hi could someone answer this question for me please a friend of mine found a rare bird in his garden called a hoopoe but we live in donegal in lreland but I read up about them and they are not common to this part of ireland but have been seen in the south of ireland and the uk but never up here they prefer warmer climates like africa etc... would it have something to do with the climate change that are bringing them to this area is there any one I should contact about it if so could you please tell me who



Thank you


Feathers and jack

UK ANIMAL RESCUERS - BIRDS & BIRD RESCUERS look at this site, there may be a link that can help you. If not then call some of your local vts they may have some numbers for you. Good Luck

Thanks for answering my question but no luck with the site I already asked my vet he didn't know anything but thank you again for answering

feathers n jack

Hi feathers and jack,

In answer to your question you need not be worried that you have sited one,
Privilaged yes, worried no...

The hoopoe is a migrating bird and they pass over here in spring from around April to late may.. they migrate north from africa to europe, they don't however breed in this country, usually they are spotted singly and not in groups when they do arrive here,. we can get quite a few in the south side of the country anything up to 100 to 150 birds have been spotted sometimes in groups of a couple of males , they basically coast the shore lines and cliffs after the many insects that come with the humidity and warmth our springs usually bring...
It is slightly unusual that 1 should turn up in ireland but not impossible, a waif maybe dropped out and slightly lost but once in full health will soon be in flight and to its original post,.


Your best bet if you want more information is to contact the rspb and they can maybe give you more advice and a bit more info abot the bird itself,

Hope this helps
:) katie