2010 News

Wexford Revisited

07/08/2010
Essex Skipper, Co Wexford
Summer Wexford Trip - Part 1
I was lucky enough to visit Co Wexford in January to experience the winter wildlife it offers. This weekend though I got chance to visit in the summer. The primary aim of the visit to photograph a sports event, but a weekend pass from my wife allowed me a little time either side to do some wildlife watching and photography.

First off I would like to thank Chris Wilson (www.wildside.ie) for lots or useful information on local sites for finding some of the species I hoped to see and photograph.

First on the list was one of Irelands newest breeding butterflies the tiny Essex Skipper. The species was seen in Ireland in 2006 in Wexford and has increased in numbers and range since then in South East Wexford. Within minutes of arriving in Wexford I had found them at a small, disused railway platform at Killinick, just metres from the main N11 road to Rosslare.

I was amazed at how small they are, with a wing span on less than 3cm. In all there were at least 75 individuals at this site, feeding on clover and vetches.