With St. Patrick's Day approaching, I thought it might be fun to look at a few of the birds that Indiana and Ireland share.
The much maligned European Starling and House Sparrow were introduced to the United States and have become well-established. In fact, many birders consider them to be pests. While they are increasing or stable here, the House Sparrows have been declining rapidly in Europe, causing people to take steps to help these little birds. Products like "bird bricks" (bricks with large holes and hidden cavities) are being installed to provide more nesting sites. The colorful starling has also suffered from some decline in Europe but is currently stable in Ireland.
Indiana and Ireland also share the Canada Goose and Red-Throated Loon (or "Red-Throated Diver" as it is known in Ireland). The Canada Goose is not native to Ireland; it escaped from a waterfowl collection 300 years ago and is now thriving in the wild. The loon, on the other hand, is dangerously depleted.
We share several owls: Barn Owl, Short-Eared Owl, Long-Eared Owl and the Snowy Owl. Like those in Indiana, the Barn Owls of Ireland are having a difficult time. They are in rapid decline and have disappeared in many parts of Ireland. The Short-Eared Owls are rarely seen in Ireland, while the Long-Eared Owls are the most commonly seen owl. Snowy Owls are rare winter visitors to both Indiana and Ireland.
Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Birding!
The much maligned European Starling and House Sparrow were introduced to the United States and have become well-established. In fact, many birders consider them to be pests. While they are increasing or stable here, the House Sparrows have been declining rapidly in Europe, causing people to take steps to help these little birds. Products like "bird bricks" (bricks with large holes and hidden cavities) are being installed to provide more nesting sites. The colorful starling has also suffered from some decline in Europe but is currently stable in Ireland.
Indiana and Ireland also share the Canada Goose and Red-Throated Loon (or "Red-Throated Diver" as it is known in Ireland). The Canada Goose is not native to Ireland; it escaped from a waterfowl collection 300 years ago and is now thriving in the wild. The loon, on the other hand, is dangerously depleted.
We share several owls: Barn Owl, Short-Eared Owl, Long-Eared Owl and the Snowy Owl. Like those in Indiana, the Barn Owls of Ireland are having a difficult time. They are in rapid decline and have disappeared in many parts of Ireland. The Short-Eared Owls are rarely seen in Ireland, while the Long-Eared Owls are the most commonly seen owl. Snowy Owls are rare winter visitors to both Indiana and Ireland.
Happy St. Patrick's Day and Happy Birding!
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