Galway 4: Data collection in the Burren - Jack

Today we went and collected data for different plant and bird species that are native to Ireland. It was extremely windy today and also very cloudy. So it was very tough to get data for the birds. However, we collected data for the different plant species by using the iNaturalist app.

I observed different types of plants such as the genus Leucanthemum. This plant is native to southern and central Europe. I also saw a plant called “Bloody Crane’s-bill”. This is the common name for this plant, but the scientific name is Geranium sanguineum.

We were all tasked with observing at least 40 different plants or insects. The area we were observing these different species was a massive area. This area had a ton of limestone that had all of these unique shapes due to the constant water running through the rocks. There were also walking paths and hiking paths that you could explore the area.

There was also a huge mountain that acted as a natural wall. We found that the mountain was a glacial karst. Some of these paths were extremely rocky and very slippery as well. At one point we started to climb up the hill and we found a running stream that some people drank from. We noticed a lot of trees that were around the area that I have never seen before,

unfortunately the app could not make out what the tree was and I am currently waiting for someone on the app to tell me what tree it was!

There was this broken-down building that was made out of stone. It was unknown how old the building was. We estimated that the building was hundreds of years old, possibly dating back to 1400. We found out that this building was St. Coleman’s old church. We even found a cross on the back of the building, we determined that this cross was originally inside the church. As we ventured up the mountain more we found St. Coleman’s small cave covered with trees and a spider guarding the entrance. I did not enter the cave because I am terrified of spiders.

It was really interesting to see all the new species of wildlife and animals that I have never seen before. The scenery was absolutely stunning and even though it was not the best weather we all had a blast. Professor McCabe also told us about a Stinging nettle. This plant if you touch it will give you a bad rash, but you can easily treat the rash with a Dock leaf. This will rub away the tiny needles that are in your skin.

St. Coleman's Church.

We also found that not a lot of ticks in Ireland carry Lyme disease. We also learned that no natural cases of Rabies exist in Ireland. This part of the trip was so cool and everyone learned a lot of information. This part of the trip was also to get everyone used to using the two apps that we use to identify different species of birds and plants. I found that the app was really easy to use and it was very accurate. There were so many different species of insects and plants around.

Although there may have been some birds deep in the woods, it was too dangerous to explore the woods due to the rocks. This part of the trip made me very excited for the rest of the trip. The first day of the trip was very tiring because of the jet lag. So this was the first part of the trip I was very energized and eager to get the trip started. This trip got everyone really excited to explore a new country not only for the different species of animals and plants, but to also explore the country and all of the beauty it has to offer. - Jack Cappiello

McCabe contribution: Legend has it, that St. Coleman and his assistant were on a 40-day Lenten fast. The saint took pity on his servant who was quite hungry and prayed for food. Meanwhile a feast was occurring in nearby Dunguaire Castle. The plates miraculously left the tables and floated across the Burren to the saint and his companion. The holes in the limestone surface are said to be left by the hoofs of the horses chasing the meal.  All I can say, is there must have been a lot of horses. Our bus driver Emer explained that "these facts are hard to verify"..... With that I can agree!