Let’s visit the Emerald Isle and see who we meet.
Ireland has been isolated from the European mainland since about 14,000 BCE. It has only one native reptile, the viviparous lizard. (there never were any snakes, so Saint Patrick can go take a flying leap.)
The red deer is the largest land mammal in Ireland. The stag appeared on an old pound coin.
We might encounter stoats
otters
red fox
European hedgehog
pygmy shrew
badger
Irish hare
pine martens
European brown frog
smooth newt
natterjack toad
Many birds live in or visit Ireland. Arctic birds migrate there for the winter, such as the Atlantic puffin
while southern birds come north for the summer, such as the barn swallow.
The European robin is a year-round resident.
The wren is considered the king of birds in folklore.
Rooks, starlings, tits, blackbirds and chaffinches are very common.
Ireland hosts the largest breeding population of storm petrels in the world.
Golden eagles and white-tailed eagles have recently been reintroduced after being locally extinct for decades.
PWBPeeps is a group that posts a daily diary and nightly open thread for animal lovers. We share photos, seek & give advice about pet health and behavior issues, support each other in times of sadness and stress, celebrate together when times are good, and on most days have an inordinate amount of fun.
You are welcome to join us!
Here are few not-too-onerous PWB rules
- Do not “Troll” the Pootie Peeps Diaries. If you don’t like animal diaries, there’s no need to tell us about it. Just go find some other diary more to your liking.
- Whatever happens in the outer blog STAYS in the outer blog. This is a place to relax and play; please treat it accordingly.
- If you would like a pic from the comment threads, please ask the poster. He/she may have a copyright to those pics. Many thanks!
- There are some pics we never post: snakes, creepy crawlies, any and all photos that depict or encourage human cruelty toward animals. These are considered “out of bounds” and will not be tolerated.
- If you’re not sure about an issue...please ask. Someone is always glad to help.
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