Next Saturday (25th October) sees a major conference take place in Teagasc Oak Park in Carlow. Entitled 'Future Plant Health Responders', it will deal with topics such as climate-driven pests and pathogens, crop protection and more. Terry Flanagan met with Dr. Aisling Moffet, founder of Entosoc, and Dr. Anna Tiely, chairperson of SIPP.

While Richard was in Manchester, he came upon a story about how a vending machine to dispense food for ducks was to be installed at Burrs Country Park by a local community action group.

Niall is just back from the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. He was there on behalf of BirdWatch Ireland to attend the organisation’s Partnership Meeting for its European and Central Asian region. 45 other BirdLife International partners were also in attendance to discuss conservation strategies, international collaborations and more.

Richard was recently in Manchester to visit the Manchester Museum. He was there to see a very special painting by Heywood Hardy called 'The Disputed Toll', which also happens to be the name of a documentary Richard is making for this Christmas. The toll in question was a fascinating elephant called Maharajah.

Storm Ashley impacted a great many people across Ireland, but did you know that it also had a remarkable impact on seabirds? Great Shearwaters were seen in unprecedented numbers off the Kerry coast as they took shelter from the storm in Tralee Bay.

As part of our popular Nature on One series, on Bank Holiday Monday (28th October) we will bring you 'The Extraordinary Tale of the White Prominent' which is presented by naturalist and author Eric Dempsey. We have a sneak preview of it for you.

'Where the Wild Geese Go', a brand-new 13-part animated documentary series from EZ Films, will premiere on RTÉ Junior on 21st October. Ornithologist Dr. Kendrew Calhoun, scientific advisor to the programme, tells us all about these remarkable geese and the epic journeys they undertake in order to spend the winter with us.

The beautiful Powerscourt Estate, which dates back 800 years, will host a two-day event on November 2nd and 3rd titled 'Wonder of Trees'. Attendance is open to everyone, and there will be tree and biodiversity walks on both days. Terry Flanagan went there to meet head gardener Alex Slazenger.

Dr. Sean McCormack, Chair of the Ealing Wildlife Group, tells us about their successful effort to breed Eurasian Beavers in the Paradise Fields suburb of West London. Sean and our panel also discuss whether an ecological case can be made for the introduction of Eurasian Beavers to Ireland.

Each autumn, thousands of migrant birds flock to Ireland from more northerly latitudes in order to spend the winter in the relative warmth provided by our island. Author and ornithologist Jim Wilson tells us about some of the key waders to look out for over the coming weeks.

Eoghan Daltun is a sculpture conservator, farmer, author and, above all, rewilder. His latest book is called The Magic of An Irish Rainforest: A Visual Journey and follows his travels across the length and breadth of Ireland to photograph surviving areas of temperate rainforest.

Niall has recently returned from a trip to Tuscany, Italy where, between searching for wildlife and consuming his own body weight in pasta and gelato, he found time to visit the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, better known to almost everyone as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

With a name like Mute Swan, you would be forgiven for thinking that Ireland’s heaviest bird species was completely silent. Far from it, however: although not as vocal as our other two swan species, Mute Swans nonetheless utter a wide range of hisses, grunts and whistles. Richard Collins has been down to Dublin's Fairview Park to find some.

Amateur naturalist and photographer Gustavo Zoladz is originally from Argentina, but has been living and working in Dublin for several years now. Gustavo tracks down and takes stunning photographs of wild animals within our capital city. Terry Flanagan joined Gustavo recently as they observed the Red Fox.

As part of our popular Nature on One series, on Bank Holiday Monday 28th October we will be bring you 'The Extraordinary Tale of the White Prominent '. Presented by naturalist and author Eric Dempsey, it follows his quest to track down one of our rarest insects.

Ecologist Adam Smith joins us from Bavaria, Germany to talk about a deer management plan after his camera project, with the assistance of ReWild Wicklow, recorded the dominance of a non-native deer species - the East Asian Sika.

Niall happens to be in the beautiful city of Florence in Tuscany, Italy, birthplace of the Renaissance and home to a very special though unassuming bird with more to it than meets the eye.

We don’t typically think of birds as a dangerous bunch, at least when it comes to posing a threat to human safety, but there is one that nonetheless frequently finds itself singled out as an exception - The Cassowary.

Back in May of this year, we held a series of short natural history talks in University College Cork which we recorded. Our first round of Mooney Talks will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One at 22:00 on Friday 4th October. To whet the appetite, here's Dr. Eoin Lettice on 'plant blindness'.

Valentia Bee Beds is a new business venture by beekeepers Paul O’Neill and Anton Tovarnitskyi which gives customers the opportunity to lie on special beds containing genuine bee hives. Michele Browne travels to Valentia and finds out about the beneficial health effects of the bee beds.

The Angle Shades moth is a highly camouflaged, almost army fatigue-patterned moth. It is a common and widespread species across Ireland that can be seen most readily during the months of autumn.

We are joined by butterfly expert Jesmond Harding, author of The Irish Butterfly Book: A Complete Guide to the Butterflies of Ireland.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins & Éanna Ní Lamhna. We discover the Angle Shades moth, a highly camouflaged, almost army fatigue-patterned moth.

Compared to their close cousins, the butterflies, moths have something of a PR problem. Marc Holderied, Professor of Sensory Biology at the University of Bristol, is here to refresh their image.

Niall Hatch joins us from the town of Mandelieu-La Napoule in southern France where he finds the European Bee-eater. Niall picked up their distinctive jaunty flight calls as they flew overhead, and tonight he tells us more about them.

Many people don’t like snails, possibly because of the way they move or the slime they leave behind...but not Co. Monaghan-based farmer Kieran Corley, who rears them. Our roving reporter, Terry Flanagan, recently paid a visit to Drumlin country to find out more about these amazing creatures.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins while Niall Hatch reports from the town of Mandelieu-La Napoule in southern France seeking out the European Bee-eater; Marc Holderied, Professor of Sensory Biology at the University of Bristol, tells us about moths; and Terry Flanagan visits the farm of Kieran Morley's where he rears snails.

Dog trainer Rory Henberry has recently set up a charity called the K9 Wildlife Project, with the intention of training dogs to send to Africa to assist conservation rangers in combatting poachers. Terry travelled to Mallow, Co. Cork to chat with Rory and local vet Carina Mederle.

Each week, Terry Flanagan brings us specially selected stories about the natural world. Tonight's topics: Good news for Irish Corncrakes; Where have all our butterflies gone?; and Studying the effects of cocaine on sharks!

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan & Niall Hatch to discuss a rare orchid that has been rediscovered in Galway, Wings magazine, and Terry's Nature News.

A joint environmental initiative by Galway County Council and Conservation Volunteers Galway has led to the remarkable discovery of Autumn Lady's Tresses orchids, which haven't been seen in the area for 80 years. Éanna speaks to Rosina Joyce, Biodiversity Officer for Galway County Council, about the rediscovery.

Like spiders and scorpions, harvestmen are members of the group of invertebrates known as arachnids. Brian Murray is one of the founders of the microWild project, a native wildflower meadow and invertebrate reserve in Co. Wicklow, and he has managed to discover a species of harvestmen that had never before been recorded in Ireland.

Recently, Niall received a message from a friend who found a dead kestrel in their garden. Poison, intended for rodents, may well have been the culprit. Éanna is a spokesperson for the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use in Ireland, so who better to fill us in on the rules and regulations around the use of rat poison.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins & Niall Hatch to discuss rodenticide, harvestmen and a leatherback turtle stamp.

Sea turtles are amongst the most threatened creatures on the planet. A new series of postage stamps issued by the United States Postal Service aims to raise awareness of this issue and one of the photos chosen for the campaign was taken by Irish marine biologist Rowan Byrne.

Award-winning science journalist Amorina Kingdon speaks to Éanna Ní Lamhna about the hitherto hidden sounds of life beneath the ocean waves and her new book Sing Like Fish.

Dermott Doran, a farmer based in north Co. Kildare, tells our roving reporter Terry Flanagan that around 1,000 young birds have fledged from his wall to date.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan to discuss violets, sand Martins, and the undersea world

Nobody could possibly describe our Éanna Ní Lamhna as being a “shrinking violet”, but nonetheless she delves into the origins of this odd phrase for us in tonight’s programme.

We dispatched our roving reporter, biologist Terry Flanagan, to “The Bots” to speak with our good friend there, Director Dr. Matthew Jebb, about what the award means to him and his hard-working team and the attractions currently on offer to visitors.

Richard and Éanna happened to bump into each other recently at Dublin Zoo, which prompted them to chat on tonight’s programme about the zoo’s Meerkat Restaurant, where visitors can eat lunch while Meerkats frolic literally just metres away, outside the window.

Derek happened to be out strolling in the Ballsbridge area of Dublin when he was surprised to see a Woodpigeon clambering along the top of box hedge.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan to discuss Meerkats, Pigeons, Natterjack Toads, the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin and much more

We speak to Kevin Flannery, founder of the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, about this wonderful conservation project, the biology of these rare toads and the importance of ensuring that the highly vulnerable Irish population is saved from extinction.

Repeat of Nature on One Eggs Presenter Niall Hatch, Producer Derek Mooney

Irish conservationist and old friend of the programme Niall Beddy has recently moved to the southern African country of Namibia. He sent Derek a video he took there of a remarkable sighting he had when travelling on a river.

while high in a mountain pine forest, Niall chats to Guillermo about the amazing Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch and the concerted efforts to save it from extinction, as well as about the wonderful unique birdlife of Gran Canaria and the forces of evolution that have given rise to so many unique species and habitats.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan to discuss Hippos, Insects, Blue Chaffinch and much more.

Earlier this August Bank Holiday Monday, as part of our Nature on One series on RTÉ Radio One, we broadcast a special documentary exploring the surprising world of birds’ eggs.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to Fota to speak with Aileen Tennant about her new role, the animals of the park and her plans for the future of this remarkable institution.

Lisa Clancy, who is based near Gort, Co. Galway, is an insect portrait photographer and ecologist. She is currently compiling a book featuring her remarkable artwork, which she hopes will bring people to a greater appreciation of the beauty and utility of these much misunderstood creatures.

Niall Hatch spoke to Derek about the upcoming Nature on One Documentary Eggs.

Terry paid a visit to the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, Co. Dublin and spoke to Dr Matthew Jebb, Director of "The Bots", about some of the more unusual and unique tree specimens with which visitors can get up close and personal.

Derek is joined by Niall Hatch, Terry Flanagan and Richard Collins.

Regular Mooney Goes Wild contributor and fisheries expert Dr. Ken Whelan tells us more about the shocking declines in salmon populations, both in Ireland and further afield.

Co-editor of Wings magazine, Cóilín MacLochlainn had a fascinating botanical question for Dr. Matthew Jebb of the National Botanic Gardens, about Why are plant species so distinctive and readily identifiable?

Our roving reporter, biologist Terry Flanagan, travelled to Fota Wildlife Park in Co. Cork for tonight’s programme. Terry was there to report on the recent birth of three male Asiatic Lion cubs.

One of our listeners, Bernadette Murphy from Kildavin, Co. Carlow, sent us in this remarkable photo of two crab spiders on an oxeye daisy in her garden. Bernadette talks to Éanna about these chameleon-like creepy-crawlies.

We are absolutely delighted to be joined from his home studio Dr. Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin. It gave Derek the perfect opportunity to ask about a curious observation regarding an olive tree growing in a pot in his father’s back yard in Dublin.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Matthew Jebb and Reporter Terry Flanagan. Topics up for discussion include; a weeping olive tree, why are plant species so distinctive and readily identifiable, Asiatic Lion cubs in Fota Wildlife Park and Crab Spiders.

Derek is joined by Eric Dempsey, Niall Hatch, Jim wilson, Allen Farrell and Alan McCarthy. Topics up for discussion include the White Swallow, mystery of the missing Moth, birds regrowing missing feathers and the Peregrine Falcons.

Derek bumped into a gentleman called Ken in Dublin’s Herbert Park. He likes to feed the park’s Magpies, and recently noticed that one particularly aggressive individual had attacked one of his or her flock-mates, pulling out all of its tail feathers and wanted to know if these would grow back.

Eric gives us a teaser of what to expect from his documentary on the White Prominent in Co. Kerry and sheds some light on how one of the most enduring mysteries in Irish natural history was finally solved, as well as the appeal to naturalists of moths as a group.

Margaret joins us on the phone from her home in West Cork to tell us all about the White Swallow. Our panellists discuss the reasons behind abnormal feather colouration in birds and get to the bottom of whether or not these Swallows are albino or leucistic individuals.

Mooney Goes Wild contributor Jim Wilson speaks to two men who have been monitoring the St. Colman falcons, Allan Farrell of BirdWatch Ireland’s Cork Branch and UCC graduate and BirdWatch Ireland raptor expert, Dr. Alan McCarthy.

Zarafa the Giraffe: In 1827, a new craze hit Europe, sparking a media and popular culture frenzy. Her name was Zarafa, and she was the first giraffe ever to set foot on French soil.

In this special one-hour Mooney Goes Wild documentary, we delve into the history of Dürer's Rhinoceros.

We visit locations from the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare to the Westman Islands, off the southwestern coast of Iceland, to explore the beauty and astonishing adaptations of the Puffins, as well as to see how conservationists are trying to turn the tide so that these unique creatures can have a future.

Kicking of out first Series of Summer Docs, we look into the world of the Cuckoo. Produced and Presented by Derek Mooney- first broadcasted, Aug 2018

We recieved an email from listener Aileen who was struggling to identify a number of insects coming into her home. We dispatched our Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan who Dr Hugh Feeley from Invertebrates and Insects Ireland to find out more about these insects.

Derek is joined by Eanna Ni Lamhna, Niall Hatch, Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan and Michele Browne. Topics up for discussion include Bees and Insects.

Eanna chats to Aoife Macgiollacoda, owner of Galtey Honey Farm and Co-founder of The Native Irish Honey Bee Society, to celebrate International Bee Day.

Derek recievd an email from Michael Robinson in Co Dublin, asking why should we preserve Mosquitos, because they spread maleria and Wasps because they have an unpleasant sting. The panel explain the importance of these insects.

Listener Denis Crone got in touch with us recently, asking for our help. He has a goldfish pond in his garden in Saggart, Co Dublin and recently he discovered that all of his fish had been killed by an Otter. We duly dispatched Terry Flanagan to check out the pond and to provide some advice.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan and Michèle Browne. Topics up for discussion include Bees, Otters, Sand Martins and an exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens.

Derek and Richard talk to Jim Wilson and Alan Farrell of the Cork Branch of BirdWatch Ireland about the artificial Sand Martin nesting bank constructed at Harper’s Island Wetlands in Co. Cork.

Michèle Browne speaks to Joseph Lynch, a guide at the National Botanic Gardens and organiser of Stories from the Gardens exhibition.

We dispatched our roving reporter Terry Flanagan to a Bee Identification Workshop at Baltyboys House in Blessington, Co. Wicklow, organised by Brian Murray of microWild, a project to promote and create biodiversity meadows.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to the campus of University College Cork, where he spoke to BirdWatch Ireland’s Dr. Alan McCarthy about a pair of Ravens that are nesting in a pine tree in the university grounds.

Derek is joined by Eric Dempsey, Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Michele Browne, with reports by Terry Flanagan & Niall Hatch.

On a recent stroll along the Grand Canal in Dublin, Derek and Richard spotted a Cormorant. They are famous for holding their open wings out perpendicular to their bodies. It is often claimed that they are "hanging their wings out to dry, but there is also evidence to show that holding their wings out may also aid Cormorants in digesting their food.

Sam Bayley of NPWS last year, placed satellite tags on 4 adult male as part of the Irish Cuckoo Tracking Project. Sam discusses with Niall how these three Cuckoos got on.

On Monday 6th May, in a special collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), we gave our listeners an unprecedented opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Ireland’s most fascinating yet least well-known birds, the Chough.

Sunday 5th May was International Dawn Chorus Day, and to celebrate this important date in the natural history calendar the Mooney Goes Wild team once again brought listeners across Ireland and the world a live seven-hour celebration of Irish birdsong.

The second episode of the series will be broadcast this coming Sunday 19th May at 18:30 on RTÉ One television. Derek looks at the lengths taken in northern Sweden to control the Raccoon Dog invasion, Rathlin Island's rat problem and the comeback of badgers in The Netherlands.

If you have ever wanted to know more about the appearance of gossamer, whether sea snakes could be encountered in Irish waters, tand much more, be sure to listen!

One of our presenters of the Dawn Chorus, naturalist, author and proud Corkonian Jim Wilson, gives us an overview of some of the species he hopes to bring us during the broadcast.

On Monday 6th May, in a special collaboration with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), we will give RTÉ Radio One listeners an unprecedented opportunity to get up close and personal with one of Ireland’s most fascinating yet least well-known birds, the Chough.

Niall Hatch is not in studio this week; he’s in the village of Fenit on the shores of Tralee Bay in Co. Kerry. He is at the WildMind festival, a celebration of environmentalism, conservation, sustainability and the natural world, he tells us more about the nature-themed festivities.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan paid a visit to a listener called Margaret Nangle, who has a pre-school in Summerhill, Co. Meath. For many years now, the school has had a nestbox with a camera.

Researcher Michele Browne paid a visit to the East Coast Nature Reserve, where Eric gave her a sneak peek at some of the key avian singing stars he hopes to showcase on the Dawn Chorus . . . including, with a bit of luck, the skulking Grasshopper Warbler and the handsome Reed Bunting.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Terry Flanagan Niall Hatch Jim Wilson, Eric Dempsey and Michele Browne. Topics up for disucssion, The Dawn Chorus, Wildmind in Kerry, Choughwatch 2024, Fungi and nesting.

Giuliana Furci, Founding Director of the Fungi Foundation, an associate of Harvard University and a National Geographic Explorer speaks to Éanna all about fungi, fascinating and crucially important organisms that are neither plant nor animal.

International Dawn Chorus Day will take place on Sunday 5th May, and this year the Mooney Goes Wild team will again be bringing it to listeners across Ireland, the world a celebration of Irish birdsong from midnight through to 7:00am on RTÉ Radio One, in a simulcast with RTÉ Lyric FM. We look forward to the biggest radio event in the natural world.

The Magpie is much maligned. Biologist Terry Flanagan debunks some of myths and asks just why we have such strong feelings about this beautiful and intelligent creature.

Margaret Tallot, co author of An Bhumbóg Mór Bhuí dicusses her new book which is all about the Great Yellow Bumblebee.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna Niall Hatch, Michele Browne and Margaret Tallot. Topics up for discussion inclube birds, quiries from listeners, Dawn Chorus and the Great Yellow Bumblebee.

Derek and Richard came upon a rather untidy nest, high on an electricity pylon. It was the nest of a pair of Hooded Crows, we learn all about the nesting habits of these widespread and familiar Irish birds.

As mentioned above, as part of his work for BirdWatch Ireland, our very own Niall Hatch recently gave a talk all about Ireland’s Garden Birds to the members of the Bray Active Retirement Association in Co. Wicklow. We are pleased to bring you a portion of Niall’s talk

Niall tells us about a talk on the topic of Irish Garden Birds that he gave to Bray Active Retirement Association in Co. Wicklow.

Our researcher Michele Browne brings us a selection of the natural history questions that you have posed to our expert panellists. Including a sick Greenfinch.

Despite the inclement weather, the past weekend saw an influx of migrant birds into Ireland, and leading the charge were some of our first Sand Martins and Swallows of the season.

we discuss the impact of storms on animals and check in with our panellists to see whether they survived the meteorological onslaught.

Brilliant though it is, Merlin still makes mistakes, as we learn courtesy of an erroneous report we received of a Creamy-bellied Thrush, a species usually confined to South America. As our panellists explain on tonight’s programme, we can be absolutely certain that it is impossible for one of these New World songbirds to turn up in Ireland.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Eric Dempsey, Niall Hatch, Terry Flanagan, Michele Browne and Denis O'Shea. Topics up discusion include, storms, birds, Ötzi the Iceman and marine life.

Terry travelled down to meet with owner Ger Kirwan and general manager Stephen Murphy-O’Sullivan under a very well-known bridge in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, where they explained the processes involved in the rearing Rainbow Trout Caviar and also the harvesting of the eggs.

Mooney Goes Wild Researcher Michele Browne met with Louise Overy, a shark expert and lecturer at MTU Kerry, they speak about the importance of Tralee Bay as a nursery ground for the above-mentioned cartilaginous fish species, about Angel Sharks, in particular, and about the hunt for Mermaid’s purses.

In Co. Kerry, fishermen are leading the way in the protection of vital sea nurseries in Tralee Bay. Denis O’Shea is Manager of the Tralee Oyster Fisheries Society, and he joins us on tonight’s programme to tell us more.

Eric Dempsey recently had the good fortune of seeing and hearing one a Cetti's Warbler at BirdWatch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow.

Niall Hatch tells us on tonight’s programme, the Kestrel is sadly declining in Ireland, to such an extent that it now finds itself on the Red-list of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland, it is nonetheless still to be found in all 32 counties on this island and is not yet a rarity here.

Last week, Richard Collins took a trip to the Italian Alps with no fewer than seven of his grandchildren. The main purpose of their visit was to see the remains of Ötzi the Iceman, the oldest-known naturally preserved mummy in Europe.

Derek was filming for Bank from the Brink at the The Gearagh in Co. Cork during the week. While there, producer and director of the programme, our good friend Rory Cobbe, took the opportunity to speak to local resident Una Keating about the area, when what should fly overhead but their first Swallow of the year?

We sent Biologist and Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan to go out and about in search of aquatic plants with one of the book’s authors, Prof. Joe Caffrey.

Derek Mooney happens to have two potted bay trees in his front garden, one either side of his front door. Both are the same age, yet one has grown considerably larger than the other. Our panel tell us why.

Ornithologist, author and nature tour guide Jim Wilson and Photographer Mark Carmody chat about their new book Birds of Ireland: A Field Guide – 2nd Edition.

Niall tells us all about his recent trip to Sri Lanka.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins Niall Hatch, Jim Wilson and Mark Carmody. Topic up for discussion include potted plants, the wildlife of Sir Lanka and bird photography.

Authorities in Mount Everest have announced that visitors to Everest are now required to carry their poo back to base camp, rather than simply leave it where it falls.

Dr. Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, joins us from Lambay and tells us more about the Island of Lambay.

With St. Patrick’s Day now done and dusted for another year, Terry thought it was the perfect opportunity to burst a few bubbles by breaking the shocking news to our listeners that there is no such thing as shamrock!

Niall Hatch joins us from the beautiful, nature-rich island of Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean just to the south of the Indian Subcontinent. Niall is visiting Sri Lanka on a birdwatching trip, in the hope of encountering each of the 34 unique, or "endemic", bird species that can be found nowhere else on Earth.

Derek and Richard were taking a stroll recently in Dublin’s Malahide Castle. During their walk, Richard pointed out one of the most impressive of these arboreal specimens, a magnificent and stately Giant Redwood, also known as the Giant Sequoia, Sequoiadendron giganteum.

Our resident biologist and roving reporter Terry Flanagan took a trip recently to Cloncrow Bog, just outside the town of Tyrrellspass in Co. Westmeath.He met up with Eugene Dunbar, secretary of a local ETHOS: what a great name!

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Niall Hatch, Matthew Jebb, Terry Flanagan and Michele Browne. Topics up for discussion include the Island of Lambay, Duke of Wellingtons tree, Sri Lanka, Cloncrow Bog and Shamrocks.

Derek spoke to Dr. Roy Anderson, Ireland’s leading authority on terrestrial invertebrates and author of the book Slugs of Britain and Ireland: Identification, Understanding and Control at his home in Belfast. As Roy explains, slugs are remarkable and unusual creatures, especially when it comes to reproduction.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins & Niall Hatch,T erry Flanagan, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Michele Browne Dr Roy Anderson and Rob Gandola.

Richard took a stroll with our roving reporter Terry Flanagan at Broadmeadow Estuary in north Co. Dublin to take a look at a pair of these magnificent creatures.

Listener Damian Coman from Tipperary sent us a photo of a small creature that he discovered under a pile of logs in his garden. We sent thes photo to our good friend Rob Gandola of the Irish Herpetological Society, who revealed that it wasn’t a lizard, but rather was a Smooth Newt,

Derek and the the panel answer your questions about the Robin, The House Martin and the House Sparrow.

Niall Hatch wasn’t with us for last week’s programme, as he was away on a birdwatching trip to the region of Extremadura in the west of Spain. He tells us it is one of the best birdwatching locations in all of Europe.

We never cease to be amazed by the imagination and innovation of schools as they strive to bring nature back into the lives of children. Parents are playing a key role in this, as our Researcher Michele Browne found out recently when she met with teachers, parents and students at Gaelscoil na Fuinseoige in Churchtown, Dublin.

Derek caught up with Eric Dempsey in Irishtown Stadium while he was conducting a goose survey, prior to the birds’ departure for Canada in late March or early April.

Derek recently bumped into radio presenter Adrian Kennedy, who told him an extraordinary story about a frog that was trapped in the rear tail light of his new Škoda car. Our Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan says that this is probably the most unusual report he has ever done in over 20 years on the programme.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan and Niall Hatch. Topics up discussion include Frogs, Brent Geese and bringing nature into the lives of children.

Derek and the panel answer listeners questions about the Common Wasps and the Harlequin Ladybird.

Jim Wilson spoke to Éadaoin and Ciarán Farrell, Pupils St. Peter’s Secondary School in Passage West, Co. Cork on their reseacrh project which was awarded First Place in the Biological & Ecological Sciences – Intermediate Group category in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2024.

Botanist and BSBI’s Ireland Officer Bridget Keehan speaks to Éanna Ní Lamhna about the results of the New Year Plant Hunt of the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland.

Our reporter Terry Flanagan recently met the CEO of Global Action Plan, Hans Zomer, who explained what the Climate Heroes Challenge entails and how people can become involved.

Derek and the panel answer listeners questions about Blue Tits banging their heads against a mirror in the garden and when should you not cut your hedges?

Aimée Gray is General Manager of Agri Aware and she tells us more about her research into the impact of birds on human health.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Niall Hatch, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Terry Flanagan and Jim Wilson. Topic up for discussion include Blue Tits, hedge cutting, Climate Heroes Challange, birds and human health, birds standing on one leg and a new year plant hunt.

Our panel discuss the emergence from hibernation of frogs each spring, including the factors that cause them to reappear on different dates in different parts of the country. Given the mild winter we have had, it stands to reason that frogs should be out and about over much of the country in the coming days, if they aren’t already.

Ken gives us an update on his project to monitor Mayflies and on efforts to ensure that their populations can grow and thrive once more at key strongholds, including Lough Carra in Co. Mayo.

Our expert in all things fishy, Ken Whelan, discusses the pros and cons of a potential sturgeon reintroduction campaign in Irish rivers and the benefits to other species, including Salmon.

We discuss the Great Tit, a colourful, clever and abundant bird, which range across most of Eurasia and which happen to be the most intensively studied birds in the world.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Ken Whelan and Niall Hatch. Topics up for dicussion include Common Frogs, the Great Tit, Sturgeon, Salmon and grummpy Snowdrops.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to the Natural History Museum in Dublin to speak to Keeper Paulo Viscardi about the large sturgeon specimen on display in the museum, originally caught in the River Liffey.

Our Researcher Michele Browne paid a visit to the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow in Co. Carlow, where on the 40-acre Altamont Gardens she met with plantsman Robert Miller, who runs the garden centre there and was keen to show Michele some particularly grumpy-faced snowdrops!

Sturgeon are not the only migratory: the also travels long distances between its feeding and spawning waters. A highly celebrated species here in Ireland, sadly it is also an increasingly threatened one. As Ken tells us.

Nature On One series on Public Holidays and Mooney Goes Wild have teamed up with BirdWatch Ireland, Ireland's largest wildlife conservation charity, to bring you our inaugural live Garden Birdwatch.

Terry Flanagan brings us news of a pair of Blackbirds in his own garden who have already started the construction of their nest, a rather unexpected occurrence in the month of January.

Our panellists also discuss a bird which seems to be visiting garden bird tables and feeders with increasing frequency. The Bullfinch is a beautiful and unobtrusive little bird which especially loves to feed on flowers.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Jim Wilson, Niall Hatch, Josh Davis and Rob Gandola. Topics up for discussion include; giant penguins, Blackbirds, Bullfinch, The Great Big Garden Bird Watch and Living Classrooms.

Jim joins us to tell us more about what to expect on the big day and to fill us in on some of the most interesting recent avian observations at his bird table.

Richard Collins speaks to Josh Davis, Digital News Editor with the Natural History Museum in London about this remarkable discovery, how these extinct giant penguins lived and how they compare to their cousins who still swim in the southern oceans today.

Terry Flanagan visits Co. Wicklow, the Garden County of Ireland, where he meets up with local resident and wildlife expert Rob Gandola, where they discuss an exciting new project called Living Classrooms.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan & Niall Hatch. Topics for discussion include birds in stormy weather, Jays, inedble insects, nature notes and wildlife playing a key role in enhancing the well-being of patients

Researcher Michèle Browne travelled to Marymount University Hospital and Hospice in Cork to see an innovative programme where wildlife in is playing a key role in enhancing the well-being of patients, including those in the end-stages of life.

The weather here in Ireland has been pretty turbulent of late, we explore how some species of birds deal with high winds better than others, with those that feed mainly on insects and those that must spend the winter at sea generally finding it hardest.

We revisit three of these Nature Notes with the people who wrote them, all of whom will be very familiar to regular Mooney Goes Wild listeners.

Jay's key strategy for coping with food shortages due to bad winter weather conditions is to plan ahead. Each autumn, Ireland’s Jays collect and bury vast quantities of acorns.

Tune in to RTÉ Radio One from 15:00 this February Bank Holiday Monday to help us celebrate Ireland’s garden birds and the people who survey and conserve them, and don’t forget to let us know what you see on the day.

While on holiday on the Canary Island of Lanzarote recently, our RTÉ colleague Brian Lally sent us a very interesting video he filmed of a bird called a Cattle Egret collecting cockroaches. Terry and Niall discuss these fascinating long-necked, long-legged birds.

Terry brings us an update on this magnificent mustelid, which is still thrilling visitors to the busy city park with its spectacular swimming displays and its "otterly" unusual tameness around humans.

November saw European Hydrogen Week, which gave us the opportunity to speak to Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe about this exciting new fuel option and what it could mean for our planet.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Michael Sheridan, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Terry Flanagan & Niall Hatch

Derek is joined by Niall Hatch, Jim Wilson, Eric Dempsey, Éanna Ní Lamhna,Conor Macauley and Manchán Magan.

We kick off this first Mooney Goes Wild programme of 2024 with a series of questions all about birds, submitted to us by email over the festive period. Programme Researcher Michele Browne puts them to Niall Hatch to see if we can come up with answers for our loyal listeners.

This February, as part of our Nature On One series on Public Holidays, Mooney Goes Wild will be teaming up with BirdWatch Ireland, Ireland’s largest wildlife conservation charity, to bring you our inaugural live Great BIG Garden Birdwatch.

Over the years, we have reported on the amazing spectacle of thousands of Starlings performing their murmurations over Belfast. We speak to RTÉ’s Northern Correspondent Conor Macauley, who has been to the Albert Bridge to see the spectacle for himself.

Author and Documentary maker Manchán Magan has a fantastic new book out that we know a great many Mooney Goes Wild listeners will love. Featuring wonderful illustrations by Steve Doogan, Wolf-men and 'Water Hounds: The Myths, Monsters and Magic of Ireland'.

For this New Year's Day, we have a special documentary from our Nature On One series entitled 'The Pigeon'. The programme is presented by Terry Flanagan.

Today's Mooney Goes Wild festive special is about a bird that is intimately associated in Irish tradition with St Stephen’s Day: the tiny Wren. As Niall Hatch tells us on tonight’s programme, these feisty little birds punch well above their weight.

For this Christmas Day, Derek and the team look at the six avian gifts that feature so prominently in the ever-popular festive song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'.

Andrew Byrne of BrayVet in Co. Wicklow highlights one gift that you should definitely not give: a pet

Nature-enthusiast Gustavo Zoladz and Terry Flanagan admire an otter in an unexpected place, Dublin's Herbert Park.

On Christmas Day last year, we broadcast a Mooney Goes Wild special all about the two yuletide plants which feature in one of the most popular Christmas carols. One of the traditional Irish musicians who featured on Vanessa Williams' recording was whistle-player Cormac Breatnach. He talks to Derek Mooney and Éanna Ní Lamhna.

Nick Coughlan of RTÉ Junior tells us about the latest batch of the Ireland’s Unreal podcast, presented by Hugh Cooney.

Michele Browne has been investigating the issue of roadkill for us, with some staggering and deeply concerning results.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Gustavo Zoladz, Terry Flanagan, Cormac Breatnach, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch, Michele Browne, Andrew Byrne and Nick Coughlan. Topics for discussion include the original Christmas bird, an otter in Herbert Park and the Wren.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Researcher Michele Browne, Niall Hatch, Terry Flanagan and Richard Collins for this years Chrsitmas Special.

Éanna recently had the pleasure of speaking to a group of Iarnród Éireann workers about the abundance of wildlife that is to be found along Ireland’s railway network.

Our old friend, UK-based wildlife campaigner, naturalist and author (not to mention founder of International Dawn Chorus Day) Chris Baines happened to be in Malahide, Co. Dublin over the weekend. Derek took the opportunity to catch up with him and to hear first-hand some good news about his acclaimed book RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening.

Jim Wilsona and Dr Alan McCarthy, Barn Owl Research Officer with conservation charity BirdWatch Ireland discuss the current influx of Short-eared Owls.

A Netflix documentary has been raising awareness of and public interest in one of the most fascinating and mysterious groups in the animal kingdom. Neuroscientist Dr Amy Courtney, originally from Dublin and now working at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, admits herself that she has become obsessed with octopuses.

According to ESB Networks, woodpecker-damaged electricity poles have emerged as an issue in parts of Ireland's, particularly in the southeast of the country.We discuss this novel issue, the ways in which it might be tackled and how Irish authorities can learn lessons about how to cope with woodpeckers from their counterparts in other countries.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Jim Wilson, Niall Hatch and Neuroscientist Dr Amy Courtney. Topics up for discussion include wildlife on the railways. octopuses, great spotted woodpecker, Harpers Island wetlands and Short-eared owls.

Jim joins us from Harper’s Island itself and fills us in on the wildlife that can currently be found there and how to experience and enjoy it at close quarters.

Louis O’Toole tells us about his newly-published book, 'The Spectacular Fungi of Killarney National Park' and sheds some light on these oft-overlooked organisms.

Éanna Ní Lamhna chats to Derek about the wild garlic that's suddenly appeared in her garden and Richard Collins discusses how the jungle-like state of his garden may be impacting the value of his neighbours’ properties.

Regular panellist Niall Hatch joins us to chat about two of BirdWatch Ireland's surveys; The Irish Garden Bird Survey & The Irish Staring Murmuration Survey!

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Eric Dempsey, Niall Hatch & Reporter Terry Flanagan. Topics up for discussion include Wild Garlic, The Irish Garden Bird Survey, The I rish Staring Murmuration Survey and more.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan recently travelled to Slane, Co. Meath to meet up with Dr Niamh Roche from Bat Conservation Ireland to find out more about the biology of bats and the research she will be conducting over the next few months.

“Birdman” Eric Dempsey chats to Niall Hatch about the Brent Goose, about the life and times of these remarkable birds: where they come from, what they eat, how they behave and how their population is faring.

Niall Hatch and Herpetologist Gandola were out recording a report about frogs for RTÉ Radio One’s Nature Nights series when the spotted Sika.

Éanna Ní Lamhna chats to Derek about the Waxwing.

This week, regular panellist Niall Hatch joins us from the picturesque town of Mandelieu-La-Napoule in the south-east of France, between the Mediterranean coast and the foothills of the Alps to discuss Wild Boars.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Terry Flanagan and Niall Hatch. Topics up for discussion include Wild Boars, Short-ear Owls, Waxwigs and Sika's.

Keen to see his first ever Short-eared Owl, our intrepid roving reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to Newcastle in north-eastern Co. Wicklow. There, he met up with bird expert Eric Dempsey, who had news of not one, not two, not three but four of these amazing avian predators, all within minutes of his house.

The first Osprey chicks from a new National Parks and Wildlife Service reintroduction programme were released into the wild in August. Derek Mooney charts their progress.

Derek Mooney, Eric Dempsey and Niall Hatch discuss the Wader from Dublin’s Sandymount Strand, one of the most important wader habitats in the country  and find out why Ireland is so vital for their survival.

The first Osprey chicks from a new National Parks and Wildlife Service reintroduction programme were released into the wild in August. Derek Mooney charts their progress.

In this Mooney Goes Wild special we look at the fascinating project that is underway to reintroduce Eurasian Beavers in West London.

Palaeontologist Dr. Tiffany Slater, join us to discuss her research into ancient feathers and to shed new light on some of the most astonishingly constructed objects in all of the natural world.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch, Reporter: Terry Flanagan and Palaeontologist Dr. Tiffany Slater.

Our Roving Reporter, Biologist Terry Flanagan, recently paid a visit to the "Dead Zoo", where he spoke to Paulo Viscardi, Keeper of the Museum, about the Giant Irish Deer.

Éanna tells us about her new book which includes interesting facts from Rabbits eating their own poo to the creatures that feed on humans.

This week, we put Ornithologist Niall Hatch in the Mastermind hot seat, as we ask him to tell us about the most recent addition to that list: the Cape May Warbler.

Roving Reporter, Biologist Terry Flanagan, was in Dublin’s Natural History Museum. Founded in 1856, it is tucked away in a quaint Victorian building on Merrion Street. erry tells us more about the museum’s amazing insect collections.

Richard tells Derek how he noticed a lone Herring Gull who was engaged in what can only be described as a bout of tap-dancing.

Jonathan Beck is project leader of Airbus Fello’fly. He joins us on tonight’s programme from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse to tell us more about how wild geese have been the inspiration behind a system that could revolutionise air travel.

We discuss the problem of bed bug infestations and the precautions travellers can take to minimise the risk of bringing home some unwanted souvenirs from their holidays. We also speak to an old friend of the programme, Katriona McFadden, about her own skin-crawling experience with these unpleasant little critters.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhn, Niall Hatch, Reporter: Terry Flanagan, Katriona McFadden and Johnathan Beck, project leader of Airbus Fello’fly.

For many years on Mooney Goes Wild we consistently said that there were 99 species of Bee in Ireland. These two new arrivals – the Ivy Bee and the Hairy-footed Flower Bee – have brought the Irish bee total to 101 . . . but can Éanna name them all?

Our panellists talk about one of their favourite creatures: the Giraffe. As Richard Collins describes for us, the manner in which our planet’s tallest land animals must splay their legs – essentially looking as though they are trying to do the splits – to reach down to quench their thirst is downright bizarre.

Two years ago, a new species of bee arrived in Ireland. The Ivy Bee was discovered in Co. Wexford. our Roving Reporter, Biologist Terry Flanagan, to speak to Francis about Ivy Bees.

To learn more about giraffes and their colouration, we are joined by Declan O’Donovan, Animal Care Manager at Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park. Declan is an expert when it comes to Giraffes.

One of our loyal listeners, Anne Hally, got in touch with the programme to let us know that, while taking a dip at Ardmore, Co. Waterford on 21st September, she spotted a flock of Brent Geese also swimming in the water. She wanted to know whether this was an exceptionally early sighting of these migrant waterfowl.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch, Reporter Terry Flanagan and Declan O’Donovan, Animal Care Manager at Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park

Catalonia, has long been regarded as one of the finest birdwatching destinations in all of Europe. It’s also a crucial breeding site, wintering habitat and migration stop-over for enormous numbers of birds.

Ireland has one of the lowest levels of tree cover of any European country. As Éanna tells us on tonight’s programme, this is something that SPAR National Tree Day, which this year takes place on Thursday 5th October, aims to tackle.

Daniel C. Able, Co-author and Professor of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University spoke to Richard Collins about his new book ' The Lives of Sharks: A Natural History of Shark Life'.

Two years ago, a herd of Old Irish Goats was introduced onto Howth Head by Fingal County Council in an effort to prevent potentially devastating wildfire outbreaks. The goats’ rutting season is now underway, so last week Terry returned to Howth Head to catch up with Sinead Keane of the Old Irish Goat Society.

Derek noticed a large number of winged objects coming in his windows at home, and feared that he might have an infestation of insects on his hands. Derek need not have worried. Éanna’s gift has cleared up the mystery: she brought him some birch seeds.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna & Richard Collins and Daniel C. Able, Co-author, Professor of Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University and ur Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan. Topics up for discussion include birch seeds, air quality, goats and sharks.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published the latest iteration of its annual air quality report and it reveals that, while air quality in Ireland is generally good , there are concerning localised issues which lead to poor air quality.

Éanna spoke to members of the Teagasc team about the value of hedgerows, and particularly native hedgerow plants, to a whole range of wild creatures, including mammals, birds and pollinating insects.

This summer saw sea temperatures off Co. Donegal increase to levels 4°C above normal. While warmer sea temperatures might be pleasant for us humans when we take a dip, it can spell disaster for marine flora and fauna.

Dr Olga Lyashevska, formerly of the Atlantic Technological University in Galway and currently of the E-Science Centre in The Netherlands tells us more about the Ocean Sunfish.

Marine Biologist Ken Whelan tells Derek all about his Saltwater Dectectives course.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Ken Whelan Niall Hatch, Paulo Viscardi, Dr Olga Lyashevsk. and Éanna Ní Lamhna Topics for discussion include migration, marine life and volcanos.

SeaMonitor is a unique marine research project studying the seas around Ireland, Western Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Dr Michael Stock, Assistant Professor in Geochemistry at the School of Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin, has recently returned from studying volcanoes in the Galapagos. Éanna Ní Lamhna paid him a visit.

September is a time of year when many of our wild creatures take a bit of a break, or at least keep a lower profile than they have during the preceding months. it’s a busy time of year for many fish, too. Salmon and trout are beginning to mature, for example, which means that thoughts are turning to romance!

We speak to Dr. John Carey, who manages the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Corncrake Conservation Programme, about the work being done to ensure that this elusive species will have a future in Ireland and how habitat improvement schemes and building relationships with farmers and landowners are vital.

Derek spotted two pairs of Mallard ducks, who were clearly having a very vocal disagreement. Our experts discuss what may have been going on and just why these ducks were so agitated.

Animal behaviourist Blake Morton, who is based at the Department of Psychology of the University of Hull, is the leader of a research team exploring the Red Fox.

Dr. Richard Collins was out making the most of the warm weather when he spotted a family of Mute Swans.

The recent spell of unseasonably warm weather may have been welcomed by plenty of people across Ireland, but what do unusually hot September temperatures mean for wildlife? For some animals it can bring benefits, whereas for others it can cause serious problems.

Marine Biologist Ken Whelan quickly dropped into the studio tonight to let us know about the fantastic Saltwater Detectives course that he and his colleagues will be running in Co. Louth over the course of three weekends, for the second year in a row.

Derek spoke to Niall Hatch, Richard Collins, Dr. John Carey and Animal behaviourist Blake Morton.

Biologist and Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan pays a visit to the "Dead Zoo" speak to Museum Curator Paulo Viscardi about these amazing, almost other-worldly creatures.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and David James, Associate Professor of Entomology at Washington State University, David James and Co-author.

Éanna Ní Lamhna speaks to Associate Professor of Entomology at Washington State University, David James, co-author of 'The Lives of Butterflies: a Natural History of our Planet’s Butterfly Life'.

Listener Nora Stuart twice spotted a Blackbird pecking on a frog.

Derek was present to witness first-hand as Ospreys were released from their holding pens and took their first flights in Irish skies, after be translocated from Norway.

Listener Catríona Maher made a most unexpected discovery: what she described to us as a "snail graveyard". Our panel dicuss what was found.

Derek was recently bitten by a Ladybird that had landed on his arm. He didn’t even know that this was something a ladybird could or would do.

We speak to Giles Knight, Environmental Farming Scheme Advisor with Ulster Wildlife, who has been monitoring the Fermanagh Osprey pair for the past three years. We also talk to Dr. Philip Buckley of the NPWS about what this will mean for the Osprey reintroduction programme south of the border.

Éanna recieved a video that shows a group of House Martins apparently burrowing into soil on the shores of Lough Derg. The panel discuss, how the birds were most likely collecting mouthfuls of wet mud to effect repairs to their nests.

Richard Collins was out for a walk with Derek in Dublin’s Fairview Park recently, when they came upon local resident Danny Rafferty feeding a Grey Heron. Danny feeds this particular bird every day and has even given it a name: Henno. Henno the Heron.

Max Barclay, Curator of Beetles at the Natural History Museum in London and Co-Author of a new book entitled Beetles of the World: A Natural History speaks with our own resident beetle expert, Éanna Ní Lamhna about his new book.

Biologist and Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to Dundalk to meet Peter Phillips of the Louth Branch of BirdWatch Ireland. Peter has erected perches from which he has observed the visiting Ospreys feeding. He is hoping to introduce nesting platforms over the next year or two.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch, Terry Flanagan,Max Barclay, Co-Author, Giles Knight, Environmental Farming Scheme Advisor, Ulster Wild Life and Dr. Philip Buckley of the NPWS Topics for discussion include House Martins, Ladybirds, Heron's, Ospreys and Beetles.

We visit locations from the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare to the Westman Islands, off the southwestern coast of Iceland, to explore the beauty and astonishing adaptations of the Puffins, as well as to see how conservationists are trying to turn the tide so that these unique creatures can have a future.

Éanna speaks to Tara Adcock, BirdWatch Ireland’s Urban Birds Project Officer, about the efforts underway to help the Swift once again survive, and indeed thrive, in many of its former urban haunts.

We speak to Dr. Philip Buckley of the NPWS about the reasons why the time is finally right to restore these astonishing apex predators to Ireland’s waterways and we hear a recorded commentary by Dr Duncan John Halley of the moment an Osprey chick was removed from its nest site at the top of a Scot’s pine.

What do you do with your garden? Gardens are havens for people with all sorts of interests, as we hear from our panellists on tonight’s programme.

Derek is joned by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Niall Hatch, Éanna Ní Lamhna and Tara Adcock, BirdWatch Ireland’s Urban Birds Project Officer. Topics up for discussion include Pollinator gardens and weather stations, Swifts and Ospreys.

Richard and Éanna give us the lowdown on the unusual mating habits of Newt's. Niall explains why some salamanders, close relatives of the newts, don’t need to mate at all, and Éanna (who else?) even tells us the origin of the expression "as pissed as a newt"!

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna & Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics up for discussion include; the Great Crested Newt, Ring-necked Parakeet and Barrington’s Bird collection.

We are joined by Brian Burke of BirdWatch Ireland, who outlines the potential threats that the parakeets pose here in Ireland, should they become fully established in the wild.

Terry and Richard meet with Paolo Viscardi, Keeper at the in Dublin, to talk about the massive Barrington bird collection, which is housed there today.

we visit locations from the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare to the Westman Islands, off the southwestern coast of Iceland, to explore the beauty and astonishing adaptations of the Puffins, as well as to see how conservationists are trying to turn the tide so that these unique creatures can have a future.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Author and Photographer Carsten Krieger and Secretary of The Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations. Topics us for discussion include wildlife photography, climate change and Bees.

Richard Collins recently took his grandchildren, who are all very keen photographers, to see the Eye on Nature photo exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

Derek spoke to Author Carsten Krieger about his new photography book “Wild Ireland: A Nature Journey from Shore to Peak”

Our Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan and Author and Naturalist, Declan Murphy took a stroll along the wicklow coastline focusing on two plants that have been effected by climate change.

Derek and Eanna spoke to Ken Norton, Secretary of The Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations about whats plants are best for pollination.

In this Mooney Goes Wild documentary, biologist Terry Flanagan discovers why the dandelion deserves our respect.

Biologist Terry Flanagan dispels the myths and highlights the important roles which bats play in the ecosystem. He also meets the dedicated teams of volunteers that work tirelessly on behalf of these oft-misunderstood creatures.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna & Niall Hatch, Declan Murphy, Artist and Activist Katie Holten and Eamonn Meskell, who heads up the NPWS White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Project. Topics for discussion include; Áras an Uachtaráin garden party, Woodpeckers, Language of Trees and bringing lost birds of prey home.

Eamonn Meskell, who heads up the NPWS White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Project, tells us about the efforts that have been made to return these magnificent creatures – Ireland’s largest native bird of prey – to their rightful place in our landscape.

Author, Katie Holten, is an Artist and Activist, born in Ireland and now living in New York City and Ardee, Co. Louth. She joins us to tell us more about the inspirations behind her new book ' The Language of Trees.

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina host a series of garden parties in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin for community group and Éanna Ní Lamhna tells Derek all about the experience and how she relished the chance to attend in all her finery.

Bridget Kinsella, a listener from Co. Wexford approached Derek at Bloom to tell him all about a new avian arrival that she filmed visiting the hanging bird-feeders in her garden. The bird in question is a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

While Derek and Éanna were recording tonight’s programme, RTÉ Radio Sound Engineer Síle Ní Bhaoill happened to pop into the studio to say goodbye. Síle will retire soon, after almost 43 years of service with RTÉ.

James Garvey, the Owner of Rossnowlagh Surf School in Co. Donegal, happened to spot the Humpback Whale in Donegal Bay, an experience he describes as being "a nature lover’s lottery win".

Derek is joined by Richard Collins & Éanna Ní Lamhna, Sam Bailey from the National Park and Wild Life Service, Simon Berrow, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group ,James Garvey, the Owner of Rossnowlagh Surf School in Co. Donegal and RTÉ Sound Engineer Síle Ni Bhaoil. Topics to discuss, exterminating predators, Cuckoo's and Whales.

Éanna outlines how the New Zealand Government has embarked on a campaign to eliminate these non-native mammals from as many of their country’s key conservation zones as possible, with a view to making more habitats free of alien predators.

Derek spoke to Sam Bailey from the National Park and Wildlife Service about the migration route of the Cuckoo.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Niall Hatch and Biologist, Filmmaker and Writer Tom Mustill. Topics up for discusion include; Cape Clear Island, Ecolution, RTÉ's Eye on Nature and How to Speak Whale.

We speak with Biologist, Filmmaker and Writer Tom Mustill, author of How to Speak Whale, to whom Biologist and Conservationist Roger Payne was a much-loved friend and mentor.

On a recent visit to Cape Clear to record a segment for the upcoming new series of the RTÉ One television programme The Summer Show, Derek also recorded an interview with islander Mary Cadogan.

Mooney Goes Wild reporter Terry Flannagan speaks to Daniel Meehan about his winning photograph, his photographic techniques and his very genuine surprise at coming up trumps amongst such an accomplished group of finalists.

RTÉ jnr Producer, Nicky Coughlan, tells us about a special edition of the Ecolution podcast in which presenter Evie Kenny talks to primatologist Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on Chimpanzees.

Derek spoke to all ten of our finalists about their photo techniques, the subjects of their entries and the inspirations they get from the natural world.

Our Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan spoke with two other members of our judging panel, award-winning natural history photographer Sheena Jolley and Dr Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens, about each of the final ten images. Terry also chats with Nationwide co-presenter Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh.

Éanna Ní Lamhna spoke to Derek and the panel about her new book 'Wild Musings'.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Niall Hatch, Ecological Consultant Kendrew Calhoun and Jim Wilson. Topics up for Rathlin Island, Snails in Daffodil heads ,Lapwings, Beluga Whales and the origin of Dogs.

Evolutionary geneticist Prof. Greger Larson, a Director at the Palaeogenomics & Bio-Archaeology Research Network at the University of Oxford in the UK. speaks to Richard Collins from Oxford about what is being discovered about the Dogs ultimate origins.

Our own Richard Collins is no stranger to Rathlin, and on tonight’s programme he reflects on his recent trip there.

Niall Natch has made a special report for us from the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, where he spoke with Thora Gisladottir and Jack Willians, a representative of the Sea Life Trust about the island’s two very special cetacean residents.

Our Roving Reporter, Terry Flanagan spoke to Keith Earls, a Farmer based in north Co. Kildare about how he with the help of Bird Watch Ireland erected a fence to protect Lapwings in his land from predators.

Mary Sommers from Oilgate, Co. Wexford has snails that are congregating in the heads of daffodils in her garden. We were determined to get to the bottom of the mystery for Mary ans who better to ask than Dr. Aidan O'Hanlon, Curator of Entomology at the National Musuem of Ireland and a former snail and slug researcher.

Motoring Journalist Michael Sheridan spoke with designer Nicola Haines and Marketing Manager at Citroën Ireland, Trevor Hunt in the Citroën Power of One showgarden.

Designers Liat and Oliver Schurmann spoke to Derek Mooney about their key aim when designing this arresting showgarden; namely, to express how important it is for very young children aged five and below.

Designer Daibhí MacDomhnaill of Áit Urbanism + Landscape tells us green landscaping is hugely beneficial in urban areas, as it helps to cool the cities, filter pollution and provide drainage. By removing 2 or 3 on-street parking spaces, we can free up room for a parklet on the street.

Designer Darragh Collopy created an Asian-inspired Irish cottage garden aimed at a nature-loving vegetarian with a passion for biodiversity and meditation.

Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland’s largest and most spectacular gardening event. Tonight’s edition of Mooney Goes Wild is a celebration of some of the most ambitious, innovative and inspirational exhibitors and gardeners at the festival.

Benny tells John Bela Reilly on tonight’s programme, he saw an opportunity to combine art and landscape with a sustainable approach to dairy farming.

Niall Hatch spoke with the designer of the Fingal showgarden, Jane McCorkell, about the key elements of her creation.

As the garden’s designer Declan Mc Kenna discusses with Derek Mooney on tonight’s programme, the planting scheme includes a colourful palette of low toxicity plants.

In this Nature on One documentary produced by the Mooney Goes Wild team, Biologist Terry Flanagan dispels the myths and highlights the important roles which bats play in the ecosystem. He also meets the dedicated teams of volunteers that work tirelessly on behalf of these oft-misunderstood creatures.

Derek Mooney and his team explain the history of the Dawn Chorus

On 10th and 11th of March 2023, the 8th Irish Ornithological Research Conference was held at UCC, it represented the first opportunity since Covid began for academics, researchers, conservationists and bird enthusiasts to learn about the latest scientific research into birds. Niall Hatch was on hand during the proceedings in Cork.

Éanna discusses her latest book with Derek, are our native Bluebells under threat? we visit land owned by Dereks colleague in Co Wicklow and the Sahnnon Dolphin Project.

Botanist Dr. Therese Higgins, a Lecturer in MTU Kerry, speaks to Éanna Ní Lamhna about the potential extinction of one of our native Bluebells.

Roving Reporter, Biologist Terry Flanagan. Terry contacted Wicklow-based, Naturalist and Author Declan Murphy to visit a colleague of Derek's Kim Burrows and see the land that he bought in Kildare, while Declan offered some advice

Éanna’s latest book, entitled Wild Musings, will shortly be published by Beehive, an imprint of Veritas Publications. She tells us what we can expect from her new tome, which is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Irish wildlife.

IWDG’s Simon Berrow and Mags Daly join us from our studio in Galway to tell us more about the Shannon Dolphin Project which is based out of the Shannon Dolphin Centre in Kilrush, Co. Clare.

In this documentary, Derek Mooney and biologist Terry Flanagan celebrate the blackbird, and its place in the avian world.

Gearing up for the Dawn Chorus, birds named after their songs, introducing Allan Farrell to the Mooney Goes Wild team, bats emerging from hibernation and wildfires in Killarney National Park.

The panel look ahead at this years The Dawn Chorus, which kicks off on midnight Sunday May 7th.

In a special report for tonight’s programme, Ornithologist and Broadcaster JimWilson introduces us to Naturalist Allan Farrell from, most fittingly, Cuskinny Marsh, who will be a member of Dawn Chorus team this year.

Biologist and Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan has a particular fondness for bats. To mark their seasonal reappearance in our skies, for tonight’s programme spoke with Dr. Niamh Roche of Bat Conservation Ireland about these amazing flying mammals.

On tonight’s programme, we speak to Eamonn Meskell, Regional Manager of the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Southern Division, about the new measures to protect against wildfires at Kilarney National Park.

Derek played a clip of a recent interview with Author, Broadcaster and Television Producer Stephen Moss where he discussed some of the key examples we hope to hear during this year’s Dawn Chorus programme, such as the Chiffchaff and the Corncrake.

Naturalist and proud Corkonian Jim Wilson speaks to aquatic biologist Frances Gallagher, about Irish Seaweed.

Between 28th April and 28th May, the annual celebration of biodiversity called Burren in Bloom will be returning to that unique region of Co. Clare. Pranjali Bhave is Communication Coordinator with the charity Burren Beo and joins us from Kinvara in Co. Galway, right on the edge of the Burren, to tell us more about what is being planned.

Derek travelled to Belvoir Forest Park in Belfast to speak to BBC Radio Ulster producer Jimmy Devlin about the Great Spotted Woodpecker. This bird was formerly absent from Ireland, but is now breeding here in increasing numbers.

Prof. Francis Ratnieks works at the Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects at the University of Sussex in England. He has been studying the recent appearance of the Ivy Bee in Ireland with great interest, he joins us from his home in Sussex to tell us about this new arrival to our shores.

Our roving Reporter, Terry Flanagan, is a big fan of Tulips, so we sent him to the Tulips display at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. While there, he spoke to our good friend Dr. Matthew Jebb, the Director of the gardens, about the impressive floral feature.

Drumming up support in Belfast ahead of The Dawn Chorus, Song Thrush setting the scene for The Dawn Chorus, a Tulips display at the National Bontanic Gardens, Glasnevin, celebrating soil biodiversity, Irish Seaweed, Burren in Bloom 2023 and the Ivy Bee.

For our live Dawn Chorus programme on Sunday 7th May, Ornithologist Eric Dempsey will be broadcasting live from BirdWatch Ireland’s East Coast Nature Reserve in Newcastle, Co. Wicklow. Eric gives us a sneak preview of this wonderful bird and its remarkable song.

Niall Hatch was at a soil biodiversity conference in UCD. He speaks with Ronald Vargas of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations about his opening address, which was on the theme "Keep our planet alive – protect soil biodiversity".

Derek Mooney and guests explore the natural world in all its forms.

Theresa Power, Lead Ranger at Fota Wildlife, spoke about the arival of new Ring Tail Leamers at the park.

Éanna and Derek spoke to Naturalist, Chris Baines about wildlife gardening.

Niall Hatch is France and discuss the early start to French Dawn Chorus and the types of Birds Niall has come across. Our panel also look ahead at The Dawn Chorus which takes place in the early hours of Sunday 7th May.

Our roving Reporter, Terry Flanagan spoke to listener Damien Martin who is having trouble with feral cats in his garden since his dog passed away a how they a decreasing the pupulation of birds in the garden.

Protecting our plant and animal life on earth and the measures being introduced, a rare shark found on Wexford shoreline, wild goats helping against gorse fires and exploring the deep sea.

Due Gorse fires on Howth Head Fingal County Council decided to introduce Irish Goats to feed on Gorse. Our Roving Reporter Terry Flanagan, spoke to council’s goat-herder, Melissa Jeuken, and to Sinead Keane of the Old Irish Goat Society to find out how the animals are getting on.

'The Deep Ocean: Life in the Abyss, an epic excursion into Deep Ocean is co- authored by Louise Allcock, Professor of Zoology, University of Galway chats to Fisheries Scientist Ken Whelan about shining a light on the lives of those denizens of the dark depths.

Fisheries Scientist Ken Whelan and Niall Hatch disucss the Citizen Assembly final report on Biodiversity Loss which contains159 agreed recommendations

Dublin’s North Bull Island is home to large numbers of vulnerable birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants, its a popular location for dog-walkers, which poses threats to wild animals and sensitive habitats in some areas. On the 30th of April Dublin City Council will introduce some coverservation measures which our panel discuss.

We speak to Shark Scientist Dr. Jenny Bortoluzzi about the unexpected appearance of a Smalltooth Sand Tiger Shark, along the Wexford shoreline, and discuss just why a species that is usually confined to tropical and temperate waters has suddenly turned up in Ireland.

In March University College Cork hosted the 8th Irish Ornithological Research Conference. Ornithologist Niall Hatch was on hand to capture the atmosphere of The Bird Conference.

Broadcaster and Televison Producer Stephen Moss discusses his book Ten Birds that Changed the World.

Éanna fills us in on how last month’s arboreal festivities went, as well as why we should all head the key messages of National Tree Week and plant some trees of our own.

Celebrating the sucess of National Tree Week, a mystery animal in a Co Offally bog, Ten Birds that Changed the World, Stoats, a bird confernece and where do Seagulls sleep.

Listener Cathal has encountered a large mamal bigger than a Pine Marten while on a walk 5 times since December. Our panel discuss the possability of it being an Otter.

On 10th and 11th of March 2023, the 8th Irish Ornithological Research Conference was held at University College Cork. Niall Hatch was on hand during the proceedings in Cork to make a special documentary all about the event. Called The Bird Conference, it will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One at 15:00 on Easter Monday, 10th April.

Co. Meath-based farmer Gerald Potterton has a query concerning where Seagulls go to sleep, Derek and Niall disucss where these gulls might go to spend their nights.

The Irish Stoat Survey is appealing to the public for help in recording the presence of this special creature across Ireland throughout 2023 and 2024. Ruth Hanniffy, Species Conservation Officer with the Vincent Wildlife Trust, joins us from our Galway studio to tell us more.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch, Ecological Consultant Kendrew Calhoun and Jim Wilson. Topics up for discussion this week are Alpine Swift, Swans, Frog legs and The Dawn Chorus.

Spring is the season when birdwatchers are on the lookout for unusual and unexpected species. Our panel discuss how Mid-March this year saw an unprecedented "mini-influx" of a bird called the Alpine Swift.

Frog legs are not widely eaten here in Ireland, they are a very popular delicacy across Europe, leading to a collapse in Wild Frog populations. Biologist Dr. Sandra Altherr, a Wildlife Trade Expert, German charity Pro Wildlife, discuss the growing problem and to learn more about the urgent need for the rampant trade in wild frogs to be curtailed.

There are seven species of swan that occur across the globe, three are native to Ireland- Mute Swan, Whooper Swan and the Bewick’s Swan. Richard and Niall discuss these fascinating birds and give us a few pointers on how to identify them.

Whooper Swan populations grow 30 times faster when the birds spend the winter in protected areas. We speak to Ecological Consultant Kendrew Calhoun from one of his study-sites at Malin Head in Co. Donegal about the finding that nature reserves can have a major effect on conservation, even when the areas in question are relatively small.

Our good friend Jim Wilson was preparing for our ever-popular annual Mooney Goes Wild Dawn Chorus programme which will be broadcasted on Sunday 7th May, when he came across a Robin singing at the entrance to Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve.

Our roving Reporter, Biologist Terry Flanagan travelled for a special tour of Commercial Tulip Grower, Noel Ruigrok glasshouses.

Dr. Matthew Jebb has strong family connections to Lambay. He tells us more about the plants and animals that call this island, the fifth-largest in the Irish Sea, home.

Dr. Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, speaks to our panel from the Dublin isle of Lambay about the atlas’ stark revelations, the botanical conservation priorities now required and the particular vulnerability of island flora.

Colette O’Connell, PRO of the Irish Beekeepers’ Association, tells us about the risks that invasive hornets could pose to Honey Bees and other pollinators in Ireland and requests the public’s help in looking out for and reporting these unwelcome insects.

Join biologist Terry Flanagan of the Mooney Goes Wild team as he delves deep into the world of dandelions and reveals just why there is more to these amazing plants than first meets the eye.

Éanna fills us in on what to expect from National Tree Week this year, how to participate in one of the numerous tree-themed events that will be taking place during it and, as always, the importance of this annual celebration of all things arboreal.

Naturalist Jim Wilson went to the Cork city’s Christy Ring Bridge to meet with local otter campaigner Chris Moody, a member of the Cork Nature Network and a man with a passion for these captivating aquatic members of the weasel family.

Éanna attended the launch of Plant Atlas 2020 at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. She tells us more about the sobering trends revealed by the atlas and the steps needed to try to reverse the declines of our native plant species.

Mooney Goes Wild listener Daniel Hogan, a Dubliner who now resides in Co. Wexford, tells Derek about his his close encounter with a Starling murmuration that he captured from the shores of Lough Ennell in Co. Westmeath.

Mooney Goes Wild panelist Niall Hatch attended the 8th Irish Ornithological Research Conference at UCC and he tells us more about exactly what goes on at such a gathering of bird-researchers.

Roving reporter, Biologist Terry Flanagan, travelled to Co. Cavan to speak to an award-winning forester Justin Good who has planted 80,000 trees on his land near Belturbet, he tells us more about this ambitious scheme and the benefits it is already bringing to the local ecosystem.

We speak to Paleoecologist Dr. Karen Bacon of the University of Galway, who studies the ecosystems of the past in order to gather vital clues as to how plants adapt, evolve and go extinct.

Our Nature on One documentaries kick off on St Patrick's Day at 3pm on RTE Radio One, the Dandelion is presented by Terry Flanagan. It is part of a series of documentaries that will celebrate the different facets of the natural world that form part of the rich tapestry of life.

Our panel discusses the sexism and the misogynistic assumptions that have led to female birdsong largely being overlooked and disregarded . . . until now.

We speak to Emlyn Cullen, An Taisce’s National Spring Clean Manager, all about An Taisce’s exciting initiative National Spring Clean 2023, Ireland’s largest anti-litter campaign

We received an email recently from listener Billy Horan, who was walking on Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry when he came across a new-born kid Goat. Sinéad Keane from the conservation group The Old Irish Goat Society advises us on what to do if you find a baby Goat.

The Cuckoos song is generally only heard in Ireland in April but listener Finbarr Healy from Blackwater, Co Wexford, believes they heard the two note song in February and this is the question he poses to our panel this week- did he hear the Cuckoo singing earlier than usual?

Three students from Loretto Convent Balbriggan, namely, Olivia O’Shea, Abigail O’Brien Murray and Erica O’Brien Murray, have been investigating potential solutions to save our Ash trees from Ash Die Back Disease, a disorder caused by fungus.

We love to get challenging questions about wildlife, so we were delighted to receive not one but two of them from loyal listener Kevin Masterson concerning the Red Admiral Butterfly and drake Mandarin Duck , we put the questions to our panel.

We speak to acclaimed wildlife photographer Sheena Jolley, one of our three Eye on Nature judges, about how to go about capturing a winning image, the key equipment and techniques to use and the unenviable challenges facing the judges, who have to choose just one overall winner out of so many truly exceptional entries.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: RTÉ Eye on Nature wildlife photo competition, the Red Admiral Butterfly, the Drake Mandarin Duck, European Beavers returning to London, Heritage Keepers Programme and The Barn Owl.

Our roving reporter Terry Flanagan travelled to the Garden County to speak with Oran O’Sullivan of the Wicklow Barn Owl Group about this important project and what it takes to save this iconic species.

Dr. Sean McCormack, chair of the Ealing Wildlife Group, tells us about the beaver reintroduction project that will soon begin at the wonderfully named Paradise Fields in the suburb of Greenford, the challenges that the project has had to overcome and how these remarkable animals may even be able to prevent flooding at a local train station.

On tonight’s programme, Áine Bird, a coordinator with the landscape and community charity Burren Beo, speaks to Éanna about a fantastic free heritage programme call Heritage Keepers and how Mooney Goes Wild listeners can get involved.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: RTÉ Eye on Nature wildlife photo competition, Nature in the pages of the Irish Times, frogspawn, ornithologists flocking to Cork and a 350 million-year-old fossil in Wexford.

Derek is joined by Dr. John Murray of the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Galway, co-author of the paper. He speaks about the race to save the fossils from the elements and what this discovery is telling us about the evolution of sea urchins.

Jane Smith sent us a photo that she took on 10th February in Co. Tipperary of a frog surrounded by freshly laid frogspawn. Jane was wondering whether if the frogspawn had appeared earlier than usual this year, so on tonight’s programme we put the question to herpetologist Rob Gandola.

We are joined by the chair of the conference, Prof. John Quinn of UCC’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, who tells us more about this landmark ornithological event.

Terry Flanagan travelled there to speak to Dr. Matthew Jebb, director of the gardens and one of our three Eye on Nature judges, about this year’s competition, the kinds of entries he is hoping to see and the key elements that set a winning photograph apart.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins & Niall Hatch. Topics for discussion include: a discussion about ducks, wolves in Norway, Swan killing a cygnet, a crow taking a smoke-break, Friends of Merlin Woods, the battle of the shrews and a look ahead to 'Eye on Nature 2023'.

Derek is joined by Panel: Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch & Terry Flanagan. topics for discussion include: Proof that one Swallow does not a summer make, Spring cleaning your nestboxes, Brawling Blackbird, eggs in a flowerpot, Harper’s Island and Has spring already sprung?

On tonight’s programme, Cork-based ornithologist Jim Wilson goes to University College Cork to speak to Prof. Robert Devoy about what you can tell about the ancient past of Harper’s Island if you dig deep enough . . . quite literally.

Birds are starting to sing, bees are beginning to buzz and we are noticing the fabled "grand stretch in the evenings". Does this mean that spring is already here, or are we still in the grips of winter?

While out shopping recently, Derek met a gentleman called Vivion Hughes who had a strange tale to tell him. Vivion had been perplexed recently to discover that a number of eggs had been buried in flowerpots in his garden. We also received an email from Maggie Moynihan who also found eggs in her garden.

Of the myriad different bird groups that call Ireland home, it could be argued that the ones known as 'waders' are the most interesting of all.

Zarafa the Giraffe: In 1827, a new craze hit Europe, sparking a media and popular culture frenzy. Her name was Zarafa, and she was the first giraffe ever to set foot on French soil.

This is the story of Hope also known as the Wexford Blue Whale which became stranded on Swanton Sandbank at the mouth of Wexford Harbour in 1891.

In this special one-hour Mooney Goes Wild documentary, we delve into the history of Dürer's Rhinoceros.

We have a real treat lined up for you, in the form of a Mooney Goes Wild special all about one of the most beloved and iconic night-time creatures of all: the Barn Owl.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: Mooney Goes Wild turns 28, Coastwatch Autumn Shore Survey, Robin road rage, restoring Parkowen Park and the Ecolution podcast.

Of the myriad different bird groups that call Ireland home, it could be argued that the ones known as 'waders' are the most interesting of all.

Zarafa the Giraffe: In 1827, a new craze hit Europe, sparking a media and popular culture frenzy. Her name was Zarafa, and she was the first giraffe ever to set foot on French soil

The Holly and the Ivy: Two native Irish plants have long been synonymous with Christmas celebrations.

Join in on the festive fun as Derek and the Mooney team select their favourite Christmas gift ideas.

Lynda McSweeney, Head of Education at Fota Wildlife Park, tells us more about her team’s formal education programme, which has expanded from a few hundred students in 1995 to a most impressive 19,000 today.

Derek, Richard and Niall begin by chatting to Sean McKeown, the park’s director, about its origins, its ethos and the captive breeding programmes that form the core of its conservation work.

In 2012, a new Corncrake conservation programme was set up at Fota Wildlife Park, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Jess Hodnett is the ranger with responsibility for the Corncrake population at the park, and she joins us on tonight’s programme to tell us more.

On tonight’s programme, Niall Hatch talks to Sean McKeown about this work and the important role captive breeding can play when it comes to saving critically endangered species.

Fota Wildlife Park is playing a key part in boosting Natterjack toad numbers. As part of a joint initiative with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it has released 6,000 Cork-reared toadlets back into the wild. Fota Wildlife Warden John McLaughlin speaks to our roving reporter Terry Flanagan about this vital conservation project.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Celebrating 40 years of Fota Wildlife Park, topics include: Bolstering Ireland’s endangered Corncrake population, the Madagascar Pochard, boosting national Natterjack numbers and Education is an essential aspect of conservation.

Tonight’s programme consists of a special compilation of the segments produced by Derek Mooney that the Mooney Goes Wild team made for Nature Nights, a week-long series of nature-themed segments that were broadcast on RTÉ Radio One between 31st October and 4th November this year.

Seal pups don’t need any help from us, but human interference can cause them to be orphaned prematurely, meaning they have very little chance for survival. On tonight’s programme, we speak to Melanie Croce of Seal Rescue Ireland.

Niall Hatch tells us about his hopes for this winter’s survey, which experienced a staggering 72% increase in the number of participating households during Covid. He also tells us about some of the key avian winners and losers, and explains why he hopes that more Mooney Goes Wild listeners than ever before will give the survey a go this winter.

Sean Condon is an organic dairy farmer from Crecora, Co. Limerick. Sean is also the winner of this year’s Farming for Nature public award, in recognition of his sterling work to conserve and benefit biodiversity during the course of his work as a busy farmer.

The impact of Sika and Sika-hybrid deer has formed much of the focus of recent work carried out by PhD student Adam F Smith. Adam set up 40 cameras in Co. Wicklow, in an effort to gain greater insight into the animal species that occur there.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna & Niall Hatch. Topics for discussion include: Science Week 2022, deer in Co. Wicklow, Farming for Nature, leave seal pups alone and the Irish Garden Bird Survey.

Derek is joined b Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: the Irish Garden Bird Survey, the Northern Bald Ibis, a Noah’s Ark for Ireland’s plants as well as Albert and the Whale.

Terry Flanagan visits the botanical gardens in Glasnevin to speak to Dr. Colin Kelleher, who heads up the project, about the rationale behind the seed bank, testing the viability of the seeds being collected and the sheer logistical challenge of storing literally millions of seeds for an indefinite period.

Philip Hoare is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Southampton and an acclaimed author in his own right. Philip’s latest book, entitled Albert and the Whale, is an exploration and celebration of the lengths to which Dürer went in the pursuit of the wonders of nature. He speaks to Dr. Richard Collins.

Niall Hatch reports for us from Burghausen, on the success and impacts to date of this impressive reintroduction project. There, he speaks to Corinna Esterer, about efforts to bring the Northern Bald Ibis back to its former habitats.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. topics for discussion include: discarded pumpkins, winter-resting, can humans hibernate, Literature and Ireland’s Trees and Pocket forests.

Tonight’s programme includes an update on the outbreak of avian influenza, or bird 'flu, that currently poses a grave threat both to wild birds and domestic poultry. The isolated archipelago of St. Kilda, which comprise the westernmost islands of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and much much more.

Biologist and roving reporter Terry Flanagan goes in search of this gorgeous bird of prey, long a staple of Irish myths and legends, as well as of RTÉ television each Friday night, thanks to its starring role in the title sequence of The Late Late Show.

Roving reporter and biologist Terry Flanagan speaks to vet Dr. Andrew Byrne, a long-standing friend of the programme, about the problems that fireworks pose for wild creatures and pets alike at this time each year, as well as ways to try to lessen their impact.

From Monday 31st October to Friday 4th November, RTÉ Radio One will be turning the airwaves over to wildlife each evening between 22:00 and 23:00. Called Nature Nights, it will be a celebration of nature and biodiversity in Ireland.

Richard speaks to Emma Roberts, Head of Research with the Urban Squirrel Survey, about its aims and findings.

Derek talks to Eanna and Niall about the Primetime Special - Ireland’s biodiversity emergency.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Niall Hatch, Richard Collins and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: Looking forward to Nature Nights, Ireland’s biodiversity emergency, baby Indian Rhinoceros born in Fota, the impact of fireworks on animals and squirrels in our cities.

We were delighted to see the recent announcement from Cork’s Fota Wildlife Park of a first in its 39-year history, as well as a first for Ireland; a baby Indian Rhinoceros was born there on 19th September 2022, after a gestation period of 16 months, to mother Maya and father Jamil.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: putting gulls on the pill, a white Swallow in Co. Cork, Otherworldly Wonders of Ireland’s Bogs, Deer-rutting season in the Phoenix Park, wild mushrooms and Arthritis in Animals.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins, Niall Hatch and Terry Flanagan. Topics for discussion include: What Makes a Bird, National Tree Day, To Return to my Trees, the best school science project ever and Hidden forces in the deep.

On tonight’s programme, Ken Whelan speaks to us from the wilds of Greenland, the largest island in the world, where he and a team of scientists are tagging wild Atlantic Salmon to learn more about their incredible migration.

While out on a walk recently, Derek came across a very unusual and comical sight which he managed to film with his phone. On tonight’s programme, our panel discusses the extraordinary cleverness of crows and how intelligence and play often go hand-in-hand . . . or should that be wing-in-wing?

Niall Hatch tells us more about Greenland White-fronted Geese and where to find them over the coming weeks, with the sloblands of Wexford being the most important location for them in the whole world.

The planting of trees along the edges of watercourses is one way to help to reverse salmon declines. More trees mean more shade, which in turn means cooler water. Cool water holds more oxygen than warm water, improving the salmons’ breeding success.

We received a letter recently from listener Filimín de Chláir regarding the gender assumptions that are sometimes made about animals on the programme. On tonight’s programme, in response to Filimín’s letter, our panellists discuss gender identity and societal assumptions when it comes to animals.

On tonight’s programme, biologist and roving reporter Terry Flanagan travels to the Bog of Allen to meet Brian O’Loughlin from Rathangan, Co. Kildare. Originally a mushroom farmer, from an early age Brian developed an interest in bog oak.

Derek is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, Richard Collins & Niall Hatch. Topics for discussion include: gender bias in biology, what is the Hooded Crow up to, National Tree Day, bog oak sculptures from the Bog of Allen, trees are helping salmon, a wild goose chase and salmon migration.

we discuss why glass can be such a danger to birds. Essentially, when birds see, for example, the sky or trees reflected so clearly and perfectly, they believe they can simply continue flying into that space, then strike the pane at full speed.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan & Niall Hatch. Topics for discussion include: Avian Influenza, Owls, Wildflower meadows, The Cailleach and the Cosmic Hare and Birds colliding with glass buildings.

Biologist and roving reporter Terry Flanagan speaks to John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland. Terry also meets up with Dr. Una Fitzpatrick, a senior ecologist with the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford to talk about wildflower meadow.

Shane Lehane deep interest in the Irish Hare has led him to write a paper entitled the The Cailleach and the Cosmic Hare, and he fills us in on some of the striking folk beliefs that have sprung up around this mysterious and magical creature.

Over the past couple of weeks, BirdWatch Ireland and other animal conservation and welfare groups have been receiving hundreds of reports of dead and dying seabirds. Avian flu has arrived.

Derek is joined by Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan & Niall Hatch. Topics for discussion include: Avian Influenza, Owls, Wildflower meadows, The Cailleach and the Cosmic Hare and Birds colliding with glass buildings.

Derek is joined by Panel: Richard Collins, Terry Flanagan, Matthew Jebb & Niall Hatch. Topic this week include: Flying south for the winter, trees dying in California, evolution may be predictable, disease-causing fungi thriving, Terry goes batty and carnivorous volunteers needed for new dietary study.

Our panellists discuss some of the species that we will soon be bidding a temporary farewell to, as well as those we will shortly be welcoming. (Whitethroat pictured)