Hovering Kestrel

Birds of prey are always a fantastic sight to get to see. These birds are truly amazing, as they can hover for long periods and make it look so effortless. It is understood that they can see in ultraviolet light which is a real advantage when hunting for rodents, as rodents urine glow when viewed in ultraviolet. The wonders of natural selection.

Wren claw anatomy

A bird such as the Wren is in the Order of a Passeriformes meaning perching birds. When its knees become bent the weight of the bird locks the Hallux (on left) around a branch holding it in place. The Tarsometatarsus is the bone leading down to the Hallux where it is joined with the three forward facing Phalanx.

Oystercatcher

Lapwing

Cormorant flying

The Cormorant usually fly's very close to the surface of the water.

Cormorant birds

Little Egret in flight

Years ago you would had to go to Central Europe to find these birds. Today there found in every county in Ireland. Egrets belong to the Heron family.

Lapwing

Lapwing are mainly black and white and highly manoeuvrable in flight.

Sleeping Swan

White-throated Dipper

This amazing bird lives along fast flowing water where it dives for aquatic invertebrates. It has also been known to walk along the bottom of a river or stream.

Teal

Teal Duck

The Teal is the smallest Duck.

Mute Swan

This Mute Swan created it's own waves along the water perhaps in a territorial display.

Bird Hide

Its very important to be quiet and out of sight when entering a Bird hide.