Ireland has an abundance of small islands, especially along the west-coast. Some of those that are better known are the Arann Islands off Co. Mayo, the Blasket Islands off Co. Kerry and Inishbofin off Co. Galway.
What type of wildlife do you think you would find on an island?
Razorbill
Razorbill
Copyright Mike BrownRazorbill
Copyright Mike Brown
Copyright Mike Brown
Razorbill
Razorbill
Copyright Mike BrownIslands offer a whole range of habitats.
There are sand dunes, which are a favorite habitat for the short-eared owl in the winter-time. The salt marshes provide an ideal home for wading birds, and as you've probably guessed, islands make great habitats for birds.
Cliffs provide a safe place for many birds like razorbills to breed and nest during the summer-time.
Razorbills spend most of their life out on the Atlantic Ocean, but many go to Rathlin Island, off the coast of Co. Antrim, to breed from March to July.
Puffins, fulmars, gulls and many more birds come to the islands off the Irish coast for breeding.
Otter swimming
Otter swimming
Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentOtter swimming
Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government
Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government
Otter swimming
Otter swimming
Courtesy of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentIt is unusual to see lots of land mammals on islands as the sea that surrounds them makes it difficult for them to reach them.
Of course, there are some semi-acquatic mammals that could swim out to islands, such as otters.
Bull Island
Have you ever been to Bull Island in Dublin? If so, what type of wildlife did you see?
Bull island is one of the most popular places in Ireland to go bird-watching. Its sandy beaches, dunes and marshlands attracts all types of waterbirds and waders.
As there is very little disturbance of wildlife on Bull Island, it is hugely important for wintering waterbirds. It is not unusual to see brent geese grazing along the grasslands, or to see the curlew or snipe wading in the marshes.
Mallard Duck with ducklings
Mallard duck with ducklings.
Copyright Mike BrownMallard Duck with ducklings
Copyright Mike Brown
Copyright Mike Brown
Mallard Duck with ducklings
Mallard duck with ducklings.
Copyright Mike BrownThere are also plenty of grey heron to see, which nest in the nearby St. Anne's Park.
If you prefer watching ducks dive for food and waddle along the beside the pond, there are plenty to see on Bull Island!
The grassy sand dunes are home to many rabbits. If you are walking along these grasses, be careful not to get your foot stuck in a rabbit-hole!
Did you know?
Bull Island is recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve area. This means that it is an international conservation area that encourages a balanced, healthy relationship between humans and the biosphere.