Animal enthusiast, Cartoonist, Photographer, Writer
Scientific name: Podiceps cristatus Irish name: Foitheach mór Diet: Carnivore Size: 46-51cm Tips on how to find them: Widespread throughout Ireland, particularly in the north (Lough Neagh is a good place to find them); look for them in wetlands with emerging … Continued
Scientific name: Dendrocopos major Irish name: Mórchnagaire breac Size: 23-25cm Diet: Mainly carnivore; will also take peanuts from bird feeders Tips on how to find them: Search in old woodland with dead trees; listen out for the woodpecker’s famous ‘drumming’ … Continued
Scientific name: Halichoerus grypus Irish name: Rón mór Length: 1.7-2.3m Diet: carnivore Tips on how to find them: Not a difficult species to see; greatest numbers are along Ireland’s west coast.
International name: European hedgehog Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus Irish name: Gráinneog Diet: Omnivore Size: 20-30cm Tips on how to find them: Best to look between April and October when they are out of hibernation; most likely to be seen around dusk; droppings often appear … Continued
International name: Mountain hare Scientific name: Lepus timidus hibernicus Irish name: Giorria sléibhe Éireannach Diet: Herbivore Size: 50-65cm long Tips on how to find them: Can be found throughout Ireland in various habitats; smaller than the introduced brown hare; mainly nocturnal, but can … Continued
International name: Eurasian jay Scientific name: Garrulus glandarius Irish name: Scréachóg Size: 33-37cm Diet: Omnivore Tips on how to find them: Identified by distinctly coloured plumage; found mainly in deciduous forests; in Autumn, they collect acorns to store for winter, which might … Continued
International name: Common kingfisher, Eurasian kingfisher Scientific name: Alcedo atthis Irish name: Cruidín Size: 16-17 cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: When looking over a river or other water body, keep your eyes peeled for a small, fast-moving, … Continued
Scientific name: Egretta garzetta Irish name: Éigrit bheag Size: 55-65cm long Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Found closer to the coast than inland; can be found in any type of wetland habitat.
Scientific name: Sternula albifrons Irish name: Geabhróg bheag Size: 24-27cm Diet: Carnivore Tips on how to find them: Call includes a loud, rasping sound; can be seen hovering over the water in mid-air as it looks for fish; breeds in … Continued