27-7-2025 AMSTERDAM PORT, HOLLAND - COMMON TOADFLAX (Linaria vulgaris)

Linaria vulgaris, the common toadflax yellow toadflax or butter-and-eggs, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, native to Europe, Siberia and Central Asia. It has also been introduced and is now common in North America.

It is a perennial plant with short spreading roots, erect to decumbent stems 15–90p cm (6–35 in) high, with fine, threadlike, glaucous blue-green leaves 2–6 cm (3⁄4–2+1⁄4 in) long and 1–5 mm (0.04–0.20 in) broad. The flowers are similar to those of the snapdragon, 25–33 mm (0.98–1.30 in) long, pale yellow except for the lower tip which is orange, borne in dense terminal racemes from mid summer to mid autumn. The flowers are mostly visited by bumblebees. The fruit is a globose capsule 5–11 mm (0.20–0.43 in) long and 5–7 mm (0.20–0.28 in) broad, containing numerous small seeds.

27-7-2025 AMSTERDAM PORT, HOLLAND - LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus),

The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) is a large gull, distinguishable by its size and the coloration of its plumage. It is smaller than the European herring gull and exhibits a range of mantle colors across its subspecies, from dark grey to jet black.

Adult lesser black-backed gulls have yellow legs and a yellow bill wyith a red spot. Their wings and back are either black or dark grey, depending on the subspecies. In winter, the head becomes greyer. Juveniles display scaly black-brown upperparts and a distinctive wing pattern. They can be differentiated from juvenile herring gulls by their darker, unbarred tertial feathers.

This species is found along coasts and lakes, where it breeds and feeds. It has adapted to urban environments in some cities, nesting alongside herring gulls. 

The lesser black-backed gull breeds on the Atlantic coasts of Europe and is migratory, wintering from the British Isles to West Africa. It has expanded its range to North America, particularly along the east coast, where it is now present year-round in increasing numbers.

These gulls are social birds, breeding colonially. They exhibit a fixed action pattern during feeding, where the young peck at the red spot on the adult's bill to induce regurgitation.

The call of the lesser black-backed gull is a deep-pitched "laughing" cry, similar to that of the herring gull but noticeably lower in tone.

Nesting occurs on the ground or cliffs, with a preference for coastal and lake environments. The species typically lays three eggs and has been known to nest within urban areas.

An omnivorous bird, the lesser black-backed gull's diet includes fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, starfish, molluscs, seeds, berries, small mammals, eggs, small birds, chicks, scraps, offal, and carrion.

The IUCN lists the lesser black-backed gull as Least Concern. However, there is concern about declines in parts of its range, and it is on the UK Amber List due to its significant population in the UK and the concentration of these birds at a limited number of breeding sites.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula)

The Western Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula), a member of the crow family Corvidae, is a passerine bird recognized by its black plumage with a grey nape and distinctive pale-grey irises. Measuring 34–39 centimeters in length, this bird exhibits a combination of black, grey, and iridescent blue or purple hues across its body, depending on the subspecies.

Adult Western Jackdaws have a stout, black bill and legs, with a body mostly cloaked in shiny black feathers. The head features a sheen that can be purple or blue, and the throat, primaries, and tail display a green-blue iridescence. The cheeks, nape, and neck are a contrasting light grey, and the underparts are slate-grey. Juveniles are duller with less distinct plumage and brownish eyes that turn white around one year of age.

Western Jackdaws favor a variety of habitats including wooded steppes, pastures, coastal cliffs, and urban settings. They thrive in environments where forested areas have been cleared, creating open fields and spaces.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It is mostly resident, but populations in the north and east migrate southward during winter months.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - WHITE TAILED BUMBLE BEE (Bombus lucorum)

Bombus lucorum, the white-tailed bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee, widespread and common throughout Europe. This name has been widely used for a range of nearly identical-looking or cryptic species of bumblebees. In 1983, Scholl and Obrecht even coined the term Bombus lucorum complex to explain the three taxa (B. lucorum, Bombus magnus, and Bombus cryptarum) that cannot be easily differentiated from one another by their appearances. A recent review of all of these species worldwide has helped to clarify its distribution in Europe and northern Asia, almost to the Pacific. B. lucorum reaches the Barents Sea in the North. However, in southern Europe, although found in Greece it is an upland species with its distribution never quite reaching the Mediterranean.

Compared to other bumblebee species, the individuals of B. lucorum have shorter tongues, and this characteristic enable them to rob nectar. The worker bee uses the horny sheath around its tongue to make a hole through the flower, reaching the nectar without entering the flower. Therefore, the worker bee does not come in contact with the pollen while getting the nectar.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - ROOK (Corvus frugilegus)

The rook (Corvus frugilegus) is a passerine bird belonging to the family Corvidae. It is a sizable bird, with adults typically weighing between 280 to 340 grams, measuring 44 to 46 centimeters in length, and boasting a wingspan of 81 to 99 centimeters. The plumage is predominantly black, exhibiting a blue or bluish-purple sheen when illuminated by sunlight. The feathers are particularly dense and silky around the head, neck, and shoulders. The legs and feet are black, the bill is grey-black, and the iris is dark brown. A notable feature of the adult rook is the whitish, featherless area around the base of the bill and in front of the eye, which gives the impression of a longer bill and a more domed head.

To distinguish the rook from other corvids, observe the bare patch of skin near the bill, which is absent in juveniles and other crow species. The rook's wings are also proportionally longer and narrower than those of the carrion crow when observed in flight. Juvenile rooks can be identified by their black plumage with a greenish gloss and the absence of the bare facial patch.

Rooks prefer open agricultural areas with pasture or arable land, provided there are tall trees suitable for nesting. They typically avoid dense forests, swamps, marshes, heaths, and moorlands. These birds are commonly found in lowland areas, often nesting near farms, villages, and open towns, but not in densely built-up regions.

The rook is found across the Palearctic, from Scandinavia and western Europe to eastern Siberia. The western rook subspecies is resident in the British Isles and much of north and central Europe, while the eastern rook subspecies ranges from central Siberia and northern Mongolia eastwards across Asia. Some northern populations may migrate southwards in winter to escape harsh conditions.

Rooks are highly social and gregarious, often seen in flocks. They are monogamous, with pairs forming lifelong bonds and staying together within the flock. These birds are diurnal, foraging on the ground during the day and roosting communally at night. They exhibit complex social behaviors and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

The rook's call is a distinctive caw or kaah, variable in pitch and used in different contexts. It is less raucous than that of the carrion crow and is often heard in flight or while perched, where the bird may fan its tail and bow with each call.

Rooks nest colonially in rookeries located at the tops of tall trees. Both sexes contribute to nest-building, which is a cup-shaped structure made of sticks and lined with softer materials. The breeding season begins in spring, with egg-laying occurring by the end of March or early April in Britain, and possibly later in eastern Europe and Russia. The clutch size ranges from three to five eggs, which are incubated primarily by the female.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - BENNETT'S WALLABY (Notamacropus rufogriseus ssp. rufogriseus)

The red-necked wallaby or Bennett's wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) is a medium-sized macropod marsupial (wallaby), common in the more temperate and fertile parts of eastern Australia, including Tasmania. Red-necked wallabies have been introduced to several other countries, including New Zealand, the United Kingdom (in England and Scotland), Ireland, the Isle of Man, France and Germany.

Red-necked wallabies are distinguished by their black nose and paws, white stripe on the upper lip, and grizzled medium grey coat with a reddish wash across the shoulders. They can weigh 13.8 to 18.6 kilograms (30 to 41 lb) and attain a head-body length of 90 centimetres (35 in), although males are generally bigger than females. Red-necked wallabies are very similar in appearance to the black-striped wallaby (Notamacropus dorsalis), the only difference being that red-necked wallabies are larger, lack a black stripe down the back, and have softer fur. Red-necked wallabies may live up to nine years.

Red-necked wallabies are found in coastal scrub and sclerophyll forest throughout coastal and highland eastern Australia, from Bundaberg, Queensland to the South Australian border; in Tasmania and on many of the Bass Strait islands. It is unclear which of the Tasmanian islands have native populations as opposed to introduced ones.

In Tasmania and coastal Queensland, their numbers have expanded over the past 30 years because of a reduction in hunting pressure and the partial clearing of forest to result in a mosaic of pastures where wallabies can feed at night, alongside bushland where they can shelter by day. For not altogether clear reasons, they are less common in Victoria.

Red-necked wallabies are mainly solitary but will gather together when there is an abundance of resources such as food, water or shelter. When they do gather in groups, they have a social hierarchy similar to other wallaby species. A recent study has demonstrated that wallabies, as other social or gregarious mammals, are able to manage conflict via reconciliation, involving the post-conflict reunion, after a fight, of former opponents, which engage in affinitive contacts.

Red-necked wallabies are mainly nocturnal. They spend most of the daytime resting.

  

A female's estrus lasts 33 days. During courting, the female first licks the male's neck. The male will then rub his cheek against the female's. Then the male and female will fight briefly, standing upright like two males. After that they finally mate. A couple will stay together for one day before separating. A female bears one offspring at a time; the young stay in the pouch for about 280 days, whereafter females and their offspring stay together for only a month. However, females may stay in the home range of their mothers for life, while males leave at the age of two. Also, red-necked wallabies engage in alloparental care, in which one individual may adopt the child of another. This is a common behavior seen in many other animal species like wolves, elephants, humans, and fathead minnows.

Red-necked wallabies diets consists of grasses, roots, tree leaves, and weeds.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, nimble gull with a wingspan ranging from 94 to 110 cm and a body length of 37 to 44 cm. It weighs between 190 and 400 grams. Despite its name, the adult's summer plumage features a chocolate-brown head, which can appear black from a distance. The body is pale grey, and the primary wing feathers are tipped with black. The bill and legs are a striking red. In winter, the brown head is replaced by a white one with dark spots. Juveniles are mottled with brown spots and have a black band on the tail. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

In flight, the white leading edge of the wing is a distinctive field mark. The summer adult's brown head, red bill, and legs are key identifiers, while the winter plumage features two dark spots on the head. Juveniles can be recognized by their mottled brown pattern and black tail band.

This species nests in colonies on the ground in large reed beds, marshes, or islands within lakes. It is not pelagic and is seldom seen far from coasts.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - ROLOWAY MONKEY (Cercopithecus roloway)

The Roloway monkey (Cercopithecus roloway) is an endangered species of Old World monkey endemic to tropical West Africa. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Diana monkey (C. diana). The species is classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and their continued hunting because of the bushmeat trade. The Roloway monkey is mainly an arboreal species, for the most part inhabiting forests in Ghana and some reserves in South-Eastern Côte-D'Ivoire. More specifically, studies have shown that C. roloway is primarily concentrated in the Tanoé forest of the Côte-D'Ivoire because of their heavy threats to extinction and lack of habitat. It is still difficult to gather data on wild subjects, as they have low populations in a vast forest, but they are a unique and vanishing species. 

The Roloway monkey is a species of guenon monkeys. In fact, they are the largest of all of the 26 African Cercopithecus. Of this genus, The roloway monkey is most similar to the C. diana. Both of these monkeys share similar physical features as well. They both have dark fur surrounding a majority of their body, with a dark brown-reddish patch on their lower back. The Roloway monkey has a prominent white beard resting under its black chin, and above its dark eyes is a horizontal white stripe of fur, resting directly on its brow bone. Its face is a dark black, accentuated by the bright white fur covering its shoulders and chest. Roloway Monkeys have a relatively flat skull, and unlike many other primates, they do not have an elongated chin cavity, also referred to as a rostrum. In addition, the nostrils of the monkey are closely set and they angle downwards. Its chest, and throat are bright white, and the monkey has white line of fur that runs along each outer-thigh. On the inside of the thighs, the fur can range from being white, red, brown, or even yellowish. They have exceptionally long tails, longer than the entirety of their body. There are not many body measurements of adult Roloway monkeys, but through analysis and comparison with the Diana species, it is estimated that the Roloway Monkeys body length ranges from 40 cm to 55 cm, and the tails of the monkey range from 50 cm to 75 cm long.

Male monkeys weigh about 5 kg, or 11 pounds. The female Roloway weigh only about 2.5 kg, or 5.5 pounds.The Roloway monkey has a distinct cheek pouch, something that it shares with all cercopithecus monkeys. This patch allows the monkeys to store food such as fruits, nuts and seeds, which are the majority of their diet as they are omnivorous primates. Cercopithecinae monkeys all have opposable thumbs, which are quite well-developed; the Roloway Monkey also has fingernails on all of their fingers. Finally, the Roloway monkey has a long lifespan, similar to that of other primates, ranging from 20 to 30 years.

The species occurs in a small area of eastern Ivory Coast and the forests of Ghana, between the Sassandra and Pra Rivers, and may possibly occur in Burkina Faso and Togo. The Roloway inhabit the canopy of old-growth forests, including gallery forests, in moist-low-lying regions, and avoids but can make use of forests that have been lightly logged. The Roloway monkey cannot live in areas where humans have had a large impact, therefore they only live in secluded, primary forests. Primary forests are ones that have not been majorly affected, and they are quite old and full of unique attributions that can allow for populations of animals and plants to be more stable in the long term. These forests are very lush, containing thick and moist shrubbery that allows for easy hiding. The habitats of the Roloway are very complex, and the terrain is not simple, meaning they have many places to hide and escape view. Small areas of these forests and habitats are used to inhabit the monkeys, and the group sizes of the species tend to be minuscule. The monkeys' instinct to flee combined with the areas they choose to live in, make it very hard to study them or gather any new information on the changes in their population size or behavior. Even when studies were performed where scientists stayed in the area where the monkeys were typically found, the Roloway monkey was only spotted on one occasion. In addition to this, most of the Roloway monkey found are taken to zoos to be kept and observed. This is because their population is so low and there are so few seen in the wild, so the main conservation effort is capturing these animals. In addition, the Roloway is unable to survive in a natural, wild, area that has been largely impacted by humans.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - UGANDAN GREY CHEEKED MANGABEY (Lophocebus albigena ugandae)

The Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus albigena ugandae) is a subspecies of the grey-cheeked mangabey (L. albigena), an Old World monkey, found only in Uganda and in the Minziro Forest Reserve, just over the border in Tanzania. Colin Groves upgraded the Ugandan population of this crested mangabey to the new species L. ugandae on 16 February 2007, but this is not widely accepted. This subspecies is significantly smaller than the other subspecies of grey-cheeked mangabey, with a shorter skull and smaller face. 2018 was the most recent year in which the International Union for Conservation of Nature assessed the conservation status of L. albigena ugandae, describing it as being of vulnerable.

The Uganda mangabey comes to the ground to cross roads, forage and socialise.
The Uganda mangabey is rather smaller than the grey-cheeked mangabey (L. albigena). It is less sexually dimorphic and has a smaller skull. Individuals from the east of Uganda have a yellowish-brown colour while those from the west are a slightly darker greyish-brown. The mane and breast are pale chocolate-brown and contrast more with the body colour than do the equivalent parts of the Johnston's mangabey (Lophocebus johnstoni). 

The Uganda mangabey is known from the forests on the north and northwestern sides of Lake Victoria, including the Mabira Forest, from which it was first described, the Bujuko Forest, the Bukasa Forest, and the vicinity of Sango Bay. It also occurs near Kibaale, to the east of the Albertine Rift Valley. It occurs in both primary and secondary forests, and is an arboreal species, spending most of its time in the upper canopy, where it forages for fruits and seeds; favoured food items include the fruits of the false nutmeg and of the breadfruit, the fruits and seeds of Erythrophleum spp., the fruits of the date palm and the fruits of the oil palm.

One of the largest populations of Uganda mangabey is in the Mabira Central Forest Reserve. This protected area is being illegally logged and parts are being converted to agricultural use. Attempts are being made to habituate several groups of mangabey to the presence of humans with a view to increasing wildlife tourism in the area as a means to discourage habitat destruction and provide an extra source of income for the local community.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - COMMON CHAFFINCH (FEMALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

The Eurasian chaffinch, or simply the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), presents a striking dichotomy in plumage between the sexes. The male is resplendent with a blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts, while the female's attire is more subdued, though both genders boast two white wing bars and white sides to their tails. The male's robust voice is a herald of spring, as he sings from exposed perches to court a mate.

To identify the male chaffinch, look for the black forehead, blue-grey crown, and rust-red breast, which fades to a pale creamy-pink on the belly. The wings feature a white panel on the coverts and a buff-white bar on the secondaries and inner primaries. Females and juveniles are more muted with grey-brown shades above and paler below, but retain the distinctive wing markings.

Chaffinches favor wooded environments, thriving in areas where the July isotherm ranges from 12 to 30°C. They are adaptable, however, and can be found in a variety of forested landscapes across their range.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

The great white pelican, known scientifically as Pelecanus onocrotalus, is a gargantuan bird, surpassed in size only by its cousin, the Dalmatian pelican. With a body length ranging from 140 to 180 cm and a wingspan stretching from 226 to 360 cm, it is one of the largest flying birds. The pelican's bill is an impressive 28.9 to 47.1 cm long, colored in hues of pink and yellow, and is accompanied by a pale-yellow gular pouch. Males are generally larger than females and exhibit a pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males averaging more than 30% heavier than females.

Adult great white pelicans are predominantly white with black flight feathers and a faint pink tinge on the neck. The bill is bluish-grey with a red tip and a yellowish gular pouch. During the breeding season, males display pinkish facial skin, while females exhibit a more orangey hue. Juveniles are distinguishable by their darker, brownish underparts and patterned underwings. 

These pelicans favor shallow, warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, swamps, and lagoons, often with dense reed beds nearby for nesting. They are also found in coastal estuarine areas and occasionally at elevations up to 1,372 m in East Africa and Nepal.

The great white pelican breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia to Africa. It is a migratory species with populations found from Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan during the breeding season. In Africa, it is resident south of the Sahara Desert.

The great white pelican is a highly sociable bird, often forming large flocks. It is an adept swimmer and an elegant flier, known for its soaring flight with occasional slow wingbeats followed by glides. These birds are cooperative feeders, often foraging in groups.

This species is mostly silent but can emit a variety of low-pitched calls, including a deep, quiet croak in flight and deep "moooo" calls at breeding colonies.

Breeding occurs in large colonies with nests varying from stick nests in trees to ground scrapes lined with grass and other materials. The female lays 1 to 4 eggs, with incubation lasting 29 to 36 days. Chicks fledge at 65 to 75 days of age, with sexual maturity reached at 3 to 4 years.

The great white pelican can be confused with the Dalmatian pelican, which has greyish-white plumage and a fully feathered face. The spot-billed and pink-backed pelicans are smaller and have different plumage and bill colors.

Their diet consists mainly of fish, with daily requirements ranging from 0.9 to 1.4 kg. They feed cooperatively, using their pouches to scoop up water and fish, then contracting the pouch to drain the water and retain the fish. They may also opportunistically consume other birds' chicks and, in some cases, have been observed eating pigeons.

The great white pelican is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is protected under various international agreements and occurs within numerous Important Bird Areas and Special Protection Areas. However, it faces threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and human disturbance.

25-7-2025 DUNMORE EAST, IRELAND - NEW ZEALAND HEBE (Veronica speciosa)

Veronica speciosa, synonym Hebe speciosa, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, known by the common names New Zealand hebe, showy hebe, showy-speedwell, and the Māori names titirangi and napuka. Like most hebes, it is native to New Zealand but it can be found in other parts of the world where it is grown as an ornamental for its showy flowers.

Veronica speciosa is a shrub reaching heights between one and two meters. Its evergreen leaves are dark green, shiny, and quite thick, usually measuring 2 to 5 centimeters long. The inflorescence is up to 8 centimeters long and densely packed with pale pink to bright magenta flowers. Each flower is just under a centimeter wide and has a short throat spreading into a four-lobed corolla. Two very long stamens protrude from the throat of each flower, giving the inflorescence a whiskery look. The fruit is a capsule containing flat, smooth seeds.

Its many cultivars and hybrids are very popular garden plants in area with suitably mild temperate climates. Many can even be grown outdoors in sheltered parts of southern Britain. They appeal because of their lush evergreen foliage, showy flowerheads, long blooming season and ease of cultivation.

25-7-2025 DUNMORE EAST, IRELAND - EUROPEAN HERRING GULL (Larus marinus)

The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large and robust seabird, with a length of up to 66 cm (26 inches). It is a familiar sight along the coastal regions of Western Europe and is known for its striking appearance and adaptability to various environments.

Adult European herring gulls have a light grey back and upper wings, with a white head and underparts. Their wingtips are marked with black and white spots known as "mirrors." The bill is a bright yellow with a red spot near the tip, and the legs are typically pink, although they can sometimes be yellowish. Juveniles are mottled brown with darker streaks and possess a dark bill and eyes. As they mature, their plumage gradually lightens, reaching full adult coloration and sexual maturity at around four years of age.

These gulls are commonly found in coastal areas, but they have also adapted to urban environments where they can be seen nesting on rooftops and scavenging for food.

25-7-2025 DUNMORE EAST, IRELAND - GARDEN NASTURTIUM (Tropaeolum majus)

Tropaeolum majus, the garden nasturtium, nasturtium, Indian cress or monk's cress, is a species of flowering plant in the family Tropaeolaceae. An annual or a short-lived perennial with disc-shaped leaves and brilliant yellow, orange or red flowers, it is of cultivated, probably hybrid origin. It is not closely related to the genus Nasturtium (which includes watercress).

It is a fast-growing plant, either annual or perennial, with trailing stems growing to 0.9–1.8 m (3–6 ft). The leaves are large, nearly circular, 3 to 15 cm (1 to 6 in) in diameter, green to glaucous green above, paler below; they are peltate, with the 5–30-cm-long petiole near the middle of the leaf, with several veins radiating to the smoothly rounded or slightly lobed margin.

The flowers are 2.5–6 cm in diameter, mildly scented, with five petals, eight stamens, and a 2.5–3 cm long nectar spur at the rear; they vary from yellow to orange to red, frilled and often darker at the base of the petals. The fruit is 2 cm broad, three-segmented, each segment with a single large seed 1–1.5 cm long.

24-7-2025 COBH, IRELAND - EUROPEAN HERRING GULL (Larus marinus)

 The European herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a large gull, up to 66 cm (26 in) long. It breeds throughout the northern and western coasts of Europe. Some European herring gulls, especially those resident in colder areas, migrate further south in winter, but many are permanent residents, such as in Ireland, Britain, Iceland, or on the North Sea shores. They have a varied diet, including fish, crustaceans, as well as some plants, and are also scavengers, consuming carrion and food left by or stolen from humans.

The male European herring gull is 60–67 cm (24–26 in) long and weighs 1,050–1,525 g (2.315–3.362 lb), while the female is 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and weighs 710–1,100 g (1.57–2.43 lb). The wingspan can range from 125 to 155 cm (49 to 61 in).  Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 38 to 48 cm (15 to 19 in), the bill is 4.4 to 6.5 cm (1.7 to 2.6 in) and the tarsus is 5.3 to 7.5 cm (2.1 to 3.0 in).[8] Adults in breeding plumage have a light grey back and upper wings and white head and underparts. The wingtips are black with white spots known as "mirrors". The bill is yellow with a red spot and a ring of bare yellow skin is seen around the pale eye. The legs are normally pink at all ages, but can be yellowish, particularly in the Baltic population, which was formerly regarded as a separate subspecies "L. a. omissus". Non-breeding adults have brown streaks on their heads and necks. Male and female plumage are identical at all stages of development, but adult males are often larger.

Juvenile and first-winter birds are mainly brown with darker streaks and have a dark bill and eyes. Second-winter birds have a whiter head and underparts with less streaking and the back is grey. Third-winter individuals are similar to adults, but retain some of the features of immature birds such as brown feathers in the wings and dark markings on the bill. The European herring gull attains adult plumage and reaches sexual maturity at an average age of four years.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - HUMBOLDT PENGUIN (Spheniscus humboldti)

The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) is a medium-sized penguin. It resides in South America, along the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. Its nearest relatives are the African penguin, the Magellanic penguin and the Galápagos penguin. The Humboldt penguin and the cold water current it swims in both are named after the explorer Alexander von Humboldt. The species is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN with no population recovery plan in place. The current wild population is composed of roughly 23,800 mature individuals and is declining. It is a migrant species.

Humboldt penguins nest on islands and rocky coasts, burrowing holes in guano and sometimes using scrapes or caves. In South America the Humboldt penguin is found only along the Pacific coast, and the range of the Humboldt penguin overlaps that of the Magellanic penguin on the central Chilean coast. It is vagrant in Ecuador and Colombia. The Humboldt penguin has been known to live in mixed species colonies with the Magellanic penguin in at least two different locations at the south of Chile.

The Humboldt penguin has become a focus of ecotourism over the last decades.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

The Little Grebe favors heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding. It is adept at using this dense vegetation as a cover.

This bird has a broad range, breeding across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, many individuals move to open or coastal waters, and it becomes migratory in regions where waters freeze.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - CENTRAL FIJIAN BANDED IGUANA (Brachylophus bulabula)

Brachylophus bulabula, commonly known as the Central Fijian banded iguana is a species of iguanid lizard endemic to some of the larger central and northwestern islands of Fiji (Ovalau, Kadavu and Viti Levu), where it occurs in Fijian wet forest. It was described by a team led by a scientist from the Australian National University in 2008. It is one of the few species of iguana found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the family Iguanidae. Initially also reported from Gau Island, in 2017 this population was described as a separate species, B. gau. They can grow up to 2 feet long and have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. However, there have been some captive Fiji banded iguanas that have lived as long as 25 years. Fijian banded iguana typically are found in tropical wet islands that are typically 650-1700 feet above sea level. They also like to bask in temperatures ranging from 75–95 °F (24–35 °C). The areas that are most suitable for Fiji banded iguanas are Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Viwa, and Kadavu. Males are typically are green with blue stripes and the females are green with white stripes.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - INDIAN RHINOCEROS (Rhinoceros unicornis)

The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, great Indian rhinoceros or Indian rhino, is a species of rhinoceros found in the Indian subcontinent. It is the second largest living rhinoceros species, with adult males weighing 2.07–2.2 t (2.04–2.17 long tons; 2.28–2.43 short tons) and adult females 1.6 t (1.6 long tons; 1.8 short tons). Its thick skin is grey-brown with pinkish skin folds. It has a single horn on its snout that grows up to 57.2 cm (22.5 in) long. Its upper legs and shoulders are covered in wart-like bumps, and it is nearly hairless aside from the eyelashes, ear fringes and tail brush.

The Indian rhinoceros is native to the Indo-Gangetic Plain and occurs in 12 protected areas in northern India and southern Nepal. It is a grazer, eating mainly grass, but also twigs, leaves, branches, shrubs, flowers, fruits and aquatic plants. It is a largely solitary animal, only associating in the breeding season and when rearing calves. Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation of 15.7 months. The birth interval is 34–51 months. Captive individuals can live up to 47 years. It is susceptible to diseases such as anthrax, and those caused by parasites such as leeches, ticks and nematodes.

The Indian rhinoceros is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, as the population is fragmented and restricted to less than 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi). Excessive hunting and agricultural development reduced its range drastically. In the early 1990s, the global population was estimated at between 1,870 and 1,895 individuals. Since then, the population increased due to conservation measures taken by the governments. As of August 2018, it was estimated to comprise 3,588 individuals. However, poaching remains a continuous threat.

Indian rhinos have a thick grey-brown skin with pinkish skin folds and one horn on their snout. Their upper legs and shoulders are covered in wart-like bumps. They have very little body hair, aside from eyelashes, ear fringes and tail brush. Bulls have huge neck folds. The skull is heavy with a basal length above 60 cm (24 in) and an occiput above 19 cm (7.5 in). The nasal horn is slightly back-curved with a base of about 18.5 cm (7.3 in) by 12 cm (4.7 in) that rapidly narrows until a smooth, even stem part begins about 55 mm (2.2 in) above base. In captive animals, the horn is frequently worn down to a thick knob. The Indian rhino's single horn is present in both bulls and cows, but not on newborn calves. The horn is pure keratin, like human fingernails, and starts to show after about six years. In most adults, the horn reaches a length of about 25 cm (9.8 in), but has been recorded up to 57.2 cm (22.5 in) in length and 3.051 kg (6.73 lb) in weight.

Among terrestrial land mammals native to Asia, Indian rhinos are second in size only to the Asian elephant. They are also the second-largest living rhinoceros, behind only the white rhinoceros. Bulls have a head and body length of 368–380 cm (12.07–12.47 ft) with a shoulder height of 163–193 cm (5.35–6.33 ft), while cows have a head and body length of 310–340 cm (10.2–11.2 ft) and a shoulder height of 147–173 cm (4.82–5.68 ft). The bull, averaging about 2,070–2,200 kg (4,560–4,850 lb) is heavier than the cow, at an average of about 1,600 kg (3,530 lb). The largest individuals reportedly weigh up to 4,000 kg (8,820 lb).

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - RUSTY TIP PAGE BUTTERFLY (Siproeta epaphus)

Siproeta epaphus, the rusty-tipped page or brown siproeta, is a New World butterfly that lives all year in tropical habitats. It has large wings, averaging 7.0–7.5 cm (2.8–3.0 in), that are black in the inner portion of the top surface and brown throughout the underside. Both surfaces have a bold white transverse stripe continuing across both wings. The outer portion of the forewings, beyond the white stripe, is rusty orange in the widespread subspecies S. epaphus epaphus; it is mostly or entirely black in the other two subspecies. S. epaphus is found throughout Central America, where it is one of the most common butterflies. Its range extends from southern North America to central South America. The range includes (though may not be limited to) south Texas and rarely southern New Mexico south through both eastern and western Mexico to the Guyanas, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Adults can be found nectaring on a variety of flowers including Lantana, Croton, Impatiens and Stachytrapheta. They are also known to feed on rotting fruit.

Siproeta is currently unknown. In Greek mythology Epaphus is the son of Zeus and Io who founded the city of Memphis in Egypt.

The Rusty Tip is found in wet subtropical forests, especially along the forest edge and river banks.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - EURASIAN WREN (Troglodytes troglodytes)

 The Eurasian wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), also known as the northern wren, is a diminutive bird, the sole representative of the wren family Troglodytidae found across Eurasia and Africa's Maghreb region. In Anglophone Europe, it is often simply referred to as the wren. This bird is characterized by its very short tail, typically held erect, a short neck, and a relatively long, thin bill. Its upperparts are russet brown, while the underparts are a paler buff-brown, complemented by a cream buff supercilium. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage.

The Eurasian wren can be identified by its compact, robust body, rounded wings, and notably short tail. It measures approximately 9 to 10 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 13 to 17 cm, and weighs around 10 g. The plumage varies geographically, with some isolated populations exhibiting distinct coloration.

The Eurasian wren occupies a wide range of habitats, including cultivated and uncultivated areas with bushes and low ground cover, such as gardens, hedgerows, thickets, plantations, woodland, and reed beds. It is also found in more open spaces with bramble clumps or gorse, rough pastures, moorland, boulder-strewn slopes, rocky coasts, and sea cliffs.

This Palearctic species is widespread, with the nominate race breeding in Europe up to the northern latitudes of Norway and Sweden, and extending south to Spain, France, Italy, and southern Russia. It also breeds in Western Asia as far east as Syria and is represented by various subspecies across its range, including isolated island populations.

The Eurasian wren is a ceaselessly active forager, darting about in search of insects among dense vegetation or within crevices. It is known for its quick, jerky movements and propensity to stay close to the ground, often being flushed from under overhangs or banks. The wren may occasionally ascend to higher canopies but generally prefers lower strata near the ground.

The wren's call is a sharp "tic-tic-tic," accelerating and more continuous than that of a robin. When agitated, it emits a churr reminiscent of clockwork running down. Its song is a melodious cascade, surprisingly powerful for the bird's size. The male's song consists of tinkling trills and clear notes, sometimes delivered from an exposed perch.

The Eurasian wren is highly polygynous, with males building multiple nests within their territories. The female selects one and lines it with feathers. Nesting sites vary from holes in walls or trees to dense vegetation. Clutches typically consist of five to six eggs, which are incubated solely by the female. The young are fed predominantly on insects and spiders.

The Eurasian wren can be confused with similar-sized birds with short tails, but its distinctive behavior, habitat preferences, and vocalizations usually allow for accurate identification.

The diet is primarily composed of insects, particularly the larvae of butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, caddisflies, and aphids. Spiders and some seeds are also consumed. The young are mainly fed moth larvae, including those of the cabbage moth and crane fly.

The Eurasian wren is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

The wren holds a place of honor in European folklore as the "king of the birds" and has been featured in various cultural depictions, including nursery rhymes, legends, and on postage stamps and coins.

24-7-2025 FOTA WILDLIFE PARK COBH, IRELAND - CYDNO LONGWING BUTTERFLY (Heliconius cydno)

Heliconius cydno, the cydno longwing, is a nymphalid butterfly that ranges from Mexico to northern South America. It is typically found in the forest understory and deposits its eggs on a variety of plants of the genus Passiflora. It is a member of the Heliconiinae subfamily of Central and South America, and it is the only heliconiine that can be considered oligophagou H. cydno is also characterized by hybridization and Müllerian mimicry. Wing coloration plays a key role in mate choice and has further implications in regards to sympatric speciation. Macrolide scent gland extracts and wing-clicking behavior further characterize this species.

H. cydno ranges from southern Mexico to western Ecuador in northern South America. H. cydno is considered to be non-migratory, or sedentary. H. cydno lives in closed-forest habitats, specifically in the forest understories. They live at elevations from sea level to 2000 meters. Their most common host plants are in the genus Passiflora, and at night, adults roost in twigs or tendrils from two to ten meters above the forest floor. Males generally tend to fly higher than females, who are found lower in the forest understory.

The diet of H. cydno larva is generalist. Passiflora are less common in the closed-forest habitats of H. cydno, and thus the species uses a wide selection within the genus. They tend to prefer orange and red flowers.

Other species of Heliconius restrict their diet to a single species of Passiflora, while H. cydno is oligophagous (feeding on a restricted range of plants). There are records of five species of Passiflora being utilized by H. cydno, all in the subgenera Granadilla, Plectostemma, or Distephana. Both H. cydno and H. melpomene are known to utilize Psiguria warcsewiczii pollen.

15-7-2025 AMSTERDAM ZOO, HOLLAND - COMMON OSTRICH (Struthio camelus)

The common ostrich (Struthio camelus), or simply ostrich, is a species of flightless bird native to certain areas of Africa. It is one of two extant species of ostriches, the only living members of the genus Struthio in the ratite group of birds. The other is the Somali ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes), which has been recognized as a distinct species by BirdLife International since 2014, having been previously considered a distinctive subspecies of ostrich.

The common ostrich belongs to the order Struthioniformes. Struthioniformes previously contained all the ratites, such as the kiwis, emus, rheas, and cassowaries. However, recent genetic analysis has found that the group is not monophyletic, as it is paraphyletic with respect to the tinamous, so the ostriches are now classified as the only members of the order. Phylogenetic studies have shown that it is the sister group to all other members of Palaeognathae, and thus the flighted tinamous are the sister group to the extinct moa] It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs, and can run for a long time at a speed of 55 km/h (34 mph) with short bursts up to about 97 km/h (60 mph), the fastest land speed of any bipedal animal and the second fastest of all land animals after the cheetah The common ostrich is the largest living species of bird and thus the largest living dinosaur. It lays the largest eggs of any living bird (the extinct giant elephant bird (Aepyornis maximus) of Madagascar and the south island giant moa (Dinornis robustus) of New Zealand laid larger eggs). Ostriches are the most dangerous birds on the planet for humans, with an average of two to three deaths being recorded each year in South Africa.

The common ostrich's diet consists mainly of plant matter, though it also eats invertebrates and small reptiles. It lives in nomadic groups of 5 to 50 birds. When threatened, the ostrich will either hide itself by lying flat against the ground or run away. If cornered, it can attack with a kick of its powerful legs. Mating patterns differ by geographical region, but territorial males fight for a harem of two to seven females.

The common ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers, which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters. Its skin is used for leather products and its meat is sold commercially, with its leanness a common marketing point.

19-7-2025 AKUREYRI, ICELAND - GLAUCOUS GULL (Larus hyperboreus)

The glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) is a large gull, the second-largest gull in the world. The genus name is from Latin larus, which appears to have referred to a gull or other large seabird. The specific name hyperboreus is Latin for "northern" from the Ancient Greek Huperboreoi people from the far north  "Glaucous" is from Latin glaucus and denotes the grey colour of the gull. An older English name for this species is burgomaster.

This gull breeds in Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere and winters south to shores of the Holarctic. It is migratory, wintering from in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans as far south as the British Isles and northernmost states of the United States, also on the Great Lakes. A few birds sometimes reach the southern USA and northern Mexico.

This is a large and powerful gull, second-largest of all gull species and very pale in all plumage, with no black on either the wings or the tail. Adults are pale grey above, with a thick, yellow bill. Juveniles are very pale grey with a pink and black bill. This species is considerably larger, bulkier, and thicker-billed than the similar Iceland gull, and can sometimes equal the size of the great black-backed gull, the oft-titled largest gull species. In some areas, glaucous gulls are about the same weight as great black-backed gulls or even heavier, and their maximum weight is greater. They can weigh from 960 to 2,700 g (2.12 to 5.95 lb), with the sexes previously reported to average 1.55 kg (3.4 lb) in males and 1.35 kg (3.0 lb) in females.

At the colony on Coats Island in Canada, the gulls are nearly 15% heavier than some other known populations, with a mean weight 1.86 kg (4.1 lb) in five males and 1.49 kg (3.3 lb) in seven females. One other study claimed even higher weights for glaucous gulls, as on Wrangel Island, 9 males reportedly averaged 2.32 kg (5.1 lb) and 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) in six females, which if accurate, would make the glaucous gull the heaviest gull and shorebird in the world if not (as far as is known) the largest in length on average. These gulls range from 55 to 77 cm (22 to 30 in) in length and can span 132 to 170 cm (52 to 67 in), with some specimens possibly attaining 182 cm (72 in), across the wings.[7][10][11][9] Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.8 to 50.1 cm (16.1 to 19.7 in), the bill is 4.9 to 6.9 cm (1.9 to 2.7 in) and the tarsus is 6 to 7.7 cm (2.4 to 3.0 in). They take four years to reach maturity.