WILDLIFE OF BLUE FLAG BEACHES

G. THE CLOUDED YELLOW

Migrates to Ireland from Mediterranean countries in early summer. The number arriving varies from year to year. The coast of Cork is one of the best places in Ireland to see this large butterfly.

H. THE SMALL TORTOISESHELL BUTTERFLY

(Aglais Urticae) appears from March to November. It is very common in Ireland and lays its eggs on nettles.

I. THE SEA ANEMONE

Is a flower-like animal that is widespread around the shores of Ireland. It likes rock pools and rocky areas where it can attach itself to rocks by means of a suction disc. It captures small fish with its stinging tentacles and eats through its mouth which is at the top of the animal. At low tide its tentacles are withdrawn.

J. THE CORMORANT

Is a common waterbird of inshore waters in Ireland. Although similar to the Shag, the Cormorant is larger and has a distinctive white face patch. They nest in large colonies on islands off the Cork coast and around the Irish coast.

K. JELLYFISH

These sea creatures are not fish, but primitive animals. They eat plankton, fish or shrimp, which they capture using their stinging tentacles. Most Jellyfish in Irish waters are between 2cm and 20cm diameter. The largest part of the animal is jelly made up of water, so that Jelly fish soon dry out and disintegrate if stranded on the beach in the sun.

L. THE GANNET

(Sula Bassana), with a wingspan of 2 metres is Ireland's largest bird. It has distinctive black wing tips and dives for fish from great heights. It nests in large colonies on coastal islands.

Blue Flag Beaches