Ronan.McLaughlin's photostream Pro User

The American Wigeon, commonly known as the “Baldpate,” is one of the most northerly dabbling ducks, breeding from the Bering Sea to Hudson Bay and from the tundra edge south to the southern prairies. Highest breeding densities occur in the western Canadian Prairie-Parklands and the Mackenzie Delta and Old Crow Flats in northern Yukon and Northwest Territories. Wintering populations are densest in the Pacific Northwest, throughout the central valleys of California and southern high plains of Texas–New Mexico.

A rare visitor to Ireland and recorded in most years, this young male bird was photographed at Cuskinny Marsh Cobh Co. Cork

Common Dolphin, despite its name is far from common, and can often be difficult to see from land. Schools of between 10 and 100 may be encountered at any time of year, but more particularly during the summer months. If seen well and at close range, this species has wavy stripes of yellow, grey and brown down its flanks, with a long and narrow beak. This was taken south off Hook Head, Co. Wexford.

I was lucky to be at Malin Head when a geomagnetic storm struck the earth this weekend. Having grown up at Malin head I've been lucky to see this wonder of nature on numerous occasions but this time I was able to photograph it. This is a self portrait under the Aurora Borealis and stars at Altnadarrow, Malin head, Co Donegal.

Lots of things turned green for St Patrick's Day, including the skies!

The Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) is a member of the waxwing family of passerines. A sleek bird, 18–21 cm long with a pointed crest, it travels in large, nomadic groups with a strong, direct flight. It breeds in coniferous forests throughout the most northern parts of Europe, Asia and western North America.

its diet consists primarily of berries supplemented by insects, especially during the breeding season.

This species is irruptive, moving in unpredictable migration patterns from year to year, and particularly moving south, often in huge numbers, if the berry supply fails in winter. Birds in winter can be very confiding and will come into gardens for berry bushes and trees, a favourite being the rowan.

Dunlin (Calidris alpina)

One of the smaller waders and our most abundant one in winter and on passage. A limited number breed in some sandy / grassy locations along the west and north coasts. Plumage is highly variable - in summer, rich chestnut above, streaked on breast, white below with a striking black patch on the belly. The more usually encountered winter plumage bird shows a rather non-descript, uniform, plain brownish-grey on all upperparts and cold white underparts. Juveniles in autumn have warm brown tones on the upperparts and considerable streaking on the breast and underparts. There are many other variations and combinations, depending on the bird's state of moult. It is a rather dumpy bird, with black legs and a longish bill which downcurves slightly. Often occurs in very large flocks. An important bird to get to know (in all its plumages) if you want to successfully identify other similar-sized waders.

Pictured here on breeding grounds in Co. Donegal.