BiologicallyWild

The Common Frog, Rana temporaria, is one of Irelands three amphibian species. It is known for its fascinating life cycle in which it undergoes metamorphosis, changing from an egg to a tadpole to a froglet to a frog. This year our local frogs chose our garden pond to breed and we have been so lucky to get to observe this process up close! The photos are in order of each week, as we are now on week 3-4 the tadpoles have begun to wriggle free of their jelly casing and their gills and tails can be seen!

The Kerry Slug, Geomalacus maculosus, is a protected species under the EU habitats directive, this means that under no circumstances should the species or the habitat in which it is found be disturbed, injured or damaged by law.

This species is beautiful, distinguishable by its cream- white spots on its black/ sometimes brown body!
The brown version tends to be found more often in woodland habitats but this specimen was black with white spots and was photographed in a blanket bog habitat within the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, County Kerry, while doing an ecological survey!

what makes it so special, why does it need protection?

This species is endangered and has a restricted distribution, as habitats which this species relies upon deteriorate or are lost due to habitat conversion, this removes the food source the slugs need (lichen, mosses, liverworts and fungi) and in turn local populations become extinct

As summer approaches I look forward to seeing this species again, One of Irelands most colourful butterfly species, The Common Blue also know as Polyommatus icarus

The Atlantic Puffin, We just could not get enough of these waddling beauties !

The Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica, Photographed on The Island Tearaght, the Westernmost Island of Ireland and of the Blasket Islands in Kerry! It is impossible not to fall in love with these seabirds, they are too cute as the fly with their legs spread outwards and act quite clumsy at the best of times! They are considered to be a Vulnerable species and only inhabit islands with no terrestrial predators present. They also waddle... too cute!

A common species, The Cinnabar Moth, Tyria jacobaeae ! This black and red beauty can be found in many habitats and its yellow and black caterpillar feeds upon Common Ragwort.

Have you seen this species before? Feel free to leave a comment

Another Native Irish Beauty for our eyes, The Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera

This orchid was given its name as it mimics a female bee to attract male bees for pollination, oh the deception!

The Bee Orchid pictured here was found on sandy soil at the Magharees in County Kerry, Ireland!

Bogbean
Scientific Name: Menyanthes trifoliata

This stunning plant is found in bogs, fens and slow moving water habitats where it can keep its base nice and wet! Found in flower between March and June, the star shaped flowers are white or pink in colour and the petals have white hairs which are very distinctive

A Pair of Grey Herons flying over the Blennerville Windmill

This species is easy to spot due to their distinct body shape, long neck and large beak which they use to sn**ch their prey with! They move silently stalking along bodies of water, the Grey Heron can be found all over Ireland and is a resident species here

A great species for the little ones to learn about !