Podcasts about BirdWatch Ireland

Tara Adcock, Urban Birds Project Officer with BirdWatch Ireland, discusses their survey to help identify nesting swifts - which are now on Ireland's endangered list.

A whopping fine for feeding the ducks?One pensioner in England was fined one hundred and fifty pounds after feeding the local ducks biscuits, as councils are clamping down on bad behaviour in the UK.So, biscuits are a bad idea, but what should you actually be feeding the ducks on a family day out these days?Birdwatch Ireland's Niall Hatch joins Seán to discuss.

A whopping fine for feeding the ducks?One pensioner in England was fined one hundred and fifty pounds after feeding the local ducks biscuits, as councils are clamping down on bad behaviour in the UK.So, biscuits are a bad idea, but what should you actually be feeding the ducks on a family day out these days?Birdwatch Ireland's Niall Hatch joins Seán to discuss.

Nostalgia abounded on Late Lunch today as we were reminded of the hospitality hotspots of yesteryear by our listeners! Dr Susan Kent's ArrowHealth is set to fulfil an important role in healthcare. Stalwart supporters Marie Lynch and Jacksie Kiernan had the banter about the forthcoming Meath/Louth Leinster football final. And Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland welcomed the arrival of the Cuckoo! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eithne Dodd joins a Birdwatch Ireland's Countryside Bird Survey in County Wicklow.

Niall Hatch, Head of Communications & Development, Birdwatch Ireland

There's a sensational Chinese Golden Pheasant in Carrigaline and PJ talks to Margaret who found the bird, to Niall from Birdwatch Ireland and we may have found the owner in one of the callers! See the bird here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each winter, Birdwatch Ireland need your help to identify where Starlings gather in large numbers to roost for the night, To tell us more about The Irish Starling Murmuration Survey, we are joined by Brian Burke from Birdwatch Ireland.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced that one of the state's rare white-tailed eagles has been shot dead in Co. Westmeath. But, why is this so significant?Joining Seán to discuss is Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland…

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has announced that one of the state's rare white-tailed eagles has been shot dead in Co. Westmeath. But, why is this so significant?Joining Seán to discuss is Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland…

Romance is alive and well as Shay Carry revealed when he proposed to his beau Vicky Kenny, on stage at the TLT theatre on Sunday, on the final night of the pantomime Beauty and the Beast in which both love birds were appearing! Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland offered lots of advice on bird feeders, Dr Kate McCann believes in prevention rather than cure when it comes to our health and Jane Matthews pointed out some of the do's and don'ts while sea swimming at this time of year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Burke, Coordinator of the Irish Garden Bird Survey, BirdWatch Ireland

Send us a textIn our last episode of 2024, In Your Nature welcomes a well-known nature celebrity for a very lively chat. Niall and Ricky speak to Éanna Ní Lamhna about biodiversity and her long track record of writing, broadcasting and advocating about and for Ireland's flora and fauna. Éanna gives her characteristic, energetic and unfiltered opinion on nature broadcasting, biodiversity loss in Ireland, together with her hopes and dreams for Irish biodiversity in the future. Éanna really get's into it and eventually leaves Ricky afraid to ask any further questions

The mysterious Nightjar is one of Ireland's most elusive birds. With only sporadic records of breeding over recent decades, the general consensus was that we had effectively lost Nightjars from Ireland. However, a new survey coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland has confirmed that this species still survives in the southeast of the country.

Send us a textThe eagerly awaited, Farming For Nature (FFN) Handbook has just been published, Ricky and Niall take the opportunity to discuss how important farms and farmers are for nature in Ireland, given the dominance of agriculture lands across the Irish landscape. Ricky speaks Dr Emma Hart on behalf of FFN and co-authors, Bridgit Barry and Brendan Dunford about the book, its content and objectives. The Farming For Nature Handbook (purchase here) was inspired by the regular requests received by Farming For Nature, from people wanting to learn how best to manage their land, big or small, in a way that enhances habitats, increases wildlife, harnesses natural processes, protects profits, and safeguards our natural environment and rural communities for future generations. The handbook features the stories, experience and learnings of almost 50 farmers. Emma is a conservation ecologist and writer. She is the founder of habitats.ie, a consultancy service in biodiversity conservation, science communication, and research and of Oysterhaven Biodiversity Reserve, a farm, research site, and nature restoration project in the south of Ireland. Emma has a PhD in conservation ecology and extensive international experience of managing science-based conservation initiatives. She serves on several inter(national) professional committees including for the IUCN and Farming for Nature and publishes regularly in the scientific and popular press.Bird of the Week is the Common Snipe as nominated by Emma, a handsome and quirky wee species common on our bogs and other wetland habitats. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a textStep into Nature, is a new book written and illustrated by naturalist Rachel McKenna, chronicles a year of her observations of everything from plants to birds, insects and fungi. It is journey through her year, describing her finds and allowing readers to pick up the book and share in her curiosity and learn from her finds. Ricky speaks to Rachel from Killaun Bog near Birr Co. Offaly, one of the sites Rachel frequents. She outlines how her curiosity was triggered, where she has found the experience and support needed in helping to identify species and grow her knowledge in a few short years. Rachel talks about the wonder of nature, the importance of networks, the value of citizen science and health rivalry between biodiversity recorders.Niall and Ricky are full of praise for Rachel, her new book and the efforts of citizen scientists who volunteer their time and observations to furthering biodiversity monitoring and conservation in Ireland and internationally.  Bird of the Week is the Common Buzzard as nominated by Rachel, a species which gets a unanimous thumbs up from the lads. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Of all of the ornithological surveys carried out by conservation charity BirdWatch Ireland, its annual Irish Garden Bird Survey is far and away the most popular. Monday 25th November marks the start of the survey's 36th consecutive season, which will run until the end of February 2025.

Marie Staunton, Gardener and Brian Burke, Coordinator of the Irish Garden Bird Survey, BirdWatch Ireland

Niall is just back from the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. He was there on behalf of BirdWatch Ireland to attend the organisation's Partnership Meeting for its European and Central Asian region. 45 other BirdLife International partners were also in attendance to discuss conservation strategies, international collaborations and more.

The government has launched a plan to protect the hen harrier from extinction. Jerry spoke to John Lusby who’s a raptor conservation officer with BirdWatch Ireland.

Niall Hatch, Spokesperson for BirdWatch Ireland, calls for the capture of feral parakeets in Dublin before the exotic birds drive native Irish species out of their natural habitats.

Send us a Text Message.We all need a holiday from time to time but there's no doubt that travelling comes with a cost, and we're not just talking about to your bank balance! Travelling comes with an environmental impact but "eco-tourism" or "sustainable tourism" offers an opportunity to lower that impact significantly. However, with these terms becoming buzzwords in recent years, it is important to avoid accepting them at face value. So, how can you distinguish a true eco-tourism option from greenwashing? In this episode, Niall and Ricky hope to clarify this often confusing matter so that you can confidently make more eco-conscious travel choices going forward.There's no denying that any form of travel will have an impact on the environment but that is not to say we can't all make more positive and responsible choices. As Niall and Ricky describe, eco-tourism should benefit the communities, habitats and species of an area more than it takes away from it. At the 2024 Global Bird Fair in Rutland, United Kingdom, Niall spoke to some people involved in true eco-tourism to illustrate how that works in practice. They include Sandra Morocho from the Quijos Valley in Ecuador, the place that holds the world record for the number of bird species within 24-kilometres in 24-hours - a staggering 493! He also speaks to Chandika Jayaratne of Jetwing Eco Holidays in Sri Lanka, an initiative aimed at providing an enjoyable tourist experience while in turn, giving back to local initiatives.Of course, you don't have to travel abroad to enjoy an eco-tourism experience! Niall and Ricky explore some examples of nature-focused trips worth considering in Ireland including BirdWatch Ireland's Cape Clear Bird Observatory in Co. Cork and the Wild Mind Festival in Fenit Co. Kerry.In keeping with tradition, Niall and Ricky choose a Bird of the Week and this time, the White-tailed Eagle seemed particularly fitting. Formerly lost from Ireland and Scotland, the spectacular raptor now attracts tourists to places like Killarney and the Isle of Mull owing to a successful reintroduction initiative. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Send us a Text Message.This episode of In Your Nature comes from across the pond as Niall records from the 2024 Global Bird Fair in Rutland, United Kingdom. Known to many as "Glastonbury for birders", the Global Bird Fair sees conservation organisations, photographers, authors, artists ecotourism companies and many more join together to celebrate their shared love of birds. Over a July weekend, attendees are treated to a jam-packed schedule of talks, workshops, film screenings and other events, all themed around birds and wildlife conservation.This year, Niall took the opportunity to interview some of the interesting birders that he met at the event. This includes Chief Executive of BirdLife International, Martin Harper, who spoke about the impact that the Global Bird Fair has made on conservation projects worldwide owing to the fundraising element of the event. He also caught up with Head of Communications and Awareness at the Hellenic Ornithological Society/ BirdLife Greece, Roula Trigou. She likens the Global Bird Fair to an annual family gathering, where people who are fighting for the same cause join together. For her, the event perfectly illustrates how birds connect our world. Laura Kammermeier from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology also took some time to speak with Niall about Cornell's many inspiring and educational initiatives including the highly popular Merlin Bird ID app, as well as Birds of the World – a subscription-based online resource and the world's largest, most comprehensive, scholarly resource for birds.Meanwhile, Rachel Bigsby is looking at birds from a different perspective, quite literally. The wildlife photographer spoke with Niall about how events like the Global Bird Fair can help new photographers get to grips with techniques and ethics, while she also reveals the Northern Fulmar as the seabird that kickstarted her passion for photography.No matter where you travel to, you're almost guaranteed to bump into someone else from Ireland and the Global Bird Fair is no exception! Niall caught up with ornithologist Seán Ronayne of Irish Wildlife Sounds to talk about his early days of sound recording, a hobby that has since led to his highly-regarded documentary, Birdsong, album Wild Silence and a soon-to-be-released book, Nature Boy.In keeping with tradition, Niall and Ricky choose a Bird of the Week and of course, they couldn't do an episode on the Global Bird Fair without mentioning the event's emblem, the Osprey.In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.

Bats can sometimes get a bad rap but in this episode of the In Your Nature podcast, we hope to dispel some myths and shine a light on these truly remarkable creatures. For this conversation, we are joined by Bat Ecologist and Senior Projects Manager with Bat Conservation Ireland, Niamh Roche, who gives us an insight into the lives of Ireland's nine species of bat.On listening to this episode, you'll quickly that bats are not to be feared, but to be supported and admired. When allowed to thrive, bats provide a number of ecosystem services, including insect control and pollination, which benefit humans and the wider environment.As is a tradition on the In Your Nature, we asked our guest to choose their Bird of the Week and Niamh didn't need to be asked twice, choosing the master of woodland camouflage - the Treecreeper.In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.

This episode of In Your Nature is another collaboration with Collie Ennis of The Critter Shed and this week, we're talking all about the Grey Heron!Although amphibian expert Collie has an understandably complex relationship with the Heron, this episode has given him a newfound respect for the species! While they're known as skilled fishers, did you know that Herons have adapted to consume a wide range of prey including small mammals, insects and reptiles? Or that they have small combs on the underside of each foot to help them to keep their feathers in tip-top condition? Learn about this and more by tuning in.An episode of In Your Nature wouldn't be complete without the Bird of the Week slot, and this time, we feature another wetland wonder - the Coot!In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.

Niall Hatch, Head of Communications & Development, Birdwatch Ireland

Mooney Goes Wild contributor Jim Wilson speaks to two men who have been monitoring the St. Colman falcons, Allan Farrell of BirdWatch Ireland's Cork Branch and UCC graduate and BirdWatch Ireland raptor expert, Dr. Alan McCarthy.

We know you'll be itching to listen to this episode, which is a collaboration with Collie Ennis of The Critter Shed. This week, we're talking all about, you guessed it, critters, though not the cute and cuddly kind. Ticks, fleas and flat flies are the focus of this conversation and while the thought of that might make your skin crawl, we encourage you to listen on!Ticks, mites and flat flies may not appeal to most, but these fascinating creatures play a vital role in the shaping of our ecosystems. What's more, these highly-adapted species hold incredible abilities that would be the envy of most superheroes, such as impressive agility and unparalleled resilience. On listening to this episode, you might just look at these parasites in a new light!In the spirit of this week's episode of In Your Nature, we put a spin on the usual  Bird of the Week slot, asking Niall instead to nominate a Critter of the Week. This week's winner is the May Bug, also known by the slightly unfortunate name, the Common Cockchafer!In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.

In an In Your Nature first, this episode was recorded live with an audience from Wild Mind Festival in Fenit, County Kerry earlier this spring. Wild Mind is a festival that celebrates our natural environment, making it the perfect fit for a visit from In Your Nature. Picture this, Niall and Ricky sitting on hay bales on stage in a artificial barn/shed structure waxing lyrical about spring and what it means for our fathered friends. The lads discuss the complex sequence of events that is the annual breeding cycle and what triggers it in early spring. We hear about avian turf-wars, male grooming, birdy romance and female expectations of their chosen mates!An episode of In Your Nature wouldn't be complete without the Bird of the Week slot, with Blackbird being nominated by an audience member, which Ricky and Niall happily picked up and ran with. Additionally, there were lots of interesting questions from the floor all expertly answered or dodged by the hosts.For more information on Wild Mind Festival check out their website here. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Heritage Council.

The Birds of Ireland, Jim Wilson with photography by Mark Carmody –Today Mary is talking to Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody.Jim Wilson in a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader and former chairman of Birdwatch Ireland. Mark Carmody has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European Patent Attorney. He is an award winning wildlife photographer.They have published a brand-new edition of this birdwatching field guide by leading experts (and uncle-nephew duo!) Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody at the end of March. It's the only photographic identification guide of its kind in Ireland and has been updated to include climate and habitat changes, 1600 photos and a list of birds of birds of conservation concern also. Their driving force behind the book was to increase awareness of Ireland's national heritage and landscape. Its publication date falls around springtime when the days are getting longer, and people are keen to explore nature around them. This book is the perfect companion!Buy the book

Derek and Richard talk to Jim Wilson and Alan Farrell of the Cork Branch of BirdWatch Ireland about the artificial Sand Martin nesting bank constructed at Harper's Island Wetlands in Co. Cork.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to the campus of University College Cork, where he spoke to BirdWatch Ireland's Dr. Alan McCarthy about a pair of Ravens that are nesting in a pine tree in the university grounds.

Head of Media Relations at Dublin Airport, Graeme McQueen and Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland about the bird (starlin) that is trapped in T1 Dublin Airport.

Oonagh Duggan, head of advocacy at Birdwatch Ireland outlines her dissapointment to the NPWS' draft Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan.

Nature On One series on Public Holidays and Mooney Goes Wild have teamed up with BirdWatch Ireland, Ireland's largest wildlife conservation charity, to bring you our inaugural live Garden Birdwatch.

In our end of year Christmas Special, Niall and Ricky consider what birds Santa might be enjoying at his bird table in an exploration of some of the hardiest species that call Finnish Lapland home.There is something in Santa's bag for everyone in this episode, from fit finches to tough tits and canny corvids! We hope you enjoy it, thanks for listening and happy Christmas! In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council.

This week In Your Nature focuses on the topic of invasive species, looking specifically at two new kids on the block, the Quagga Mussel and the Alpine Newt*, two recently discovered unwelcome colonisers! Ricky speaks to alien invasive species expert Dr. Jan-Robert Baars, Lecturer and Assistant Professor at the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences at University College Dublin (UCD). Jan is an expert in the field with particular interest in invasion biology. Jan's work together with colleagues in UCD and the Herpetological Society of Ireland have been monitoring Quagga Mussels and Alpines Newts since they've established and now appear to be thriving here in Ireland. The Rose-ringed Parakeet is our Bird of the Week, a charismatic yet invasive species now gaining a foothold in Dublin and some of our other urban centres.   Learn more about the species featured in this episode at the links below...-        Quagga Mussel-        Alpine Newt*The Alpine Newt is not currently recognised as an alien invasive species in Ireland. More here. In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council.

In this weeks episode John chats with Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland all about wild bird in our gardens. We chat about the best foods to attract in a wide range of birds and how to set up feeding stations and nesting boxes for maximum benefit. Join us as we engage in an enlightening chat with the knowledgeable Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland. Niall chats about the Birdwatch Ireland garden bird surgery which has been running for many years and chats about some of the recent finding including  the decline of the greenfinch. We also chat about the increase of the buzzard and the great spotted woodpecker across Ireland. We also dive into captivating bird behaviourable facts including the crucial role of Dunnocks & Blue Tit  in insect control. Additionally, we share some valuable tips on the positioning of bird feeders and the design of functional nest boxes to attract and protect the avian visitors to your backyard. Learn how you can become part of the solution and contribute to the vital work of Birdwatch Ireland. We guarantee that by the end of this episode, you'll look at your garden's chirping visitors in a whole new light. So, put on your birdwatching hat and tune in to explore the joys and benefits of observing our winged friends.If you would like to support Birdwatch Ireland and the great work they do please visit their website & become a member.  https://birdwatchireland.ieIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email:  info@mastermygarden.com   Check out Master My Garden on the following channels   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/  Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/  Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG   Until next week  Happy gardening  John Support the show

Jim Wilsona and Dr Alan McCarthy, Barn Owl Research Officer with conservation charity BirdWatch Ireland discuss the current influx of Short-eared Owls.

This week Niall and Ricky are feeling the chill prompting the question, where do our summer migrants to Ireland go to get some winter sun? They discuss a list of species across the bird families that up sticks in autumn and leave in pursuit of an endless summer of sorts.A story of migration but focusing on the where and why of these massive journeys.Blackcap is our Bird of the Week, a species once considered a summer migrant that has now become a winter resident through a fascinating turn of events!Learn more about the species featured in this episode at the links below...- Corncrake- Manx Shearwater- Swallow- Swift- Cuckoo- Red-Necked Phalarope- Chiffchaff- Willow Warbler- PuffinIn Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council.

PJ talks woodpeckers to Paul Moore of Birdwatch Ireland as we hear about the damage to electricity poles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pole-wrecking woodpeckers. It's not a tongue twister, but a problem faced by the ESB as woodpeckers have been damaging electricity poles and causing power outages. So why are the birds choosing poles over natural trees? Niall Hatch, Head of Communications and Development at Birdwatch Ireland...

Regular panellist Niall Hatch joins us to chat about two of BirdWatch Ireland's surveys; The Irish Garden Bird Survey & The Irish Staring Murmuration Survey!

The wildlife and wild places of Connemara are the topics of this weeks episode. John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland discusses some of the iconic bird species (with a focus on breeding Golden Plover) which use this landscape, and conservation efforts underway to understand and protect them.John has nominated a bird of prey (surprise surprise) for Bird of the Week, so we're talking all things Kestrel! To find out more about some of Co. Galways beautiful and important areas for biodiversity, visit County Galway Biodiversity Story Map page: Galway Biodiversity StoryMaps (arcgis.com) This episode was produced in partnership with Galway County Council and with the support of the National Parks and Wildlife Service under the National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017-2021).Learn more about the species featured in this episode at the links below...- Golden Plover- Kestrel In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council.

Dr Stephen Newton, BirdWatch Ireland on latest latest Seabirds Count census

This weeks' episode brings us part-two of the Ireland vs New Zealand Bird-off. Originally broadcast as part of Radio New Zealand's 'Our Changing World', produced by Co. Kerry native Claire Concannon (now ensconced in NZ), Ricky Whelan has been pitching his wits against New Zealand native and ornithologist Jamie McAulay, in a ferociously competitive and hilarious competition.With thanks to Radio New Zealand for allowing us to re-broadcast this episode.In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council and Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council.

Click to listen to episode (5:16).Sections below are the following:Transcript of AudioAudio Notes and AcknowledgmentsImagesExtra InformationSourcesRelated Water Radio EpisodesFor Virginia Teachers (Relevant SOLs, etc.)Unless otherwise noted, all Web addresses mentioned were functional as of 10-27-23. TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO From the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, this is Virginia Water Radio for the weeks of October 30 and November 6, 2023, and particularly for Halloween. MUSIC – ~18 sec – Lyrics: “Summer's over, winter's coming; summer's over, winter's coming.” That's part of “Winter is Coming,” by The Steel Wheels.  It sets the stage for an episode on the origins of Halloween in the ancient festival of Samhain, first observed centuries ago by Celtic peoples.  Celtic lands include Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and areas of England and France.  Samhain marked the end of the Celtic year on October 31, when summer had faded, winter was approaching, and—in Celtic belief—the dividing line between earth and the spirit world was thin, allowing spirits of the dead to roam.  As described by Miranda Aldhouse-Green in her 2015 book The Celtic Myths, quote, “It was at the festival of Samhain, at the edge of winter, that the world of humans was most at risk from the inhabitants of the world beyond: the boundaries were suspended and the spirits could prowl among the living, to their good or detriment depending on the character of the individual phantom,” unquote. Along with Halloween's date, many of its traditions can be traced back to Samhain practices, such as donning costumes or disguises, believed by the Celts to help them avoid being recognized by wandering spirits. When they weren't wandering the earth at Samhain, Celtic spirits and Celtic gods were believed to reside in what was known as the Otherworld.  In Celtic beliefs, watery areas were considered access points to the Otherworld.  Celtic mythology also gave special significance to swans, whose beautiful appearance on the water might have suggested connections to Celtic gods.  Here's a short version of an Irish legend about Samhain and swans; the opening and closing sounds are Tundra Swans, a North American species whose Berwick's Swan subspecies is found in Ireland and Wales. SOUNDS  - 4 sec – Tundra Swans. Oenghus was the Celtic god of love.  In the myth called “The Dream of Oenghus,” the god dreamed he saw a woman named Caer, the Celtic goddess of sleep and dreams, and he became smitten with her.  He searched far and wide for her, eventually finding her among a group of other women at a lake, and learning that every other year at Samhain the women turned into swans.  At the next Samhain, Oenghus returned to the lake and, by turning himself into a swan, was able to win Caer's heart.  The story ends with the pair of swans circling the lake three times, casting a sleep enchantment on everyone below, and flying off together.       SOUNDS  - 4 sec – Tundra Swans. I hope your Halloween has rich traditions and a bit of mystery, perhaps about waters or water creatures from worlds unknown. Thanks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the swan sounds.  Thanks also to The Steel Wheels for permission to use part of “Winter is Coming.”  We close with another musical selection, which has become a Halloween-episode tradition on this show.  Here, for about 50 seconds, is “A Little Fright Music,” composed and recorded or Virginia Water Radio by Torrin Hallett. MUSIC – ~50 sec – Instrumental. SHIP'S BELL Virginia Water Radio is produced by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, part of Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment.  For more Virginia water sounds, music, or information, visit us online at virginiawaterradio.org, or call the Water Center at (540) 231-5624.  Thanks to Ben Cosgrove for his version of “Shenandoah” to open and close this episode.  In Blacksburg, I'm Alan Raflo, thanking you for listening, and wishing you health, wisdom, and good water. AUDIO NOTES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The sounds of Tundra Swans were taken from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) National Digital Library, online at http://digitalmedia.fws.gov/cdm/; the specific URL for the recording was https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/audio/id/86/rec/1, as of 10-27-23. “Winter is Coming,” from the 2015 album “We've Got a Fire,” is copyright by The Steel Wheels, used with permission.  More information about The Steel Wheels, based in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, is available online at https://www.thesteelwheels.com/.  This music was used previously by Virginia Water Radio most recently in Episode 643, 12-5-22. “A Little Fright Music” is copyright 2020 by Torrin Hallett, used with permission.  As of 2022-2023, Torrin is the associate principal horn of the Symphonic Orchestra of the State of Mexico.  He is a 2018 graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio, a 2020 graduate in Horn Performance from Manhattan School of Music in New York, and a 2021 graduate of the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver.  More information about Torrin is available online at https://www.facebook.com/torrin.hallett.  Thanks very much to Torrin for composing the piece especially for Virginia Water Radio.  This music was used previously by Virginia Water Radio most recently in Episode 640, 10-31-22. Click here if you'd like to hear the full version (2 min./22 sec.) of the “Shenandoah” arrangement/performance by Ben Cosgrove that opens and closes this episode.  More information about Mr. Cosgrove is available online at http://www.bencosgrove.com. IMAGES Image of part of an October 27, 1912, article in The Evening Star [Washington, D.C.] on the origins of Halloween.  Image taken from the Library of Congress Blogs, “The Origins of Halloween Traditions,” by Heather Thomas, October 26, 2021, online at https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2021/10/the-origins-of-halloween-traditions/, accessed October 24, 2023.Tundra Swan in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, June 30, 2018.  Photo by Lisa Hupp, made available for public use by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library, online at http://digitalmedia.fws.gov; specific URL for the photo was https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/natdiglib/id/30970/rec/2, as of 10/24/23.

Today Mary is talking to Richard Nairn.Richard is an ecologist and writer. His latest book is Wild Waters which is the third title in a trilogy which includes Wild Woods and Wild Shores. He is a lifetime naturalist who has worked as a nature reserve warden and was the first National Director of Birdwatch Ireland. He lives on a small farm in County Wicklow. Wild waters by Richard Nairn and published by Gill books is now available to purchase in book shops and online.Contact Richard Nairn at r.nairn236@gmail.comContact Mary Bermingham at mary@burrennaturesanctuary.ie Check out Burren Nature Sanctuary at www.burrennaturesanctuary.ie