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Cuckoo spit/spittlebug foam on plants is harmless. Please leave it alone.

Cuckoo Spit and Frog Hoppers - Spittle Bugs are not harmful

I’m usually delighted to see Ireland’s Wildlife featured in the media — but a recent article published in the Gardening section of the RSVP Magazine website has me less than thrilled. The article in question sensationalises the connection between frog-hoppers/spittle bugs (their American name) and a bacterial plant disease called….

Purple Heron: an epic end to our spring Discover Wildlife Weekend

Puurple Heron, West Cork, Discover Wildlife Weekend

Wildlife always has the capacity to surprise and delight us. No matter how long you’ve been watching and studying wildlife, how familiar you are with your local patch, you never can tell what you might encounter on an outing. The potential for the unexpected is always there… whether it’s a….

Free shore-based whale watching events to mark National Biodiversity Week

Whale Watching Biodiversity Week

The Irish Whale And Dolphin Group (IWDG) is hosting free shore-based guided whale-watching events around the Irish coast on Saturday 21 May to mark National Biodiversity Week. IWDG personnel will lead events in 5 counties, assisted by local members and experienced observers who will share their skills and experience on….

Competiton: win a border full of wildlife-friendly plants this spring

Our friends over at CJ Wildlife (birdfood.ie) are our go-to resource for all our garden wildlife supplies here at Ireland’s Wildlife. From bird food and feeders, to nest boxes and bug hotels… and everything in between. They also carry a host of seasonal, wildlife-friendly plants, bulbs and seeds to help….

Woodstone® Seville 28mm Nest box Review

Pros: Innovative design using robust high-insulating material. Easy access for cleaning. Available in a wide range of styles, colours and designs. 10 year guarantee. Cons: A little on the heavy side… although once in situ that’s not really an issue and the weight actually makes the box more stable. Not….

9 top tips for feeding your garden birds

Robin -- feeding garden birds

During the winter short days and long nights limit the time birds have to forage, while at the same time natural food becomes more scarce. Our garden birds have increasingly come to depend on the food we provide as an essential supplement to what they can find for themselves at this challenging time of year. According….

Europe’s Birds, An Identification Guide (Book Review)

I’ve never really been a fan of photo field guides. In the past, I’ve always gravitated towards the more nuanced interpretation of a skilled illustrator to highlight key features, to help me identify birds/animals/plants in the field. While that still largely holds true, photo-guides have come on in leaps and….

12 Expert tips on choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife observation

Choosing the right binocular

Binoculars are perhaps your most indispensable piece of wildlife watching equipment. The right pair of binoculars can enhance your enjoyment of and engagement with the natural world exponentially. But choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife watching can be a tricky proposition. At Ireland’s Wildlife we get to try a wide range….

Wally the Walrus stops off in West Cork

On the most recent leg of his remarkable journey, Wally the wandering walrus who was first spotted off Valentia Island in Co. Kerry back in March 2021, was seen lounging aboard a moored motorboat in a small cove near Clonakilty on the West Cork coast. Wally, a young male walrus,….

Making the most of Spring Migration

Grasshopper Warbler

Spring migration is an exciting time of year for birding in Ireland. During this relatively brief window from early April until the end of May birds are on the move. There’s a changing of the guard as our winter visitors, like waders, ducks, winter thrushes and the occasional exotic visitor….

Garden Bird Nestbox Resources

Blue tit approaching a nest box

After feeding our garden birds, the next best way we can help them is to provide them with safe sites to nest and bring up their young. On this page we’ve gathered some links and resources to help you provide nest boxes for your garden birds. Why provide nest-boxes for….

Doogee S96 Pro: an ideal rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts

Doogee S96Pro Rugged Smartphone Review

Pros: great spec, performance and battery life for the money in a phone that’s built to survive more extreme conditions than you can. The Doogee S96 Pro will take all the punishment you throw at it and emerge unscathed, offering surprising peace of mind. Cons: screen resolution lower than most….