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
Whale Watching in Ireland
Ireland is one of the best whale watching destinations in Europe. With 24 species recorded in Irish waters, and regular encounters with minke whales, fin whales and the charismatic humpback whale both from shore and on whale watching trips off Ireland's south coast, it's little wonder that more and more people are discovering the delights of whale watching in Ireland.
Lunge-feeding Fin Whale caught on camera by drone
On a trip with West Cork based whale watching operator Cork Whale Watch last week, drone pilot and Ocean Research & Conservation Ireland (ORCIreland) Observer Greg Coleman captured some astonishing aerial footage of a gigantic Fin Whale lunge feeding through bait balls created by Short-beaked Common Dolphins (see the ORCIreland YouTube clip … [Read more...] about Lunge-feeding Fin Whale caught on camera by drone
How to watch whales and dolphins
Whales and dolphins are an exciting part of Ireland's wildlife. As an island nation perched on the edge of the north east Atlantic we have some of the best whalewatching in Europe right on our doorstep. This in depth feature will help you spot whales and dolphins around the Irish coast, from shore and when you're out on the water.Ireland -- one of Europe's … [Read more...] about How to watch whales and dolphins
Whale Watch Ireland 2015
On Sunday 23 August, as part of Heritage Week 2015, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is hosting its annual shore-based all-Ireland whale-watching event, Whale Watch Ireland.Taking place at 20 land-based vantage points around the coast of the Island of Ireland, the event aims to raise awareness of the 24 species of cetaceans that occur in Irish waters. It also provides … [Read more...] about Whale Watch Ireland 2015
Baby humpbacks suckle up to 80 pints of their mother’s milk every day
Young humpback whales guzzle some 45kg of their mother's milk every single day -- that's an astonishing 80 pints or so of the nutrient rich cocktail. That fun whale factoid comes from an Instagram post by the BBC Earth team promoting the upcoming "Big Blue Live" due to air on BBC later this month live from the fantastic marine sanctuary of California's Monterrey … [Read more...] about Baby humpbacks suckle up to 80 pints of their mother’s milk every day
