In Your Nature

By BirdWatch Ireland

The In Your Nature Podcast brings you conversations about birds & wildlife, wild places, the work of BirdWatch Ireland and wildlife conservationists. The podcast features Ricky Whelan, biodiversity officer with Offaly County Council in conversation with Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland with regular expert guests. BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland's largest independent conservation organisation. Episodes are released in seasons (three per year) with six episodes in each, dropping weekly (Monday mornings) in spring, summer, and autumn. Topics discussed vary, with birds and wider biodiversity at the heart of it all, each episode finishes with the "Bird of the Week" feature in homage to this wonderful group of animals. To give feedback, suggest topics or ask a question you can email us at info@birdwatchireland.ie .

The series is supported by Laois, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage - Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and the Heritage Council.

The series is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.

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63 episodes
Updated Aug 24, 2025

Episodes63

Newest first

Aug 5, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
In Your Nature Ep 23 - Terns
Send us Fan Mail In Ireland we are lucky to host five breeding Tern species, namely; the Common, Arctic, Roseate, Little and Sandwich Tern. In this episode we look at these gracious birds in detail and chat about their identifying features, ecology and breeding sites. We chat to Dr Stephen Newton - Senior Seabird Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland on Tern conservation in Ireland over three decades and look at the many successes of these efforts. Bird of the week is the majestic Black Tern, a non-breeding annual visitor to our shores albeit in small numbers. The Black Tern is a species of "marsh tern" differing in ecology from our five sea tern species which we discuss. Thanks to Seán Ronayne (Irish Wildlife Sounds) for much of the Tern audio. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jul 29, 2022 · 51 min
In Your Nature Ep 22 - Barn Owl Conservation
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a close look at the Barn Owl and speak to John Lusby - Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland on conservation efforts to help the species in Ireland. Our interview with John reflects on well over a decade of Barn Owl conservation projects in Ireland. We discover how fortunes have changed for the species, aided by a surprising source. We look at three key aspects improving conditions for Barn Owls including; the provision of nest boxes, responsible rodenticide use and thoughtful road verge planning. Bird of the week pays homage to the Feral Pigeon, possibly the most overlooked and underrated bird species there is! In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jul 24, 2022 · 29 min
In Your Nature Ep 21 - Bird Flu.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we look closely at Bird Flu, with the current outbreak having ripped through seabird colonies across the UK and with the first confirmed cases in ROI. Ricky and Niall look at the origins, effects and probable outcomes of avian influenza in our bird communities. Bird of the Week is back with Great Skua, aka "Bonxie" under the spotlight. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jul 17, 2022 · 44 min
In Your Nature Ep 20 - Riverbirds
Send us Fan Mail In Your Nature is back with its summer season and we're kicking off with an episode all about "riverbirds". We focus on five river specialists, the Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Sand Martin and the Common Sandpiper. Niall and Ricky discuss the identifying features, ecology and interesting adaptations these species have developed for life on the river. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
May 3, 2022 · 49 min
In Your Nature Ep 19 - Irish Wildlife Sounds
Send us Fan Mail This episode is crammed with bird audio and beautiful soundscapes recorded by Sean Ronayne, the Creator of Irish Wildlife Sounds. Sean talks us through the process, places and protagonists involved in his recordings of birds and wild places. We are brought on a journey from the wetlands of Spain to a shed roof in Cork all in pursuit of the perfect sound clip. We get to savor the rasping song of the Corn Crake and the cry of the Curlew among some less rare species too. For bird of the week we highlight the Grasshopper Warbler, a summer visitor to our shores and a songster with a very interesting tune. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Apr 28, 2022 · 40 min
In Your Nature Ep 18 - Bird Eggs
Send us Fan Mail Bird eggs are the topic for this In Your Nature episode. We follow the journey of the egg, all the way from formation through to hatching. These fascinating little capsules carry all bird life into the world and form such an interesting part in the story of birds. Ode to their beautifully diverse eggs we choose Guillemots as bird of the week! In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Apr 19, 2022 · 33 min
In Your Nature Ep 17 - Harpers Island
Send us Fan Mail We are off to Cork with this episode to check in Harpers Island a fantastic wetland reserve close to Cork City. The reserve is managed for birds and wildlife by volunteers from a collaborative of local groups and is a real mecca for the wild flora and fauna in the region. Ricky chats to Jim Wilson an established ornithologist, author, wildlife expert and founding member of the Harpers Island reserve. They discuss the origins of the project, the habitats found there, the management and birds of the island. For bird of the week we look at the Black-tailed Godwit. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Apr 10, 2022 · 36 min
In Your Nature Ep 16 - Species Extinctions
Send us Fan Mail Since humans occupied and began to alter our landscape there have been winners and loosers amongst our bird species. Humans impact on the avifauna of Ireland has been mostly negative with persecution, over hunting and habitat destruction/loss being big drivers in the extinction process. Ricky and Niall look at some species that are long extinct, some that have slipped away in the recent past and others that have returned. Some fabulous species feature in this episode including, the bittern, the common crane, the marsh harrier and corn bunting among them. The chat ends on a positive note as it turns to the potential of the midlands bogs to host thriving populations of cranes, bittern, marsh harrier and other wetland specialists. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Apr 4, 2022 · 37 min
In Your Nature Ep 15 - Species Reintroductions
Send us Fan Mail There have been three species reintroductions of birds of prey in Ireland since the early 2000s. Ricky and Niall discuss the advantages and challenges of this method of bird conservation. Ricky chats to Dr Allan Mee on the specifics of the Golden Eagle Trusts work to establish a viable breeding White-tailed Eagle population in Ireland after an absence of hundreds of years. Bird of the week focuses on the charismatic Red Kite. In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Mar 27, 2022 · 52 min
In Your Nature Ep 14 - Crows
Send us Fan Mail The first episode of the new season of In Your Nature Podcast is finally here. This time Ricky and Niall chat about a mutually favoured topic - the crow family. The conversation discusses Ireland's seven native species of corvid from the largest, the Raven to the most secretive, the Jay. The chat is full of facts, folklore and praise for these highly intelligent birds. The humble Rook is nominated "bird of the week". In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Dec 18, 2021 · 32 min
In Your Nature Ep 13 - Christmas Special
Send us Fan Mail In this episode Ricky and Niall chat about traditional links between birds and Christmas. We discuss the birds mentioned in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, the long association between Robins and the festive season and how best to take care of our feathered friends in our gardens over the cold winter months. We hope you enjoy and Happy Christmas! For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jul 4, 2021 · 38 min
In Your Nature Ep 12 - Curlew Conservation
Send us Fan Mail In the final episode of In Your Nature Season #2 Niall and Ricky share with us their knowledge of the Curlew. The conversation covers their ecology, migratory movements and lots more, almost in a bid to delay the inevitable conversation about the decline of the Eurasian Curlew and many of its closely related cousins. A frank interview with BirdWatch Irelands Anita Donaghy (Assistant Head of Conservation) leaves us in no doubt as to the rapid changes we need to make within the areas of farming , forestry and planning as few defend the last remaining Curlew from the annual barrage of nest predators. Bird of the week is an enemy of our ground nesting species, the Hooded Crow. This podcast is made in partnership with Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the Heritage Council. This podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jun 27, 2021 · 43 min
In Your Nature Ep 11 - Seabirds
Send us Fan Mail The Irish coastline and offshore Islands are home to some of the biggest seabird colonies in Europe. It's at these colonies you will find the hardiest and some of the most handsome breeding birds in Ireland. A message from the Rockabill Wardens will give listeners a brief insight into life living amongst a seabird colony off the Dublin coast. Niall and Ricky introduce us to the seabird species that Ireland boasts and give us the facts, anecdotes and tips that will leave you planning a trip to the coast. Bird of the week is the tiny and mysterious Storm Petrel. This podcast is made in partnership with Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the Heritage Council. This podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jun 20, 2021 · 42 min
In Your Nature Ep 10 - No Such Thing as a Seagull
Send us Fan Mail There is no such thing as a seagull! Ricky and Niall provide evidence for this statement and look at Irelands seven breeding gull species and point out some of the more likeable characteristics of this frequently misunderstood family of birds. We chat about intelligence, adaptability and the global distribution of gulls and how they are excellent parents and why they receive an awful lot of bad press. Bird of the week is back and we look at the only truly sea faring gull in Ireland, the Kittiwake! This podcast is made in partnership with Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the Heritage Council. This podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jun 12, 2021 · 55 min
In Your Nature Ep 09 - Questions Children Ask (Cruinniú na nÓg Special)
Send us Fan Mail In Your Nature celebrates the curiosity of children in this special episode! Niall and Ricky answer questions submitted and put to them by children during years of presenting talks and walks about birds to young people. The topics are broad and hit on all sorts, from "How do owls turn their necks all the way around" to "are Moorhens the bossiest birds" . There is something here for everyone in this one-hour special. This episode is released earlier than the usual Monday release to coincide with Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday June 12th. Bird of the week returns in episode #10. This podcast is made in partnership with Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the Heritage Council. This podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Jun 6, 2021 · 40 min
In Your Nature Ep 08 - The Shannon Callows
Send us Fan Mail In Your Nature Season 2 continues with an episode looking at the unique landscape and nature of The Shannon Callows. We interview BirdWatch Ireland breeding wader expert and born & bred callows woman Kathryn Finney, who gives us a great local insight. We chat about, farming, floods and fences, and their impact on the birds within this internationally important wetland landscape. Bird of the week is the little-known Whinchat, a bird pushed to the margins but well worth discovering. This podcast is made in partnership with Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the Heritage Council. This podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
May 30, 2021 · 41 min
In Your Nature Ep 07 - Swifts
Send us Fan Mail In Your Nature returns with its first episode (of 6) planned for this summer season. This week we are chatting about Swifts, a bird species that has captivated the imagination of many and it's clear that hosts Ricky Whelan and Niall Hatch are also smitten with this charismatic urbanite. The chat explores the Swifts unique ecology, the threats they face and some solutions to these the problems are offered. Species of the week is the humble House Sparrow. This podcast is made in partnership with Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the Heritage Council This podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Apr 5, 2021 · 47 min
In Your Nature Ep 06 - Wildflowers
Send us Fan Mail This is the final episode in our spring series, we will return with new In Your Nature Episodes in June. In this episode we chat about the wonder of Wildflowers. We welcome our second guest to In Your Nature in Dr Fiona MacGowan, a Botanist and professional Ecologist. We discuss wildflowers you are likely to spot in early spring, their importance for pollinating insects and we also chat about the humble hedgerow . Species of the week is the Mistle Thrush. This Podcast is brought to you by BirdWatch Ireland, Laois and Offaly County Councils and the Keep Well Campaign, an initiative of the Government of Ireland with funding from the Healthy Ireland Fund and the Sláintecare Fund delivered by Pobal." The In Your Nature Podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Mar 29, 2021 · 46 min
In Your Nature Ep 05 - Bogs
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we chat about bogs. We welcome our first guest in Dr Catherine Farrell, an experienced peatland ecologist and researcher at Trinity College Dublin. We discuss the pressures our peatlands face and the opportunities for nature and fighting climate change when we restore and rehabilitate our damaged bogland habitats. Species of the week is the Common Snipe. This Podcast is brought to you by BirdWatch Ireland, Laois and Offaly County Councils and the Keep Well Campaign, an initiative of the Government of Ireland with funding from the Healthy Ireland Fund and the Sláintecare Fund delivered by Pobal." The In Your Nature Podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Mar 22, 2021 · 41 min
In Your Nature Ep 04 - Buzzards
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we chat about the Common Buzzard. We discuss the recolonisation of the species across Ireland after a number of major historic setbacks. Despite its recent continued advance, Buzzards are still illegally targeted and killed. We talk Buzzard ecology and try to straighten-out some of the common misconceptions about the species. Species of the week is the Common (Ring-necked) Pheasant. This Podcast is brought to you by BirdWatch Ireland, Laois and Offaly County Councils and the Keep Well Campaign, an initiative of the Government of Ireland with funding from the Healthy Ireland Fund and the Sláintecare Fund delivered by Pobal." The In Your Nature Podcast is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.