Wildlife
Donegal Bay's Wildlife
Donegal Bay is warmed by the Gulf Stream and its rich clear waters are abundant with wildlife.
These are just a few of the species you may be lucky enough to see, and how to identify them.
Albacore Tuna
really long pectoral fins, they are half the fish's body length
Summer and Autumn
Atlantic Salmon
a very small mouth. Salmon can be seen jumping in the fish farms.
Spring and Summer
Basking Shark
the "megamouth" as they feed on plankton.
July to October
Black Backed Gull
their size! Ireland's biggest gulls. And of course the black back with white "mirrors" around the edges.
All year round
Bottlenose Dolphin
the distinctively shaped nose! And a curved dorsal fin.
The Summer months
Brent Geese
the dark head and neck, also dark plumage.
Winter. They come to Ireland for the warmth!
Common Seal
lighter fur with ring shapes.
April to July
Cormorant
a long neck and black plumage. Prolific divers.
All year round
Grey Seal
Grey seals are bigger and darker than the common seal.
Winter months
Harbour Porpoise
Smaller than dolphins with straight dorsal fins. (Dolphin fins are curved)
Summer months
Lion's Mane Jellyfish
the mane! Compass jellyfish are often mistaken for dangerous lion's manes.
Summer months
Minke Whale
two blowholes! And a white band on the flipper.
May to October
Razorbill
a white belly and black coat with distinctive markings on the bill.
Late Spring into Summer
