The peregrine falcon is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most impressive birds. A large, powerful falcon it is considered by many to be the ultimate bird-of-prey, diving in a spectacular, vertical stoop to strike its quarry – other birds – in mid air. The peregrine is thought to reach speeds of up to 180 mph as it plummets earthward, though it usually levels off slightly and slows … [Read more...] about Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
raptors
Ireland’s first white-tailed eagle fledgling shot dead in Tipparary
One of the first two white-tailed eagles to hatch in Ireland in more than a century has been found shot dead in Co. Tipperary.The male bird was one of two chicks reared successfully by a pair of re-introduced eagles at a nest site on Lough Derg near Mountshannon in Co. Clare last summer. It was discovered on land near Ballinderry, North Tipperary by a National Parks and … [Read more...] about Ireland’s first white-tailed eagle fledgling shot dead in Tipparary
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Fast and agile, the sparrowhawk is a supremely capable aerial predator. This fierce-looking bird is one of our most common and widespread raptors, and is found throughout the country. However its shy and secretive nature means that it often goes undetected.Sparrowhawks are medium-sized birds, with a body length of between 28 and 30 centimetres (11 and 15 inches), a wingspan … [Read more...] about Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
First Irish white-tailed eagle chicks fledge at Mountshannon, Co. Clare
Irish born white-tailed eagles are on the wing again for the first time in more than a century.A pair of reintroduced adult eagles successfully reared two chicks at a nest site on Lough Derg, near Mountshannon, Co. Clare. Both chicks fledged successfully last week in what is a momentous milestone for the high profile white-tailed eagle reintroduction programme, which began … [Read more...] about First Irish white-tailed eagle chicks fledge at Mountshannon, Co. Clare
Birdwatch Ireland responds to Cllr.’s “Open Season on Hen Harrier” remarks
Ireland's largest conservation charity, Birdwatch Ireland, has responded strongly to recent comments by Limerick Co. Councillor John Sheahan calling for an "Open Season" on the protected hen harrier -- one of most threatened birds."Cllr. Sheahan's ill-informed and short-sighted statement shows how far we have to travel as a state in prioritising our natural heritage over … [Read more...] about Birdwatch Ireland responds to Cllr.’s “Open Season on Hen Harrier” remarks
