Climate Action Project – Dusk Chorus & Biodiversity Walk Derryounce Lakes Portarlington

Climate Action Project – Dusk Chorus & Biodiversity Walk Derryounce Lakes Portarlington

The birds were singing, and the sun was shining for PPN Member Groups from across Laois and Offaly. 

Laois PPN and Offaly PPN held the family friendly ‘Dusk Chorus Walk’ at Derryounce Lakes in Portarlington for PPN Member Groups. It took place during the week celebrating ‘International Dawn Chorus Day’. A ‘Dusk Chorus Walk’ was a wonderful experience of bird song without the early morning start! 

The walk was led by local bird expert, Ricky Whelan, a well know Laois Man who is also the Biodiversity Officer with Offaly County Council. Ricky is a wealth of knowledge and an experienced ornithologist who shared his knowledge with the large crowd of attendees. 

Both resident and visiting bird species could be heard and identified in song as the PPN Member Groups took a gentle stroll in Derryounce Woods. Derryounce Lakes & Trials is a

hidden gem consisting of 355 acres of picturesque lakes, winding trails, woodland, and a treasure throve of biodiversity making it a wonderful location for a Dusk Chorus Walk. 

Ricky provided great advise on recognising the different bird songs from Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Warbels, Blackcaps, Redcaps, Wood Pigeons, Collar Doves, Cuckoos, Finches and many more. Ricky advised attendees how it is only the male bird that sings except for the Robin. Birds sing to attract a mate and to mark their territory. 

Afterwards at Eddies Hotpot attendees were treated to a selection of Hot Foods, Sandwiches, Sweet Treats with Tea/Coffee. 

Dan Bergin Laois PPN Co – Ordinator said, “Laois PPN wish to thank Ricky for sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise. The Dusk Chorus Walk was part of our Climate Action Project. PPN Member Groups thoroughly enjoyed the walk with Ricky – where they learned to identify the songs and calls from a wide variety of resident and visiting birds. A special thanks to Offaly PPN who we partnered with on this cross-county event.” 

Bridie Costello Hynes Offaly PPN Co-Ordinator said, “Offaly PPN were delighted to partner with Laois PPN on the Dusk Chorus Walk at Derryounce lake, a wonderful evening with Offaly County Council’s Biodiversity Officer Ricky Whelan directing the proceedings. Learning about bird song and its many connotations including territorial rivalry among the Birds was new to many. Identifying bird through sound from the Blackbird to the Cuckoo, just two from the myriad of bird song, we were treated to on a very enjoyable evening. Offaly PPN hope to explore further opportunities to partner with Laois PPN.”