What to Look Out For in June

Grey Wagtail

As Gaeilge: Glasóg liath

Latin Name: Motacilla cinerea

Despite its name, the grey wagtail is far from a dull bird. It’s vivid yellow belly and under-tail area make it a bright spot in riverside habitats. It’s a slim, graceful bird with a grey back, white outer tail feathers, and a long, constantly bobbing tail that’s unmistakable even at a distance. Males in breeding plumage often sport a black throat patch, adding to their striking look. They’re typically found near fast-flowing streams, rivers, and lakeshores, flitting from rock to rock as they forage for insects. This combination of grey and yellow, along with their dynamic tail-wagging behavior, makes them easy to identify once you know to look for both colours.

Marsh Marigold

Also known as Kingcup

As Gaeilge: Lus buí Bealtaine

Latin Name: Caltha palustris

A bright splash of gold in damp meadows and marshy ground, the marsh marigold is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in spring. Its large, glossy yellow flowers—resembling buttercups—stand out against its shiny, heart-shaped green leaves. This robust perennial typically grows in clusters, thriving in wet habitats such as stream banks, ditches, and pond edges. Marsh marigold’s simple yet striking flowers—five to nine petal-like sepals—make it easy to identify. 

It’s an important early nectar source for pollinators, playing a key role in supporting biodiversity in wetland ecosystems. Its presence is a good indicator of healthy wetland habitats. 

In Ireland, this wildflower was once called Mary Gold in honour of the Virgin Mary and was traditionally used to celebrate her at Easter.

Tree of the month

Horse Chestnut

As Gaeilge: Crann Cnó Capaill

Latin Name: Aesculus hippocastanum

The horse-chestnut is instantly recognizable throughout the year. Its twigs bear distinctive, horseshoe-shaped leaf scars and large, sticky buds. Its leaves typically consist of five or seven paddle-shaped leaflets. In May, it produces striking pyramid clusters of white flowers, each speckled with yellow—an unmistakable sight. Come autumn, these flowers give way to spiky green fruits that eventually harden into the familiar conkers that every child loves to collect.

Though now common in the landscape, the horse-chestnut is not a native tree; it was introduced to Ireland in the 17th century. Its curious name derives from its historical use as a treatment for horses in Turkey—a reminder of the plant’s long and diverse relationship with people.