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Wild Blog

Wildife and nature blog featuring an eclectic mix of wildlife, birding and conservation content from Ireland and around the world. Be warned there may be opinions flying around here….

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 8×32: my daily optic of choice for birding and wildlife observation.

Swarovski Optic NL Pure 8x32 -- my ideal birding and wildlife binocular

In November 2010, my wife surprised me with a pair of Swarovski Optik 10×42 SLC HD for my 40th birthday present. Since then we’ve been practically inseparable (me and the binoculars, I mean, although of course the alternative interpretation is also true). They were without a doubt the best binoculars….

Unprecedented Eurasian Hoopoe influx to Ireland

Over the last couple of weeks a truly remarkable bird has been making headlines in the national press across Ireland. The Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops), has been turning up in unprecedented numbers this spring, particularly along the south coast, making this the best opportunity ever to catch a glimpse of….

Early date for Whale Watch Ireland 2024

Whale Watch Ireland IWDG National Whale Watching Event

Whale Watch Ireland, the annual Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) nationwide public whale watching event, has switched dates for 2024. Now in its 22nd year, this coordinated national event takes place simultaneously at 11 sites around the Irish coast, which means there is a good chance that at least….

2024 Discover Wildlife Weekend Dates

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve finalised dates for our popular Discover Wildlife Weekends on the West Cork Coast for the 2024 season. We’ll be running 4 weekends spanning spring, summer and autumn next year, and hope you can join us on one of them. Wildlife Weekend Dates for 2024….

Páramo champions recycling of its outdoor gear

Outdoor Gear: The Paramo Valez Adventure Light Smok

When it comes to outdoor gear that can keep you comfortable in all kinds of conditions, and has the ethical environmental credentials many wildlife enthusiasts look for, UK based manufacturer Páramo is going to be up near the top of a very short list. I’ve been using Páramo rain gear….

2023 Discover Wildlife Weekend Dates

Humpback whale off Ireland's Wild South Coast

Our popular Discover Wildlife Weekends will once again take place in spring, summer and autumn of 2023. As always, we’ll be hosting the weekends in Rosscarbery, on the stunning West Cork stretch of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. What are Discover Wildlife Weekends? Discover Wildlife Weekends are the perfect opportunity to….

Beneficial Garden Insects and How to Attract Them to Your Garden

Ladybird

Beneficial insects are essential in keeping our gardens and farms healthy. Some pollinate plants that produce our food. Others eat pests that would otherwise destroy our food crops. They also help break down dead organic material and recycle nutrients back into the soil. We rely on these tiny insects more….

Cuckoo spit/spittlebug foam on plants is harmless. Please leave it alone.

Cuckoo Spit and Frog Hoppers - Spittle Bugs are not harmful

I’m usually delighted to see Ireland’s Wildlife featured in the media — but a recent article published in the Gardening section of the RSVP Magazine website has me less than thrilled. The article in question sensationalises the connection between frog-hoppers/spittle bugs (their American name) and a bacterial plant disease called….

Purple Heron: an epic end to our spring Discover Wildlife Weekend

Puurple Heron, West Cork, Discover Wildlife Weekend

Wildlife always has the capacity to surprise and delight us. No matter how long you’ve been watching and studying wildlife, how familiar you are with your local patch, you never can tell what you might encounter on an outing. The potential for the unexpected is always there… whether it’s a….

Free shore-based whale watching events to mark National Biodiversity Week

Whale Watching Biodiversity Week

The Irish Whale And Dolphin Group (IWDG) is hosting free shore-based guided whale-watching events around the Irish coast on Saturday 21 May to mark National Biodiversity Week. IWDG personnel will lead events in 5 counties, assisted by local members and experienced observers who will share their skills and experience on….

Competiton: win a border full of wildlife-friendly plants this spring

Our friends over at CJ Wildlife (birdfood.ie) are our go-to resource for all our garden wildlife supplies here at Ireland’s Wildlife. From bird food and feeders, to nest boxes and bug hotels… and everything in between. They also carry a host of seasonal, wildlife-friendly plants, bulbs and seeds to help….

CJ Wildlife Free Delivery Weekend Plus Feeder and Food Giveaway

Our garden wildlife partners over at CJ Wildlife are making it easier than ever to stock up on your garden bird feeding supplies before Christmas with free shipping on all orders this weekend. We’ve been using CJ Wildlife for all of our garden wildlife supplies here at Ireland’s Wildlife since….