Birds Through Irish Eyes – An evocative new publication by acclaimed Belfast writer Anthony McGeehan
Local Belfast writer Anthony McGeehan is set to launch his new book BIRDS Through Irish Eyes at Castle Espie Wetland Centre on Sunday 30 September 2012. Anthony will be speaking about the book, answering questions, and signing copies from 2pm - 5pm.
Everyone loves a story. Ireland’s range of birds has changed over the span of recent centuries and the lives of those that we see today continue to yield secrets. In this great canvas we, the land’s human inhabitants, have been both friend and foe. BIRDS Through Irish Eyes not only pieces together the changes – but also explains why they occurred.
Our role in events is, at times, uncomplimentary but also fused with wonder which, according to Descartes, is the foremost of all passions. New technology adds to this. Where do Ireland’s Puffins spend the winter? From just how far away do wintering Woodcocks travel to get here? Did an extinct seabird really appear off the Waterford coast? Actually it did – a Great Auk – and was taken into captivity where it lived on potatoes.
We live sedentary lives; birds are the jet set. Northbound female Sanderlings touch down on Ireland’s beaches, refuel by snatching tiny organisms along the edge of breaking surf and fly to breed on Arctic tundra. Once there, they shop for a husband and leave him a clutch of eggs. Job done, they turn around and fly south. Cuckoos are well known for cutting corners when it comes to rearing offspring. But how does a young Cuckoo know it’s a Cuckoo?
BIRDS Through Irish Eyes is not just about the birds. Human fascination has sparked admiration, ingenuity and, at times, madness. When Skylarks were kept as cage-birds besotted keepers provided the captive with a daily sod of fresh grass – a ploy that prompted the lark to sing. Children, ‘uncomputered’ and playful outdoors, learned to decoy Treecreepers into view and then caught them with their caps. And the great and the good, eighteenth century writers who described the richness of Ireland’s natural history, had no scruples about paying urchins to swim into estuarine waters to fetch downed wildfowl – in January!
A book this lavishly illustrated, with stunning photographs and engrossing narration, is timely, and may well be the birds’ moment. For some, perhaps, salvation.
BIRDS Through Irish Eyes by Anthony McGeehan with Julian Wyllie is published by The Collins Press. It will be available to purchase at Castle Espie shop, a perfect gift for all family members and to celebrate the launch we will offer visitors a 25% discount in the Loughshore Cafe.
For more information about WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre please visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie, call 028 91 874 146 alternatively follow us on Facebook and Twitter @WWTcastleespie.
