actual stormy weather we've been subjected to. As… Continue reading Chaffinch – The Red King Sings!
I've been seeing more patches of blue sky and flower bulbs bursting into life lately, and I feel like brighter days are well on their way. I wish I could say the same for this month's bird but unfortunately, they seem destined to vanish from our island in the imminent future. Before that happens, we… Continue reading Curlew – Doomed to Disappear?