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Online edition: ew 2009-0900
Print edition: ISSN 2009-8464
ISSUE 18 | AUTUMN/WINTER 2018
The Hare Survey
of Ireland 2017-19
Ireland’s wild geese
Eric Dempsey introduces
these migrant visitors
Global biodiversity meeting
25th GBIF meeting hosted in Kilkenny
Biodiversity Tales
News from recording schemes for
butterflies, bats and birds
Biodiversity Ireland Issue 18 Autumn/Winter 2018
Contents
Biodiversity Ireland is published by the National
NEWS.......................................................................................................................................3, 6, 7, 13
Biodiversity Data Centre. Enquiries should be sent to
the editor, Juanita Browne, editor@biodiversityireland.ie
GBIF comes to Kilkenny................................................................................................................4
The National Biodiversity Data Centre, 25th GBIF Governing Board Meeting
Beechfield House, WIT West Campus,
Carriganore, Waterford.
Tel: +353 (0)51 306240
Email: info@biodiversityireland.ie
Social Impact Award.......................................................................................................................8
Web: www.biodiversityireland.ie National Biodiversity Data Centre wins top Data Science award
Management Board
BIODIVERSITY BEGINNERS – Ireland’s wild geese............................................... 10
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is governed by
a Management Board, established by the Heritage Eric Dempsey introduces our migrant visitors
Council. The Management Board is responsible for
setting the strategic direction of the work of the
National Biodiversity Data Centre and for ensuring Running with the Hare................................................................................................................14
proper corporate governance.
Dr Neil Reid explains how you can contribute to the Hare Survey of Ireland
The composition of the Management Board:
Bernadette Guest Heritage Officer, Waterford City BIODIVERSITY TALES ............................................................................................................16
and County Council
Updates on birds, whales, bryophytes and vascular plants
Dr Matthew Jebb Director, National Botanic Gardens
Rachel Kenny Director of Planning,
An Bord Pleanála
Staff of the National Biodiversity Data Centre
Dr. Micheál Lehane Director,
Environmental Protection Agency
Dr Peter McLoughlin Head of School of Science Juanita Browne, Ben Malone,
and Computing All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Officer, Administrative & Engagement
Department, Waterford
Institute of Technology
is responsible for engaging Officer, is responsible for day-
with partner organisations to-day office management at the
Nigel Monaghan Keeper, National Museum of
Ireland – Natural History Division
to assist implementation of Centre. He also has developed and
the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and to promote is coordinating the Centre’s engagement and outreach
Jack Nolan Head of Nitrates, Biodiversity and
Engineering Division, Department
the conservation of Ireland’s pollinators. She also programme, including organising the capacity-building
of Agriculture, Food and the Marine contributes to communications activities of the recorder workshops.
Data Centre.
Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe Director, National Parks Dr Tomás Murray,
and Wildlife Service
Dr. Úna Fitzpatrick, Senior Ecologist, deals with
Declan Quigley Senior Port Office, Sea Fisheries Senior Ecologist, is responsible for much of the analysis, ecological
Protection Authority
the development of, and oversees modelling and national reporting
Michael Starrett Chief Executive, delivery of, the All-Ireland Pollinator work of the Data Centre. His
The Heritage Council
Plan 2015-2020, and is responsible responsibilities include management of the Butterfly
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is an initiative of for the plant and vegetation work programmes of the and Bumblebee Monitoring Schemes, and delivery
the Heritage Council and is operated under a service Data Centre. This includes management of the National
level agreement by Compass Informatics. The Centre
of the National Biodiversity Indicators, and providing
is funded by the Department of Culture, Heritage and Vegetation Database and contributing to development advice on biodiversity survey design.
the Gaeltacht. of the Irish Vegetation Classification System.
Colette O’Flynn,
Gemma Hughes, Invasive Species Officer, is
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Officer, responsible for the Invasive
is responsible for engaging with Species work programmes of
the agri-business sector to assist the Data Centre. She manages
implementation of the All-Ireland the National Invasive Species Database, provides
Pollinator Plan and to promote the conservation of coordination of invasive species data and information,
Ireland’s pollinators. and contributes advice and policy support at the
national and European level.
Dr Liam Lysaght,
Centre Director, is responsible Barry O’Neill,
for setting the strategic Data and ICT Manager ,
direction of the Data Centre is responsible for the IT
and overall management of infrastructure and database
the operations and work programme. He takes the management activities of the
lead on much of the Data Centre’s citizen science Data Centre. He developed the Citizen Science Data
engagement and is responsible for building relations Portal and other online data capture systems that are
with partner organisations. He also serves as Head provided as shared services to partner organisations.
of Delegation for Ireland to the Global Biodiversity
Information Facility.
Cover: Irish Mountain Hare © Mike Brown
Delegates from all over the world travelled to Kilkenny in October to attend the
Governing Board meeting of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.
Director’s Comment
As I write, the World Wildlife hosting the 25th meeting of the Global Biodiversity
Fund for Nature has published Information Facility’s (GBIF) Governing Board. GBIF
its Living Planet Report 2018, is a huge global network of 59 participant countries and
which provides a platform for 38 international organisations, all working together,
the best science, cutting-edge using common data standards to promote the sharing
research and diverse voices of vast amounts of information on biodiversity.
on the impact of humans on The evidence shows that now, more than ever, we
the health of planet Earth. need to have robust data and information to build the
More than 50 experts from scientific evidence on how biodiversity is changing at
academia, policy, international development and the global, regional, national and local levels. Like the
conservation organizations have contributed to the management of any natural resource, and biodiversity
report. This report has credibility. is most certainly a natural resource, we need fit-for-
The Living Planet Index is ‘an indicator of the state purpose information management systems. This
of global biodiversity and the health of our planet, and means providing access to as much data as possible,
it tracks the population abundance of thousands of for researchers and policy makers to use in their work.
mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians from It was exciting to have the global GBIF network in
around the world’. It uses the trends that emerge as a Kilkenny. The Data Centre hosted a one-day symposium
measure for changes in biodiversity; a surrogate measure which introduced delegates to the global work of GBIF
for the health of the planet on which we live and we and highlighted some regional data and information
depend. The Living Planet Report 2018 reports there has needs to address the challenge of biodiversity loss. Part
been an astonishingly steep fall of 60% in biodiversity
over the last 40 years.
‘we are the first generation that has a clear picture
Even as a small island off the west coast of Europe, of the value of nature and the enormous impact we
Ireland is not immune from these trends. Of the 3,000 or have on it. We may also be the last generation that
so species that have undergone a Red List conservation can act to reverse this trend’.
assessment, on average one in every three or four
species is threatened with extinction here. This is a of the symposium also showcased some of the exciting
truly shocking legacy that we are handing on to future work that is being done at the local level within Ireland,
generations. The most succinct summation of where by NGOs, local authorities and citizen scientists.
humanity is at, is the statement that ‘we are the first The word coming back from the international GBIF
generation that has a clear picture of the value of nature delegates attending was that Ireland really is to the fore
and the enormous impact we have on it. We may also in terms of bringing added value to data collection and
be the last generation that can act to reverse this trend’. making it available for citizen engagement, promotion
Sobering words indeed. and action at the ground level. Clearly, the use of such
It was against this background that the National data and systems is still in its infancy in Ireland, but we
Biodiversity Data Centre welcomed the global are well placed to deliver biodiversity conservation if we
bioinformatics community to Kilkenny in early October, can get more buy-in from our politicians. 3
T
he National Biodiversity Data Centre hosted
the 25th meeting of the Governing Board of
the Global Biodiversity Information Facility
(GBIF) in Kilkenny on October 15-19th. GBIF is a global
network of 59 Participant Countries and 38 international
organisations and initiatives, working together to share
data and information on the world’s biological diversity.
To mark the occasion, the Data Centre held a one-day
symposium, on October 18th, showcasing how the work
of the National Biodiversity Data Centre bridges the
gap between the global and regional work of GBIF and
delivery of on-the-ground actions for biodiversity at
the national and local levels. The symposium served as
a very valuable networking opportunity.
Dearbhala Ledwidge, Heritage Officer, Kilkenny County Council; Pat Reid,
HeritageMaps.ie; and Ciaran O’Keeffe, National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Una FitzPatrick, National Biodiversity Data Centre; and Amanda Pedlow, Heritage
Kyle Copas, GBIF Secretariat, Copenhagen; Chantal Huijbers, Australia; and Dag Officer, Offaly County Council.
Endresen, Norway.
Donald Hobern, Executive Secretary, GBIF; Ben Malone, National Biodiversity Data Róisiín O’Grady, Heritage Officer,
Centre; James Holborow, New Zealand; and Greg Riccardi, Florida State University. Tipperary County Council, and Tom Piotr Tykarski, Poland; and Ben Malone,
Sullivan, Western Massachussets National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Pollinator Network.
4
John Paul Phelan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local
Government; Tanya Abrahamse, Chair, GBIF; Donald Hobern, Executive Secretary of
GBIF; Susanne Sheldon and Anne Mette Nielsen, GBIF Secretariat.
Nigel Monaghan, National Museum of Ireland - Natural History; and Des Boyhan,
Niamh Roche, Bat Conservation Ireland; and Frances Berrow.
Dublin City Council.
André Heughebaert, Belgium; Eric Chenin, France; Francisco Pando, Spain; Anne- Achenui Robert Biketi, Brandenburg University of Technology; and Pat Reid,
Sophie Archambeau, France; and Philippe Grandcolas, France. HeritageMaps.ie
Paula Tracey, Waterways Ireland; and Simon Berrow, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group; and Signa Martin.
Liam Lysaght, Director, National
Pantaleo Munishi, United Republic of
Biodiversity Data Centre.
Tanzania.
5
Clonmel Tidy Towns group, overall
winners of the Pollinator Award
Eight communities celebrate
Local Authority Pollinator Awards
C
lonmel won the top special Pollinator Award at the gardens, roadside verges and green areas could all be managed
TidyTowns awards on Monday September 24th, at with pollinators in mind.
the Helix in Dublin, recognising all that has been Juanita Browne, Project Officer with the All-Ireland
done by the town to help pollinating insects. Pollinator Plan said of the winners: “It’s amazing to see the
One third of our 99 bee species are threatened with whole town of Clonmel get behind this project. We’re so
extinction from Ireland. This is because we have drastically grateful to all our winners, and all 66 towns and villages who
reduced the amount of food (wildflowers) and safe nesting have done so much to help their local pollinating insects. We
sites in our landscapes. The All Ireland Pollinator Plan was hope this will continue into the future. With so much of our
launched in 2015 as a shared plan of action to try to reverse landscapes being intensively managed and one third of our bee
these declines by working with communities, businesses, species at risk of extinction, these 66 sites act as much-needed
parks, schools, councils and farms to make an Ireland where safe refuges for bees across the country.”
pollinators can survive and thrive. Seven other regional Pollinator Awards of ¤1,000 were
The Local Authority Pollinator Award aims to encourage also presented to Ennis, Sneem, Tullahought, Buncrana,
TidyTowns groups to implement pollinator-friendly actions in Killeshandra, Swords and Geashill.
their towns and villages as part of the TidyTowns competition. To find out how you can take actions to help pollinators or
It is sponsored by the Heritage Offices and Biodiversity Offices to enter the 2019 Local Authority Pollinator Award, please see
of Local Authorities across Ireland, in partnership with the www.pollinators.ie
National Biodiversity Data Centre. In 2018, there were 66
entries, from 22 counties, for the Pollinator Award and the
standard of entries was extremely high.
To take home the top prize, Clonmel adopted a whole-town
approach, mapping the town and areas that could provide food
and shelter for pollinating insects. Clonmel Tidy Towns were
commended for working with all sectors to raise awareness of
how the local council, businesses, home-owners and schools
could all get involved. They distributed the Pollinator Plan’s
‘Business’ guidelines to local businesses to encourage them
to sign up as plan supporters. Working with the Men’s Shed Tullahought Tidy Towns, Regional award winner
and other Community groups, such as SuirCam and 2CanDo,
they planted a Community Orchard, an amazing way to both
help pollinators and provide free fruit for the community.
They also visited local schools and planted pollinator-friendly
flowers with the children in local parks. The group manually
weeded kerbs, roundabouts and flowerbeds so as to avoid using
pesticides, and stone walls and soil banks were protected as
nesting sites for solitary bees. They also promoted the ‘Garden
guidelines’ and circulated a ‘Pollinator-friendly guide for estate
management’ to local Residents’ Associations so that private
Ennis Tidy Towns, Regional award winner
6
New biodiversity portal
for Kilkenny
The National Biodiversity Data Centre recently worked with
the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council to develop
a new biodiversity portal and citizen science project which
encourages people to explore and record the biodiversity of
some of Kilkenny’s beautiful habitats.
S
peaking at the Global Biodiversity Information
Facility conference dinner on October 16th, in
St Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny,
Eamon Aylward, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Working with a small but dedicated staff, they set a
Council, said: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with very high standard in the collection, management and
the Data Centre on developing a pilot website and citizen dissemination of data on Ireland’s biological diversity,
science project, the first of its kind with a local authority and have been very successful in spreading their passion
in Ireland. The project encourages local communities, for the importance of data collection, and getting people
schools, and the public to explore our parks, woodlands actively involved throughout Ireland.’
and rivers in the county and record the flora and fauna The Kilkenny Photographic Society has kindly
they see there. We hope that similar projects will be supplied photographs, and the website has been funded
rolled out to other Local Authorities in the coming years.’ by the Heritage Office of Kilkenny County Council, the
The online portal has biodiversity and visitor National Biodiversity Data Centre, the Creative Ireland
information on 20 of Kilkenny’s parks, woodlands (Kilkenny) Programme, and the Department of Culture,
and rivers, including information on the key species Heritage and the Gaeltacht as an action of the National
people might see when they visit. The public can enter Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2022.
records of species, and this data is logged on the National
Biodiversity Data Centre’s Citizen Science Portal. ‘Latest If your local authority would like to create a
sightings’ of species will also be highlighted. similar biodiversity portal for your county, please
Aylward went on to say: ‘We are exceptionally
contact the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
fortunate to have such a professional organisation
as the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Ireland. info@biodiversityireland.ie
7
Screen shots of web pages from Kilkenny's new biodiversity portal.
National Biodiversity Data Centre wins top award for
Best use of data to
achieve social impact’
T
he DatSci awards, sponsored by Deloitte, bring The 2018 DatSci Awards, hosted by Next Generation in
together the best and brightest data scientists association with the Centre for Applied Data Analytics,
in Ireland to recognise the important work brings together more than 300 data science industry
being done in one of the fastest growing sectors in leaders and honours those who have accomplished and
Ireland. contributed most in the rapidly expanding field of data
Data science and analytics are rapidly becoming big science and analytics.
business in Ireland. It has been approximated that there The ‘Best Use of Data to achieve Social Impact’ award
will be 40,000-60,000 analytics roles in Ireland by 2020. was sponsored by Deutsche Bank, and was a new
DatSci Awards www.datsciawards.ie
Biodiversity Maps can be accessed at https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/
Ireland’s Citizen Science Portal can be accessed at https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/
8
award category in the DatSci awards, and attracted Council, through which the funding for the Centre is
entrants from across Europe. The award was announced provided, stated “This is a brilliant accolade and makes
at a special ceremony held in Croke Park, Dublin, on clear the very strong link between the quality of the
September 7th, attended by over 300 data scientists and biodiversity data and the manner in which it can be
industry representatives. applied to improve the quality of people’s lives and hence
This award recognised that the “National Biodiversity have a positive social impact”.
Data Centre has made a strong positive impact on our Speaking after the awards ceremony, Gearóid Ó
national understanding of Ireland’s
biodiversity, an important natural This award recognised “the National
resource that contributes a minimum
of ¤2.6 billion to the Irish economy each
Biodiversity Data Centre has made a
year. Using scientific methodologies strong positive impact on our national
combined with innovative data
analytical techniques, and supported
understanding of Ireland’s biodiversity”.
by modern technologies, it is raising the profile of
biodiversity, encouraging citizen engagement through
biodiversity recording and conservation, and influencing
policy through the provision of robust data-driven
insights”.
The National Biodiversity Data Centre, based in
Waterford, has a team of seven full time staff, supported
by a small team of ICT specialists, all employed by
Compass Informatics, the SME that runs the National
Biodiversity Data Centre on behalf of the Heritage
Council.
The Biodiversity Data Centre’s mission is to provide
national coordination and standards of biodiversity data
and recording, assist the mainstreaming of biodiversity
data and information into decision-making, planning,
conservation management and research, and encourage
greater engagement by society in documenting and
appreciating biodiversity.
When the National Biodiversity Data Centre
commenced operations in 2007 there was no central
repository of biodiversity records, no tradition of data
sharing, and a weak citizen science network with little
capacity for generating high quality data. Today, there
is a scientifically validated, Irish biodiversity database
of over 4 million records documenting more than 16,000
The National Biodiversity Data Centre Riain, Managing Director Vivienne Kelly,
Compass
“is raising the profile of biodiversity, of Compass Informatics,
noted ‘that the role of a Informatics, and
encouraging citizen engagement through private company, Compass
Dr Tomás Murray,
the National
biodiversity recording and conservation, Informatics, has had very
positive outcomes. The
Biodiversity Data
Centre, accepting
and influencing policy through the company has been able to the DatSci award.
provision of robust data-driven insights bring the experience gained
and expertise developed to
species sourced from 144 different data sources. other clients and countries – including with the South
The Centre’s network includes more than 9,000 African National Biodiversity Institute, and creating high
active citizen scientists, and over the last five years it value jobs and new data science approaches, not only
has provided 106 training courses, upskilling more than in Dublin but also in Waterford. Compass Informatics
1,500 individuals through its workshop programme. has also been contributing significant research and
Access to these data are provided through a state-of-the- development benefits from its own resources to the
art mapping portal: https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/ . Centre, ensuring that commercially, scientifically and
Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage socially, biodiversity is the winner.”
9
IR ELAND’S
wintering geese Bird expert Eric Dempsey introduces Ireland’s visiting geese.
A
ll wild geese are winter
visitors to Ireland, but feral
(formerly domesticated but
now wild) populations of Greylag,
along with smaller numbers of Canada Geese, are now
breeding here and are found all year round. Geese that
visit Ireland can be divided into two quite distinct
groups: the ‘grey’ (really greyish-brown) and the ‘black
and white’. In this article, we will look at the six most
common species seen each winter. Within the ‘grey’
group are Greylag, White-fronted and Pink-footed
Geese, while the ‘black and white’ group consists of
Barnacle, Canada and Brent Geese. Greylag Goose
Let’s look at each one separately…
PINK-FOOTED GOOSE GREYLAG GOOSE
The Pink-footed Goose is the smallest of t h e Greylag Goose is the largest of the group and is the
‘grey’ geese and, as the name suggests, they have very original farmyard goose. They show thickset, brownish
bright, obviously pink legs as well as small, stubby, heads and necks with darker neck stripes. Their
dark bills with a pink band towards the tip. Breeding upperparts are a similar colour, but show pale fringes
in Greenland and Iceland, small numbers reach Ireland to the feathers, giving them a banded appearance. The
each winter. To my eye, Pink-footed Goose is one of underparts are pale greyish brown and, like all geese in
the most aesthetically pleasing of all geese, showing a the ‘grey’ group, the area under the tail is white. The legs
small, dark ‘Bourneville’ chocolate-coloured head and are a dull pink, with our birds showing a thick orange
short neck, contrasting with a sandy-coloured breast bill. When in flight, the front part of the wing (the
and underparts. The upperparts are equally striking, forewing) appears very pale grey, which gives Greylag
Main image: Three being a ‘frosty’ bluish-grey that dominates the whole Goose its name.
Pink-footed Goose of the wing when seen in flight.
10Greenland White-fronted goose
WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE black head, neck and breast, a stubby
White-fronted Geese are very like Greylag but black bill and white underparts with
appear much darker brown overall, lacking the neat grey barring on the flanks. The
pale fringes to the upperpart feathers and showing upperparts show a beautiful pattern
distinct black patches on the belly. The most distinctive of pale grey, black and white barring.
feature is the broad white patch at the These features make Barnacle Geese
base of the bill, which extends up onto unmistakeable.
the forehead (known as a blaze). The
race that occurs in Ireland is the Greenland White-
fronted Goose and it shows an orange bill and orange
legs. In flight, their wings show very little contrast,
appearing wholly brown. Every winter, half of the
world’s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese
visit the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
BARNACLE GOOSE
The most attractive of the black and white group is
the strikingly patterned Barnacle Goose. Breeding
in Greenland and migrating through Iceland, it’s not
surprising that the main populations are found along
the rugged west coast of Ireland. Before bird migration
was fully understood, it was believed that these birds
emerged from barnacles each winter, hence their name.
Barnacle Geese show a striking white face against a
Barnacle Goose
“Each winter, half of the world’s population of Greenland
White-fronted Geese visit the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
11Pale-bellied Brent Goose Canada Goose
The Brent Geese that occur in Ireland are referred to as
‘pale-bellied’ Brent and come from Arctic Canada.
© ERIC DEMPSEY CANADA GOOSE
Canada Geese are equally distinctive, showing a black
head, neck and breast, but with striking white cheeks
BRENT GOOSE that extend down to form a white ‘chinstrap’. The
The last in this group, the Brent Goose, will be most underparts show a brownish wash, while the upperparts
familiar to those who live along coastal estuaries. They, are greyish-brown with indistinct barring. The problem
too, have black heads, necks and breasts, but show white with Canada Geese is that there are many different
neck patches. The upperparts are dark grey, appearing forms, each varying in size from as small as a Barnacle
almost black at a distance. The birds that occur in to as large as a Greylag Goose. While Canada Geese
Ireland are referred to as ‘pale-bellied’ Brent and come can be seen in parks and collections, the only true
from Arctic Canada. As their name suggests, pale-bellied wild Canada Geese that occur in Ireland are birds that
Brent have pale, greyish-brown lower breasts and bellies arrive with wintering Barnacle or Greenland White-
that contrast with the black breast. The Siberian race fronted Geese, where their breeding ranges may overlap.
is known as ‘dark-bellied’ Brent and, you’ve guessed it, In North America there are now two species recognised,
have dark lower breasts and bellies that show little or no the larger Canada Goose and the smaller Cackling
contrast with the black breast. Dark-bellied Brent occur Goose. Both have been seen in Ireland.
in small numbers each year in Ireland.
Eric Dempsey is the author of many books
Dark-bellied Brent Goose
including The Complete Field Guide to Ireland’s Birds,
Birdwatching in Ireland with Eric Dempsey and Finding
Birds in Ireland. His new book, Don’t Die in Autumn –
a memoir, was published to critical acclaim. He also
leads eco-tourism groups to all parts of Ireland in
search of birds, and is a team member of the popular
‘Mooney Goes Wild’ on RTE Radio 1.
The Siberian race of Brent Geese is known as ‘dark-bellied’
Brent and have dark lower breasts and bellies that show little
or no contrast with the black breast. Dark-bellied Brent occur
in small numbers each year in Ireland.
all other images © Shutterstock
12News
National Biodiversity Data Centre Data Centre and EPA working to
signs collaboration agreement with promote Citizen Science
South African Biodiversity Institute The Data Centre has received funding from the
The National Biodiversity Data Centre is delighted to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a three- year
have signed a Collaboration Agreement with the South collaborative initiative to build citizen science capacity in
African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) to Ireland. The collaboration between the Data Centre and
formalise a partnership to promote the complementary the EPA will see the establishment of two citizen science
exchange of skills and technology relating to biodiversity initiatives targeted at water environments. The first
information management and assessment. will look at developing a network of recorders to collect
The Collaboration Agreement covers three areas: information on coastal biodiversity, providing valuable
(i) Development of research infrastructures, (ii) insights into habitat diversity, habitat quality and the
Advancement of data science, biodiversity assessment spread of invasive alien species. The second initiative
and monitoring, and policy advice, and (iii) Collaboration will focus on collecting information on dragonfly usage
on funding proposals to support special initiatives. of freshwater and riparian habitats to assess their use as
This agreement was pursued because of the indicators of habitat quality. A full-
complementary roles and experiences of each partner, time Citizen Science Officer will
thereby providing clear opportunities for mutual commence employment with the
learning experiences between SANBI and the Data Data Centre in December 2018, with
Centre. In particular, SANBI can learn from the Data a view to launching both initiatives
Centre and Compass Informtics about technical and in spring 2019.
software solutions to build and sustain its National
Biodiversity Information System and help it to
increase its effectiveness as the national data centre
for South Africa. For its part, the Data Centre can learn Data Centre secures European
from SANBI’s extensive experience in using data for
biodiversity assessment processes and policy advice.
Innovation Partnership funding
The Data Centre has successfully secured ¤1.26 million
for a project to test farmland pollinator measures under
the recent European Innovation Partnership programme
administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food
and Marine.
The project, Protecting Farmland Pollinators, will
develop and test a whole-farm pollinator scoring system
that can be easily calculated, easily understood and
easily improved, building on the All- Ireland Pollinator
Plan farmland pollinator guidelines published in 2017.
The five-year project will test management actions
on 40 farms across different farming types in Co.
Kildare. It will be a result-based system – the higher the
pollinator score of the farm, the more the farmer will be
paid annually. The project will also include significant
insect/plant surveys to test whether farms that
achieve high scores have more pollinators
(bees, hoverflies) and more biodiversity
generally. The operational group for
From left, Jeff Manuel and Kristal Maze, SANBI; Ciaran
O’Keeffe, NPWS; Gearóid Ó Riain, Compass Informatics; the project includes the Data Centre,
Yonah Seleti, Department of Science and Technology, South Trinity College Dublin, Bord Bia,
Africa; and Liam Lysaght, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Glanbia, Teagasc, Macra na Feirme
at the signing of the Data Centre’s collaboration agreement and local farmers.
with the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
13Dr Neil Reid explains the
importance of submitting hare
sightings to the Hare Survey of
Ireland 2017-19
© James O'Neill
T
he Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is a sub-species
of mountain hare, which colonised Ireland during the last
Ice Age. As such, it is one of Ireland’s few truly endemic
species and the only lagomorph native to the island. There
can be no more Irish an animal, and as such, it has been held up as a
flagship species – a symbol of Ireland’s biodiversity.
The Irish hare is found from sea level to mountain
summits and feeds predominately on grasses. It differs
from the other mountain hares, being larger with
distinct variation in its skull and jaw morphology; a
© Mike Brown
likely consequence of a change in diet. Despite its size
(up to 4.5kg), the productivity of agricultural grasslands century, with the population reaching a low in the mid-
allows the Irish hare to have comparatively small 1990s, but the population appears to have stabilised
home ranges (less than 50 hectares). It has a distinctly since then at low densities (approximately 3 hares/
russet red summer pelage and moults to dusky grey- km 2) during the early 21st century. The Irish hare is,
brown in winter but, with a near complete therefore, protected by the EU Habitats Directive, Bern
absence of snow, it does not turn entirely Convention, the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act
white like its relatives in other countries. (Northern Ireland) 2011 and the Wildlife Amendment
Act (Republic of Ireland) 2000. The last All-Ireland
Population change population estimate suggested there were approximately
Game-bag shooting records collected 500,000 hares in Ireland during 2007, which remained
from 14 estates throughout Ireland widespread.
from 1848 to 1970 suggest that Hare life histories are remarkably like those of ground-
historical populations existed at nesting birds. Hares give birth on the surface of the land,
much higher densities than today. usually farmland, where their young remain motionless.
During the early 20th century, This is not unlike the grey partridge, skylark, lapwing
ag ricultural intensif ication, or curlew, which lay their eggs in a shallow scrape or
increases in larger, monocultural, nest in open farmland. It is not surprising that declines
mechanised farms and a move from in ground-nesting birds mirror those of the Irish hare
hay-making to multiple silage cuts The corollary is that conservation actions that benefit
per year drove population declines. ground-nesting birds appear to also support hares. Land
These continued through the late 20th management sympathetic to raising grey partridges
14
© Mike Brownas game birds, such as leaving winter stubble in place; There can be no more
less intensive grassland management (fewer reseeding
events and less frequent harvests); and having field edge
Irish an animal,
margins including wildflower strips, provides hares and as such, it has been
with suitable grazing adjacent to rougher vegetation
for shelter increasing the carrying capacity of the land.
held up as a
Oddly, Dublin and Belfast International Airports, flagship species –
as well as many golf courses, are well known as Irish
hare hotspots. Such sites have areas of rough grass
a symbol of
that are typically cut only once annually and don’t Ireland’s
undergo reseeding or extensive herbicide treatment.
If the habitat is suitable, hares can habituate to any
biodiversity”.
amount of disturbance, hardly twitching an ear as a jet
screams to a halt only metres away, or weaving in and Hare records 2010-2015 had
large ‘holes’ in distribution,
out of the crowds lining the fairways at the Irish Open!
which need filling in. As you log
Thus, despite historical declines, it is difficult not to be the location and date of your
optimistic about an animal that seems so adaptable and hare record, it will help us to
fill in the blanks on our latest
Legend
capable of tolerating so much disturbance.
species distribution map. 1- 2
3-5
Hare Survey of Ireland 6-9
10 - 15
The current conservation status of the Irish hare is 16 - 22
being assessed under the ‘Hare Survey of Ireland
2017-19’ project, funded by the National Parks &
Wildlife Service (NPWS) which aims to produce an
up-to-date population estimate and distribution,
while assessing current threats and pressures, and we
need your help! Any and all sightings of hares can be
submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre,
which offers a dedicated Hare Recording Page.
Simply log the location and date of the record
and it will help fill in the blanks on our
latest species distribution map.
Dr Neil Reid is Lecturer
in Conservation Biology
at Queen’s University, Belfast.
© Tom McDonnell
The National State-of-the-art information systems
for public and private sectors
Biodiversity Data
through shared services.
Solutions for record management
needs for NGOs through provision of
Centre offers IT bespoke recording forms, design and
hosting of websites.
services, including: To find out more about our services, please call 051-306240
15August. Despite the late spring, the Tawny everyone to look out for Tree bumblebees
mining bee (Andrena fulva) was reported to help map their progress in Ireland. The
safe and well from its existing sites in Tree Bumblebee has a black head, a fuzzy
Wicklow and Kilkenny. That’s the lovely ginger-brown thorax, a black abdomen and
spring-flying solitary bee that reappeared a white tail.
The mapping system Biodiversity Maps from extinction in 2012. We’ve also had new Some of our solitary bees nest in small
provides access to data on Ireland’s populations of the most recent solitary bee groups or aggregations. To help track
biodiversity. It is a shared service that to arrive in Ireland. The Wool Carder bee progress within the All-Ireland Pollinator
brings together data from both the public (Anthidium manicatum) was recorded for the Plan, 2017 saw the launch of a small
and private sectors to help build the first time in Ireland from Wexford in 2015. scheme that aims to monitor a selection of
knowledge base on what species occur Records this year show it spreading rapidly those nest sites. Where volunteers know of
where in Ireland. It also showcases those in the south-east. Across the summer, a nesting area, this monitoring scheme asks
who are the main holders of biodiversity we’ve been enjoying watching the males them to count the number of active nest
data and the national experts on different aggressively defending their territory here holes once a year. In 2017, 17 nesting areas
taxonomic groups. at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in were monitored (across four main species).
Currently, the systems maps 4.17 million The scheme was promoted again in 2018.
records of 16,092 species from 144 datasets. Data is currently beginning to be received,
but to date monitoring information has
Updated datasets been submitted on 19 populations. Data
Butterflies of Ireland – National Biodiversity capture is finalised each year in October-
Data Centre (5,917 records) November and a newsletter is produced in
Ladybirds of Ireland – National Biodiversity The Tree Bumblebee (Bombus December. Ultimately, the aim is to reach
Data Centre (2 records) hypnorum). © Michael O’Donnell a target where at least 20 nesting areas
Bees of Ireland – National Biodiversity Data of each of the main species are monitored
Centre (1,780 records) annually. Huge thanks to all those who took
Hoverflies of Ireland – National Biodiversity Waterford (the bees that is!). part in 2018.
Data Centre (817 records) Of most interest this year, is that the Tree Each autumn, I ask people to keep an
Amphibians and reptiles of Ireland – Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) seems to eye out for the Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae).
National Biodiversity Data Centre (126 be slowly establishing in Dublin. It was first It has never been spotted in Ireland, but
records) spotted in Ireland from St. Stephen’s Green it is now common in Britain and seems
last September (2017). Back then, Michael likely to arrive on our shores very soon.
To view the datasets and records, O’Donnell spotted a single queen, so we http://www.bwars.com/content/colletes-
visit Biodiversity Maps at http://maps. were unclear whether we had any breeding hederae-mapping-project It’s a solitary
biodiversityireland.ie/. populations. This summer Laura Russo bee with a very late flight period, to
The submission of records to Ireland’s found a male in UCD which suggests at least match the flowering of its favourite plant,
Citizen Science Portal continues to be very one population has already established. Ivy. In Britain it can be found from early
active, with 90,000 records submitted The Tree Bumblebee arrived in southern September until early November. As bees
between January and September this England from France in 2001 and has rapidly go, it should be fairly easy to recognise
year. It is almost certain that 2018 will see spread throughout Britain. We are very as it’s quite large and has very distinctive
more than 100,000 records generated and excited because we are going to be the first bands of white on the abdomen. To make
submitted by citizen scientists, which is a country in Europe that can track the impact it a little easier, most of our solitary bees
remarkable level of recording. of this new bumblebee since we have an have already completed their life cycles for
To submit records, please visit Ireland’s already established bumblebee monitoring this year, but there will still be hoverflies
Citizen Science Portal at http://www. scheme. Unlike most bumblebee species and honeybees on the wing. If you think
biodiversityireland.ie/ which make their nests at ground level, in you’ve spotted this bee please, try to take a
long grass or in old abandoned rodent nests, photograph and email it to us for validation.
Tree Bumblebees nest in holes in trees or See www.pollinators.ie
Bees other similar structures and are commonly
2018 has been a great year, with 2,680 new found in empty bird boxes. The National Dr Úna FitzPatrick
16 records already received up until the end of Biodiversity Data Centre is encouraging National Biodiversity Data CentreButterflies
Our fantastic network of recorders
continues to expand and excel, as for the
second year in a row they’ve beaten all
previous records: 810 recorders have now
submitted over 16,400 records to the Data
Centre this year alone, a 15% increase in
recorders and 35% in butterfly records
compared to 2017! In addition, there are
now 32 recorders who have successfully
surveyed 52 Five-Visit Monitoring squares
The Small Tortoiseshell seems to
for the atlas, too, so for anyone wishing to have declined by ca.20% this year.
take a step beyond casual recording and
explore a new area with a Five-Visit walk,
please take a look at the Butterfly Atlas 2021 peculiar combination of weather this year most of the time. By necessity many will
website to see where and how you can get did benefit some species more than others, move away from the plant they lived on
involved. with Essex Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Grayling, for the simple reason the leaves are no
It’s humbling to see the level of support Marsh Fritillary and (as mentioned above) longer there. Gorse Shieldbug, Piezodorus
that the Butterfly Atlas 2021 has received Small Blue counts double or triple those lituratus, is one exception as they can stay
and the increase in recording activity recorded in previous years! Even up until protected by the spiny evergreen foliage.
across our partners Butterfly Conservation the end of September, butterfly monitors Basking clusters of Gorse Shieldbugs are
Ireland and Butterfly Conservation were still recording Common Blue and especially easy to see at present on sunny
Northern Ireland, too. With this many Small Copper, both of whom had poor 1st days. As the temperatures get colder,
eyes on the ground, it’s unsurprising that generations but excellent 2nd generations. they retreat deeper into the bushes. Look
our rarer resident and migrant species are In parallel with populations in the UK, the carefully at these clusters as there may be
being detected with greater frequencies. Small Tortoiseshell seems to be one of the individuals of other species amongst them.
Normally only recorded every 5-10 years, few species to have declined by ca.20% I have seen single Hairy, Dolycoris baccarum,
the rare migrant Camberwell Beauty this year. Although still widespread and and Green Shieldbugs, Palomena prasina,
was sighted again this year in Smithfield very common in some localities, this is the recently within Gorse Shieldbug clusters
on July 17th, by Damien Walshe. Clearly fourth year in a row the national population at a regular site.
benefitting from the heatwave, between of this species has declined. The drivers Species may also be seen off their
200-500 individuals of one of our rarest of the decline are still a mystery as its foodplants as they seek hibernation spots.
resident species, the Small Blue, were foodplant, the ubiquitous nettle, thrives The two birch-feeding shieldbugs, Parent,
recorded by both Janet Whelehan in in our agricultural landscapes and urban Elasmucha grisea, and Birch, Elasmostethus
Wexford and John Lovatt in Dublin in areas. It may well be that we’ll have to look interstinctus, also will have had to move as
early June. In addition, counts of one of our toward a mystery disease, parasite or even their host trees become bare. Hawthorn
more easily overlooked species, the Green climate change for an answer. Shieldbugs, Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale,
Hairstreak, increased two-fold this year, similarly seem to have all vacated their
and what would normally be considered a Dr Tomás Murray host plants. I have seen Birch Shieldbugs
north, midlands and west-coast species has National Biodiversity Data Centre within pine cones, but have never found
been recorded in good numbers in eastern http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- a hibernating Parent Shieldbug. The
counties too. biodiversity/surveys/butterflyatlas/ only Hawthorn Shieldbug I have found
At the time of writing, the Irish Butterfly hibernating was behind a piece of bark.
Monitoring season has just ended and http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- It would be interesting to receive your
records are still winging their way in biodiversity/surveys/butterfly-monitoring- observations of hibernating shieldbugs if
from our wonderful network of butterfly scheme/ you encounter them.
monitors. Initial estimates from two-thirds Hawthorn Shieldbug can be very mobile
of our sites show that although the start of at this time of year. They often appear
the season was delayed due to the snow Shieldbugs and indoors (or perhaps get carried in on
and poor weather in April, we had an
above-average May, with populations up by
other true bugs clothing) but are best put outside on
say Ivy or a loose piece of bark to find a
38%, followed by a second boost from the Autumn marks the effective end of the safer, cooler winter position. A feature of
heatwave, with counts across late June and shieldbug recording period as species this species in my local area was finding
July up 15%. Overall, across the year, the move into hibernation and become nearly Hawthorn Shieldbug breeding on Rowan.
dips and peaks have evened out, resulting impossible to find. Most of the Irish I have never found it as abundantly on this
in 2018 being an average year in terms of species hibernate as adults so they are tree as in this summer and for a while it
the size of our butterfly populations. The still around, but are hidden from sight really became Rowan Shieldbug. Another
17tree on which I found evidence of breeding clutch of eggs in August on the Insects/ it easily in the meadows at this site. In fact,
was Whitebeam. Invertebrates of Ireland Facebook page and it was probably the commonest species
Green Shieldbug is still a bit of a novelty this may have been such an instance. This at the site, something that would not have
in my garden, but is now firmly established strategy is clearly useful when early broods been true just a few years ago.
and the simplest species to find. Without may have been lost when the trees were The level of recording in other bugs
much effort I can see them on sunny, affected by the drought. remains low, and news sometimes takes
warm days. They especially favour one On the same Facebook page, a scattering longer to filter through to me. However,
sunny corner of the garden on a cultivated of interesting records have been posted, there appear to be at least four additions
Geranium. In 2017, they were visible well along with many requests for identification. to the Irish list in 2018 and possibly two
into November. This year, the numbers Hopefully these will all be added to the others. Three of these new additions
often exceed 10 in quite a small patch. database. Four to pick out are observations are tree-living species. One, Sthenarus
Again these clusters have been joined by from Larry Doherty, Maria Long, Brendan rotermundi, is found on White Poplar, which
odd individuals of other species including McSherry and Liam Stenson. Larry found is a widely planted species in some parts
a Hairy Shieldbug and a Gorse Shieldbug. Juniper Shieldbug, Cyphostethus tristriatus, of Ireland. The leaves are distinctively very
The spring and summer of 2018 will be on Lawson’s Cypress in the grounds of pale and white haired. The bug is, too, but
remembered for persistent dry, sunny and Rockwell College, Cashel, Co Tipperary. is nevertheless easy to see in the growing
often warm weather and this has probably Adults and nymphs were both present, tips of the branches. The bug has probably
had an impact on the abundance of our so the species must have been breeding. arrived here on its own steam, catching
shieldbugs. The cold snowy weather in This is the first recorded instance of the up with its foodplant. Looking for bugs on
early March was perhaps deleterious to species on Lawson’s Cypress away from commonly planted trees is probably going
early emerging individuals. parks in Dublin as far as I know. Juniper to be a productive way to find new species
Another very noticeable impact of the Shieldbug (and other juniper-feeding here.
very dry early summer was on the foliage species) have switched to this species Finally, thanks to all those who have
of birch trees. Many of these were looking from native Juniper and this has allowed submitted records. The increase in record
very stressed, with shrivelled leaves, which it to increase in abundance and spread its submission is very encouraging and all
must have had an effect on Parent and range across Britain. The same trend is records are very welcome, especially any
Birch Shieldbugs. However, some trees now perhaps becoming apparent in Ireland, old ones you may have. Verification of the
did produce a new flush of leaves in July. which is supported by Brendan McSherry’s dataset will take place this winter, with an
Parent Shieldbugs can also use Alder, so sighting of an adult in Drogheda, a update in the dataset early next year.
perhaps this provided a refuge for them. significant extension of range as well as a
Parent Bug is so called for its habit of new county record. If you have any large Dr Brian Nelson
brooding its eggs and often its nymphs. Lawson’s Cypress, ornamental Junipers or National Parks and Wildlife Service
The nymphs form large clusters or creches, related conifers, it is worth looking for this
often with an adult in company, the insect attractive shieldbug. Birds
equivalent of a brood of ducklings. The Liam Stenson's photograph showed an Saturday September 29th was a beautiful
brooding behaviour by the female is not adult Heather Shieldbug, Rhacognathus day, with a frosty start, but then a balmy
true incubation but is to protect the eggs punctatus, from Abbeyleix Bog in April. 22 degrees in the early afternoon, with
from egg parasites. The size of the hatched This was also a new county record for Co. me in Lough Dan, Co. Wicklow, running
broods shows it works, but then as we Laois and the only one from 2018 of which I a workshop making nestboxes for birds.
are not knee-deep in Parent Shieldbugs, am currently aware. I have not had success Although I was surrounded by bird feeders
something else must reduce the numbers with finding this species this year, although offering all sorts of food, not a single bird
each year. There is evidence that females stands of heather-beetle-damaged heather put in an appearance all day! However,
can lay two clutches, which again would have been searched in several sites. there was plenty of insect activity, with
have helped them this year. Peter Foss Maria Long’s record of Blue Shieldbug, bumblebees, wasps, Speckled Wood
posted a picture of a female brooding a Zicrona caerulea, was also a surprise as it and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies in
came from a wetland within abundance and a male Ruddy Darter
Kilkenny City. This is the shared my outdoor workbench, munching
first record of this small, but a fly. So later in the day we had to make an
instantly recognisable, species ‘insect hotel’.
from Co. Kilkenny since 1901. I had better get back to a review of
For more common species, the summer and breeding season just
there have been signs of passed, although in many ways it was far
further spread and increases from being memorable except for Storm
in abundance. Hairy Shieldbug Hector in the middle of June followed by
is now well established in north a very hot month, but by August, normal
Co. Armagh and participants cool conditions prevailed. The spring,
on a Shieldbug course held certainly April, was cold, and for many
by CEDaR at Oxford Island in days the dawn chorus was rather muted
early August were able to find and it was quite hard to detect common
Female Parent Bug, Elasmucha grisea,
brooding
18 eggs. ©Brian Nelson(Manx Shearwater, European and Leach’s we will pass on records to the appropriate
Storm-petrels) and Puffin. Teams from ringer/groups.
UCC and NPWS (in Kerry) and BirdWatch Well, back to the present and the
Ireland (in Donegal) made a start on the autumn exodus of our migrant breeders.
European Storm-petrel, though the poor A phenomenal ‘passage’ of Swallows
sea state in the west from the middle of occurred on the evening of Monday
July restricted our access to fewer islands September 24th in eastern Wicklow.
than we had hoped. In the far northwest, Myself and three colleagues spread
Swallow © Shay Connolly
it is nice to announce that we discovered between Wicklow Town in the south,
early migrant breeders such as Willow an ‘apparently new’ colony on Inishdooey. Bray in the north and Roundwood (west)
Warblers. My colleague Dick Coombes, Hopefully, the weather gods will be kind and Greystones (east) all experienced
who organises the Countryside Bird Survey, next year and we will be able to finish off hundreds or thousands of Swallows
and I both feel the Wren population on the this survey, the fourth of these undertaken heading north, northeast or east between
east coast must be at a very low level; Dick at 15-year intervals, and we will then have 17:30 and 19:00! This was not a pre-roost
covers a Wicklow upland square where news of population trends for all species. flight to the reed beds of The Murrough on
the dense heather would normally be alive At our well watched and wardened east the coast (although that may have been so
with Wrens (usually 20 to 25 in the two coast tern colonies, most species and sites for the Wicklow birds) and so far we have
transects), and he recorded no Wrens at all had a good year. On Rockabill (Dublin), no explanation. Did anyone else see this
on either of his two visits (April and June) numbers of breeding Roseate Terns spectacle? Please let me know. Thanks.
and the other typical species of the area, increased again (to 1,642 pairs), and more
Stonechat and Reed Bunting were also importantly had fairly good productivity, Dr Steve Newton
absent. The most likely reason for some fledging nearly 1 young per egg-laying pair BirdWatch Ireland
residents, such as the Wren, being down is (0.98). The Kilcoole (Wicklow) Little Tern
likely to have been the snow in March but colony was stable at 142 pairs and although Terrestrial mammals
that the effects of that cold snap seemed 45 nests were lost to Storm Hector, most On a warm night in August, the terrier
to be patchy – numbers okay in some areas of these re-laid and a late cohort of young cornered a hedgehog. Well, I may be
and noticeabley low numbers in others, fledged in early August. In Portrane, north giving the dog too much credit as she is
especially inland and on higher ground. Dublin, Little Terns are now flourishing, not really a terrier, more of a mongrel, and
Anecdotally, it seemed that the number and despite a storm setback, saw 11-12 the hedgehog was already in a corner when
of Robins were down a bit, too. pairs rearing about 13 young, virtually all she spotted it. Either way, I was delighted,
As the summer progressed, our of which were colour ringed. The Common as I hadn’t seen a hedgehog around our
correspondents across the country Terns nesting on four structures in Dublin area for a couple of years. This was a fine
reported a large drop in Swallows, Song Port had a reasonably good year and the big animal, too, and the dog, although
Thrushes and maybe Whitethroats. Two only colony which failed outright was south encountering such a beast for the first time,
nationally scarce species, but usually Dublin’s Dalkey Island. knew to keep her distance.
reliable in Wicklow’s oak woods, the Wood Colour ringing and ring reading are We admired its spiny defences for a
Warbler and Common Redstart both failed becoming vital in helping us to understand while and then continued walking the
to show this year. On the plus side, we, the movements and survival of many block. By the time we came back around,
through the Irish Rare Breeding Birds Panel, species, and this is especially true for the hedgehog was gone. S/he reappeared
received proof that Lesser Whitethroats seabirds and waders. Several new or in the same grassy spot two nights later –
nested successfully in north Wexford. newish Gull ringing schemes are now I’m guessing it was the same animal – but
Thus, summer marked the fourth year in operation: Lesser Black-backed Gulls Hedgehog ©Terry Flanagan
of the national seabird census and we are breeding on Lough Ree (Longford) are
getting close to the end point now, with being ringed with blue ‘darvics’, with a
most of the country covered for 20 of our code always including ‘:R’ at the end, the
24 breeding species. Inevitably same species is being marked
the tricky ones come at the on Cape Clear,
end, and here I mean Cork , with
the three nocturnal black darvics
burrow- and ‘:C’, while
nesters in Dublin, Herring
and G reat B lack- hasn’t been seen since. Over 60% of the
backed Gulls get a red hedgehog records submitted to the Atlas
ring, naturally enough of Mammals in Ireland project were
with a ‘:D’. Please of roadkills and I have certainly
report sightings to seen more squashed hedgehogs
me or Colourrings@ than live ones over the years.
birdwatchireland.ie and Nonetheless, I did spot another
Wren © Shay Connolly 19You can also read
