Roger O’Reilly on his new book ‘Birds of Ireland’
Summary
Award-winning artist Roger O'Reilly discusses his new book, *Birds of Ireland, Symbolism, Myth and Folklore*, which explores the rich folklore and weather-prediction traditions associated with Irish birds. He shares insights into the symbolic meanings of species like the blackbird and crow, noting how these beliefs vary across different counties. The conversation also touches on his artistic journey from lighthouses to nature illustration and the personal impact of studying bird behavior.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Roger O'Reilly and his new book
How the book started during the pandemic
Birds as messengers between worlds in folklore
Research highlights: Swallows and Blackbirds
Regional differences in bird folklore and weather signs
Birds as weather predictors
Artistic style and farm life context
Favorite birds and lighthouse comparisons
The Robin as a soul of the departed
Crows, ravens, and their bad reputation
Personal transformation into a bird watcher
Closing remarks and book recommendation
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