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Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Examiner
Birds of Ireland: Black-headed gull
Black-headed gull [Faoileán an chaipín | Chroicocephalus ridibundus] A black-headed gull is about 38-44cm long, with a wingspan of 94-105cm. They are a common breeding species found here all year around — every from at sea/on the coast to estuaries, wetland and farmland. Jackdaw-sized, an adult black-headed gull's breeding plumage features a dark chocolate-brown head; white underside; pale grey back/wings, and dark red beak/legs. Adult in non-breeding plumage have a dark spot behind eye; two dark smudge-lines on head; legs/base of beak paler. Black-headed gulls in their first year have dark brown/black on wings; thin black tail band; orange-yellow legs; pale brown-yellow beak/black tip. In flight, you may see an adult black-headed gull's pale grey back/wings; with their white leading edge to outer primaries forming white triangle (above and below) with black trailing edge. And when flying the reduced white on outer primaries; dark trailing edge to secondaries; brown wing coverts; black tail band of a bird in its first year may be visible. Black-headed gull A black-headed gull has a noisy, high-pitched call; includes thin-sounding, drawn-out kaaww; they also engage in softer 'chatter'. Tip of the Week: The timing of a bird's moult can be different for males and females. Most Irish male duck species, for example, the mallard, moult in June and do it so fast that it is flightless for up to four weeks, while the females moult and becomes flightless only after the young are independent, typically in July or August. For the mute swan, it is the exact opposite: the female becomes flightless two or three weeks after the cygnets have hatched while the male starts moulting only when the female regains her full power of flight. Some of our migratory birds moult completely before leaving Ireland; others have a partial moult here, pause it during migration and finish the process on arrival at their summer or wintering grounds, while a few will wait until the migration flight is over. Trauma and shock can cause a bird to lose some of its feathers, which are usually replaced straight away, and disease and starvation can cause a bird to suspend its moult until it recovers or finds a food supply. All these moult-related plumage changes can result in the same bird species looking different at different times of the year and at different ages before adulthood. Don't worry if you find moult complicated and confusing. As you watch the birds around you more and more, you will notice patterns emerging, such as black-headed gulls losing their dark hood in winter and black-tailed Godwits gaining their rusty breeding plumage in spring. You will eventually get to know the moulting patterns of different species which will help you identify some birds and get a greater understanding of the lives of others. Featured in Birds of Ireland: A field guide by Jim Wilson with photographs by Mark Carmody Jim Wilson is a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader, and former chairman of BirdWatch Ireland. He has been involved in the study and conservation of birds in Ireland for more than 45 years, contributing to several major surveys and international projects. Mark Carmody is an award-winning wildlife photographer, has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European patent attorney.
Irish Examiner
19-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Birds of Ireland: Common gull — or mew gull
Common Gull (Mew Gull) [Faoileán bán | Larus canus] The common gull is about 40-42 centimetres long with a wingspan of 110-120 centimetres. Usually seen here in spring, autumn and winter, common gulls are actually a scarce breeding species here and usually seen on estuaries and wetlands. A common gull is the same size as a black-headed gull. The adults have a grey back and grey wings with a white trailing edge. They have black wing tips with large white spots. Their legs are yellow-green to grey and they have a dull yellow beak. Common gull A common gull's non breeding plumage features streaking on the head and their beak is grey at the base with some black near the tip. Juvenile and immature common gulls take three years to reach their adult plumage. In their first year they have a grey back, with no obvious white on their wings; they have a white tail with a black tail band and they have a black-tipped pink bill and grey-pink legs. In their second year they look like a non-breeding adult except they have less white and more black on their wing tips and they have a thicker black band on their beak. In flight the white wing tips are noticeable on adult birds. Their 'voice' is very squeaky. Tip of the Week: Some waders and gulls when not in adult plumage are considered to be among the most challenging in bird identification, so under- standing their annual moult patterns will help to identify them. All young waders and gulls start out with juvenile plumage which they usually keep until they arrive at their wintering grounds. There they have a 'post-juvenile moult', also called a partial moult, replacing all the body feathers and some of the inner wing coverts with new feathers that have different colours and patterns from the juvenile plumage. All waders have a partial moult, usually sometime between January and April, so it is sometimes referred to as a 'spring moult', and then a complete moult, later in the year, usually sometime between August and November. Most waders reach adult plumage within 12 months of hatching. Gulls, on the other hand, take longer. Small gulls, such as the black-headed gull, take just over a year, medium-sized gulls, such as the common gull, take a little over two years, while big gulls, such as herring gull, take a little over three years. Because moulting takes a few weeks and varies from individual to individual, you might encounter birds with mostly old feathers, a mixture of old and new, or mostly new feathers, all standing side by side. Featured in Birds of Ireland: A field guide by Jim Wilson with photographs by Mark Carmody Jim Wilson is a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader, and former chairman of BirdWatch Ireland. He has been involved in the study and conservation of birds in Ireland for more than 45 years, contributing to several major surveys and international projects. Mark Carmody is an award-winning wildlife photographer, has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European patent attorney. Read More Birds of Ireland: Woodpigeon
Al Etihad
05-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi to partner with GEMMABio Therapeutics, advance gene therapies for children with spinal muscular atrophy
5 July 2025 19:52 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has announced its plans to partner with GEMMABio Therapeutics (GEMMABio), a pioneering global biotechnology company dedicated to advancing global access to gene therapies for rare diseases, in collaboration with M42, a global health champion powered by AI, technology and genomics, and PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East. The announcement follows a high-level meeting, during the BIO International Convention 2025 in Boston, between senior leaders from GEMMABio and key stakeholders from Abu Dhabi's health and life sciences ecosystem. Through this strategic partnership, the entities will jointly establish dedicated manufacturing and research centres within Abu Dhabi's academic health institutions, enabling patients from across the MENA region to access cutting-edge clinical trials and, eventually, approved gene collaboration will kick off with a clinical trial evaluating a next-generation gene therapy product in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), setting a precedent for expanding access to life-saving therapies Mohamed Alameri, Acting Director of Genome and Biobank Division at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, 'Our partnership with GEMMABio marks a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi's journey to become a global leader in developing gene therapies for rare diseases leveraging the Emirati Genome Programme. At DoH, we are committed to reshaping innovation, early detection and personalised care by strengthening the Emirate's capacity to develop, test and scale innovative therapeutics. Through these efforts, we are advancing life sciences applications while offering real hope to patients and families across the region and beyond.'The collaboration will unite the shared vision and technology to further strengthen Abu Dhabi's gene therapy R&D ecosystem, and see the emirate serving as a regional hub for GEMMABio's translational and clinical research activities.A best-in-class gene therapy contract development and research manufacturing organisation will be established in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture between M42 and GEMMABio. Additionally, regional access to GEMMABio's commercialised gene products will be coordinated through Abu Dhabi's gene therapy research and treatment by the emirate's state-of-the-art infrastructure, forward-looking policies and the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) Life Sciences Cluster, Abu Dhabi is offering streamlined licensing and co-commercialisation processes, alongside co-investment schemes and tax relief for biotech startups. Together, these enablers position Abu Dhabi as a leading global hub for life sciences Jim Wilson, Founder, President, and CEO of GEMMABio, said, 'This is a transformational partnership—one that will play a pivotal role in unlocking global access to life-saving treatments for patients with rare diseases. The stakeholders in Abu Dhabi are building a globally recognised gene therapy ecosystem whose impact on the future of life sciences will be both profound and far-reaching. Together, we are aligning scientific innovation with bold ambition to accelerate progress where it's needed most.'Dimitris Moulavasilis, Group Chief Executive Officer of M42, said, 'This partnership helps Abu Dhabi usher in another frontier in the future of health. With our integrated AI- and data-led ecosystem and advancements in precision, prevention, and prediction, this collaboration extends the impact of the Emirati Genome Programme into gene therapeutics targeting rare diseases."M42 is focused on developing genomic insights, fighting against rare diseases and saving lives. Our partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and GEMMABio will accelerate this effort, ensuring people in the UAE and beyond get the gene therapies they need for longer, healthier lives.'This strategic partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi's recent strides in rare disease gene therapies and precision medicine. The emirate has significantly expanded its genomics capabilities through the Emirati Genome Programme, with over 800,000 genome samples sequenced, marking one of the world's most advanced national genomic Dhabi continues to pioneer the administration of cutting-edge gene therapies, expanding access to life-saving treatments that were previously unavailable in the region. With sustained investment in research, talent, and infrastructure, the emirate is reinforcing its position as a regional leader in life sciences and medical Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth, said, 'This collaboration is a powerful reflection of Abu Dhabi's growing influence as a global centre for health innovation. By joining forces with GEMMABio and our strategic partners, we are not only expanding access to advanced gene therapies, but also reinforcing the Emirate's long-term commitment to solving some of the world's most complex health challenges. PureHealth is proud to contribute through its integrated research capabilities and commitment to clinical excellence, aligned with the Department of Health's vision to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients across the region and beyond.'Led by DoH, a high-level delegation embarked on a strategic mission to the US from June 15 to 21, 2025. This visit focused on knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and the signing of new agreements aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced health solutions. Representing Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem, the delegation included key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa University, and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and startAD.
RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Crucial areas for conserving Irish seabirds identified by BirdWatch Ireland
A map identifying the 73 most important areas for Ireland's seabirds is being launched by BirdWatch Ireland. The wildlife NGO used the international criteria outlined by BirdLife International to identify the most crucial areas used by seabirds in Ireland. Areas designated using this criteria, for Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), are recognised by the European Court of Justice and the European Commission as sites that should be designated by Special Protection Areas by EU member states. The map identifies 73 important areas for Ireland's sea birds, 49 of which are colony/breeding areas and 24 of which are marine areas used by birds for feeding and wintering. A total of 41 of the colony areas are already designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs). While two areas of the marine have been identified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as potential SPAs. These are in the northwest Irish Sea and in the sea off Wexford. Jim Wilson has been observing the birds on the Old Head of Kinsale in Cork for more than 50 years. Mr Wilson described the location as a noisy place due to being in the middle of breeding season, with the sounds of Kittiwakes and other birds including guillemots and razorbills. However, he has noticed that the numbers of Kittiwakes are dwindling at the Old Head of Kinsale at "an alarming rate". The numbers of auk, guillemot and razorbill are also decreasing. He said protecting the sea areas for birds where they hunt is "something we need to do fast". IBAs are not a legal protection mechanism but are used to inform the designation of SPAs for birds under the EU Birds Directive. These Irish sites now form part of a global network of IBAs across 243 countries. Ireland is legally obliged to designate areas that protect the lifecycle of birds as SPAs under Article 4 of the Birds Directive, which is an EU legislation. Ireland has had designated areas for the protection of birds since 1998. A total of 24 species of breeding seabirds are hosted by Ireland's marine area, with 23 of them under a red or amber conservation status. Ireland has committed to designate 30% of its seawaters as marine protected areas by 2030. Around 9.8% have this designation. If all IBAs identified by BirdWatch Ireland on this list were designated as SPAs, that would bring the total are covered up to 17.5%. BirdWatch Ireland said it is conservative in its designation and the areas identified are the most crucial ones for Irish seabirds. Ireland's marine waters represent 8% of the total marine area of the European Union's marine area. Issues impacting the birds include a lack of protection at breeding and colony sites, bird flu, overfishing, predation by invasive species, marine pollution and climate change. Ireland began designating marine SPAs three years ago. Less than 2% of Ireland's Exclusive Economic Zone, the offshore area it has jurisdiction over living and non-living resources, is designated for seabirds. The expansion of human activities at sea, including the development of offshore wind projects, pose potential future threats to the birds. BirdWatch Ireland is calling on the Irish Government to designate the areas identified by the NGO as crucial for seabirds as SPAs. They are also calling for management plans to be developed for all SPAs so that conservation efforts can be measured and for funding to measure the potential impact of offshore renewable energy projects on Irish seabirds.
Irish Examiner
29-06-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Birds of Ireland: Great Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull [Droimneach mór | Larus marinus] This gull is around 69-73 centimetres long with a wingspan of 156-160 centimetres. The great black-backed gull is a common breeding species found here — at the coast and on estuaries — all year round. The great black-backed gull is the largest of the Irish gulls, and is much bigger than the black-headed gull. The adult birds have a black back and wings with white wing tips. They have flesh-pink legs and a heavy yellow beak with a red spot. Great Black-backed Gull The plumage of juvenile and immature great black-backed gulls initially has a complex pattern of black/brown/white showing more contrast than on other young large gulls. As it matures, the back turns black first (giving a 'saddle-back' appearance). In flight, you can see their black back; and their broad black wings with a white trailing/leading edge and their white wing tips are also visible. Great black-backed gulls have a strong agile flight. When flying, the young birds show their pale inner primaries and their indistinct dark tail band is visible in flight. Their voice features deep calls, including a short ouawk. Tip of the Week: Gulls are found everywhere in Ireland, from the inland-nesting black-headed gull to the great black-backed gull found breeding mainly on cliffs and offshore islands. They have adapted to living with humans. Two examples of this are the noisy clouds of scavenging gulls following a trawler into port and the trail of gulls following the plough in search of insects and worms. Terns come here in their thousands each summer from their wintering grounds in Africa and beyond. The roseate tern, which is the rarest breeding tern in Europe, has one of its largest colonies on the BirdWatch Ireland/DOE-managed island of Rockabill off the north Dublin coast. Skuas are mainly non-breeding summer visitors and are often referred to as sea-hawks or pirates. They chase other seabirds, usually gulls and terns, until they surrender the food they are carrying. Birds of Ireland: A field guide By Jim Wilson, with photographs by Mark Carmody Jim Wilson is a wildlife writer, broadcaster, tour leader, and former chairman of BirdWatch Ireland. He has been involved in the study and conservation of birds in Ireland for more than 45 years, contributing to several major surveys and international projects. Mark Carmody is an award-winning wildlife photographer, has a PhD in biochemistry and works as a European patent attorney. Read More Birds of Ireland: Collared dove
