Birds of the homeplace

No matter where one lives there are birds: in gardens, neighbourhoods, on farms, in towns or cities. Once you look, they become familiar and interest sparks, a whole new world of wonder. This shared existence begins at the back door, although birds have been around for 145 million years, a lot longer than us humans. Anthony McGeehan became fascinated with birds around his childhood home. Now he respects them as superior beings. His has been a reporter's journey to gather all the facts about how Ireland's birds live their lives. Over 70 species are centre stage in these innovative descriptions bringing alive the feathered characters of Irish neighbourhoods.