BirdWatch Ireland are delighted to announce the recipient of the Steve Wing bursary scheduled for this autumn, & thank everyone who took the time to apply, competition was fierce & picking out one from many excellent applications was a tough task. Congratulations go to Tim Slattery (pictured here).
Last night at 2210hrs a European Nightjar was hunting over the fields where I was setting up the observatory moth trap on the East side of the island, fortunately it missed this fabulous Striped Hawk-moth, the first island record.
An invasion of Painted Lady butterflies across the island today.
A Long-tailed Skua reported yesterday was a nice addition to the year list. The last few days have been notable for several sightings Clouded Yellow butterfly daily. This one on the wild flower patch outside the bird observatory this afternoon. Photo JH.
A warm welcome to this group of ex students now young professional Irish Naturalists returning to stay at the bird observatory this week by way of an annual reunion. Some impressive bird sightings included Quail, Hen Harrier & Hobby, also Common Lizard & a large pod of Common Dolphins.
The latest Wildlife Weekend with the warden saw our guests taking part in bird ringing, moth trapping, bird census, wildlife surveys & Bat monitoring. Highlights included, Chough, Common Lizard, Hairy Birds foot Trefoil, Poplar Hawkmoth, Wall butterfly, Rose Chafer, Pippistrelle Bats & much more.
A slow start to the year for moths so far, this Bordered Gothic the pick of last night's catch.
Guests taking part in this past few days Wildlife Weekend with the warden didn't miss out on home made ice cream at the island goat farm. Species recorded included Chough, Wheatear, Common Lizard, Field Cuckoo Bee, Irish Marsh Orchid and Western Bee Fly amongst many others. Photos from the weekend.
Video
Colour ringing Chough chicks yesterday morning.
Two Basking Sharks just offshore in Roaring-water Bay this morning, 9 days later than the first record last year, great to see them back. Image here a Basking Shark dorsal fin 2 to 3 feet above water, one of this mornings sightings.
