Seabirds continue to struggle to break free from our production of plastic. I believe that the return and collection scheme is showing us just how much plastic we use, and is a green light for the production of even more plastic by manufacturers.

On an otherwise grey start to the day, the southern end of Abbey Island was momentarily lit up by the rising sun. It's beauty was all the more apparent as a lone gannet flew along its shores, circling the bay in less that a minute, as it searched for its mornings' breakfast.

Bórdónín dolmen at Coomatloukane, Caherdaniel under tonight's magnificent night sky.

#kerrydarksky #kerrydarkskyreserve #wildatlanticwaykerry #discoverkerry #wildatlanticway #astrophotography #wildderrynane #Derrynane #discoverireland #nightsky

I saw some moths flying yesterday evening and decided to investigate further. A quick set up of the moth trap, and when opened early thus morning revealed these two wonderful moths: A pale prominent and an early grey. Isn't nature just wonderful. What patterning and colour.

Plastic in paradise!
To follow up on the topic of microsplastics as discussed on RTÉ Radio 1 during the Claire Byrne show today, take a look at this documentary that I made in 2015 about plastics in our marine environment and it's effects on wildlife.

youtu.be/bIiWs4szs0s?...

A Burning Issue.
In the news today... setting mountains on fire in Ireland.
Have a look at the documentary I did in 2015 about setting mountain pasture on fire for maintaining land for agricultural purposes.

youtu.be/Rb-Y3ydR6FA?...

An Eider duck pictured today at Wild Derrynane . Red listed in Ireland and of Conservation concern over their range. Txs to Ed Carty for the ID.

#birdsofinstagram #birdwatchireland #wildatlanticway #wildatlanticwaykerry #discoverkerry #discoverireland

My new and updated Marine fish and Shellfish of Ireland poster print now on display at the Blind Piper Pub. Get yours... available from www.derrynane.ie/posters

#wildderrynane #wildatlanticwaykerry #discoverkerry #discoverireland

Fish, flotsam and jetsam at Whitestrand, Castlecove this morning. Sprat, gooseneck barnacles, and a lobster tag plus plastic bottle from the USA.

#StormÉowyn #wildatlanticwaykerry #discoverkerry #wildderrynane #Derrynane #discoverireland

What a day yesterday turned out to be. 16°C in warm sunshine, a calm sea... and natural history at its best. It is not well publicised, as Dingle takes most of the credit,

Another year over for our remaining populations of spawning wild Atlantic Salmon. Are we witnessing a trend away from farmed salmon as a menu item? I hope so.

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Strong Aurora tonight showing view (1) to the West showing Venus, (2) East towards Jupiter and (3) North showing the Plough from Skehanagh, Castlecove.

#aurora #auroraborealis #auroraireland #kerrydarksky #discoverireland #wildatlanticway #wildatlanticwaykerry #discoverkerry

THANK YOU
As 2024 draws to a close, I want to say a very big thank you to everyone who has bought my book, Wild Derrynane. I am glad to tell you that it will be heading for a third print run in 2025.

One of my favourite days. Have a lovely winter solstice. Highlighted are photos I have taken on 21st December over the past number of years:

1) Solstice sunrise at Bordonin, Coomatloukane.

2) Pre-solstice sunrise at Rath beach, Caherdaniel.

3) Snow covered Scarriff, Deenish and Abbey Islands.

Thanks to everyone who has bought and continues to buy my book, Wild Derrynane. Pictured are Jack O'Donovan Trà of Fair Seas Ireland and Dr. Sylvia Earle, who so graciously wrote the foreword for my book

#wildderrynane #wildatlanticway #discoverireland #discoverkerry #radiokerry #wildlifebooks

The 1st request I have for the Kerry Seas National Park is to clean up Little Skellig. It is vitally important that we, as concerned citizens and owners of the park, put our thoughts forward in the submission process.

Barn owl for the day.

Irish Marine Life pop-up exhibition by Wild Derrynane.

Enquiries DM me please.

Out filming bioluminescence at Kenmare Bay in late October. It is remarkable to see and makes nighttime boat trip forays so much more interesting.