Bird, bug, butterfly and a wild variety of photos from Belarus, Cyprus, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Scotland and Spain by Irish wildlife photographer Patrick J. O'Keeffe and invited guests

Thursday 29 April 2021

THE FOOTBALLER HOVERFLY (Helophilus pendulus) female, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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Click here to see a Beginners Guide to Irish Hoverflies 
 
The Footballer Hoverfly (Helophilus pendulus) is of the family Syrphidae which is in the genus Helophilus. This is a common species which occurs in a variety of habitats including gardens and parks. The pattern of black on the hind leg are among the features which help separate it from other Helophilus hoverflies. In Ireland it is on the wing from mid April until late October.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
 
Reference and highly recommended reading:
Britain's Hoverflies A field guide 2nd edition Stuart Ball and Roger Morris

Tuesday 27 April 2021

MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor) male colour ringed CAFV, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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Click here for detailed species information
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Click here to see the 2020 list of nesting colour ringed Mute Swans in the Dublin region
 
 The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is of the family Anatidae which is in the genus Cygnus. Two other species of wild swan, the Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) and the rare Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus), are winter visitors to Ireland.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Monday 26 April 2021

EUROPEAN HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus subspecies L. a. argenteus) a pair on the newly created shallow pond off the Bird Hide Trail, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 
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The European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is of the family Laridae which is in the genus Larus. There are several subspecies recognised including the Western European Herring Gull (Larus argentatus argenteus) which is resident in Ireland, Britain and the Near Continent.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

European Herring Gull  (Larus argentatus) distribution map
 
 File:Larus argentatus map.svg 
Green: year-round  Yellow: breeding  Blue: non breeding

Cephas, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Sunday 25 April 2021

Saturday 24 April 2021

IMPERIAL ROVE BEETLE (Staphylinus caesareus) at Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland

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Click external link here for details of the Rove Beetle family Staphylinidae 
 
Click external link here to see a list of beetles found in Ireland
 
 The Imperial Rove Beetle (Staphylinus caesareus) is of the family Staphylinidae which is in the genus Staphylinus. Over two thousand species of beetle occur in Ireland and among them there are 641 species of Rove Beetle.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds 

Friday 23 April 2021

EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) or more simply known as a Coot is of the crake and rail family Rallidae which is in the genus Fulica.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Thursday 22 April 2021

PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Aglais io) first for the year seen on 25-03-2021. Recently emerged from hibernation in almost prestine condition, having overwintered as an adult and was observed nectaring on Dandalions (Taraxacum Officinale agg.),Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Aglais. It overwinters as an adult with its wings closed and the dark cryptic under wing pattern help it avoid detection by predators.
 
 Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) is a member of the finch family Fringillidae which is in the genus Carduelis. It breeds in most of Europe and Western Asia but is absent from the colder northern parts of that region. It has a scattered distribution in North Africa and occurs as an introduced species in south eastern Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay. It can be commonly found in gardens, particularly in winter, where it readily comes to bird feeders.
   
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Wednesday 21 April 2021

COMMA BUTTERFLY (Polygonia c-album) nectaring on BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa) blossoms, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Butterflies
 
The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-aibum) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Polygonia
This common species has a widespread distribution in the temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. Formally absent from Ireland, it is only in recent times that it has been added to the Irish Butterfly List. It was first reliably reported near Portaferry, Co. Down in August 1997 and again in August 1998. There were no further reports until 17th August 2000 when there was a fully verified record from the Raven Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford. Proof of breeding was subsequently confirmed in that area. Over the last ten years, it has rapidly expanded its range from southeast Co. Wexford and has now colonised most of southern Leinster as well as eastern Munster.
The larval food plant is mainly Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and the flight season is from late March to late September, split over two generations. Having overwintered as an adult, it emerges in late spring and then after mating, lays its eggs on the larval food plant.
The 1st record for Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork on 14th October 2019 (pers. comm. Jim Fitzharris) might be an indication of fresh immigration from Britain or Continental Europe. 
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Tuesday 20 April 2021

YELLOWHAMMER (Emberiza citrinella) male, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) is of the bunting family Emberizidae which is in the genus Emberiza.

Monday 19 April 2021

GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea) at Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is of the family Ardeidae and is in the genus Ardea It is resident in the temperate regions of Eurasia as well as eastern and sub Saharan Africa. The more northern populations are migratory and move south for the winter. Wetlands are its main habitat and commonly occurs along estuaries, streams, rivers and lakes. Aquatic as well as terrestrial creatures are preyed upon. Prey items include amphibians, insects, reptiles, small mammals and birds which are swallowed whole.
This species nests in tall trees in colonies which are known as heronries. Upto five eggs are laid and are incubated for 25 days. Fledging takes place after 60 days.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds
 
 Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) distribution map
 Breeding     Resident     Winter     Vagrant      Introduced resident 
 
SanoAK: Alexander Kürthy, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons 

Sunday 18 April 2021

GREEN VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris napi) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The Green-veined White Butterfly (Pieris napi) is of the family Pieridae which is in the genus Pieris. It commonly occurs in Eurasia as well as North America. This species is on the wing from March to October, over several generations, but in Ireland the normal flight season extends from mid April to mid September. It hibernates during the winter as a chrysalis.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Saturday 17 April 2021

EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) female at Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


 
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The Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small bird of prey of the family Falconidae which is in the genus Falco. Alternative names include European Kestrel, Common Kestrel or simply referred to as a Kestrel. This falcon occurs throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. 
More recently, the British and Irish populations have been in serious decline which may be as a result of changes in agricultural practices and  increased use of rodenticides (rat poisons). Nest predation by Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Grey Crow (Corvus cornix), Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius) and Common Raven (Corvus corax), whose populations have increased, may also be a factor.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Friday 16 April 2021

SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos) pair, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) is of the thrush family Turdidae which is in the genus Turdus.

Thursday 15 April 2021

WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) is of the family Phylloscopidae which is in the genus Phylloscopus. This insectivorous leaf warbler is a common and widespread summer resident from mid April to late September which breeds throughout the northern and temperate regions of Eurasia. It is strongly migratory, with almost all of the population wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a bird of open woodlands with a preference for habitats that include birch, alder and willow trees as well as ground cover for nesting.
    
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Wednesday 14 April 2021

EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) or more simply known as a Coot is of the crake and rail family Rallidae which is in the genus Fulica.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Tuesday 13 April 2021

MUTE SWAN (Cygnus olor) male colour ringed CAFV, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 
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Click here for detailed species information
Click here to see distribution map and to hear calls
Click here to see the 2020 list of nesting colour ringed Mute Swans in the Dublin region
 
 The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) is of the family Anatidae which is in the genus Cygnus. Two other species of wild swan, the Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) and the rare Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus), are winter visitors to Ireland.
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Monday 12 April 2021

COMMON BUZZARD (Buteo buteo) Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a medium sized bird of prey of the family Accipitridae which is in the genus Buteo.

Sunday 11 April 2021

COMMA BUTTERFLY (Polygonia c-album) one of two individuals seen on 27-03-2021, freshly emerged from hibernation and were subsequently observed nectaring on BLACKTHORN (Prunus spinosa) blossoms, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland



 
CLICK ON PHOTO TO SEE HIGHER QUALITY IMAGE
Click external link here for detailed species information
 
Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Butterflies
 
The Comma Butterfly (Polygonia c-aibum) is of the family Nymphalidae which is in the genus Polygonia
This common species has a widespread distribution in the temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa. Formally absent from Ireland, it is only in recent times that it has been added to the Irish Butterfly List. It was first reliably reported near Portaferry, Co. Down in August 1997 and again in August 1998. There were no further reports until 17th August 2000 when there was a fully verified record from the Raven Nature Reserve, Co. Wexford. Proof of breeding was subsequently confirmed in that area. Over the last ten years, it has rapidly expanded its range from southeast Co. Wexford and has now colonised most of southern Leinster as well as eastern Munster.
The larval food plant is mainly Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) and the flight season is from late March to late September, split over two generations. Having overwintered as an adult, it emerges in late spring and then after mating, lays its eggs on the larval food plant.
The 1st record for Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork on 14th October 2019 (pers. comm. Jim Fitzharris) might be an indication of fresh immigration from Britain or Continental Europe. 
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

Saturday 10 April 2021

COMMON LINNET (Linaria cannabina) male, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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The Linnet (Linaria cannabina) or Common Linnet is of the family Fringillidae which is in the genus Linaria.
 It derives its name from its fondness for the seeds of the flax plant which is used to make linen. This small finch occurs in Europe as well as Western Asia but is absent from northern latitudes and has a limited distribution in North West Africa and the Middle East. 

There are seven subspecies :
  • Linaria c. autochthona - occurs in Scotland     
  • L. c. cannabina - occurs in the rest of Britain, Ireland also northern Europe, eastwards to central Siberia. It is a partial migrant, wintering in north Africa and southwest Asia
  • L. c. bella - occurs in Middle East, eastwards to Mongolia and northwestern China
  • L. c. mediterranea - occurs on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Greece, northwest Africa and on the Mediterranean islands
  • L. c. guentheri - occurs on Madeira Island
  • L. c. meadewaldoi - occurs on the Western Canary Islands (El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria)
  • L. c. harterti - occurs on the Eastern Canary Islands (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura)
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_linnet

Friday 9 April 2021

YELLOWHAMMER (Emberiza citrinella) male, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) is of the bunting family Emberizidae which is in the genus Emberiza.

Thursday 8 April 2021

EURASIAN BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) a minimum of ten males in song today, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


 
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 The Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) or more simply known as a Blackcap s of the family Sylviidae which is in the genus Sylvia.

Monday 5 April 2021

SEVEN SPOT LADYBIRD or SEVEN SPOTTED LADYBUG (Sympetrum striolatum) feeding on COMMON GORSE (Ulex europaeus) sap, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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Click external link here for detailed species information
 
Click external link here to see identification guide to Irish Ladybirds
 
The Seven Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata), also known as Seven Spotted Ladybug in North America, is of the family Coccinellidae which is in the genus Coccinella.

Saturday 3 April 2021

COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita subspecies P. c. collybita) at least seven males in song today, Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland


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 The Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) is of the family Phylloscopidae which is in the genus Phylloscopus. This small insectivorous species of leaf warbler is a summer resident from mid March to October which breeds in the northern and temperate regions of Eurasia. In the autumn it migrates south to spend the winter in the Mediterranean Basin, sub Saharan Africa and southwestern Asia. Small numbers also overwinter in northwest Europe.  
There are several subspecies recognised including, Common Chiffchaff (P. c. collybita), Scandinavian Chiffchaff (P. c. abietinus) and Siberian Chiffchaff (P. c. tristis).  
 
Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds