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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….

9 top tips for feeding your garden birds

Robin -- feeding 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….

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….

12 Expert tips on choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife observation

Choosing the right binocular

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….

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,….

Making the most of Spring Migration

Grasshopper Warbler

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….

Garden Bird Nestbox Resources

Blue tit approaching a nest box

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….

Doogee S96 Pro: an ideal rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts

Doogee S96Pro Rugged Smartphone Review

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….

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10x42 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….

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….

Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review

Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point. Cons: Focus is….

Sofirn SP40 Headlamp Review

Pros: Convenient, lightweight and robust headlight with four very useful brightness levels. 1,200 Lumen “Turbo” mode ludicrously bright. Convenient recharging via micro-USB. 3000mAh 18650 battery included. Magnetic base makes for a convenient and versatile work-light when detached from the head-strap. Wide beam pattern ideal for headlamp and use and general….