EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL or GREY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) munching on a Common Earthworm (Slumbricus terrestris) at Saint Anne's Park and Rose Gardens, Clontarf East, Raheny, Co. Dublin, Ireland

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The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) or more commonly known as a Grey Squirrel in Europe, is of the family Sciuridae which is in the genus Sciurus. This species of tree squirrel is native to the eastern half of the USA as well as to parts of central and southeastern Canada. 

It has been deliberately introduced elsewhere in North America as well as to other countries, including Britain (1870's) and Ireland (1911). It now commonly occurs throughout most of Britain. In Ireland, its range is restricted to the eastern half of the island but is now in decline due to the increase in the European Pine Martin (Martes martes) population, which is its main predator.

  

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

MOUNTAIN HARE or IRISH HARE (Lepus timidus subspecies L. t. hibernicus) at least six present including this tame individual at Tumduff Mor, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Boora, Co. Offaly, Ireland

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The Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus) is of the family Leporidae which is in the genus Lepus and mainly occurs in the tundra and mountainous regions of the Palearctic.  

The Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is a subspecies that is endemic to Ireland. It uniquely also occurs in lowland areas down to sea level as well as not having a white coat in winter.

 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

MOUNTAIN HARE or IRISH HARE (Lepus timidus subspecies L. t. hibernicus) at least six present including this individual with snow white underparts and partially snow white ears at Tumduff Mor, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Boora, Co. Offaly, Ireland

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 Click external link here for detailed Mountain Hare information

The Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus) is of the family Leporidae which is in the genus Lepus and mainly occurs in the tundra and mountainous regions of the Palearctic.  

The Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is a subspecies that is endemic to Ireland. It uniquely also occurs in lowland areas down to sea level as well as not having a white coat in winter.

 

Patrick J. O' Keeffe / Raw Birds

MOUNTAIN HARE (Lepus timidus subspecies L. t. hibernicus) or IRISH HARE sheltering from the wind behind a HARD RUSH PLANT (Juncus inflexus), Turvey Nature Reserve, Donabate, Fingal, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 

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Click external link here for detailed Mountain Hare information

The Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus) is of the family Leporidae which is in the genus Lepus and mainly occurs in the tundra and mountainous regions of the Palearctic.  

The Irish Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is a subspecies that is endemic to Ireland. It uniquely also occurs in lowland areas down to sea level as well as not having a white coat in winter. 

The Hard Rush (Juncus inflexus) is of the family Juncaceaertgt which is in the genus Juncus. This perennial plant is native to Eurasia and Africa. It is found as an invasive species in a number of countries as well as eastern North America. Damp grassland areas, wetlands, sand dunes and marshes are its main habitats. The flowering season is from May to August when nondescript brown flower clusters are formed on its rigid stems.

  

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

EURASIAN PYGMY SHREW (Sorex minutus) Lullymore West Bog, I.P.C.C. Nature Reserve, Lullymore, Co. Kildare, Ireland

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The Eurasian Pygmy Shrew (Sorex minutus) or commonly known as the Pygmy Shrew is of the family Soricidae which is in the genus Sorex. It has a widespread distribution in Europe as well as parts of western and central Asia. It is very rarely seen out in the open and normally remains concealed in the undergrowth where it hunts a variety of invertebrates.

Up until 2008 it was the only shrew found in Ireland. Researchers investigating the high successful breeding rate of Barn Owls in a region of southeast Ireland discovered the remains of Greater White-toothed Shrews (Crocidura russula) in the owl pellets. This much larger and more robust shrew, which was probably accidental introduced in imported hay, has since become more widespread and has lead to the decline of the indigenous Pygmy Shrew in the newly colonised areas.

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

BROWN RAT Rattus norvegicus Cape Clear Island, Baltimore, Co.Cork, Ireland

 

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