In Your Nature
55 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsThe In Your Nature Podcast brings you conversations about birds & wildlife, wild places, the work of BirdWatch Ireland and wildlife conservationists. The podcast features Ricky Whelan, biodiversity officer with Offaly County Council in conversation with Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland with regular expert guests. BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland's largest independent conservation organisation. Episodes are released in seasons (three per year) with six episodes in each, dropping weekly (Monday mornings) in spring, summer, and autumn. Topics discussed vary, with birds and wider biodiversity at the heart of it all, each episode finishes with the "Bird of the Week" feature in homage to this wonderful group of animals. To give feedback, suggest topics or ask a question you can email us at [email protected] . The series is supported by Laois, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.
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Episodes
In Your Nature Ep 49 - What's at Santa's Bird Table
December 16, 2023 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBIn our end of year Christmas Special, Niall and Ricky consider what birds Santa might be enjoying at his bird table in an exploration of some of the hardiest species that call Finnish Lapland home. There is something in Santa’s bag for everyone in this episode, from fit finches to tough tits and canny corvids! We hope you enjoy it, thanks for listening and happy Christmas! In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch ...
In Your Nature Ep 48 - The New Invasives
December 10, 2023 14:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBThis week In Your Nature focuses on the topic of invasive species, looking specifically at two new kids on the block, the Quagga Mussel and the Alpine Newt*, two recently discovered unwelcome colonisers! Ricky speaks to alien invasive species expert Dr. Jan-Robert Baars, Lecturer and Assistant Professor at the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences at University College Dublin (UCD). Jan is an expert in the field with particular interest in invasion biology. Jan’s work together with ...
In Your Nature Ep 47 - Where Are They Now?
December 03, 2023 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBThis week Niall and Ricky are feeling the chill prompting the question, where do our summer migrants to Ireland go to get some winter sun? They discuss a list of species across the bird families that up sticks in autumn and leave in pursuit of an endless summer of sorts. A story of migration but focusing on the where and why of these massive journeys. Blackcap is our Bird of the Week, a species once considered a summer migrant that has now become a winter resident through a fascinating tur...
In Your Nature Ep 46 - Connemara
November 26, 2023 12:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBThe wildlife and wild places of Connemara are the topics of this weeks episode. John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland discusses some of the iconic bird species (with a focus on breeding Golden Plover) which use this landscape, and conservation efforts underway to understand and protect them. John has nominated a bird of prey (surprise surprise) for Bird of the Week, so we're talking all things Kestrel! To find out more about some of Co. Galways beautiful and impor...
In Your Nature Ep 45 - Ireland Vs New Zealand Bird-off Part 2
November 16, 2023 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBThis weeks' episode brings us part-two of the Ireland vs New Zealand Bird-off. Originally broadcast as part of Radio New Zealand’s 'Our Changing World', produced by Co. Kerry native Claire Concannon (now ensconced in NZ), Ricky Whelan has been pitching his wits against New Zealand native and ornithologist Jamie McAulay, in a ferociously competitive and hilarious competition. With thanks to Radio New Zealand for allowing us to re-broadcast this episode. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan,...
In Your Nature Ep 44 - Ireland Vs New Zealand Bird-off Part 1
November 10, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBSeason 8 of In Your Nature podcast is starting-off with something slightly different - part one of a competition between Ireland and New Zealand to see which countries birds will win out in a series of categories in an inter-island bird-off! Originally broadcast as part of Radio New Zealand’s 'Our Changing World', produced by County Kerry native Claire Concannon (now ensconced in NZ), our very own Ricky Whelan will pit his wits against New Zealand native and ornithologist Jamie McAulay. Wi...
In Your Nature Ep 43 - Swift Conservation
September 15, 2023 10:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBThis weeks episode is all about Swifts, specifically Swifts in Co. Offaly. Since 2017, BirdWatch Ireland has been coordinating county Swift surveys. Co. Offaly was the first ever county to commission a Swift survey and this season, they commissioned a re-survey of the county. Niall sat down with Jaroslaw Majkusiak, BirdWatch Irelands' 2023 Co. Offaly Swift Surveyor to find out how Swifts have fared between 2017 and 2023, the conservation pressures impacting Swifts and how local communitie...
In Your Nature Ep 42 - Moths
September 08, 2023 14:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBFor this weeks episode of In Your Nature podcast, we take a close look at Moths, a vast and diverse group of insects. Ricky also speaks to Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Officer at Offaly County Council, an avid citizen scientist and moth trapper on the joy of moth trapping and recording. Topics include the lifecycle of the moth, their importance in the wider food chain, the conservation issues they face, and the process of moth trapping. Niall and Ricky also nominate several species they believe...
In Your Nature Ep 41 - Hedgerows + Pollinators
September 03, 2023 15:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode we take a closer look at hedgerows, an iconic part of the Irish landscape, and discover how important they are for pollinators and the farming community. Ricky speaks to Ruth Wilson who is the Farmland Pollinator Officer (All-Ireland Pollinator Plan) at the National Biodiversity Data Centre, a post funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Bird of the Week is the Long-tailed Tit, an adorable and gregarious species. In Your Nature features Ricky ...
In Your Nature Ep 40 - The Pine Marten with Dr Denise O'Meara
August 24, 2023 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBThis weeks In Your Nature podcast topic is the Pine Marten. Dr. Denise O'Meara of South East Technological University sat down with Ricky to chat about the Pine Martens' ecology, the reasons behind their amazing comeback in recent years, and how the Pine Martens comeback has helped the Red Squirrel population to begin to slowly recover in parts of Ireland. Bird of the Week is the Coal Tit, a species which like the Pine Marten can be found in mixed coniferous and even Sitka Spruce plantation...
In Your Nature Ep 39 - Bird Flu Update
August 20, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThis weeks episode focuses on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or H5N1, more commonly referred to as bird flu. The impact of the H5N1 has been particularly pronounced in the last two years, impacting seabird colonies on a pretty much global scale. At the outset of the episode Niall explains that while bird flu is a pre-existing virus, the virulence of the H5N1 strain is due to intensive and unsanitary farming practices in many poultry farms in south-east Asia. To provide more cont...
In Your Nature Ep 38 - Hedgehogs with Elaine O'Riordan
August 09, 2023 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBThis weeks episode features Elaine O'Riordan, who is studying the ecology of the European Hedgehog in an Irish context for her PhD in the National University of Ireland Galway. Elaine has run the Irish Hedgehog Survey for the last number of years, looking at how citizen scientists can feed into our understanding of the population of Hedgehogs in Ireland. Ricky and Elaine chat about the various species of Hedgehogs worldwide, their diet, dependence on our gardens, hibernation and how citi...
In Your Nature Ep 36 - Hen Harriers
May 26, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBThis weeks' episode features Dr. Alan McCarthy of BirdWatch Ireland discussing Hen Harriers, their ecology, pressures facing these birds, conservation efforts for this species, and his PhD research on this enigmatic species. Alan's PhD research focused on both breeding and wintering aspects of Hen Harrier ecology in Ireland. Among other things, his research focused on Hen Harrier diet, their winter roost characteristics, as well as satellite tracking Hen Harriers tagged as nestlings, yea...
In Your Nature Ep 37 - Hen Harriers
May 26, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBThis weeks' episode features Dr. Alan McCarthy of BirdWatch Ireland discussing Hen Harriers, their ecology, pressures facing these birds, conservation efforts for this species, and his PhD research on this enigmatic species. Alan's PhD research focused on both breeding and wintering aspects of Hen Harrier ecology in Ireland. Among other things, his research focused on Hen Harrier diet, their winter roost characteristics, as well as satellite tracking Hen Harriers tagged as nestlings, yea...
In Your Nature Ep 36 - Wildlife Ponds with Rob Gandola
May 18, 2023 10:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBThis weeks episode features Rob Gandola, Senior Science Officer at the The Herpetological Society of Ireland. Rob explains why ponds are essential for wildlife, how they can benefit us in terms of flood protection and recreationally, and provides tips for creating ponds of any size in our own gardens. Rob also explains the importance of ponds in the fight against climate change, with ponds estimated to sequester between 20 and 200 times more carbon than grasslands or woodlands of a similar ...
In Your Nature Ep 35 - Wildlife Ponds with Rob Gandola
May 18, 2023 10:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBThis weeks episode features Rob Gandola, Senior Science Officer at the The Herpetological Society of Ireland. Rob explains why ponds are essential for wildlife, how they can benefit us in terms of flood protection and recreationally, and provides tips for creating ponds of any size in our own gardens. Rob also explains the importance of ponds in the fight against climate change, with ponds estimated to sequester between 20 and 200 times more carbon than grasslands or woodlands of a similar ...
In Your Nature Ep 35 - Dawn Chorus Live From East Coast Nature Reserve
May 11, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 31 MBIn this weeks episode Niall and Ricky are bringing us the dawn chorus from BirdWatch Ireland's East Coast Nature Reserve (ECNR) in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Due to its diversity of habitats, the ECNR supports a wide range of species, from wrens, blackbirds, and robins to more locally confined species such as the sedge warbler, and so the soundscape in this episode is rich and textured. As the sun rises, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes are first off the mark, with the smaller species joining the...
In Your Nature Ep 34 - Dawn Chorus Live From East Coast Nature Reserve
May 11, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 31 MBIn this weeks episode Niall and Ricky are bringing us the dawn chorus from BirdWatch Ireland's East Coast Nature Reserve (ECNR) in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Due to its diversity of habitats, the ECNR supports a wide range of species, from wrens, blackbirds, and robins to more locally confined species such as the sedge warbler, and so the soundscape in this episode is rich and textured. As the sun rises, Blackbirds and Song Thrushes are first off the mark, with the smaller species joining the...
In Your Nature Ep 33 - Avian Eurovision
May 03, 2023 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this weeks episode, Ricky and Niall bring us something very new - an Avian Eurovision Song Contest! The pair have selected 12 contestant birds. Nine of these are based on the Eurovision 2022 finalists national birds, with the other three national birds hand-picked by Ricky and Niall. The birds representing each country are; European Robin - UK; Blackbird - Sweden; Italian Sparrow - Italy; White-throated Dipper - Norway; Black-tailed Godwit - Netherlands; Barn Swallow - Estonia; European...
In Your Nature Ep 34 - Avian Eurovision
May 03, 2023 16:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBIn this weeks episode, Ricky and Niall bring us something very new - an Avian Eurovision Song Contest! The pair have selected 12 contestant birds. Nine of these are based on the Eurovision 2022 finalists national birds, with the other three national birds hand-picked by Ricky and Niall. The birds representing each country are; European Robin - UK; Blackbird - Sweden; Italian Sparrow - Italy; White-throated Dipper - Norway; Black-tailed Godwit - Netherlands; Barn Swallow - Estonia; European...
In Your Nature Ep 33 - Conservation Canines
April 27, 2023 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBIn this week’s episode Ricky and Niall have a look at the application of working dogs to wildlife conservation projects in Africa. Ricky speaks to Rory Hennebry owner and operator of Munster Canine and Lead Trainer at K9 Wildlife Project a charity set-up to train dogs for wildlife conservation operations internationally. Rory specialises in training working dogs for a myriad of technical roles and has used his skills and experience in training security and military service dogs and applied...
In Your Nature Ep 32 - Birds of our Bogs
April 19, 2023 14:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this the first episode of our new In Your Nature spring season, Ricky and Niall merge the diverse habitats of our bogs with the rich bird life found within them. They discuss a broad range of bird and bogland species with the conversation going from childhood memories of the bog to cuckoos and then onto the threats facing our hen harrier populations. The chat covers a myriad of species from the carnivorous plant sundew, to meadow pipits and dragonflies with lots of bird song audio throu...
In Your Nature Ep 31 - FairSeas
November 13, 2022 14:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBIn our final episode of 2022, we turn our attention to Marine Conservation with an interview with Sinéad Loughran - Fair Seas and BirdWatch Ireland Marine Policy Officer and Advocacy Officer. We look at the lack of protection for marine habitats and the need for more & better legislation, policies and protections. We look at the pressures on our sea life and the opportunities if we re-think current approaches. We also talk the ins and outs of the FairSeas project and it's ambitions aims. ...
In Your Nature Ep 30 - Dublin Bay and The Dublin Bay Birds Project
November 04, 2022 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIn our penultimate episode of the season we visit Dublin Bay and discover just how important it is for winter waterbirds (ducks, waders, geese) and breeding terns during summer. We speak to Helen Boland and Tara Adcock of The Dublin Bay Birds Project about 10 years of work, observing, tracking and monitoring the bird life of Dublin Bay. We look at the benefits for the birds choosing Dublin Bay and also consider the pressures to which they are exposed. With 30,000+ wintering waterbirds c...
In Your Nature Ep 29 - Minister Pippa Hackett on Land Use Policy
October 30, 2022 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode we speak to Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity - Pippa Hackett. For context, Pippa Hackett rapidly ascended the political strata in Ireland. An organic farmer, Pippa quickly became the Green Party Agricultural Spokesperson after joining the party, she then secured a council seat in Offaly (the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael heartland). Following that she was nominated to The Senate which was immediately followed by securing her ministerial position at the Department...
In Your Nature Ep 28 - Merlin
October 23, 2022 15:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBWe return to conservation with raptor expert John Lusby and discuss Ireland's smallest breeding bird of prey, the Merlin. These tiny but deadly falcons have an interesting ecology in Ireland straying somewhat from the norm seen in the rest of Europe. Found in remote, difficult terrain and at low density, the Merlin is notoriously tricky to monitor. However, John has been using innovative techniques utilising drone technology to do just that. Bird of the Week is the Meadow Pipit, a common ...
In Your Nature Ep 27 - Spiders
October 16, 2022 11:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBWe depart from our primary topic of birds in this episode to explore the world of Spiders. Who better to talk to on the topic but Collie Ennis, spider expert, Research Associate at Trinity College and Scientific Officer with the Herpetological Society of Ireland (www.thehsi.org/). From a spiders life-cycle, to murderous mates and sub-aquatic species we learn heaps from a wonderful conversation with Collie. Our Bird of the Week is the is the Treecreeper, a species that enjoys more than a f...
In Your Nature Ep 26 - Garden Birds/Garden Bird Survey
October 09, 2022 22:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBIn the first episode of our winter season we take a deep dive into garden bird trends, who's on the up and who's not! In our first ever live episode we get in the the room with BirdWatch Ireland colleague Brian Burke - Scientific Officer and Garden Bird Survey Coordinator and talk shop about the birds we all see in our gardens on a regular basis. We look at the Garden Bird Survey and how you can get involved, improve your bird ID skills and how this citizen science is important in a conserva...
In Your Nature Ep 25 - Birding Culture
August 20, 2022 20:00 - 55 minutes - 38.2 MBIn the final episode of the current season, we get an insiders take on Irish birding culture. Ricky chats to seasoned birder Niall Keogh on how folk go from occasional birdwatchers to die-hard twitchers. We talk, listing, patch birding, sea watching, twitching, the culture and the terminology that goes with the territory. Bird of the Week is the flamboyant Hoopoe. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heri...
In Your Nature Ep 24 - Life at Cape Clear Bird Observatory
August 11, 2022 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBIn Your Nature takes us to Cape Clear Island in south-west Cork. Cape Clear is a legendary spot among Irish and British birders and is home to BirdWatch Ireland's Cape Clear Birds Observatory, established over 60 years ago. Niall chats to long-standing observatory warden -Steve Wing on the history, life, culture and goings on of obs and island life as well as the odd remarkable bird! Bird of the Week is and can only be observatory mascot & logo, the Great Shearwater. In Your Nature is ...
In Your Nature Ep 23 - Terns
August 05, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBIn Ireland we are lucky to host five breeding Tern species, namely; the Common, Arctic, Roseate, Little and Sandwich Tern. In this episode we look at these gracious birds in detail and chat about their identifying features, ecology and breeding sites. We chat to Dr Stephen Newton - Senior Seabird Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland on Tern conservation in Ireland over three decades and look at the many successes of these efforts. Bird of the week is the majestic Black Tern, a non-...
In Your Nature Ep 22 - Barn Owl Conservation
July 29, 2022 20:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBIn this episode we take a close look at the Barn Owl and speak to John Lusby - Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland on conservation efforts to help the species in Ireland. Our interview with John reflects on well over a decade of Barn Owl conservation projects in Ireland. We discover how fortunes have changed for the species, aided by a surprising source. We look at three key aspects improving conditions for Barn Owls including; the provision of nest boxes, responsible rodent...
In Your Nature Ep 21 - Bird Flu.
July 24, 2022 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBIn this episode we look closely at Bird Flu, with the current outbreak having ripped through seabird colonies across the UK and with the first confirmed cases in ROI. Ricky and Niall look at the origins, effects and probable outcomes of avian influenza in our bird communities. Bird of the Week is back with Great Skua, aka "Bonxie" under the spotlight. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Counci...
In Your Nature Ep 20 - Riverbirds
July 17, 2022 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBIn Your Nature is back with its summer season and we're kicking off with an episode all about "riverbirds". We focus on five river specialists, the Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Sand Martin and the Common Sandpiper. Niall and Ricky discuss the identifying features, ecology and interesting adaptations these species have developed for life on the river. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Cou...
In Your Nature Ep 19 - Irish Wildlife Sounds
May 03, 2022 18:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBThis episode is crammed with bird audio and beautiful soundscapes recorded by Sean Ronayne, the Creator of Irish Wildlife Sounds. Sean talks us through the process, places and protagonists involved in his recordings of birds and wild places. We are brought on a journey from the wetlands of Spain to a shed roof in Cork all in pursuit of the perfect sound clip. We get to savor the rasping song of the Corn Crake and the cry of the Curlew among some less rare species too. For bird of the week...
In Your Nature Ep 18 - Bird Eggs
April 28, 2022 14:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBBird eggs are the topic for this In Your Nature episode. We follow the journey of the egg, all the way from formation through to hatching. These fascinating little capsules carry all bird life into the world and form such an interesting part in the story of birds. Ode to their beautifully diverse eggs we choose Guillemots as bird of the week! In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the ...
In Your Nature Ep 16 - Harpers Island
April 19, 2022 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWe are off to Cork with this episode to check in Harpers Island a fantastic wetland reserve close to Cork City. The reserve is managed for birds and wildlife by volunteers from a collaborative of local groups and is a real mecca for the wild flora and fauna in the region. Ricky chats to Jim Wilson an established ornithologist, author, wildlife expert and founding member of the Harpers Island reserve. They discuss the origins of the project, the habitats found there, the management and bird...
In Your Nature Ep 17 - Harpers Island
April 19, 2022 15:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBWe are off to Cork with this episode to check in Harpers Island a fantastic wetland reserve close to Cork City. The reserve is managed for birds and wildlife by volunteers from a collaborative of local groups and is a real mecca for the wild flora and fauna in the region. Ricky chats to Jim Wilson an established ornithologist, author, wildlife expert and founding member of the Harpers Island reserve. They discuss the origins of the project, the habitats found there, the management and bird...
In Your Nature Ep 16 - Species Extinctions
April 10, 2022 21:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBSince humans occupied and began to alter our landscape there have been winners and loosers amongst our bird species. Humans impact on the avifauna of Ireland has been mostly negative with persecution, over hunting and habitat destruction/loss being big drivers in the extinction process. Ricky and Niall look at some species that are long extinct, some that have slipped away in the recent past and others that have returned. Some fabulous species feature in this episode including, the bittern...
In Your Nature Ep 15 - Species Reintroductions
April 04, 2022 12:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBThere have been three species reintroductions of birds of prey in Ireland since the early 2000s. Ricky and Niall discuss the advantages and challenges of this method of bird conservation. Ricky chats to Dr Allan Mee on the specifics of the Golden Eagle Trusts work to establish a viable breeding White-tailed Eagle population in Ireland after an absence of hundreds of years. Bird of the week focuses on the charismatic Red Kite. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage O...
In Your Nature Ep 14 - Crows
March 27, 2022 21:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBThe first episode of the new season of In Your Nature Podcast is finally here. This time Ricky and Niall chat about a mutually favoured topic - the crow family. The conversation discusses Ireland's seven native species of corvid from the largest, the Raven to the most secretive, the Jay. The chat is full of facts, folklore and praise for these highly intelligent birds. The humble Rook is nominated "bird of the week". In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of ...
In Your Nature Ep 13 - Christmas Special
December 18, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this episode Ricky and Niall chat about traditional links between birds and Christmas. We discuss the birds mentioned in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, the long association between Robins and the festive season and how best to take care of our feathered friends in our gardens over the cold winter months. We hope you enjoy and Happy Christmas!
In Your Nature Ep 13 - Christmas Special
December 18, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this episode Ricky and Niall chat about traditional links between birds and Christmas. We discuss the birds mentioned in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, the long association between Robins and the festive season and how best to take care of our feathered friends in our gardens over the cold winter months. We hope you enjoy and Happy Christmas!
In Your Nature Ep 12 - Curlew Conservation
July 04, 2021 23:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIn the final episode of In Your Nature Season #2 Niall and Ricky share with us their knowledge of the Curlew. The conversation covers their ecology, migratory movements and lots more, almost in a bid to delay the inevitable conversation about the decline of the Eurasian Curlew and many of its closely related cousins. A frank interview with BirdWatch Irelands Anita Donaghy (Assistant Head of Conservation) leaves us in no doubt as to the rapid changes we need to make within the areas of farm...
In Your Nature Ep 11 - Seabirds
June 27, 2021 23:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBThe Irish coastline and offshore Islands are home to some of the biggest seabird colonies in Europe. It's at these colonies you will find the hardiest and some of the most handsome breeding birds in Ireland. A message from the Rockabill Wardens will give listeners a brief insight into life living amongst a seabird colony off the Dublin coast. Niall and Ricky introduce us to the seabird species that Ireland boasts and give us the facts, anecdotes and tips that will leave you planning a trip...
In Your Nature Ep 10 - No Such Thing as a Seagull
June 20, 2021 23:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBThere is no such thing as a seagull! Ricky and Niall provide evidence for this statement and look at Irelands seven breeding gull species and point out some of the more likeable characteristics of this frequently misunderstood family of birds. We chat about intelligence, adaptability and the global distribution of gulls and how they are excellent parents and why they receive an awful lot of bad press. Bird of the week is back and we look at the only truly sea faring gull in Ireland, the ...
In Your Nature Ep 09 - Questions Children Ask (Cruinniú na nÓg Special)
June 12, 2021 08:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBIn Your Nature celebrates the curiosity of children in this special episode! Niall and Ricky answer questions submitted and put to them by children during years of presenting talks and walks about birds to young people. The topics are broad and hit on all sorts, from "How do owls turn their necks all the way around" to "are Moorhens the bossiest birds" . There is something here for everyone in this one-hour special. This episode is released earlier than the usual Monday release to coinci...
In Your Nature Ep 08 - The Shannon Callows
June 06, 2021 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBIn Your Nature Season 2 continues with an episode looking at the unique landscape and nature of The Shannon Callows. We interview BirdWatch Ireland breeding wader expert and born & bred callows woman Kathryn Finney, who gives us a great local insight. We chat about, farming, floods and fences, and their impact on the birds within this internationally important wetland landscape. Bird of the week is the little-known Whinchat, a bird pushed to the margins but well worth discovering. Th...
In Your Nature Ep 07 - Swifts
May 30, 2021 23:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBIn Your Nature returns with its first episode (of 6) planned for this summer season. This week we are chatting about Swifts, a bird species that has captivated the imagination of many and it's clear that hosts Ricky Whelan and Niall Hatch are also smitten with this charismatic urbanite. The chat explores the Swifts unique ecology, the threats they face and some solutions to these the problems are offered. Species of the week is the humble House Sparrow. This podcast is made in partner...
In Your Nature Ep 06 - Wildflowers
April 05, 2021 07:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBThis is the final episode in our spring series, we will return with new In Your Nature Episodes in June. In this episode we chat about the wonder of Wildflowers. We welcome our second guest to In Your Nature in Dr Fiona MacGowan, a Botanist and professional Ecologist. We discuss wildflowers you are likely to spot in early spring, their importance for pollinating insects and we also chat about the humble hedgerow . Species of the week is the Mistle Thrush. This Podcast is brought to you by...