In a recent viral video, a Chilean kayaker called Adrián Simancas had an encounter with a Humpback Whale which could certainly be described as up close and personal! On tonight’s programme, Pádraig Whooley, Sightings Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, is your guide to the remarbable Humpback Whale.
--------
14:46
Hazel Dormouse in Co. Kildare
A listener from Co. Kildare sent us a photo of a very small mammal that she discovered fast asleep in Co. Kildare. We showed it to Éanna, who immediately recognised it as a Hazel Dormouse which is not native to Ireland.
--------
4:00
Marsh Fritillary butterfly
Just one species of insect has specifically been afforded protection under Irish law: the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Every year, volunteers from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council conduct surveys of wet grassland areas to monitor the species. Terry Flanagan met Nuala Madigan from the group.
--------
10:19
Calling all farmers: the Breeding Waders EIP needs you!
Amongst Ireland’s breeding birds, it is members of the wader family that are in the most severe trouble. The Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) has been established to try to save these struggling birds and its Project Manager, Owen Murphy, speaks to the show.
--------
24:20
La Fête du Mimosa
This week, Niall happens to be speaking to us from Mandelieu-La Napoule in the Côte d'Azur. It's known as the Mimosa Capital of France...that's the tree rather than the cocktail! Native to southern Australia, the Mimosa is known to botanists as Acacia dealbata, a fast-growing evergreen tree which thrives in dry, sunny climes.
Netherlands