Carla Jack
@pocketwildingie.bsky.social
Wildlife & horticulture enthusiast in the Irish Midlands. Working on restoring Ireland's biodiversity pocket by pocket with whatever resources are at hand. Focusing on knowledge sharing and often distracted by handi-crafting. Spelling errors included free.
I made a dried flower wreath for a friend coping with loss.
I didn't know when I picked them that this would be their purpose but I'm glad my garden provided a way for me to express heartache for someone I care for.
#WildflowerArt #DriedFlowers
I didn't know when I picked them that this would be their purpose but I'm glad my garden provided a way for me to express heartache for someone I care for.
#WildflowerArt #DriedFlowers
November 2, 2025 at 9:58 AM
I made a dried flower wreath for a friend coping with loss.
I didn't know when I picked them that this would be their purpose but I'm glad my garden provided a way for me to express heartache for someone I care for.
#WildflowerArt #DriedFlowers
I didn't know when I picked them that this would be their purpose but I'm glad my garden provided a way for me to express heartache for someone I care for.
#WildflowerArt #DriedFlowers
Robin’s Pincushion or Bedeguar Gall Wasp on Dog Rose in Portarlington, co Laois
"Inside the gall is a group of the Bedeguar Gall Wasp larvae, each residing in their own chamber within the
gall. The larvae feed on the plant tissue inside the gall."
PDF Src: shorturl.at/Id502
#BugSky
"Inside the gall is a group of the Bedeguar Gall Wasp larvae, each residing in their own chamber within the
gall. The larvae feed on the plant tissue inside the gall."
PDF Src: shorturl.at/Id502
#BugSky
September 30, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Robin’s Pincushion or Bedeguar Gall Wasp on Dog Rose in Portarlington, co Laois
"Inside the gall is a group of the Bedeguar Gall Wasp larvae, each residing in their own chamber within the
gall. The larvae feed on the plant tissue inside the gall."
PDF Src: shorturl.at/Id502
#BugSky
"Inside the gall is a group of the Bedeguar Gall Wasp larvae, each residing in their own chamber within the
gall. The larvae feed on the plant tissue inside the gall."
PDF Src: shorturl.at/Id502
#BugSky
I keep this image on my phone as a reminder that we don't get to just put our hands up.
Src: atmosphere.copernicus.eu/ipcc-report-...
Whether we are midwives to a new world or hospice carers to a dying world we have Work. To. Do.
Paraphrased from interviews in book 'I Want a Better Catastrophe'.
Src: atmosphere.copernicus.eu/ipcc-report-...
Whether we are midwives to a new world or hospice carers to a dying world we have Work. To. Do.
Paraphrased from interviews in book 'I Want a Better Catastrophe'.
September 30, 2025 at 11:14 AM
I keep this image on my phone as a reminder that we don't get to just put our hands up.
Src: atmosphere.copernicus.eu/ipcc-report-...
Whether we are midwives to a new world or hospice carers to a dying world we have Work. To. Do.
Paraphrased from interviews in book 'I Want a Better Catastrophe'.
Src: atmosphere.copernicus.eu/ipcc-report-...
Whether we are midwives to a new world or hospice carers to a dying world we have Work. To. Do.
Paraphrased from interviews in book 'I Want a Better Catastrophe'.
Met a truly remarkable landowner 3 wks ago. Farm tour of hedges surrounding his fields dedicated to wild bird cover crops.
He was kind enough to let me return, collect seed and observe it more closely.
Surrounded by conventional farming many traditional farm birds flock to feed in the winter 1/2
He was kind enough to let me return, collect seed and observe it more closely.
Surrounded by conventional farming many traditional farm birds flock to feed in the winter 1/2
September 23, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Met a truly remarkable landowner 3 wks ago. Farm tour of hedges surrounding his fields dedicated to wild bird cover crops.
He was kind enough to let me return, collect seed and observe it more closely.
Surrounded by conventional farming many traditional farm birds flock to feed in the winter 1/2
He was kind enough to let me return, collect seed and observe it more closely.
Surrounded by conventional farming many traditional farm birds flock to feed in the winter 1/2
Glad to see the Meadow Pippits feeding in the back fields again after not hearing them for two months.
Lots of birds feeding on seeds & berries today.
Co Laois Ireland #IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
Lots of birds feeding on seeds & berries today.
Co Laois Ireland #IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
September 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Glad to see the Meadow Pippits feeding in the back fields again after not hearing them for two months.
Lots of birds feeding on seeds & berries today.
Co Laois Ireland #IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
Lots of birds feeding on seeds & berries today.
Co Laois Ireland #IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
Unconfirmed Fungus/Gall on Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) found in Portlaoise, Ireland this morning.
@bitheolaidhe.bsky.social I'd throw it up on iNat but need to know if there is anything else I should be looking pls?
Maybe ergot (Claviceps purpurea)?:
bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fu...
@bitheolaidhe.bsky.social I'd throw it up on iNat but need to know if there is anything else I should be looking pls?
Maybe ergot (Claviceps purpurea)?:
bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fu...
September 2, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Unconfirmed Fungus/Gall on Dactylis glomerata (Cocksfoot) found in Portlaoise, Ireland this morning.
@bitheolaidhe.bsky.social I'd throw it up on iNat but need to know if there is anything else I should be looking pls?
Maybe ergot (Claviceps purpurea)?:
bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fu...
@bitheolaidhe.bsky.social I'd throw it up on iNat but need to know if there is anything else I should be looking pls?
Maybe ergot (Claviceps purpurea)?:
bladmineerders.nl/parasites/fu...
Brilliantly coloured seedhead of the square-stalked St John's Wort is one of my favourite local plant and and under-rated #IrishWildflower for autumn pop.
I'd love to see it in more urban gardens as it is fairly hardy, not overly competitive & gorgeous imo.
#WildflowerHour #Fruits Co Laois
I'd love to see it in more urban gardens as it is fairly hardy, not overly competitive & gorgeous imo.
#WildflowerHour #Fruits Co Laois
September 1, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Brilliantly coloured seedhead of the square-stalked St John's Wort is one of my favourite local plant and and under-rated #IrishWildflower for autumn pop.
I'd love to see it in more urban gardens as it is fairly hardy, not overly competitive & gorgeous imo.
#WildflowerHour #Fruits Co Laois
I'd love to see it in more urban gardens as it is fairly hardy, not overly competitive & gorgeous imo.
#WildflowerHour #Fruits Co Laois
I'm #NotAPhotographer but seeing one of Richard Duff's bird hides in Ballyfin, Co Laois made me yearn for a few hours with a portable kettle & the right equipment to try it.
Loved the invert-friendly, lichen-covered perches & mini reflection pool
irishphotographyhides.com/about/
#IrishWildlfe
Loved the invert-friendly, lichen-covered perches & mini reflection pool
irishphotographyhides.com/about/
#IrishWildlfe
September 1, 2025 at 8:54 AM
I'm #NotAPhotographer but seeing one of Richard Duff's bird hides in Ballyfin, Co Laois made me yearn for a few hours with a portable kettle & the right equipment to try it.
Loved the invert-friendly, lichen-covered perches & mini reflection pool
irishphotographyhides.com/about/
#IrishWildlfe
Loved the invert-friendly, lichen-covered perches & mini reflection pool
irishphotographyhides.com/about/
#IrishWildlfe
Even surrounded by farmland I have these birds feeding from a patch of concrete 'grown' Redshank.
@birdwatchireland.bsky.social
They were about robin-sized. I was guessing female linnet but my camera quality does not do them justice.
2 videos
#IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
@birdwatchireland.bsky.social
They were about robin-sized. I was guessing female linnet but my camera quality does not do them justice.
2 videos
#IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
August 27, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Even surrounded by farmland I have these birds feeding from a patch of concrete 'grown' Redshank.
@birdwatchireland.bsky.social
They were about robin-sized. I was guessing female linnet but my camera quality does not do them justice.
2 videos
#IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
@birdwatchireland.bsky.social
They were about robin-sized. I was guessing female linnet but my camera quality does not do them justice.
2 videos
#IrishWildlife #IrishBirds
Pics 2/2 Bit too worn out to find scientific names today but I'd rather share cool plants than not share them.
August 24, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Pics 2/2 Bit too worn out to find scientific names today but I'd rather share cool plants than not share them.
A week ago I joined a local #BSBI walk up the Gorteenameale trail into the beautiful bogland that tops this part of the Slievebloom mountains.
What an amazing group and a fun day out! @bsbiireland.bsky.social
More pics 1/2
#IrishWildflowers #LoveBogs
What an amazing group and a fun day out! @bsbiireland.bsky.social
More pics 1/2
#IrishWildflowers #LoveBogs
August 24, 2025 at 9:38 AM
A week ago I joined a local #BSBI walk up the Gorteenameale trail into the beautiful bogland that tops this part of the Slievebloom mountains.
What an amazing group and a fun day out! @bsbiireland.bsky.social
More pics 1/2
#IrishWildflowers #LoveBogs
What an amazing group and a fun day out! @bsbiireland.bsky.social
More pics 1/2
#IrishWildflowers #LoveBogs
Another four-spotted Orb Weaver in co Laois.
I'm loving the camouflage and also admiring how strong her web is. (I'm constantly finding them by walking into them on accident first).
#Spidersky #IrishWildlife
I'm loving the camouflage and also admiring how strong her web is. (I'm constantly finding them by walking into them on accident first).
#Spidersky #IrishWildlife
August 15, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Another four-spotted Orb Weaver in co Laois.
I'm loving the camouflage and also admiring how strong her web is. (I'm constantly finding them by walking into them on accident first).
#Spidersky #IrishWildlife
I'm loving the camouflage and also admiring how strong her web is. (I'm constantly finding them by walking into them on accident first).
#Spidersky #IrishWildlife
Accidentally scythed this flower head and then subsequently lost it in the grass collection.
Any clues on what plant or plant family I was looking at? Single long stem stalk with almost 'Allium family' like cluster of flowers on top.
#PlantID #IrishWildflowers
@bsbiireland.bsky.social
Any clues on what plant or plant family I was looking at? Single long stem stalk with almost 'Allium family' like cluster of flowers on top.
#PlantID #IrishWildflowers
@bsbiireland.bsky.social
August 14, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Accidentally scythed this flower head and then subsequently lost it in the grass collection.
Any clues on what plant or plant family I was looking at? Single long stem stalk with almost 'Allium family' like cluster of flowers on top.
#PlantID #IrishWildflowers
@bsbiireland.bsky.social
Any clues on what plant or plant family I was looking at? Single long stem stalk with almost 'Allium family' like cluster of flowers on top.
#PlantID #IrishWildflowers
@bsbiireland.bsky.social
If I have this ID correct I think I found a male and female Four-spotted Orb Weaver Spider on the same red clover flower. Cool example of sexual dimorphism.
#BugSky #IrishWildlife
#BugSky #IrishWildlife
August 9, 2025 at 12:11 PM
If I have this ID correct I think I found a male and female Four-spotted Orb Weaver Spider on the same red clover flower. Cool example of sexual dimorphism.
#BugSky #IrishWildlife
#BugSky #IrishWildlife
Very satisfied to find the exact right size mesh to process clover seeds.
Podcasts and busy hands making for a nice slow sunday after all too much socialising and a very physical week scything.
#SeedCollecting
Podcasts and busy hands making for a nice slow sunday after all too much socialising and a very physical week scything.
#SeedCollecting
August 3, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Very satisfied to find the exact right size mesh to process clover seeds.
Podcasts and busy hands making for a nice slow sunday after all too much socialising and a very physical week scything.
#SeedCollecting
Podcasts and busy hands making for a nice slow sunday after all too much socialising and a very physical week scything.
#SeedCollecting
Found two #Hoverflies on some bramble today. Easy to mistake them for bees with a casual look.
Eristalis pertinax (Tapered dronefly) & Volucella pellucens (Pelucid fly). Both very important decomposers in larval form.
ID'd with #PictureInsect County Laois Ireland
#Bugsky
Eristalis pertinax (Tapered dronefly) & Volucella pellucens (Pelucid fly). Both very important decomposers in larval form.
ID'd with #PictureInsect County Laois Ireland
#Bugsky
July 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Found two #Hoverflies on some bramble today. Easy to mistake them for bees with a casual look.
Eristalis pertinax (Tapered dronefly) & Volucella pellucens (Pelucid fly). Both very important decomposers in larval form.
ID'd with #PictureInsect County Laois Ireland
#Bugsky
Eristalis pertinax (Tapered dronefly) & Volucella pellucens (Pelucid fly). Both very important decomposers in larval form.
ID'd with #PictureInsect County Laois Ireland
#Bugsky
What a great read @jonnyhhanson.bsky.social !
I'm enjoying the mix of introspection, ecology and trying to untangle my own niggling thoughts about how masculinity, human vulnerability (perceived and real) tie into our relationships with predators.
#LivingWithLynx #Booksky
I'm enjoying the mix of introspection, ecology and trying to untangle my own niggling thoughts about how masculinity, human vulnerability (perceived and real) tie into our relationships with predators.
#LivingWithLynx #Booksky
July 22, 2025 at 10:33 AM
What a great read @jonnyhhanson.bsky.social !
I'm enjoying the mix of introspection, ecology and trying to untangle my own niggling thoughts about how masculinity, human vulnerability (perceived and real) tie into our relationships with predators.
#LivingWithLynx #Booksky
I'm enjoying the mix of introspection, ecology and trying to untangle my own niggling thoughts about how masculinity, human vulnerability (perceived and real) tie into our relationships with predators.
#LivingWithLynx #Booksky
Cinnabar caterpillars, red soldier beetles and flies all congregating on a ragwort plant this morning.
Happy to see little islands of yellow in the mini meadow near the house. (It's going to be fun to see how many species we can fit in one place over the coming years.)
#Bugsky
Happy to see little islands of yellow in the mini meadow near the house. (It's going to be fun to see how many species we can fit in one place over the coming years.)
#Bugsky
July 19, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Cinnabar caterpillars, red soldier beetles and flies all congregating on a ragwort plant this morning.
Happy to see little islands of yellow in the mini meadow near the house. (It's going to be fun to see how many species we can fit in one place over the coming years.)
#Bugsky
Happy to see little islands of yellow in the mini meadow near the house. (It's going to be fun to see how many species we can fit in one place over the coming years.)
#Bugsky
Isolated Figwort (Scrophularia Nodosa?).
The only one I have found on our 6.5 acre property in co Laois so far.
Feels special (at the very least confirms the 'wet' field conditions).
#IrishWildflowers @bsbiireland.bsky.social #NotAPhotographer
The only one I have found on our 6.5 acre property in co Laois so far.
Feels special (at the very least confirms the 'wet' field conditions).
#IrishWildflowers @bsbiireland.bsky.social #NotAPhotographer
July 18, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Isolated Figwort (Scrophularia Nodosa?).
The only one I have found on our 6.5 acre property in co Laois so far.
Feels special (at the very least confirms the 'wet' field conditions).
#IrishWildflowers @bsbiireland.bsky.social #NotAPhotographer
The only one I have found on our 6.5 acre property in co Laois so far.
Feels special (at the very least confirms the 'wet' field conditions).
#IrishWildflowers @bsbiireland.bsky.social #NotAPhotographer
Found some Red Bartsia in the long grasses by the barn yesterday and dropped everything to go down a hemi- parasitic rabbit-hole.
Excellent article by @bitheolaidhe.bsky.social on Hemi-Parasitic plants of Ireland:
irishplants.org/blog/2022/12...
🧵 #IrishWildflowers 1/2
Excellent article by @bitheolaidhe.bsky.social on Hemi-Parasitic plants of Ireland:
irishplants.org/blog/2022/12...
🧵 #IrishWildflowers 1/2
July 11, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Found some Red Bartsia in the long grasses by the barn yesterday and dropped everything to go down a hemi- parasitic rabbit-hole.
Excellent article by @bitheolaidhe.bsky.social on Hemi-Parasitic plants of Ireland:
irishplants.org/blog/2022/12...
🧵 #IrishWildflowers 1/2
Excellent article by @bitheolaidhe.bsky.social on Hemi-Parasitic plants of Ireland:
irishplants.org/blog/2022/12...
🧵 #IrishWildflowers 1/2
I was about to clear some grass to set up the makeshift compost bins and accidentally flushed this melanistic pheasant hen and her four chicks from the grass outside our back door.
I know she's non-native but I'm thrilled she felt safe and fed enough to bring the chicks into our patch in co Laois.
I know she's non-native but I'm thrilled she felt safe and fed enough to bring the chicks into our patch in co Laois.
July 9, 2025 at 2:52 PM
I was about to clear some grass to set up the makeshift compost bins and accidentally flushed this melanistic pheasant hen and her four chicks from the grass outside our back door.
I know she's non-native but I'm thrilled she felt safe and fed enough to bring the chicks into our patch in co Laois.
I know she's non-native but I'm thrilled she felt safe and fed enough to bring the chicks into our patch in co Laois.
Helps if I remember the photos
July 8, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Helps if I remember the photos
I've heard dock beetles do some similar work on docks but have not found them yet my side. Some unidentified caterpillars have been eating the heads off them though which means balance is happening 🌱🐛
June 22, 2025 at 10:13 AM
I've heard dock beetles do some similar work on docks but have not found them yet my side. Some unidentified caterpillars have been eating the heads off them though which means balance is happening 🌱🐛
#AshForFuture Ireland is requesting public reporting of healthy ash trees to help collect seed from plants that are tolerant/resilient to #AshDieback
shorturl.at/vYbjZ
"up to 10% of ash trees have some tolerance to the disease, with 1-3% showing a high level of tolerance."
shorturl.at/vYbjZ
"up to 10% of ash trees have some tolerance to the disease, with 1-3% showing a high level of tolerance."
June 19, 2025 at 9:20 PM
#AshForFuture Ireland is requesting public reporting of healthy ash trees to help collect seed from plants that are tolerant/resilient to #AshDieback
shorturl.at/vYbjZ
"up to 10% of ash trees have some tolerance to the disease, with 1-3% showing a high level of tolerance."
shorturl.at/vYbjZ
"up to 10% of ash trees have some tolerance to the disease, with 1-3% showing a high level of tolerance."