Lough Boora Parklands

In spring the Parklands come alive as the breeding season starts and plants and hibernating animals begin to emerge. Winter visitors such as the Whooper swan and Greylag goose are beginning to depart whilst on the lakes and wetlands the breeding season commences for Parklands residents such as Coots and Mallard.

Breeding season begins

The Great Crested Grebe, with its rufus frill, partakes in an elaborate courtship display, which can be seen on any of the wetlands during March or April. Meanwhile, the Lapwings engage in aerial courtship, giving a loud perr-u-weet-weet call as they do so. Summer visitors also start to arrive – the Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Swifts, Swallows and in April, the Cuckoo can be heard announcing the coming of summer.

Mammals emerge

The Parkland’s numerous Hares start breeding and large groups are easily observed in the short vegetation. Foxes start to mate early in spring and although rarely seen the vixen's eerie call can be heard at night. Hedgehogs begin to emerge after their long winter hibernation and immediately start searching for food. Frogs and Newts begin to spawn and in the case of newts, this can be seen anchored to the vegetation at the edge of lakes and wetlands.

Plants begin to bloom

Although Gorse can be seen in bloom all year round it is in spring that it blooms most profusely. On mineral soilssuch as along the Leabeg and Mesolithic trails and along Turraun’s pathways, the dandelion-like Coltsfoot blooms, its flowers appearing before its leaves. Catkins appear on the Alder, Willow and Birch trees and by the end of April the leaves are appearing on most of the Parkland’s trees.