The Wildlife of the Derrynane area

Terry Carruthers - Author of ‘Kerry: A Natural History’. Collins Press.

Derrynane is a special part of the Iveragh peninsula. Though at the exposed tip of the peninsula, it is protected from the worst of the Atlantic weather by the sheltering bulk of Hog’s Head to its west, Lamb’s Head to the south and Eagle Mountain to its north. The historic blessing that allowed the O’Connell family of Derrynane House to protect its wonderful coastal oak forests means the present generations of people and wildlife can enjoy the shelter and special character of what is a rare ecosystem in Ireland. Very few other regions in Ireland can boast of a mature coastal native woodland of this sort. Generations of gardeners have also enriched the area with plantings of subtropical species such as tree ferns, Fuchsias, Cordyline palms and more.

The area is a haven for birds, particularly migrants in spring and autumn. However, because of its remoteness, we know relatively little about what migrants turn up here. We do know that these have included Golden Orioles, Hen Harriers, Buzzards, Redstarts and more. In spring and early summer, the woods and patches of scrub are alive with bird song. Of the resident species, Choughs are common in the dunes and hills locally both during and outside of the breeding season, as are Ravens, their larger cousin. Peregrine Falcon also occur, and probably breed locally. Stonechats, Whitethroats, Grey Wagtails and Dippers also breed in the area. Common terns breed on islets offshore, alongside Oystercatchers and shags, while further offshore the Bull and Cow Rocks support Gannets, Kittiwakes, and a variety of auks.

Other wildlife includes Stoat, Otters, Badgers and American Mink. The rare Natterjack toads were introduced into ponds on the Derrynane estate some years ago, though whether they are still surviving can be determined by listening for their loud calls on evenings in early summer, and checking the ponds and watery scrapes in the sand dunes for their distinctive strings of spawn. Look out too for the rare, spotted Kerry Slug grazing on algae after showers. This slug is only found in the southwest of Ireland.

Off shore keep your eyes open for Common Seals, Dolphins, Porpoises and smaller whales. The end of the peninsulas would make good sites to watch for these from spring through to late autumn.

Botanically this area of Ireland is influenced by the oceanic nature of the climate, with frost free winters, early springs and cool moist summers. The botanical interest is enriched by representatives of the so called ‘Lusitanian’ flora, species whose normal distribution is centred on northern Spain and Portugal. Summer hedgerows are full of flowering Fuchsias, Montbretias, wild roses and brambles. The purple-flowering Greater Butterwort, an insectivorous plant, is common in peaty areas, while damp flushes in shady areas protect patches of rare saxifrages including the St. Patrick’s Cabbage and the Kidney Saxifrage. One of the rarest plants is the Kerry Lily, found only in the Derrynane and Lamb’s Head area. Of course, you should not pick or damage any of these special species – leave them for future generations to enjoy.

There is so much to see and enjoy in this wonderful area. Good boots, a few good field guides, and a packed lunch will allow individuals and families to enjoy marvellous days of rambling and exploring one of Ireland’s least known wildlife regions.

Terry Carruthers

http://www.walkingexperiences.com

 

A Herron in Derrynane National Park