Photographed By William Murphy - Select Image To View Photographs

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CHAPELIZOD VILLAGE

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A Tall Guest in Chapelizod: The Land Rover Heron

If you were wandering through Chapelizod recently, you might have spotted a rather prehistoric-looking visitor hitching a ride. This Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) was caught on camera perfectly perched atop a Land Rover Defender, proving that even Dublin’s wildlife appreciates a classic 4x4.

Why the Land Rover?

While we usually see herons standing like statues along the banks of the River Liffey, they are surprisingly adaptable urbanites. Chapelizod, nestled between the river and the Phoenix Park, is a prime hunting ground.

By perching on the roof rack, this heron gained a perfect high-altitude vantage point to scout the surrounding gardens for frogs, mice, or perhaps a snack from a nearby garden pond. It also keeps them safely out of the reach of local dogs and traffic while they dry their wings or wait for the perfect moment to strike.

Where do they live?

Dublin is a stronghold for these birds. You can often find them nesting in large colonies called heronries. If this particular bird is a local, it likely calls the tall trees near the Furry Glen or the islands within Dublin Zoo home. They are famously bold in this part of the city, often losing their natural shyness due to the close proximity of people.

Can I feed them?

It is generally best not to feed wild herons. They are highly skilled apex predators with a diet perfectly tuned to the local ecosystem (fish, amphibians, and small mammals).

The Risk of Dependency: Feeding them can make them "bold" and lead to aggressive "begging" behaviour, which can be a nuisance for neighbours.

The Wrong Diet: Human food like bread or processed meat is nutritionally poor for them and can cause health issues.

If you must help: In exceptionally harsh winters when ponds are frozen, some wildlife enthusiasts offer small, whole raw fish (like sprats) or unseasoned raw strips of poultry. However, in a riverside village like Chapelizod, they have plenty of natural food available!

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The Fallen Tree - Select Image To View Photographs