Search Results ... (626)
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The Dense-Flowered Orchid
The Dense-Flowered Orchid
Dense-flowered orchids are common in the Burren. Orchids flower to a calendar that begins in late April and continues into September. The orchid flower spikes are composed of densely packed, small pink or white flowers.
Courtesy of Robert Thompson.
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Sea Spaghetti, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
Sea Spaghetti, Spanish Point, Co. Clare
A variety of seaweed commonly known as 'sea spaghetti'.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
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Pine Marten
Pine Marten
The Burren provides a natural habitat for one of Ireland's shyest mammals, the pine marten.
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Oyster Thief, New Quay, Co. Clare
Oyster Thief, New Quay, Co. Clare
Oyster Thief, a variety of seaweed.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
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Kelp, Finavarra. Co. Clare
Kelp, Finavarra. Co. Clare
Coastal communities in Ireland and Scotland used to harvest kelp, burn it and sell the ashes. The ashes contained substances which were used in glass making and pottery glazing.
© M.D. Guiry; www.species.ie
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The Harebell
The Harebell
The harebell is a delicate wildflower and a member of the bluebell family. On rare occasions, these flowers are white, but mostly they are blue. They are found in the Burren, Co. Clare.
Courtesy of Carsten Krieger.
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Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale
This image depicts the fluke of a diving humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in dark grey sea. The fluke is dark grey/black colour, with a white edge. The distinctive scars on the fluke can be used to aide in the identification of an individual whale. The technique, known as photo-identification has been used by the IWDG to positively ID a humpback whale which has returned to the same area of West Cork at the same time of year, three years running. The tip of the fluke is covered with barnacles. Adult humpbacks can range in length from 11-16m. Scientists believe that humpbacks use the deep waters of the Rockall trench as a migration corridor, but individuals have been spotted in Irish waters of the south and west coasts. In addition humpbacks have been observed inshore in the Autumn/winter period in recent years along the south coast. Due to over exploitation of this species humpbacks are considered an endangered species in the Atlantic. A single calf is born very 2-3 years.
Copyright Pádraig Whooley; Courtesy of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
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Kerry Slug
Kerry Slug
This black and white picture depicts The Kerry slug. It generally grows to approximately 7-8cm in length, has a dark brown body with light brown spots. The slug as two sets of tentacles, characteristic for all terrestrial slugs and snails. It is (apparently) the only slug species that will curl itself into a ball when it is disturbed. It has a Lusitanian distribution, which describes animals and plants that only occur along the western seaboard of Europe and not in the interior of counties. The Kerry slug likes wet weather and feeds on lichens living on rocks and lower tree trunks. The Kerry Slug is an important species and is well protected appearing under Annex II and Annex IV of the European Union Habitats Directive. Being an Annex II species means that the area in which the Kerry Slug lives is guarded under Irish and European law as a Special Area of Conservation. Being listed as an Annex IV species means that the Kerry Slug is an animal of European Community interest and requires strict protection.
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Michael Viney, Author of the Flora and Fauna Feature
Michael Viney, Author of the Flora and Fauna Feature
Michael Viney is the author of “Ireland: A Smithsonian Natural History,” published in Belfast by the Blackstaff Press. He lives in west Mayo and writes the column “Another Life,” on ecology and natural history, for the Weekend Review of the Irish Times.
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J. P. Brunker picture
J. P. Brunker picture
Picture of the author of Flora of the County of Wicklow relaxing with his pipe.The botanist spent much of his spare time on excursions through Wicklow.
used with kind permission from R. Nairn