Search Results ... (626)
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Fin Whale
Fin Whale
In this picture the head and beak of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) can be seen. The blow, a distinctive characteristic, can reach a height of 6m and can be seen for a great distance on windless days. The head of the fin whale is v-shaped and grey coloured. The beak is narrow and pointed. One of the diagnostic features for fin whales is the colouration of their baleen and lower lip. On the right hand side of the whale both are coloured white, as seen in the image, and on the left hand side (unseen) they are both dark coloured. Fin whales are the second largest animal species on the planet, with their average size being 19-20.5m in length, second only to the blue whale. Although Fins generally stay in deep waters they can move to within viewing range of our headlands when feeding opportunities arise. To date most sightings have been in the Cork and Waterford area. This may be due to increased observer effort by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group in this area. Researchers in Cornell university suggest that 300-500 fin whales pass through Irish waters each year.
Copyright Pádraig Whooley; Coutresty of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
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Manx Shearwater
Manx Shearwater
The Manx Sheerwater (Puffinus puffinus) has dark plumage on its back and head with a pale coloured underside. It has distinctive orange legs and webbed feet. On the wing it has a distinctive flight pattern, flying in a series of rapid flaps followed by long glides over the surface of the sea. An estimated 94% of the worlds Manx Sheerwater population breeds along the Irish and British coast. Like the Storm petrel, the Sheerwater is a nocturnal bird, staying close to the colony when feeding. The majority of Manx and Storm petrels have their colonies in Kerry, The Blaskets, Skelligs and Puffin Island. They feed on fish, in particular herrings, sardines and sprats.
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Guelder Rose 1
Guelder Rose 1
English Name: Guelder-rose Botanical Name (Latin): Viburnum opulus Irish Name: Caor chon Order: DICOTYLEDONES Family: CAPRIFOLIACEAE Brief Description: Deciduous shrub to 4m tall; leaves with 3–5 lobes, to 10cm long, green, often turning brilliant red in autumn; flowers white in flat, circular heads; inner flowers small and fertile, outer larger and sterile; berries translucent scarlet.
Carsten Krieger
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Blackbird head
Blackbird head
Blackbird close up.
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Flowering Ivy
Flowering Ivy
Photograph of a flowering Ivy plant showing the leaf structure and the various shaded of green, and the greenish white flowers.
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Bottlenose Dolphin
Bottlenose Dolphin
This image shows two bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Bottlenosed dolphins have a medium grey colour on their backs, with a pale or lighter grey flank and belly. They have a tall dorsal fin add mid-way along their back which is broad at its base and is sickle shaped. The head of a bottlenose is rounded and its beak is short, with the lower jaw protruding beyond the upper, the mouth curves up at the back to give the appearance of a smile. They surface 2-3 times per minute seldom showing beak or fluke. Bottlenosed dolphins are opportunistic feeders, feeding on squid, crustaceans and fish. The Shannon estuary plays host to one of only 4 resident bottlenose dolphin populations in Europe, and has been declared a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive (Wildlife Act Ammend 2000).
Copyright Simon Berrow; Coutresty of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
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Grey Seal close up
Grey Seal close up
Photograph of a Grey Seal close up on the beach in Wexford harbour.
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Bramble 2
Bramble 2
English Name: Blackberry, bramble Botanical Name (Latin): Rubus fruticosus Irish Name: Dris Order: DICOTYLEDONES Family: ROSACEAE Brief Description: Very variable, thorny, deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub forming vast impenetrable thickets; stems erect or arching and often rooting at tips; flowers with white or pink petals; fruits black.
Carsten Krieger
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Brent Goose
Brent Goose
Brent Geese (Branta bernicla) are dark birds, with a black head and neck and a dark grey back. Adults have a small white patch on their necks and their bellies can be light or dark coloured depending on the race. The Irish birds arriving from Canada and Greenland in October are white bellied. They depart again in March, returning to their breeding grounds for the summer months. Each winter Ireland hosts virtually the entire population of these geese and many sites around the country are internationally important for the conservation of the species. The birds generally concentrate around estuaries and salt marshes and nearby fields eating vegetation, particularly eel grass. They are very vocal birds and will call in flight and on the ground with a loud 'cronking' noise. The Brent goose is on the amber list of species requiring particular conservation measures.
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Whitefronted Goose
Whitefronted Goose
Photograph of an adult Greenland Whitefronted goose on the ground.