Given clear views on the ground adult crow species generally present few ID problems... but throw juveniles into the mix, and birds in flight at distance, and they become surprisingly tricky.There are clues you can use to identify crows accurately even in these situations. In this video the BTO run through the common crow species -- all of which breed here in Ireland, with … [Read more...] about Know your crows — how to identify corvids with the BTO
Birding
The Urban Birder in Ireland
I was born in London but whenever anyone asks me where I’m from my stock answer is always that I am a black, Afropean, child of the earth and Honorary Irishman. I particularly cherish the ‘Honorary Irishman’ bit of my epithet because I really do feel a close affinity with the Emerald Isle. When I first came into this world my early days were spent in northwest London, initially … [Read more...] about The Urban Birder in Ireland
New beginning birding series in association with Meopta Optics
Ireland's Wildlife has teamed up with premium Czech optics manufacturer Meopta to bring you a series of four articles focussed on Beginning Birdwatching.Launching later this month, the series looks at why we watch birds; the relationship between birds, habitats and seasons in Ireland; bird identification basics and choosing the right birding equipment. It is aimed squarely … [Read more...] about New beginning birding series in association with Meopta Optics
New wildlife walks get you closer to nature
I love wildlife, and I love walking. Best of all I love walking where I can watch wildlife and share what I see with other interested people. It was on one of these wildlife walks on the stunning West Cork coastline (see the photo -- no exaggeration) that I had one of those "eureka" moments. "Why not offer guided wildlife and nature walks through the Ireland's Wildlife … [Read more...] about New wildlife walks get you closer to nature
Early start for Ireland’s first Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)
Sunday was an exciting day.A late-night exchange on Viber as Saturday drew to a close had me scrambling to get organised for a very early start the next morning. It was half-past midnight by the time I was ready. I set the alarm for half-past-four, and proceeded to not get any sleep for four hours. Yikes!What on earth had possessed me?One of these... that's … [Read more...] about Early start for Ireland’s first Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)