News
New moth found on Reen Bog, Kenmare, County Kerry
The Beautiful Yellow Underwing (Anarta myrtilli) has been recorded on Reen Bog, north of Kenmare, County Kerry following a brief survey of the this intact blanket bog located in a sheltered valley. This area of blanket bog is one of the last intact bog areas on the northern side of Kenmare Bay where most other bogs have been cut out or afforested. The bog has a large aligned linear pool system on the surface rich in Sphagnum species, sundews and other species typical of intact blanket bog. The bog is likely to have a high biodiversity value and merits further study.
This is the first record for this moth species in county Kerry. The moth is small, fast-flying with yellow hindwings, broadly bordered with black. It is often found near heather and bell heather.
Thanks to John Fogarty and Angus Tyner of Moths Ireland for helping with species identification.
Distribution map is copyright of Moths Ireland.
New visitor sign erected at Reenagross Park
Kenmare Tidy Towns Association has erected a new visitor sign at Reenagross Park in Kenmare, County Kerry featuring some of my photographs. This is just one of the project elements associated with the biodiversity management and enhancement plan for this woodland and estuarine site proposed in the Reenagross Park, Kenmare, Co. Kerry - Baseline Ecological Surveys and Biodiversity Conservation Plan prepared by myself and Wetland Surveys Ireland some years ago (see projects page). The other main elements of the plan include removal of Rhododendron from the oak woodland, eradication of invasive Japanese Knotweed, and path improvements on the walks around the island. The tidy towns group, Kerry County Council and its sponsors are to be commended for the great work undertaken at the site.
Marsh Fritillary Butterfly emerges on Bull Island
During a visit to the Bull Island Dublin yesterday (25 May 2013) during breezy sunny weather... a newly hatched adult specimen of the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly was recorded at the northern end of the island, probably one of the first of the season and the only specimen recorded during the 2 hour visit to the site.
