An Taisce, the national trust for Ireland, is going wild in Galway this weekend with a programme of free wildlife events.
The programme of events will start on Friday July 11, from 10pm to 12 midnight at Galway Cathedral car park with a bat walk and talk. The event will be orchestrated by bat ecologist Kate McAney of the Vincent Wildlife Trust. The group will tour the bat haunts of Galway city hoping to hear, and perhaps see, species that include the soprano pipistrelle, the common pipistrelle, Leister’s bat and possibly Daubenton’s bat. For more information go to http://ow.ly/yRmeg.
On Saturday, from 12 noon to 2pm, join Caroline and Colin Stanley from the Friends of the Merlin Woods for an exploratory walk in Merlin Woods. Caroline and Colin will be giving a guided walk and talk about some of the wildlife treasures that Merlin Woods has to offer. The Friends of Merlin Woods have been photographing and recording the butterflies of Merlin Woods for several years. So far they have identified 19 species of butterflies including the marsh fritillary. They have also found many other interesting species of insects, mammals and wildflowers within the woodlands which we will explored on the day. For more information go to http://ow.ly/yRnAr )
The final day, Sunday July 13, will feature a showcase of Ireland’s most impressive native birds of prey. The day will be spent in South Park from 12 noon to 5pm with the guys from Animal Magic and their feathered friends. This full day event will feature Animal Magic’s raptor experts showcasing owls, falcons and hawks, allowing participants to get close to these magnificent birds - usually only visible through binoculars in the wild. Animal Magic will also be speaking about the birds’ natural behaviour, their role in Ireland ecosystems, and answering any questions you may have. Merlins, barn owls and golden eagles will all be on display. For more information go to http://ow.ly/yRoLt.
For more information go to www.antaisce.org/events/taisce-go-wild-galway
