In Your Nature
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 and the Heritage Council and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.
In Your Nature
In Your Nature Ep 34 - Avian Eurovision
In this weeks episode, Ricky and Niall bring us something very new - an Avian Eurovision Song Contest! The pair have selected 12 contestant birds. Nine of these are based on the Eurovision 2022 finalists national birds, with the other three national birds hand-picked by Ricky and Niall.
The birds representing each country are; European Robin - UK; Blackbird - Sweden; Italian Sparrow - Italy; White-throated Dipper - Norway; Black-tailed Godwit - Netherlands; Barn Swallow - Estonia; European Roller - Azerbaijan; Whooper Swan - Finland; Northern Lapwing - Ireland; Eurasian Skylark - Denmark; Hoopoe - Israel, and Goldcrest - Luxembourg.
Each contestant is given the chance to shine. Niall and Ricky discuss each species musical virtuousity and facets of their behaviour and ecology that might sway listeners in the contestants favour, or in some cases, perhaps push some listeners the other way.
The interval act for the Avian Eurovision Contest 2023 is the Nightingale, this weeks Bird of the Week and one whose song is sure to steal the show.
In Your Nature features Ricky Whelan, biodiversity officer with Offaly County Council in conversation with Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly. The series is supported by Laois, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils and the Heritage Council.
For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.