Pros: Fantastic edge-to-edge image quality, sublime ergonomics, great low-light performance and a field of view to rival many 8x binoculars, coupled with outstanding build quality -- the NL Pure 10x32 is an exceptional binocular up there with the very best.Cons: While they are svelte, the barrels on the NL Pure are long for a 32mm binocular, so they are perhaps … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×32 Binocular Review
Featured
Páramo champions recycling of its outdoor gear
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 since I reviewed their superb Valez Adventure Light smock here on Ireland's Wildlife back in … [Read more...] about Páramo champions recycling of its outdoor gear
Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Superb image quality that lives up the name. Exceptionally bright, pin-sharp image across the wide field of view. Smooth, accurate focus and outstanding build quality rounds off what is a very accomplished binocular that holds its own with the best on the market.Cons: A little on the large side for a 42mm binocular -- particularly the length. Focus gearing, … [Read more...] about Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 Binocular Review
Oak Processionary Moth confirmed in Ireland
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed earlier this week that colonies of the invasive Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) had been discovered on four oak trees in a Dublin housing estate. The caterpillars and the trees have been destroyed in an attempt to eradicate the pest before it becomes established. Intensive surveying of the … [Read more...] about Oak Processionary Moth confirmed in Ireland
World Migratory Bird Day — ESRI Mapping Migration
Around 450 different bird species have been recorded on the island of Ireland, and although a lot of them are migratory and rare, now is the best chance to catch a glimpse of them as they return north to build nests and prepare for the breeding season.Esri Ireland, a market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map highlighting the flight … [Read more...] about World Migratory Bird Day — ESRI Mapping Migration
Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: High quality optics that deliver premium features and a high-performance viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Sharp, contrasty image impresses in a range of challenging viewing conditions. Bright, vivid colours that make the image "pop".Cons: Twist up eyecups are plastic, rather than metal, Vanguard Warranty dropped from 25 years to only 10 since I reviewed … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review
2023 Discover Wildlife Weekend Dates
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 get away from the hustle and bustle for a few … [Read more...] about 2023 Discover Wildlife Weekend Dates
Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular
Hawke's Frontier APO is the new flagship binocular model from a brand with a reputation for offering the best value for money in the business. With a host of premium features, at a price-point that undercuts market leaders by a significant margin, we find out how Hawke's new top-of-the-range birding and wildlife binocular stacks up.Pros: Great ergonomics in a surprisingly … [Read more...] about Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular
Avian Influenza hits Irish seabird colonies
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) has hit Irish seabird colonies this breeding season after running rampant through similar colonies in the UK earlier this year. The disease, which can infect a wide range of bird species, appears to have hit breeding Gannet colonies particularly hard.Gannets, our larges seabird, nest in dense colonies on uninhabited … [Read more...] about Avian Influenza hits Irish seabird colonies
German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Premium quality build and high-end features combined with outstanding optics at a lower price point than most top binocular brands. Image is pin sharp and contrasty across the wide field of view, and colours pop, yet still appear natural and neutral, with no obvious colour cast.Cons: Feels a little on the large/long side for a x42 binocular. When set for my eyes, the … [Read more...] about German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review
Beneficial Garden Insects and How to Attract Them to Your Garden
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 than we realize, and they are a valuable part of the ecosystem.What … [Read more...] about Beneficial Garden Insects and How to Attract Them to Your Garden
Cuckoo spit/spittlebug foam on plants is harmless. Please leave it alone.
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 Xylella fastidiosa. Yes, in areas where … [Read more...] about Cuckoo spit/spittlebug foam on plants is harmless. Please leave it alone.
Purple Heron: an epic end to our spring 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 completely new species, or a familiar bird or animal exhibiting some unusual behaviour, … [Read more...] about Purple Heron: an epic end to our spring Discover Wildlife Weekend
Free shore-based whale watching events to mark National 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 the day. It offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more … [Read more...] about Free shore-based whale watching events to mark National Biodiversity Week
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 make sure your garden not only looks fantastic, but is fantastic for … [Read more...] about Competiton: win a border full of wildlife-friendly plants this spring
Woodstone® Seville 28mm Nest box Review
Pros: Innovative design using robust high-insulating material. Easy access for cleaning. Available in a wide range of styles, colours and designs. 10 year guarantee.Cons: A little on the heavy side... although once in situ that's not really an issue and the weight actually makes the box more stable. Not 100% sure of the eco-credentials of the concrete element of the … [Read more...] about Woodstone® Seville 28mm Nest box Review
9 top tips for feeding your garden birds
During the winter short days and long nights limit the time birds have to forage, while at the same time natural food becomes more scarce. Our garden birds have increasingly come to depend on the food we provide as an essential supplement to what they can find for themselves at this challenging time of year.According to bird conservation … [Read more...] about 9 top tips for feeding your garden birds
Europe’s Birds, An Identification Guide (Book Review)
I've never really been a fan of photo field guides. In the past, I've always gravitated towards the more nuanced interpretation of a skilled illustrator to highlight key features, to help me identify birds/animals/plants in the field. While that still largely holds true, photo-guides have come on in leaps and bounds since I first encountered them, and for many wildlife … [Read more...] about Europe’s Birds, An Identification Guide (Book Review)
12 Expert tips on choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife observation
Binoculars are perhaps your most indispensable piece of wildlife watching equipment. The right pair of binoculars can enhance your enjoyment of and engagement with the natural world exponentially. But choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife watching can be a tricky proposition.At Ireland's Wildlife we get to try a wide range of binoculars from lots of different … [Read more...] about 12 Expert tips on choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife observation
Wally the Walrus stops off in West Cork
On the most recent leg of his remarkable journey, Wally the wandering walrus who was first spotted off Valentia Island in Co. Kerry back in March 2021, was seen lounging aboard a moored motorboat in a small cove near Clonakilty on the West Cork coast.Wally, a young male walrus, has travelled extensively on his journey south. After that first sighting in Kerry he's spent … [Read more...] about Wally the Walrus stops off in West Cork
Making the most of Spring Migration
Spring migration is an exciting time of year for birding in Ireland.During this relatively brief window from early April until the end of May birds are on the move. There's a changing of the guard as our winter visitors, like waders, ducks, winter thrushes and the occasional exotic visitor like the bohemian waxwing, depart for their breeding grounds further north, and we … [Read more...] about Making the most of Spring Migration
Garden Bird Nestbox Resources
After feeding our garden birds, the next best way we can help them is to provide them with safe sites to nest and bring up their young.On this page we've gathered some links and resources to help you provide nest boxes for your garden birds.Why provide nest-boxes for garden birds?Populations of many of Ireland's bird species are in sharp decline, even for some of … [Read more...] about Garden Bird Nestbox Resources
Doogee S96 Pro: an ideal rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts
Pros: great spec, performance and battery life for the money in a phone that's built to survive more extreme conditions than you can. The Doogee S96 Pro will take all the punishment you throw at it and emerge unscathed, offering surprising peace of mind.Cons: screen resolution lower than most contemporary phones (works fine, but still...), may be a bit bulky if you have … [Read more...] about Doogee S96 Pro: an ideal rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts
Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view... and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level.Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the barrels. No locking mechanism on the dioptre adjustment. … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Make your garden bird-friendly
In this guest post Tony Manhart, founder and editor-in-chief at Gardening Dream, shares his tips for making your garden more bird-friendly.Whether young or old, many people enjoy birdwatching. It can be a relaxing way to pass the time, and it is interesting to learn about the different birds that occur where you live. Making your garden more bird-friendly is a great way … [Read more...] about Make your garden bird-friendly
