Whales and Dolphins by Andrew Malcolm and John Power

Fluking Humpback Whale by Andrew Malcolm

It might well come as a surprise to many people that Ireland is one of the best places
in Europe to go whale watching. Furthermore, here in county Waterford we are
doubly blessed in that the second largest animal ever to have lived on the planet is
regularly to be encountered not too far off our coastline. At up to 22m in length the fin
whale is only surpassed in size by the blue whale, and visits our inshore waters to feed
on the herring that gather here in huge shoals during the winter months. This explains
the old name given to them by fishermen of ‘herring hogs’

Fin Whale by Andrew Malcolm

For several years these behemoths of the sea have been recorded from November
until March feeding due south of Ram Head at Ardmore, where due to the distance
offshore of up to 15km they could only be viewed with quality watching gear.
However, in more recent years these animals have been spotted feeding very close
inshore from Ballyvoyle Head to Dunmore East. On one occasion they came in so
close to the cliffs under Tankardstown that they could be heard breathing (no need for
any type of watching gear that time!) Remarkably these animals were less than 1 km
offshore in water only 11m deep, so they were more or less ‘paddling’!

Goldfinch Mule by Fran O'Connell

How do you spot a fin whale? Well, as they are of course mammals, they have to
come to the surface to breathe and when they exhale, the 6m high ‘blow’ of water
vapour is quite a tell-tale indicator of its presence. Usually they have a sequence of up
to 10 breaths at the surface with a gap of 10-15 seconds between them before they
dive again. They can then stay underwater for anything up to 9 minutes. Sea birds will often gather around where a whale is feeding in much the same way that they will
follow a trawler, picking up scraps from the whales feast, so if you see a lot of birds

Spoonbill by Andrew Malcolm

in a concentrated spot then that could well be a good place to keep an eye on. These
birds will often also follow the large groups of common dolphins that are also to be
found at this time of year joining in the bonanza of food. These pods of dolphins can
often be widely spread out and include several hundred animals.

Humpback whales are increasingly being seen at this time of year off the Waterford/
Wexford coast. The most charismatic of the whale species to be found off our shores,
they are the only whales that will ‘fluke’, that is lift their tail out of the water when
they dive. The markings under their tail is unique to each individual animal, rather
like a fingerprint is to us, and is used as a cataloguing method to help identify animals
that might return again to our shores or elsewhere in the North Atlantic.


For more information or to report a sighting of a whale, dolphin or porpoise visit

Waxwing Male & Female by Colum Flynn

www.iwdg.ie

If you are interested in a trip out from Dunmore East contact Martin Colfer at
www.charterangling.ie


LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS

The regularly over-wintering spoonbill has returned to Dungarvan for a further winter

Waxwing Male & Female by Colum Flynn

and can be seen from the Cunnigar or Western Bay – best looked for at high tide. Up
to 15 crossbills have taken up residence on the Ballinacourty golf club most easily
seen immediately behind the pier. Three female long-tailed ducks (old squaw in

American parlance) are between the Lookout and the Cunnigar. A hybrid/mule finch
has been showing up at various feeders in Dungarvan. A female surf scoter (north
American duck) is present off the Lookout.
A major influx of waxwings is taking place in both Britain and Ireland. The name

Brambling by Mick Cowming

is derived from the colouration on their feathers reminiscent of coloured wax.
This feature combined with an obvious large crest on their crown makes them
unmistakeable. These beautiful birds feed on berries and can be encountered almost
anywhere even in small urban gardens. Another bird being seen this winter is the
brambling – an irruptive finch. Please report any sightings of either species.

Check out www.waterfordbirds.com for local wildlife updates and submission
of records. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to
japwatntr@gmail.com

Feeding Birds In Your Garden

Goldfinch by Fran O'Connell

As winter draws in the days are shortening and the weather is getting colder. This diminishes the feeding opportunities for birds in two respects. Firstly, the amount of food available reduces as winter progresses. Secondly, with the reduced daylight hours the actual time available for feeding is more limited. The colder weather also uses up a bird’s energy resources more quickly making feeding and availability of food so much more important. Thus by providing safe regular food householders can make a real difference to the well being of our feathered friends. Indeed, in severe cold weather conditions feeding can make the difference between their survival or otherwise.

By attracting birds into our gardens it also gives us the chance to observe them at close quarters from the comfort of our homes. Thus the opportunity presents itself to observe various species feeding together and to compare their various plumages. Watching their antics, squabbles and different feeding strategies leads to endless enjoyment and even a little serious study. The photographer should also have many good chances for an excellent shot.

Siskin by Andrew Malcolm

LIKELY SPECIES

Birdwatch Ireland has been conducting a winter garden bird survey for a number of years. The results for the 2011 winter (ranked as gardens most frequently visited) was as follows:

1 Robin	9   Goldfinch	17 Pied wagtail	25 Long-tailed tit
2 Blackbird	10   Coal tit	18 Wood pigeon	26 Lesser redpoll
3 Blue tit	11   House sparrow	19 Collared dove	27 Bullfinch
4 Chaffinch	12   Greenfinch	20 Hooded crow	28 Sparrow hawk
5 Great tit	13   Dunnock	21 Blackcap	29 Fieldfare
6 Magpie	14   Wren	22 Redwing	30 Feral pigeon
7 Starling	15   Jackdaw	23 Mistle thrush	31 Goldcrest
8 Song thrush	16   Rook	24 Siskin	32 Brambling

Obviously not all of these species will occur in every garden but the majority may do so over the course of the winter.

Birdwatch Ireland conducts their survey each winter and for those interested in participating this winter details are on their web site as are results of previous surveys.

FOOD

Great Tit by Liam Cahill

Birds may be fed a wide range of foodstuffs. Among the most popular (from the birds perspective) are peanuts, nyjer seed and sunflower seed. These are high in energy and oil and will readily attract a variety of species including siskins, redpoll and goldfinch. The disadvantage of these is their cost. In recent years they have increased massively in price and consideration should be given to less costly alternatives. These include flaked maize, flaked barley and rolled oats along with commercially prepared wild birdseed. Fat balls are very attractive to a variety of species along with being very nutritious. They can be purchased or prepared at home. Apples (windfalls) are very popular with thrushes and blackbirds and readily attract blackcaps. Raisins, cake and boiled rice are also very acceptable.

In cold weather naturally occurring water freezes. Birds still need to drink and a supply of unfrozen water may prove a lifesaver. Remember to make fresh water available during cold spells.

Blackbird by Fran O'Connell

EQUIPMENT

Bird feeders are a very efficient method of feeding smaller birds and conserving peanuts and expensive seed such as nyjer and sunflower. Bird tables are an attractive way of presenting food and observing the action. A note of caution – equipment needs to be regularly cleaned and sterilised to prevent the spread of disease. Some species will not use feeders or bird tables so it is necessary to spread some food directly on to the ground.

RECENT SIGHTINGS AND NEWS

The recent highlight was the discovery by Colum Flynn of a Blyth’s reed warbler at Helvick. This is the first record for Waterford. Unfortunately the bird proved extremely difficult to see while calling continuously from cover.

Other birds of note seen included yellow-browed warbler, osprey and redstart while minke and fin whales, common dolphin and common (harbour) seals were present along the coast. Thrushes, ducks, geese, swans, and divers are now returning here for the winter.

Lesser Redpoll by Liam Cahill

Check out www.waterfordbirds.com for local wildlife updates. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to japwatntr@gmail.com

Not Quite Native

Mute Swan Family by Bernie Sheridan

We live on an island, which for many thousands of years was largely covered in ice. As a consequence very few, if any, land mammals were to be found in Ireland at the end of the last Ice Age. As the ice retreated a process of colonisation began. Some land mammals may have colonised naturally by crossing land bridges connecting us to Britain or even swimming here but a surprising number were certainly introduced here by humans. Human introductions were sometimes accidental and oftentimes deliberate. Some authorities maintain that all surviving land mammals in Ireland are human introductions but this is open to debate.

RABBITS AND HARES

The ubiquitous rabbit is most certainly a human introduction. Rabbits arrived here with the Normans in the 12^th century as a domestic food source. The wild rabbits seen here today are the offspring of escapees. The Irish Hare has been here for a considerable period of time and may have been a natural coloniser.

MINK

The mink is a carnivore originally from North America. It was introduced into this country in the 20^th century to be commercially farmed for its fur. Many escaped from these enterprises, and misguided and irresponsible individuals deliberately released others. Their initial impact on local wildlife was severe but other animals have now adapted to the mink somewhat. Mink are well established and widespread in Co Waterford.

Shrew by Andrew Malcolm

SHREWS

Greater white-toothed shrew is the latest addition to Irish land mammals. It was first discovered in 2007 in regurgitated barn owl pellets in Counties Limerick and Tipperary. It was most certainly introduced by man probably by accident from the continent. Subsequently Andrew Malcolm confirmed their presence in Co Waterford where they may be relatively widespread.

RODENTS

Although the red squirrel may have colonised Ireland in the early postglacial period it appears to have died by the end of the 18^th century possibly as a result of hunting and habitat loss. Red squirrels were subsequently re-introduced from England in the 19^th century and became re-established in all counties. At present it is widespread in Waterford but is now facing an imminent danger from the grey squirrel.

The grey squirrel is a North American species. The grey squirrel was introduced from England to Co Longford in1911 and has been rapidly colonising the rest of Ireland. In very recent times it has been observed in Co Waterford. Where red squirrels meet up with their grey counterpart it does not auger well for the reds. Red squirrel populations plummet and often disappear. Grey squirrels being bigger may be able to out compete reds for resources. Greys may also carry a virus to which they are immune but which is lethal to the red squirrel.

Bank voles are a very recent addition to Ireland arriving here in the 1960s. It was almost certainly introduced by man perhaps by accident. It is now established in Co Waterford.

Wood Sandpiper by Colum Flynn

Rats, perhaps surprisingly, are relatively recent arrivals in Ireland and were certainly the result of human activity. The black rat arrived here first from Asia spreading along trade routes used by man. Although it may have arrived here as early as Roman Britain it was certainly here by medieval times when it was associated with Black Death or bubonic plague. The brown rat arrived here much later in the early 18^th century again from Asia. Both rats were called Francach in Irish reflecting the belief that they originated from France. Whereas the brown rat has thrived in Ireland the black has all but disappeared and is now probably extinct here.

DEER AND GOATS

Fallow Deer by Liam Cahill

Red Deer, or at least those occurring in Co Kerry, were considered the quintessential native Irish species. However, recent genetic studies suggest Neolithic Irish farmers introduced them. The Normans introduced fallow deer, widespread in Co Waterford, in the 13^th century. Sika deer occur in Waterford and were introduced in the 19^th century to Ireland.

Wild (feral) goats in Ireland and Waterford are descended from domesticated animals.

RECENT SIGHTINGS AND NEWS

Osprey by Andrew Malcolm

Waders have begun their return journeys from their breeding grounds to their winter refuges. Recent sightings included a little ringed plover (second county record) found by Michael Cowming at Ballinclamper, Clonea and a wood sandpiper at Killongford pool discovered by Colm Flynn, which lingered for a few days. A number of spotted redshanks and green sandpipers were also noted on passage. Andrew Malcolm had a flyover osprey and a minke whale at Ram Head and also upwards of 100 common dolphins at Helvick. Arlo Jacques sighted an eagle species most likely an immature golden eagle. Small numbers of sabine’s gull were observed passing along various points on the coast.

Spotted Redshank by Colum Flynn

Check out www.waterfordbirds.com for local wildlife updates. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to japwatntr@gmail.com. See also the accompanying Blog at www.understandingwaterfordnature.blogspot.com

Getting Started

Pied Flycatcher by Paul Walsh

One of the foremost attributes of nature is its effortless accessibility. Nature is all around us and easily experienced. However the experience and enjoyment can be simply enhanced and remember, nature is free to all.

OPTICS

Fin Whale by Andrew Malcolm

As most animals are wary and tend to keep their distance, a pair of binoculars is almost essential in the field to fully appreciate observations. Binoculars vary in quality, optical choice and price so some research is essential prior to acquisition. For more distant observations, such as whale watching or assessing distant seabirds or waders, a telescope is essential. Again, the choice of telescopes is wide but good quality scopes, although expensive, deliver fantastic results. Astronomical telescopes are not usually suitable for nature watching. A note of warning, given our climate, it is essential that all optical equipment is fully waterproof. The pros and cons of optics can be easily researched on the Internet.

Smooth or Common Newt by Liam Cahill

FIELD GUIDES

For the beginner, the variety of animals likely to be encountered in the field can be bewildering so a good field guide is essential. Field guides have improved dramatically in recent times and are a fantastic resource to help identify various species and to understand their habitats, ecology and distribution.

 

Yellowhammer by Daniel Weldon

Recommended field guides to birds include ‘The Complete Field Guide To Ireland’s Birds’ by Eric Dempsey and Michael O’Clery. For a more European perspective ‘Collins Bird Guide’ by Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom is superb. ‘Exploring Irish Mammals’ by Tom Hayden, Rory Harrington and Billy Clarke is an excellent introduction to Ireland’s mammals. Dealing exclusively with Ireland’s cetaceans ‘A Guide To The Identification Of The Whales And Dolphins Of Ireland’ by Jim Wilson with Simon Berrow is first-rate. ‘The Natural History Of Ireland’s Dragonflies’ by Brian Nelson and Robert Thompson is essential for anybody interested in Irish dragonflies. For those with an interest in Irish butterflies the recently published ‘Ireland’s Butterflies A Review’ by David Nash, Trevor Boyd and Deirdre Hardiman is the definitive publication. ‘A Guide To The Butterflies Of Ireland’ available from The Dublin Naturalist’s Field Club, 35 Nutley Park, Dublin 4 is an excellent field guide to Ireland’s butterflies, illustrating all regularly occurring species.

INTERNET

The ultimate nature research vehicle available at present is undoubtedly the Internet. The information therein is limitless. By merely typing the name of a species into a search engine, instant access is available to every known species, covering identification, vocalisations, habitats, ecology, range and much more. Below are some websites of local and national interest:

www.waterfordbirds.com

www.iwdg.ie (Irish whale and dolphin group)

www.butterflyireland.com

www.biodiversityireland.ie

www.mammals-in-ireland.ie

Beware however, the Internet can be addictive, do not become a virtual nature observer.

APPS

For those with suitable phones, the app store is well worth a visit. Essentially all the information available in field guides (including vocalisations) can be downloaded onto your phone for reference and use in the field – which beats carrying all those books around. Although relatively new, apps look like the way forward.

MISCELLANEOUS

Beautiful Jewelwing Demoiselle by John Joe Cahill

Photography certainly enhances the enjoyment of nature. However, this is a specialised interest, which we will visit at a later date.

Finally, if possible, link up with an experienced observer for your first few field trips. They should be of immense help to the inexperienced person given their acquired knowledge and field craft.

RECENT SIGHTINGS AND NEWS

A spotted sandpiper (American wader) was identified and photographed at Ballinclamper on 05/08 by local birder Pat Veale. Sadly it moved on the same day. Yet another American wader, a white-rumped sandpiper, was located on the Cunnigar by visiting birder Michael O’Keeffe on 04/08 where it lingered for a day or two. A large passage of over 200 Cory’s shearwaters was noted at Helvick and Ram Head by several local birders on 02/08. A leatherback turtle (a trans Atlantic vagrant) was observed swimming past Bunmahon by Daniel Weldon on 16/08. Leatherbacks are the largest turtle on Earth and can reach 2 metres (7 feet) in length and weigh up to 900 kilograms (2000 lbs). 

Pygmy Shrew by Liam Cahill

Finally, Andrew Malcolm took the attached photograph of a fin whale off the Waterford coast. This is the same species as the unfortunate whale that died off Baltimore Co. Cork last week. Fin whales can reach a length of 27 metres (89 feet) and a weight of 109 tons and are the second largest animal that has ever existed exceeded only by the blue whale. Fin whales are regularly seen off the Waterford coast.

Check out www.waterfordbirds.com for local wildlife updates. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to japwatntr@gmail.com

OWLS, NIGHTJARS AND A SPLASH OF THE EXOTIC

Sketch of Nightjar by Killian Mullarney

Owls have always held a fascination for people and six species of owl have been recorded in Ireland, of which four have occurred herein Waterford.

Two species of owl are breeding and resident in Waterford –the barn owl and the long-eared owl – whilst the short-eared owl is a regular but scarce winter visitor.

The most widespread owl in the county is the Long-eared. The name (as with short-eared) is derived from the ear tufts visible on the bird while resting – the tufts are feathers covering the ears rather than the ears themselves. Long-eared owls being nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) are difficult to see. However if their daytime roost is discovered they often allow a close approach.

Barn Owl by Colm Flynn

The Barn Owl is the ‘white’ owl familiar to everybody –particularly as it appears with the introductory theme of the ‘Late Late Show’.Barn owls are widespread but in small numbers throughout the county. They are declining over much of their previous range. Barn owls are mainly nocturnal often being glimpsed in the headlights of cars as they glide silently past.Sometimes they oblige by perching in the open. Daytime roosts and nests are usually in old abandoned buildings, outhouses and barns. The call is an eerie drawn out shriek not very bird like but easily identifiable. Their call may Bethe origin of the Banshee myth.

Short Earred Owl by Andrew Malcolm

The Short-Ear Owl is a winter visitor to Waterford and is partially diurnal, so can be seen by day as it hunts. It is most often encountered at coastal locations over rough terrain, fields and marshland.During the past winter a short-eared owl was regularly seen at Ram Head.

Scops Owl is a small summer visitor to Southern Europe with just a handful of Irish records. It is strictly nocturnal, very difficult to see but detectable by its song – a constantly repeated deep whistle. A ScopsOwl was found freshly dead on Brownstown Head in April 1998, so there is a possibility of other undetected occurrences.

The Snowy Owl is a large white owl most associated with the artic tundra. However it is now an almost annual visitor to Ireland’s west coast and there may be one or two resident individuals. Waterford is probably too far south of its normal range.

The Little Owl is another partly diurnal owl resident overmuch of Europe and Southern Britain, where it was introduced in the nineteenth century. It is now widespread in England and Wales so it may be a potential visitor to Waterford at some future date. There are just four records to date in Ireland, the last being in December 1981.

The owl with the most familiar call ‘hoo hoo hoo hooooo’,well known to Hammer Horror film buffs, is the tawny owl. This species has never been officially recorded in Ireland despite being widespread throughout Britain and Europe.

Nightjar sitting by Killian Mullarney

Although not an owl, the Nightjar is a bird most associated with darkness. Nightjars are both nocturnal and crepuscular when they can be seen displaying and feeding on insects such as moths. The song of the Night jar is a continuous churring reel, sustained for hours on end. The flight call is a repeated koo-ik and it also has a loud wing clap during display flights. An old name for nightjars was goatsucker. This derived from the notion that they suckled milk from goats but were likely chasing insects. Nightjars roost by day lying motionless when their intricately camouflaged plumage makes them virtually impossible to detect. Nightjars are a summer visitor to this country and in past years could be seen at Crocaun and The Vee. Sadly there have been no recent sightings in Waterford but perhaps they are being overlooked in the extensive forestry where they were last encountered.

Bee-eater by Andrew Malcolm

In May 2011 Andrew Malcolm and Ann Trimble found a Bee-eater at Ardmore. This beautifully plumaged exotic bird is a summer visitor to Southern Europe and as its name suggests eats bees. Bee-eater plumage is multi-coloured with blue, yellow, white, brownish-red and green hues. It is a very rare visitor to Ireland of less than annual occurrence. Remarkably Andrew and Ann found another (or the same) bee-eater again at Ardmore in May of this year. Another recent visitor to Dungarvan was a gull-billed tern found by local birder Micheál Cowming  - a first county record. Unfortunately it lingered for just a few hours before departing. 

Rosy Starling by Una Power/Bernadette Sheridan

On Thursday the 19th of July Ann Daines discovered a Rose-coloured Starling in her garden at Seapark, Abbeyside. This was the second county record of this beautiful pink and black bird. The normal range of this starling is eastwards of Turkey but it is now happily ensconced in Ann’s garden, feeding on fat balls.

Rosy Starling by Daniel Weldon

Check out www.waterfordbirds.com for local wildlife updates. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to japwatntr@gmail.com

Butterflies

Green Hairstreak by Andrew Malcolm

The life of a butterfly constitutes four main phases. It begins as an egg; the egg then develops in to larva or caterpillar. At this stage most feeding and growth are undertaken. When fully grown the larva becomes a chrysalis or pupa. Although the pupa appears inactive, great change is occurring within and the metamorphosis into butterfly or imago is completed. The adult form of the butterfly is the colourful, beautiful flying insect with which we are most familiar.

Butterflies, along with moths, are part of the order Lepidoptera. This reflects the fact that their wings are covered in scales. A readily distinguishing feature from moths is their clubbed antennae, which moths don’t have. Moreover butterflies are a day flying or diurnal contrasting with moths, which are usually, though not exclusively, nocturnal. As butterflies are sun loving they occur in summer and autumn, and rarely in winter!

There are 33 regularly occurring species of butterfly in Ireland and a small number of vagrants. Regularly occurring species in Waterford amount to twenty-five, with a few unusual vagrants.

Of the White and Yellows, all occur in Waterford, with the exception of Brimstone. Clouded Yellow is a migrant occurring in large numbers in some years and is extremely rare or absent in other years. Wood Whites, a small delicate white, occur widely in Waterford.

Irish Browns are well represented, with the notable exception in Waterford of the Large Heath. All of the others are present. Wall Brown (declining in Ireland) can be seen along rocky/rough areas of the coast. They are easily seen at Ballymacart at present. Grayling and Gatekeeper can be seen later in the summer near Dunhill and at Ballyscanlan.

Marsh Fritillary by John Joe Cahill

Among Irish Vanessids and Fritillaries, Pearl-bordered Fritillary does not occur in Waterford. Red Admiral and Painted Lady are migrants and can occur in large numbers. Comma has only recently become established in Ireland, particularly in Wexford and now recorded in very small numbers in Waterford City and its environs. Queen of Spain Fritillary, not reliably recorded in Ireland since 1960, was sighted a Carrickavrantry, Co. Waterford by Tony Byrant in October 2011. Marsh Fritillary has not been recorded in Waterford in recent years. However, last June, a freshly dead specimen was recovered from the grill of a car at Ballinamult, so they may occur. As the name suggests, they are sighted exclusively on bogs/marshes and their flight period is late May to early June. Information on any occurrences would be greatly appreciated.

Green Hairstreaks Mating by Francis O'Connell

Of the Irish Hairstreaks, Coppers and Blues, Brown Hairstreaks do not occur in Waterford and Small Blues very sparingly (any records very welcome). Green Hairstreaks are presently on the wing and can be seen at Coumaraglin in the Monavullagh Mountains and on the approaches to the Vee. Purple Hairstreaks, an oak tree specialist, can be seen on Oaks in the late summer. They are probably widespread in suitable habitat, which is almost exclusively high in the canopy of Oak Trees – careful scrutiny should be rewarded.

Two Skipper species occur in Ireland. Dingy Skipper does not occur in Waterford. Essex Skipper has recently colonised Ireland and is now well established in Wexford, so is a potential vagrant/colonist in Waterford.

Monarch, a large American vagrant, occurs in Ireland in small numbers in autumn and has been recorded in Waterford.

A Guide to the Butterflies of Ireland, an excellent publication, designed to aid identification in the field, is available from the Dublin Naturalist’s Field Club, 35 Nutley Park, Donnybrook, Dublin 4. As well as illustrating all regularly occurring butterflies in Ireland, it also gives “Time Of Flight Charts” for each species.

Check out www.butterflyireland.com for national records (and submissions) and www.waterfordbirds.com for local occurrences. See also www.butterflies.biodiversityireland.ie for details of the Irish Butterfly Monitoring Scheme.

If you have any questions or comments, please email them to japwatntr@gmail.com

Great Move North

April and May witness a mass movement of birds north into Europe and North America, and Ireland fully participates in this natural phenomenon.  This migration is largely made up of two elements – the departure of winter visitors to more northerly climes and the arrival of summer visitors from more southerly regions.  Thus thrushes, such as redwing and fieldfare, which were so common throughout the winter have now all but departed.  The throngs of waders (or shorebirds in American parlance) have now mostly left for their breeding grounds to the north.  Ducks and geese will move quickly north as daylight hours increase and breeding grounds lose their snow and ice cover.

Adult Purple Heron by Colm Flynn

At the same time, vast numbers of passerines (small perching birds) move into Ireland to take advantage of longer daylight hours and hugely increased food resources in order to hatch and rear their young.  These are mainly insectivores, which feed on the swarms of flies, midges and other insects that populate Ireland in the warmer months. Whitethroats, chiffchaffs and blackcaps are representative of the warbler family while swallows, martins and swifts occupy the skies. More exotic species such as the cuckoo, flycatchers and wheatears are also seen and the rare crepuscular nightjar may be encountered.

With the warming seas small fish become abundant inshore and this attracts terns such as arctic and sandwich; auks represented by guillemots, razorbills and puffins; gannets and the small but extremely resilient storm petrel.  Ireland is also used as a transit point and feeding station for birds moving further north such as whimbrel, Greenland wheatears and maybe even an osprey or two.

Migration northwards largely stops in late May as the migrants raise their young.  From late August onwards, with the shortening days and dwindling food supplies, the whole process reverses and our summer visitors, augmented by their offspring, head south once more to Africa for the winter.  As the arctic regions become snow-bound thrushes, waders, ducks and geese move back to into Ireland to take advantage of our mainly ice-free conditions and available food supplies.

Migration is not confined to birds as insects and sea mammals also migrate and we will revisit this at a later time.

Over the next few weeks look out for swallows, terns, auks and warblers as well as butterflies such as orange tips, holly blues and green hairstreaks.

At the time of writing a purple heron, an extremely rare visitor to Ireland, has taken up residence at Seafield, Bunmahon. Congratulations to local birder Daniel Wheldon on this excellent find.

Check out www.waterfordbirds.com for local wildlife updates. If you have any questions or comments, please email them to japwatntr@gmail.com