My wife and I strolled through the Botanic Gardens on January 28th, and we spotted a butterfly among the snowdrops. It got us thinking: could this be another sign of climate change?
You’re not alone. Michael Gavin also saw a red admiral butterfly in Cork this January. This species usually migrates from southern Europe and North Africa, arriving in Ireland in May and June. They breed here during the summer, laying eggs on nettles, which caterpillars eat. Remarkably, these butterflies don’t always leave for warmer months. With milder winters becoming the norm, some stay back and can survive on nectar during warmer winter days.
A report by the National Biodiversity Data Centre showed that butterfly sightings in Ireland increased by nearly 20% over the last decade. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how our environment is changing.
On another note, while exploring Baltray beach, I picked up what looked like an animal horn. I wondered if it was a prehistoric tooth, but experts weighed in. It’s likely a cow horn. The hole most likely comes from natural deterioration rather than being used as a knife handle. This highlights how even small discoveries can shed light on local wildlife.
While walking along the river Nore, I noticed a bird resembling a blackbird but with a white breast. After searching online, I believe it was a dipper. These birds thrive near freshwater, feeding on insects found in fast-flowing rivers. They are known for their unique behavior of dipping underwater to forage for food.
In my garden this summer, I noticed a plant sprouting. A friend identified it as Echium pininana, or the Pride of Tenerife. Originally from the Canary Islands, this plant can grow quite tall and produces vibrant purple flowers that attract bees. It spreads its seeds, allowing it to flourish in new places.
Lastly, on January 24th, I encountered the headless remains of a giant turtle on Portmarnock beach. This was a leatherback turtle, which can venture into colder waters in search of jellyfish. Tragically, many turtles face threats from fishing nets and plastic, significantly impacting their population.
As we observe changes in nature, each observation helps us connect with the environment and recognize the beauty and challenges it faces.
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