Shows
Mooney Goes WildRobins eating slug pelletsCliodhna Kellegher from Banagher, Co. Offaly, got in touch with us to tell us about an unusual occurrence where a resident pair of Robins have taken a real fancy to the slug pellets that she puts out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1005 min
Mooney Goes WildFive fantastic facts about our feathered friends in five minutesWere you one of the thousands of people who attended Bord Bia Bloom over the June Bank Holiday period? Derek and the team were there to bring you a very special live edition of Mooney Goes Wild. Here's one of the highlights: Niall Hatch gives five fantastic facts about feathered friends in five minutes!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1006 min
Mooney Goes WildCuckoo singing in Co. Wexford . . . but is he too late?Listener Ann Gethings kindly sent us a recording made by her brother Marc on his farm in Killaughrim in Caim, Co. Wexford. Marc’s recording features the unmistakable sounds of a male Cuckoo in song . . . but was this Cuckoo late?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1002 min
Mooney Goes WildTerry Flanagan is in clover . . . literally!Ireland is home to some very rare native plants, and one of the rarest and hardest to find of all is the Burrowing Clover. Wicklow-based naturalist and author Declan Murphy met up with Terry Flanagan on the banks of the River Vartry to find it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1012 min
Mooney Goes WildThe loss of experience in elephant societiesA new study has revealed how the loss of experienced individual elephants from their social groups stops the knowledge transfer between generations. Dr Lucy Bates (who led the research) from the University of Portsmouth’s Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1022 min
Mooney Goes WildThe uplifting power of a BlackbirdTo finish tonight’s programme, we thought we would share with you a truly beautiful and deeply moving account of a chance encounter with a Blackbird that was sent to us by listener Nuala McLoughlin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-1003 min
Mooney Goes WildMooney Goes Wild at 30On this Bank Holiday Monday, enjoy a repeat of this special documentary celebrating 30 years of Mooney Goes Wild, presented by Colm Flynn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-0353 min
Mooney Goes WildMooney Goes Wild: Live From Bloom 2025It's a special live programme this Bank Holiday Monday as the Mooney Goes Wild team broadcasts from Bloom at Dublin's Phoenix Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-06-0350 min
Mooney Goes WildBreeding Waders EIP: saving some of Ireland’s most endangered birdsWaders are amongst the most threatened breeding species in Ireland. Serious conservation work is underway to support them including The Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership. Terry Flanagan travelled to the shores of Lough Ree to speak to Owen Murphy, Senior Project Manager with the EIP, and Nest Protection Officer Dana Neill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2708 min
Mooney Goes WildZombie SpidersWe know that a great many of you happen to have a fear of spiders, so you might not be thrilled to learn that Ireland now has “zombie spiders” to contend with! Found living in a cave between Cavan and Fermanagh, speleologists Tim and Pam Fogg are the husband-and-wife team who first discovered them so Michele Browne went to meet them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2720 min
Mooney Goes WildRemembering Michael O'MearaLast week, the very sad news reached us that Michael O’Meara, a luminary in the world of Irish wildlife and a wonderful chronicler and custodian of the flora and fauna of Co. Waterford, had died. Éanna pays tribute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2701 minMooney Goes WildHazel Dormouse in Co. ClareRecently, we received an email from Rosaleen Bourke in Bellharbour, Co. Clare, about a rare sighting of a Hazel Dormouse in that part of Ireland. We talk about the newest rodents to call Ireland home, how they differ from “true” mice, and whether their spread across Ireland will continue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2704 min
Mooney Goes WildA Nightingale Sang in Berkeley SquareVera Lynn once sang about the Nightingale, and while they may no longer sing in Berkeley Square, they certainly do still sing in the south of France. As Niall tells us, they are actually still fairly common there and he has a recording to share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2711 min
Mooney Goes WildPapillons de FranceFor tonight’s programme, Niall Hatch joins us from the delightful town of Mandelieu-La Napoule on the French Riviera, close to Cannes. Niall is on the lookout for butterflies (with France home to around 250 types), birds and moths such as the Hummingbird Hawk-moth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2006 min
Mooney Goes WildLime Hawk-mothLys Duff, one of our loyal listeners, sent us a lovely email recently with several photos attached of the rare Lime Hawk-moth. Needing further investigation, naturally we sent Terry Flanagan off and he spoke with lepidopterist Jesmond Harding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2017 min
Mooney Goes WildGoing Cuckoo with Eric Dempsey!Eric Dempsey has sent us a report for tonight’s programme all about a bird that happens to share his deep interest in moths: the Cuckoo. Eric happened to be out and about in the Midlands recently and heard one singing, and thankfully he managed to record it for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2003 min
Mooney Goes WildNational Biodiversity Week 2025A quick reminder that National Biodiversity Week is currently underway, running this year from May 16th to 25th. Catherine O'Toole, Development Officer with the Irish Environmental Network, tells us more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2008 min
Mooney Goes WildDublin Port Tolka Estuary GreenwayThe new Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway has become a haven for wildlife in the heart of our capital city. On a recent sunny morning, we dispatched the inimitable Éanna Ni Lamhna to meet with Eamon McElroy, Port Engineer with Dublin Port Company, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2011 min
Mooney Goes WildRare bird looks set to stay in Dublin’s Phoenix Park . . . knock on woodÓnagh Kelly recently sent us a recording of a very striking bird sound captured in Phoenix Park. It was none other than the territorial “drumming” sound of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Ónagh joins us to talk about the various birds that frequent the iconic park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-2006 min
Mooney Goes WildInvasive Species Week: 12th to 18th May 2025Over the years, we have spoken many times on the programme about the threats posed by alien invasive species. Invasive Species Week will take place from May 12th to 18th May. John Kelly is Invasive Species Programme Manager with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and speaks to the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-1310 min
Mooney Goes WildGreat Tits: a staggering 77 years of data from Wytham Woods in EnglandThe Great Tit is a common and widespread species across Ireland and beyond. For 77 years now in the UK, researchers have been studying the many Great Tits which breed at a location called Wytham Woods near Oxford, England. We speak to Professor Ben Sheldon, Director of the Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology at the University of Oxford.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-1317 min
Mooney Goes WildCorncrakes and Cuckoos on InishbofinThe island of Inishbofin, off the coast of Galway, is well-known for its rich birdlife. Former Mooney Goes Wild researcher John Bela Reilly happened to be there last week with his son and they heard the distinctive songs of two of Ireland’s most elusive and evocative bird species: the Corncrake and the Cuckoo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-1304 min
Mooney Goes WildLooking back at Dawn Chorus Live 2025Sunday 4th May was International Dawn Chorus Day and the day when we broadcast this year’s annual Dawn Chorus Live programme on RTÉ Radio One and RTÉ Lyric FM. To kick off tonight’s show, Derek and Niall look back on what turned out to be another wonderful live event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-1305 min
Mooney Goes WildTackling aquatic invasivesFor the next segment of tonight’s programme, we stay with the theme of Invasive Species Week. The spread of invasive species is a major issue in both marine and inland waters around the world. Terry Flanagan went to meet Rory Keating, Fisheries Officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland, on the banks of the Royal Canal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-1312 min
Mooney Goes WildNestwatch 2025Right now, we are at the peak of the bird-nesting season in Ireland. If you have ever wondered what exactly goes on inside birds’ nests, we’re pleased to let you know that we’ve got you covered! You can watch three separate live camera streams from nests on our website, just visit the page titled Nestwatch 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-1304 min
Mooney Goes WildHarper's Island WetlandsWe do hope you tuned into our mammoth Dawn Chorus coverage over the weekend. If not, you can listen back on the player. Tonight, we give you another airing of Jim Wilson's documentary on Harper's Island Wetlands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-0654 min
Mooney Goes WildMooney Goes Wild Turns 30In this special edition of Nature on One, celebrating thirty years of Mooney Goes Wild, Colm Flynn meets the people behind the voices and revisits some of the moments that made this nature programme a household favourite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-05-0652 min
Mooney Goes WildLooking forward to Dawn Chorus Live on Sunday 4th MayFirst up on tonight’s programme, our panel looks forward to one of the biggest and most anticipated natural history broadcasting events of the year: our annual Dawn Chorus Live programme. This year, our live broadcast will take place on Sunday May 4th from midnight through to 7am on both Radio 1 and Lyric FM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-2917 min
Mooney Goes WildCurlew headstartingSadly, the once-abundant Curlew is one of Ireland’s fastest declining and most threatened breeding bird species. Hope is not yet lost though with ambitious conservation projects underway, including a technique called headstarting. Éanna travelled to Fota Island to speak to Declan O’Donovan, Animal Care Manager at Fota Wildlife Park, to learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-2919 min
Mooney Goes WildCelebrating 30 years of Mooney Goes Wild!Would you believe that next month Mooney Goes Wild will celebrate 30 years on air?! To celebrate this landmark occasion, our good friend and acclaimed documentary-maker Colm Flynn has crafted a special documentary programme all about the show. It will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One at 15:00 on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-2907 min
Mooney Goes WildPortlaoise PigeonsWe recently had an email from Alan Phelan in Portlaoise. He was surprised to come across a pair of pigeons nesting on his windowsill. Fascinated with their behaviour, Alan contacted the show and we sent roving reporter Terry Flanagan down to investigate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-2908 min
Mooney Goes WildDawn Chorus sounds previewWe finish tonight’s programme with a preview of the dawn chorus, to give you an idea of what to expect during our seven-hour live broadcast on Sunday 4th May. It promises to be another great programme, with lots of beautiful birdsong, expert commentary and fascinating insights into the avian world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-2901 min
Mooney Goes WildNiall goes birdwatching and exploring in EgyptNiall has travelled far from Greystones for this week's episode as he dialls in from Egypt!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-1513 min
Mooney Goes Wild"A short back and sides" asked the Robin!We received an interesting email about a robin nesting in a barber shop in Dublin. Naturally, Terry Flanagan had to go off and investigate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-1509 min
Mooney Goes WildLooking ahead to NestWatch 2025This Monday from 09.00 to 11.00, we will broadcast the special programme NestWatch 2025. Shown on RTE News Now (TV) as well as on Radio 1, we will have live streams from nests around Ireland and special guests. Make sure to tune in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-1509 min
Mooney Goes WildA Robin visits Derek's house ahead of the Dawn ChorusDerek recorded a Robin singing outside his home, putting us all in the mood for the Dawn Chorus which is only two weeks away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-1506 min
Mooney Goes WildJim Wilson's Sand Martin stream gets an upgradeCalling in from Cobh, Co. Cork, Jim Wilson tells us about the upgrades for this year's Sand Martin stream that keeps it going 24/7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-1512 min
Mooney Goes WildJack Snipe: one of the most secretive Irish birds of allWe received another intriguing photo from listener Ger McEvoy, featuring a small bird that is famously very hard to spot...the Jack Snipe. Niall tells us all about one of the most secretive birds in Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0806 min
Mooney Goes WildDuck feedersOf the many public parks across the city of Dublin, Blessington Street Basin is special. Its lake attracts many birds of different species, including swans and ducks. A brand new duck-food vending machine has been installed and Terry Flanagan and Richard Collins went along to try it out for themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0812 min
Mooney Goes WildCorvid intelligenceListener Paddy Ennis sent us an incredible video that highlights the intelligence of a Rook, one of the most common and familiar members of the crow family in Ireland, devising an ingenious solution to the problem of extracting nuts from Paddy’s hanging garden bird feeder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0806 min
Mooney Goes WildHoopoe invasion!Over the past couple of weeks, unusual weather conditions prompted the arrival of large numbers of Hoopoes in the southern counties. These migratory birds look more like cartoon characters than a creature one might encounter in real life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0804 min
Mooney Goes WildRidding Killarney National Park of RhododendronsWe have regularly reported on the havoc that has been wrought on the woodlands of Killarney National Park by an invasive alien species - the Common Rhododendron. However, two new flailing machines may improve the situation. Eamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager with the National Parks and Wildlife Service tells us more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0816 min
Mooney Goes WildApril showers: something to celebrateApril is one of the most exciting months of all for nature. Flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, butterflies are taking flight and migrant birds, such as the Cuckoo and the Swallow, are due to arrive any day now. In celebration, Éanna recites Robert Browning's 1845 poem, 'Home-Thoughts, from Abroad'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0804 min
Mooney Goes WildWasps in glasshouses shouldn’t grow domes!Listener Libby O’Toole sent us a very interesting email with photos of a very intricate wasps' nest in her glasshouse. As ever, Éanna is on the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0803 min
Mooney Goes WildDo birds sit? Oscar Wilde certainly seemed to think so!Mooney Goes Wild listener Roland Umanan took a stroll in Merrion Square Park and found an interesting quote from Oscar Wilde: “The birds sat on top of the trees and sang so sweetly...” So, do birds actually sit? Richard and Niall discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0106 min
Mooney Goes WildSaving The Maharees from coastal erosion is a true community effortCommunity-led actions have been instrumental in protecting the dunes of the Maharees Tombolo in Kerry. Michele Browne meets Eleanor Turner (Biodiversity Officer for Kerry Coco), Dr. Therese Higgins (Lecturer in Wildlife Biology at Munster Technological University) and Martha Farrell (Co-founder of the Maharees Conservation Association).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0118 min
Mooney Goes WildJoin the hunt for mermaid’s pursesA campaign has recently been launched by UCC Marine Biologist Danielle Orrell to try to find hatching grounds of Flapper Skates (or mermaid's purses) off the south coast of Ireland. Keen to discover more about them and how you can get involved, we dispatched Terry Flanagan to Cork to meet Danielle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0113 min
Mooney Goes Wild(Not so) Common Crane seen in Co. KilkennyThe Common Crane is an exceptionally rare bird in Ireland. However, these huge, long-necked and long-legged birds were once widespread on the island. There have been sightings in recent years and digital creator, wildlife filmmaker and ornithologist Fionn O'Donoghue managed to film one in Kilkenny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-04-0115 min
Mooney Goes WildNesting Season special: Easter Monday, 21st April 2025On Easter Monday (21st April 2025), we will bring you a special two-hour Nesting Season special. Derek Mooney and his panel of ornithological experts will broadcast live on RTÉ Radio One between 09:00 and 11:00 and tell you all about what the birds are up to. Make sure to tune in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-2400 min
Mooney Goes WildDrumming duets in the Garden CountyFor a very long time, Ireland was famous amongst ornithologists for the fact that it had no woodpeckers. That all changed 20 years ago, when small populations of Great Spotted Woodpeckers began a natural colonisation of our island. Eric Dempsey and Niall Hatch discuss the 'drumming' birds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-2415 min
Mooney Goes WildA Tale of Dandelions and Guinea PigsOn tonight’s programme, Terry Flanagan tells us about one of Ireland’s most abundant and best-known plants, the dandelion, and the surprising benefits it brings to Guinea Pigs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-2402 min
Mooney Goes WildPocket Forests at the University of GalwayRecently, the University of Galway launched its Pocket Forest project, which has involved the planting of a new 100m2 native woodland on campus. Recently, Terry Flanagan visited the University of Galway campus and met up with Dr. Caitriona Carolan, ecologist and Lecturer in Environmental Science and Biodiversity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-2409 min
Mooney Goes WildDoctors by NatureLong before the dawn of modern medicine, many wild animals harnessed the power of nature’s pharmacy. In his fascinating new book 'Doctors by Nature: How Ants, Apes and Other Animals Heal Themselves', author Jaap de Roode argues that we have underestimated the healing potential of nature for too long. He speaks to Éanna.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-2425 min
Mooney Goes WildNew Year Plant HuntFor the past 14 years, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland has run a special New Year Plant Hunt. Bridget Keehan, Ireland Officer for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, speaks to Éanna Ní Lamhna about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1708 min
Mooney Goes WildWhy doesn’t ice stick to Polar Bear fur?The largest land-based carnivore on the planet, the Polar Bears is admired globally. But have you ever stopped to wonder why almost no snow or ice seems to stick to their fur? Julian Carolan is a PhD student at Trinity College Dublin and he is the lead author of a recently published paper that provides the answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1717 min
Mooney Goes WildSwimming Upstream: one man’s fight to save the Atlantic wild salmonIn his evocative and thought-provoking new memoir 'Swimming Upstream: one man’s fight to save the Atlantic wild salmon', Patsy Peril recalls a life deeply entwined with Irish wildlife. Patsy speaks to our resident expert in all things piscine, Ken Whelan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1717 min
Mooney Goes WildDid St. Patrick really rid Ireland of snakes?Across the world, one of the best known natural history facts about Ireland is that our island is completely devoid of wild snakes, which in global terms is highly unusual. So why doesn’t Ireland have any snakes? Was it because, as the famous story goes, all of them were expelled by St. Patrick in the 5th century?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1708 min
Mooney Goes WildFrogs are feeling frisky!One of the joys of early spring is seeing Common Frogs coming out of hibernation, triggered by the warming conditions and increasing day-length. Dermott Doran is a farmer in Co. Kildare who created a pond on his land where more and more frogs have been turning up to mate. Terry Flanagan went to see it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1012 min
Mooney Goes WildHarper’s Island Wetlands: the perfect place to watch waterbirdsAhead of his documentary on Harper's Island Wetlands nature reserve, which willl broadcast this St. Patrick's Day at 3pm, Jim Wilson fills us in on the wildlife that can be found there and explains the inspiration behind the reserve’s centrepiece: its fantastic, state-of-the-art birdwatching hide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1011 min
Mooney Goes WildSpring Alive: submit your records of migrant birdsMid-March is when our first migrant breeding birds begin to arrive back to Ireland including the Sand Martin, Swift, Swallow, Cuckoo and Ringed Plover. We are asking Mooney Goes Wild listeners to take part in a wonderful ‘citizen science’ project by reporting their first sightings of these birds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1007 min
Mooney Goes WildThe Lark AscendingOne of the biggest clues that Spring has arrived is the increasing amount of birdsong. One of the true stars of the avian concert at this time of year has to be the Skylark, a bird that performs its songs unlike any other Irish bird.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1007 min
Mooney Goes WildHow good are the facilities for birdwatchers in Ireland?There are many excellent places in which enthusiasts can observe birds across the country, though the standard of the actual facilities, interpretive features, viewing areas and access routes at these locations can vary greatly. Jim, Richard and Niall discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of Irish birding facilities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1004 min
Mooney Goes WildNational Tree Week: “Planting Trees, Growing Together”National Tree Week runs this year from March 9th to 16th and the theme of this year’s celebration is “Planting Trees, Growing Together”. To find out more, Terry Flanagan visited The National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin in Dublin, where he spoke to Education Officer Felicity Gaffney and our own Éanna Ní Lamhna.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-1005 min
Mooney Goes WildWorld-class murmurations at Lough EnnellThe Starling murmuration is the name given to the phenomenon which sees hundreds of thousands of these small birds dancing through the air in winter and early spring. Terry Flanagan went to Lough Ennell in Co. Westmeath to meet James Crosbie and witness one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-0312 min
Mooney Goes WildName That Tune!It’s still very early in the season, but have you noticed that birdsong is becoming more and more noticeable with each passing morning? Derek recorded one such avian performer in his garden last week: a male Song Thrush. Derek and Niall discuss it and bird song in general.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-0305 min
Mooney Goes WildFrolicking French FlamingosWhile Niall was in France recently, he visited The Camargue, a spectacular and vast wetland renowned as a true haven for biodiversity. It is home to a great many bird species, of all shapes and sizes, but undoubtedly the most celebrated and sought-after is the unmistakeable Greater Flamingo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-0307 min
Mooney Goes WildSustainable Futures Forum at University College CorkOn 25th February, University College Cork hosted its second Sustainable Futures Forum. A panel discussion entitled 'Towards A Nature Positive Future' featured our own Éanna and Niall alongside Seán Ronayne with John O'Halloran as moderator. Here is the conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-03-0327 min
Mooney Goes WildCalling all farmers: the Breeding Waders EIP needs you!Amongst Ireland’s breeding birds, it is members of the wader family that are in the most severe trouble. The Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) has been established to try to save these struggling birds and its Project Manager, Owen Murphy, speaks to the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-2424 min
Mooney Goes WildMarsh Fritillary butterflyJust one species of insect has specifically been afforded protection under Irish law: the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. Every year, volunteers from the Irish Peatland Conservation Council conduct surveys of wet grassland areas to monitor the species. Terry Flanagan met Nuala Madigan from the group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-2410 min
Mooney Goes WildHazel Dormouse in Co. KildareA listener from Co. Kildare sent us a photo of a very small mammal that she discovered fast asleep in Co. Kildare. We showed it to Éanna, who immediately recognised it as a Hazel Dormouse which is not native to Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-2404 min
Mooney Goes WildHumpback Whale bites off more than it can chewIn a recent viral video, a Chilean kayaker called Adrián Simancas had an encounter with a Humpback Whale which could certainly be described as up close and personal! On tonight’s programme, Pádraig Whooley, Sightings Officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, is your guide to the remarbable Humpback Whale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-2414 min
Mooney Goes WildIf it doesn’t walk like a duck and it doesn’t talk like a duck . . . it may still be a duck!One of Ireland’s scarcest and most elusive breeding birds, the Goosander is not your typical duck. As far as we know, Ireland’s Goosanders breed only in the uplands of Co. Wicklow. Eager to see his first ever Goosander, Terry Flanagan went to a secluded Wicklow lake and met local naturalist, author and bird-expert Declan Murphy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1715 min
Mooney Goes WildKnock, knock. Who’s there? The Green Woodpecker!One of the most prominent birds at this time of year in the south of France, both visually and aurally, is the Green Woodpecker. The species is common and widespread across most of Europe, but absent from Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1710 min
Mooney Goes WildLa Fête du MimosaThis week, Niall happens to be speaking to us from Mandelieu-La Napoule in the Côte d'Azur. It's known as the Mimosa Capital of France...that's the tree rather than the cocktail! Native to southern Australia, the Mimosa is known to botanists as Acacia dealbata, a fast-growing evergreen tree which thrives in dry, sunny climes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1705 min
Mooney Goes WildPesticides in pet fur pose problems for nesting birdsOwners of cats or dogs will know that they shed lots of fur. While many deliberately leave this fur in gardens for birds, it may be doing harm. A team of researchers from the University of Sussex has discovered that chemicals used for the treatment of pet fleas and ticks can kill the chicks of songbirds. Dr. Cannelle Tassin de Montaigu joins us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1713 min
Mooney Goes WildWearing your art on your sleeve: the ink-redible world of animal tattoosOnce considered something of a niche interest, a recent survey revealed that 35% of people in Ireland have at least one tattoo. On last week’s programme, we discussed one particularly famous animal-themed tattoo design, the Swallow. To continue this theme, on tonight’s programme we take a look at some other animal and plant-themed tattoos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1708 min
Mooney Goes WildHere Comes the Sun!In 1969, George Harrison composed one of the The Beatles' most popular and enduring songs, in celebration of the arrival of spring and the promise of better days to come. As Éanna informs us, it may have “been a long, cold, lonely winter”, but the good news is that the season of spring officially sprung in Ireland on February 1st.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1003 min
Mooney Goes WildCeramic Swallows in LisbonOn his recent trip to Portugal, Derek noticed a striking ornithological motif while walking the streets and browsing the shops of Lisbon: lots and lots of ornate ceramic Swallows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1010 min
Mooney Goes WildHumpback Whale makes a journey spanning three oceansA recent study revealed that a male Humpback Whale travelled a record-breaking distance, spanning three oceans, in order to find a mate, raising the alarm about how climate change may be affecting the migratory behaviour of these massive denizens of the deep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1014 min
Mooney Goes WildCelebrating Snowdrop MonthFebruary is often referred to as “Snowdrop Month”, as it is the time of year when these delightful flowers burst forth from the soil marking the arrival of spring. Terry Flanagan went to visit Burtown House in Co. Kildare, a Quaker House whose gardens come alive with snowdrops and other flowers each spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1010 min
Mooney Goes WildProud as a Peacock: looking at mating displays in the animal kingdomOn a recent visit to Portugal, Derek spotted a Peacock – or a male Indian Peafowl, to give him his formal title – strutting his stuff in front of a distinctly underwhelmed group of females. While synonomous with peacocks, many other members of the animal kingdom have similar rituals of display and wooing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-1012 min
Mooney Goes WildThe Red FoxThis is a repeat of today's Nature on One documentary. In it, biologist Terry Flanagan delves into the fascinating world of the red fox. Known for its adaptability and intelligence, it plays a vital role in the ecosystem and offers insight into the delicate balance of nature.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-02-0354 min
Mooney Goes WildEggsWe Irish love eggs, consuming hundreds of millions of them each year... but have you ever stopped to wonder what exactly a bird's egg is?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-01-2752 min
Mooney Goes WildDürer's RhinocerosIn this repeat of a special one-hour Mooney Goes Wild documentary, we delve into the history of Dürer's Rhinoceros.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-01-2054 min
Mooney Goes WildThe Disputed TollIn 1872, Maharajah, an Indian elephant, and his keeper, Lorenzo The Lion Tamer Laurence, walked for ten days from Edinburgh to Manchester. In this Nature on One documentary, zoologist Dr. Richard Collins tells the delightful story of Maharajah’s journey. Image courtesy of Manchester Art Gallery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-01-1354 min
Mooney Goes WildPope Leo's ElephantTonight's programme is a repeat of our Christmas Day special documentary 'Pope Leo's Elephant'. In 1514, King Manuel I of Portugal sent an extraordinary diplomatic gift to Pope Leo X: an Asian Elephant named Hanno. Derek Mooney and Niall Hatch dig deeper into Hanno’s remarkable story in the Eternal City, Rome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2025-01-0654 min
Mooney Goes WildWinter Birds SpecialEarlier today, we broadcast a special live programme on Radio One and on the RTÉ News Channel (09.00 - 11.00) and our focus was two of Ireland's most fascinating groups of birds: waders and garden birds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-3054 min
Mooney Goes WildNightjars confirmed to be breeding in the south-east of IrelandThe mysterious Nightjar is one of Ireland’s most elusive birds. With only sporadic records of breeding over recent decades, the general consensus was that we had effectively lost Nightjars from Ireland. However, a new survey coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland has confirmed that this species still survives in the southeast of the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-1601 min
Mooney Goes WildThe Keeper of the Bees: Bees and Beekeeping in Irish FolkloreIn her wonderful new book The Keeper of the Bees: Bees and Beekeeping in Irish Folklore, beekeeper’s daughter and a student of folklore Eimear Chaomhánach weaves folktales about bees with her memories of growing up in a beekeeping household, collecting swarms with her father and learning how to harvest honey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-1614 min
Mooney Goes WildOn Land and Water: the superb new book from wildlife photographer Sheena JolleyA recently published book that really caught our eyes is On Land and Water by acclaimed wildlife photographer Sheena Jolley. This superb book differs from most of the other nature photography books on the market, in that it incorporates the poetry of the late D.J. O’Sullivan alongside Sheena’s photographs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-1611 min
Mooney Goes WildCongratulations, Dr. Éanna Ní Lamhna!All of us here in the Mooney Goes Wild team would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed colleague and friend Éanna Ní Lamhna, who last month was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science by the University of Galway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-1611 min
Mooney Goes WildDeath’s-head Hawk-mothRecently, Jesmond Harding from Butterfly Conservation Ireland was in-studio and brought a surprise guest...the (extremely large) pupal stage of the Death’s-head Hawk-moth. This extremely striking creature is not a common insect in Ireland.Terry Flanagan went to see this incredible creature before it was released into the wild.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-1614 min
Mooney Goes WildIreland’s Generous Nature: The Past and Present Uses of Wild Plants in IrelandFirst up this evening is Éanna Ní Lamhna, who has chosen a wonderful book by Irish botanist and environmentalist Peter Wyse Jackson. It is the first ever comprehensive account of the historical and present-day uses of wild plant species in Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0910 min
Mooney Goes WildLichens of Ireland and Great Britain: a visual guide to their identificationLichens expert Paul Whelan has been working on his latest book for the past four years and it is Terry Flanagan's Christmas recommendation this year. For tonight’s programme, Terry travelled to Midleton, Co. Cork to meet Paul, to observe some of the local varieties of lichen and, of course, to chat about his book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0908 min
Mooney Goes WildMeetings with Moths: Discovering their Mystery and Extraordinary LivesNext we have the selection of Eric Dempsey, who, in addition to his passion for birds is also a great fan of moths. It’s very fitting, therefore, that his choice of book this Christmas is Meetings with Moths: Discovering their Mystery and Extraordinary Lives by Katty Baird. In it, Katty roams Scotland seeking out, documenting and observing moths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0910 min
Mooney Goes WildChristmas gift special: focus on books about natureEvery Christmas, the team here at Mooney Goes Wild likes to bring you some of our recommendations for wildlife-themed gifts for your nearest and dearest. This year, we have chosen to focus on natural history books, with Derek and panel each focusing on their own preferred title and interviewing the authors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0953 min
Mooney Goes WildThe Most Perfect: Thing Inside (and Outside) a Bird’s EggStaying with the avian theme, the Christmas recommendation of Richard Collins is a book about one of the most impressive and captivating aspects of ornithology. Written by Tim Birkhead, it is the perfect one-stop-shop for everything you have ever wanted to know about avian reproduction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0907 min
Mooney Goes WildDrawn to Nature: Encounters with Irish WildlifeLast, but by no means least, we bring you Derek's Christmas pick. A great many listeners will have grown up inspired about wildlife by legendary artist, author and broadcaster Don Conroy. His latest book is a timely reminder of the simple wonders of Ireland’s natural environment, with exquisite illustrations and thoughtful words.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0909 min
Mooney Goes WildThe Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North AmericaUp next, we have the recommendation of Niall Hatch, which, as you might expect, is a book about birds. It’s not a run-of-the-mill bird book, however, rather a tongue-in-cheek look by Matt Kracht at the ways in which our feathered friends can frustrate and irritate even the most dedicated of birdwatchers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-12-0908 min
Mooney Goes WildParakeets in RomeNiall was recently in Rome and met up with our former RTÉ colleague Colm Flynn, who is now Vatican Correspondent for EWTN. While strolling around Vatican City, their walk was interrupted by the noisy calls of parakeets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2024-11-2505 min