Category Archives: Wildlife Watch at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre
March Wildlife Watch – Shamrock
As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th March here at home and abroad there is only one wildlife species that suits the celebrations best, the Shamrock (‘Seamróg’ in Irish). The shamrock is known around the world as one … Continue reading
March Wildlife Watch – Great Diving Beetle
Last weekend I visited the Natural History Museum in London and attended a wonderful talk on beetles entitled ‘Beetlemania’ held as part of the museums Nature Live talks in the Attenborough Studio. Although going into the talk I did not … Continue reading
March Wildlife Watch – Red Squirrel
Last year there was great excitement at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre as a new species to the area was identified, the Red Squirrel (Iora Rua). Although the red squirrels do not hibernate they do become less active in … Continue reading
February Wildlife Watch – Badger
One of the many dangers to wildlife is traffic on our roads. This weeks species the Badger (Broc) I unfortunately saw as road kill along the R409 last week. The badger is one of Ireland’s noctural mammals that emerge from … Continue reading
February Wildlife Watch – Snowdrop
The start of Spring brings one of the first well known wild flowers to our communities, the Snowdrop (Plúirín sneachta). The arrival of the snowdrop is considered a sign that the worst of Winter is over. Although the snowdrop escaped … Continue reading
February Wildlife Watch – Frog
This month the Irish Peatland Conservation Council launches its annual Hop To It Frog survey asking members of the public to send their frog sightings to the Bog of Allen Nature Centre. The Common Frog (Loscann Coiteann) Ireland’s only species … Continue reading
January Wildlife Watch – Hare
The Irish hare (Giorra Éireannach) is a native mammal that is widespread in Ireland. They can be found both in upland and lowland grassland, bogland or coastal habitats and even in urban environments such as retail/office spaces in located on … Continue reading
January Wildlife Watch – Earthworms
In winter when we think of wildlife often hibernation comes to mind. However decomposers are active throughout the winter months. Many decomposers are invertebrates (species without a backbone), they turn organic material such as autumn leaves or the waste in … Continue reading
January Wildlife Watch – Robin
The Robin (An Spideog) a friendly bird that many of us welcome to our gardens on a daily basis. This small garden bird is easily recognisable with both male and females having brown and grey plumage and a distinctive red … Continue reading