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
dolphins
Watching Whales, Dolphins and Basking Sharks
Two of our most popular articles here on Ireland's Wildlife are features on How to Watch Basking Sharks and How to Watch Whales and Dolphins.Ireland's marine wildlife is showcasing in an incredible two-part documentary, "Ireland's Deep Atlantic", at the moment as part of RTÉ's Our Wild Island series of programmes (the first episode aired last night -- repeated on … [Read more...] about Watching Whales, Dolphins and Basking Sharks
Female killer whale washed up in Co. Waterford
The unusual stranding of a 5 metre female killer whale on the beach at Saleen, near Tramore in Co. Waterford on Friday (30/01/2015) has been in the news this weekend.The whale, which was dead when it washed up, was said to be in "very fresh condition", according to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). The whale's teeth were very badly worn, leading some … [Read more...] about Female killer whale washed up in Co. Waterford
IWDG expresses concern over dolphin by-catch
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has expressed concern at the possibility of what it describes as a "significant bycatch" of dolphins in Irish waters by foreign fishing vessels.Autopsy results on five of a group of 13 common dolphins that washed up dead in Co. Mayo in late January have confirmed that the animals died through injuries consistent with entanglement in … [Read more...] about IWDG expresses concern over dolphin by-catch
West Cork Whale Watching: Front Page News
Whale watching in West Cork is in the news again after this incredible shot made the front page of several national newspapers today.A humpback breaching off the West Cork Coast (c) Simon Duggan, All Rights ReservedIt is a once-in-a-lifetime moment captured by whale watcher and long time Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) member Simon Duggan. The boat in the … [Read more...] about West Cork Whale Watching: Front Page News
Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)
Of the 24 species of whales and dolphins found in Irish waters perhaps the best known is the familiar bottlenose dolphin made famous in the ‘60s television show, Flipper. Almost all of the dolphin stars of film and television over the years, and the captive performing dolphins in theme parks around the world, are bottlenose dolphins – a somewhat ironic testament to the species’ … [Read more...] about Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncates)
IWDG whale watching course: places still available
Places are still available on the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s summer whale-watching course on Cape Clear, 20-22 July 2012. I had the great pleasure of attending the course in May… and while conditions dictated that cetacean pickings were a tad slim over that weekend, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience. If you’d like to learn more about the whales and … [Read more...] about IWDG whale watching course: places still available
Irish NGO calls for European Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary
On the 21st anniversary of the declaration of Irish waters as Europe’s first Whale and Dolphin sanctuary, The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has announced a campaign to extend that status to all European waters. On 07 June 1991 then Taoiseach Charles Haughey declared Ireland a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary in recognition of the importance of Irish waters “for these … [Read more...] about Irish NGO calls for European Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary
Whale Watch Ireland 2011 – Sunday 21 August at a headland near you!
It’s that time of year again, and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has officially announced the date of its annual All-Ireland land-based whale watching event. Whale Watch Ireland will take place on Sunday the 21 August this year between 2pm and 5pm at headlands right around Ireland. It’s a fantastic event, and a great way to get acquainted with some of the fabulous … [Read more...] about Whale Watch Ireland 2011 – Sunday 21 August at a headland near you!
