Observations on Nature
Caimin Coyne and I observed a golden oriole in flight over the small lake at the east end of Inisbofin on Thursday, April 29th at 6.45p.m. I think this is the first time one has been seen this far north. It was a wonderful sight.
Billy Mundow, Inisbofin. Co Galway
The golden oriole is indeed a most beautiful bird, especially the male with his bright-yellow body and black wings. The female is more greeny-yellow, with mixed olive wings. It is a rare but regular visitor from Europe to islands and headlands in the south of the country, and is usually seen around this time. It winters in Africa.
As you said on May 1st, bluebells grow in all kinds of places. From now on, Inishmurray Island (off the Sligo coast) will be a blaze of colour with seapinks on the west side and bluebells on the east. I run boat trips to the island, and no matter how often I go, the contrast between the ancient stones and the bright bluebells always delights.
Joe Mc Gowan, Mullaghmore, Co Sligo
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport,
Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.