Phoenix Park, Dublin.

The Phoenix Park, on the northern side of Dublin City covers 1752 acres and is possibly the largest enclosed city park, in Europe. It was established in 1662 by James Butler, Duke of Ormond as a deer park on behalf of King Charles II and to this day the park contains a large herd of virtually wild fallow deer. 30% of the park is covered by trees, with oak, ash, lime, beech, sycamore and horse chestnut all present. Over 70 species of bird have been recorded in the park, with some 40 being definite breeders. The most recently "discovered" bird inhabitant is the greater spotted woodpecker, which was totally absent from Ireland until about ten years ago.  Most of the mammals found in Ireland have been recorded and include healthy badger, fox, rabbit, bat, and grey squirrel populations. On the down side two former resident mammals, the hare and red squirrel, appear to have disappeared. At the time of writing I understand that the Irish Government is in the process of lobbying UNESCO to have the Phoenix Park designated as a World Heritage Site.

"Deer At Dawn"
A group of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) emerge from a woodland in the
Park on a cold and frosty autumnal morning.

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
Common on Grassy areas of the Park.

Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
I managed to get a couple of shots off before they ran away.
Note the pricked up ears at the sound of the camera click and whirr of the motor drive.

"Dawn Run"
The local pony club out for an early morning gallop on the southern slopes of the Park.

Redwing (Turdus iliacus)
Large influxes of these Northern European thrushes arrive in Ireland virtually every year. Many find their way into the Park where there is an abundance of snails, worms and insects particularly around fallen trees and rotting timber.

Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Widespread throughout the entire Park, where this introduced species appears to have totally replaced the indigenous red squirrel population.

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandaris)
Photographed near the American Ambassador's Residence in the Park this Jay allowed me to get two quick sqeezes on the camera button before flying off. Jays are notoriously difficult to photograph because they spend most of their time, high in the tree canopy where they can be very vocal but only glimpsed occasionally.  I have been trying for a good shot of a jay for a long time, and this one will have to do until I can improve on it!

"Feeding Time"
Philip helps Riin and Evan to feed the ducks in the Dog Pond.

Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Most of the deer in the Park shun close contact with humans but this young
doe seemed facinated by the camera.

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
This well-fed duck was photographed at the Dog Pond, one of the half dozen ponds in the park.