Light Bellied Brent Goose
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Winter migrant from high-Arctic Canada. Most occur in Ireland between October and April. This population winters almost entirely in Ireland, with small numbers in parts of Britain and France.
It is a small dark goose, with a black head, neck and breast, and dark-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Almost whitish flanks, and small white crescent on the upperparts of the neck visible at close range.
Credit: BirdWatch Ireland
The video link below shares details of the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Brent geese research programme which aim to learn more about Brent Geese with a view to ultimately assist in the management and protection of this iconic species.
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Bee Orchid
On dry, sandy soil, dunes and limestone pastures, in June and July this is such a delight to find. There is no problem identifying a Bee Orchid from all other orchids – its lovely gold and brown velvety lower lip is patterned to resemble the back end of a visiting bumblebee, this in order to attract a similar insect and thereby assist in pollinating the plant. This perennial orchid grows to about 30-40cm high with an erect stem which is clasped by two oblong, lanceolate leaves. Several other leaves form a basal rosette. The unmistakeable flowers are borne in spikes and have three spreading pink sepals, two short green upper petals and a large round lower petal which is deep brown and has gold markings. This is a native plant and it belongs to the family Orchidaceae.
Credit: Wildflowers of Ireland