School: Rathcoyle, Kiltegan
- Location:
- Rathcoyle Lower, Co. Wicklow
- Teacher: Aodh Ó Broin
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0920, Page 126
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- XML School: Rathcoyle, Kiltegan
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- XML “Bird-Lore”
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On this page
- (continued from previous page)hawk, owl, magpie, hooded crow, tom-tit, yellow-hammer, blackcap, hay-pecker, partridge, pheasant, corncrake, wild ducks and wild geese.
The birds that migrate are; the cuckoo, swallow, martin golden plover, corn crake, and snipe
Some birds build their nests in old houses or walls, while others build them in bog or sandbanks. There are some birds that build their nests in trees or in bushes.
It is said that if anyone interferes with a swallows nest, the cows owned by his people will give blood instead of milk for a period of three days.
When the swallow is flying high it is a sign of fine weather, while on the other hand when it is seen flying low it is said to be a sign of bad weather.
When the birds are seen flying towards the mountains it is said to be a sign of fine weather, while if they are seen coming from the mountains it is said to be a sign of a storm.
There is some traditions connected with the robin having a redbreast.
It is said that when Our Saviour was dying on the cross a robin came and picked the thorns from His head. When the robin was doing so, some drops of blood fell on his breast and since all robins have a redbreast.
- Informant
- Patrick Whbrant
- Gender
- Male
- Age
- 65
- Address
- Kilcarney Lower, Co. Wicklow
