iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

I am looking forward to a short trip to Italian Alps at the end of the month with 2 friends. It is an area I have seen several Lammergieir before and we are hoping for a few close encounters on this trip.

Lammergieir painted from previous trips to the Bormeo region in Italy. It is one of the many target birds we are hoping to see again.

0859 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

A real treat earlier in the week was this Red-breasted Flycatcher. It was very elusive on a wet and windy day, but was calling regularly making it a little easier to track.

A sketch of the bird at home while it was still fresh in my mind.

Another sketch at home, based on my photos and notes while still fresh in my mind.

An elusive bird that spent most of its time in the canopy on a dark and wet autumn day. The camera and bins were in constant need of wiping, but a lovely bird to watch.

1242 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

There was an influx of Bairds Sandpipers in Ireland this Autumn with atleast 3 in Donegal. It has been a long time bogey bird of mine, so I was delighted to find one infront of the Tready hide at Inch Island shortly after distant views of another at nearby Blanket Nook.

The juvenile bird showed very well infront of the hide allowing some field sketches to be made.

The first sketch just trying to note the details. The bird earlier in the morning was very distant and into harsh light, so it was great to see this one so well.

0323 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

A recent pic of the juvenile Harpy Eagle, this was done as a small thank you for my in-laws who organised the visit. I have a few more ideas roughed up and looking forward to getting back to soon.

1225 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Some recent illustrations of the Clouded Yellow Butterfly's and Golden Ringed Dragonfly. I was fortunate to get great views of several of each, thanks to Harry Hussey for the Dragonfly site.

It was my first time in over 20 years to see Clouded Yellows, and I was delighted to get such good views.

There were 3 or 4 males and a female at the site I visited, after a short wait I enjoyed amazing views.

1121 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

A couple of weeks ago, work took me close to Wexford and I made the most of the opportunity to see the long staying Grey-headed Wagtail and visit a site for Golden-ringed Dragonfly. It was also great to see my first Clouded Yellows in many years, with several at most sites I stopped.

The male Grey-headed Wagtail showed well after initially being elusive. Although quite scruffy and moulting, it was distinctive enough.

Small numbers of Clouded Yellows were along the coastal areas, but I had several more fly over the road as I was driving inland. At the Dragonfly site, a minimum of 20 fed along with clouds of other species, I have never seen so many together in Ireland previously.

0160 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I was delighted to be asked to contribute a few illustrations to the Donegal Bird Report, excellently compiled by Derek Brennan . 2025 was an incredible year for rare and scarce birds in Donegal with several county and Irish firsts discovered. The report can be viewed at zenodo.org/records/2124...

The Pacific Diver was a first Donegal record, and spent over a month around Glashagh Bay on Fanad. During that time it moulted from winter to summer plumage and gave a great opportunity to study the subtle differences from Black-throated.

The Harlequin Ducks were a long over due Irish first. Originally 2 were found in the harbour at Maheroarty. The birds separated after being spooked on the second day, and only one was seen again. But, that one ended up spending over 6 months in the general area, showing incredibly well.

1416 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

The second of the maps created with Glenveagh was Walking the Woodlands. Graphic Design: Sara Sirtoli www.diademadisara.com Illustrations: www.robertvaughanillustrations.com @glenveaghofficial #nationalbiodiverstyweek #BiodiversityWeek2026 #natura2000 #wildlifeart #donegalevents

The maps are available to all visitors in the park, and are a great way to explore the amazing flora and fauna that can be found there, we really hope you enjoy them!

It was a pleasure to work with the team at Glenveagh to conceive the idea, and work to create the folded maps which we are so happy with.
Sara and I can't thank everyone enough for how great it was to work with them!

030 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Sara and I are only now catching up after a wonderful week of events at Glenveagh National Park during Le Chéile don Dúlra Festival. Graphic Design @diademadisara_design www.diademadisara.com

We were delighted to be invited along to launch the new biodiversity and hiking trail maps that we created together for the Park during the Natura 2000 Biodiversity Networking Brunch.

Graphic Design
@diademadisara_design
www.diademadisara.com

It was a pleasure to work with the team at Glenveagh to conceive the idea, and work to create the folded maps which we are so happy with.

Graphic Design
@diademadisara_design
www.diademadisara.com

Sara and I can't thank everyone enough for how great it was to work with them!
The maps are available to all visitors in the park, and are a great way to explore the amazing flora and fauna that can be found there, we really hope you enjoy them!

Graphic Design
@diademadisara_design
www.diademadisara.com

070 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

I am looking forward to leading a Nature Art Walk and Workshop this Wednesday as part of Le Chéile don Dúlra Biodiversity Festival in Glenveagh National Park. Although the event is free, booking is advised and can be done through the Glenveagh National Park website.

0101 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

It has been a busy few months of work, but I have tried to focus a bit of time on some of my own art work lately. I was fortunate to see this Oriental Turtle Dove that had spent a few months near Lisburn, news only breaking shortly before it departed in March.

Worked up from sketches and photographs, Irelands first twitchable Oriental Turtle Dove showed very well after a long wait.

525221 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

I have not had much time to look back on the Panama trip yet, but I am slowly getting through the photos. These Golden-headed Manakins were a real highlight, over 20 years since I last saw them. Its hard to think of a more entertaining and beautiful family of birds to watch!

The lek was hard to count, birds were coming and going, and calls could be heard way off the track also.

2353 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

It was a privilege to spend so much time enjoying the Harpy Eagles, sketching and photographing them. The few days exploring the remaining forests in this area, will live long in my memory. @robertvaughanillustration @diademadisara_design #panama #darien #harpyeagle #birdwatching

1120 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

A few more of our recent Panama trip, and the Harpy Eagle visit. I am so grateful to my wife Sara @diademadisara_design and her parents for organising this adventure. @robertvaughanillustration @diademadisara_design #panama #darien #harpyeagle #birdwatching #irishartis

Sketching the juvenile in the nest. The views were wonderful, but there was the tough choice of standing in full heat of the sun, or stand in the shade and be eaten alive by mosquitos!

We were incredibly fortunate that the adult male arrived in for 10 minutes. We were told the adults only visit the nest every 2 or 3 days at this stage.

The nest was surprisingly open, surrounded by farmland and banana plantations. Worrying to see such extensive deforestation, but mildly reassuring to see the birds survive.

0110 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

We are almost at the end of a fantastic trip to Panama, the highlight being a wonderful morning in the Darièn region enjoying a Harpy Eagle. The morning was even made more spectacular by the arrival of the adult male.

The juvenile Harpy sat about the nest, fed on an iguana, and just posed beautifully while I was there.

If it wasn't for the heat and the mosquito's, it would have been a perfect morning!

The initial sketches, each change in pose dramatically altered the character. There was just so much expression and personality in this bird.

A pair of Royal Flycatchers gave themselves up the following morning near our accomadation.

0160 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Having become very erratic in it's appearances throughout 2025, I was delighted to catch up with the Double-crested Cormorant at Doon Lough for the first time since December 2024. A family party of Whooper Swans also fed close to the viewpoint, showing beautifully in the afternoon light.

539641 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

2 more of the Harlequin from a few weeks ago. Most of my sketch book is now filled with this bird, I really need to broaden my focus!

1067051 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

A beautiful day along the north coast yesterday, I was really lucky that the Harlequin was again showing really well for a few hours before work. I will be back again next week and can only hope for more good weather!

1414 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

A quick painting of the Harlequin that is still hanging about in north Donegal. I am really looking forward to getting back to the coast later this week and hope to see him again.

0598 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

The highlight of a local wander in the snow yesterday was a pair of Goosander flying over our apt, I was just quick enough to get one photo of the male. A stunning and surprise addition to the garden list!

0160 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

The view from the studio today, lots of Thrush on the move between the flurries. I hope to get out and explore the woods later and see what else is about.

080 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Thanks @hollygroganart.bsky.social for the beautiful calendar, here's to a wonderful 2026!

0192 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

A wonderful, but cold and breezy morning back at Trà na gCloch in north Donegal ahead of my last survey of the year. A huge thank you to everyone who has liked, shared and bought my work throughout the year, I am eternally grateful for all the support. Best wishes for 2026

1232 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Thank you very much to all who follow me, liked and shared my work, it really means a lot to me.

0202 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

I was delighted to catch up with the Harlequin Duck again at Trà na gCloch yesterday. Despite the horrible weather, I was able to sit in the comfort of the car and watch it come and go in the massive surf.

2524 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

It was a pleasure to be asked to judge the Wainfest Children's Art Competition in Glenveagh National Park . The variety and quality of entrants was incredible. A huge thank you to Alarnagh, Clare and Maggie for their incredible work to put it all together. The winners will be announced soon!

180 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

A selection of original illustrations from various recent projects, some of these are available on my website. If you see one you are interested in, please feel free to get in touch. See more at www.robertvaughanillustrations.com

080 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

I have a selection of cards and prints available on my website, as well as many original artworks. You can see the full selection at www.robertvaughanillustrations.com

081 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

I was delighted to be asked to look through the entries and help to select the 12 winners to be included in the annual children’s calendar. Closing date is on 7 December 2025. Entries can be posted or delivered to: Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre Church Hill, Letterkenny Donegal F92P993

Glenveagh National Park are delighted to have received so many impressive entries to our Wainfest Children’s Art Competition on the theme – Irish Wildlife in a Changing Climate.

The closing date for entries is on 7 December 2025 so get drawing, painting and creating and send entries in to us before then.

Twelve entries will be picked by acclaimed wildlife illustrator Robert Vaughan and included in our annual children’s calendar. Donegal County Council & the Climate Action Team are sponsoring some excellent prizes including art packs, vouchers for Nadur shop here in Glenveagh National Park as well as an exclusive art workshop with Robert Vaughan!

Entries can be posted or delivered to:
Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre
Church Hill, Letterkenny
Donegal F92P993

Please ensure your full name, class / year group and contact details are included.

050 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Earlier in the autumn a stunning Red-breasted Goose appeared along the north coast. It was a bit early to be considered a genuine vagrant, but it was a stunning looking bird. It was my first time to see the species anywhere, and I was glad to spend a bit of time sketching it.

2353 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

This Ross's Gull was painted from a long staying bird in Galway a few winters' back. I was fortunate to see it 3 times, and it was my third at that very location. This, and many more original artworks are available on my website www.robertvaughanillustrations.com

1st winter Ross's Gull from Salthill in Galway.

0282 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

I have been trying for a while to get back again and see the Harlequin Duck. Although he has become a little more erratic in his appearances, it is really worth the effort. The moult is advancing rapidly and he is looking stunning, I am really hoping he sticks about for the winter.

3392 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

I am really looking forward to starting a new and exciting project today, this Golden Eagle being the first of a long list of flora and fauna to be illustrated

0131 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

A small selection of the Christmas cards that are available on my website. You can see the full range at www.robertvaughanillustrations.com

061 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Having been delighted with a single Snow Bunting on Monday, I was amazed to find 14 on Tuesday, and atleast 24 yesterday in the Leitrim hills! Sadly, they rarely settled for long, flying far and wide while I was doing survey.

A few sketches of the birds when they did land close by.

A picture of the flock in flight, there may even have been a few out of frame. Very hard to count as they were extremely erratic.

An older painting of a small flock I had during a wintry week in Donegal a few years ago.

0271 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

A 1st winter Ring-billed Gull was reported near one of my survey sites, so a slight diversion after work yesterday resulted in great views as it fed amongst the gulls and mallards in a small park.

1462 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Having spent the day in the hills on a survey and seeing almost nothing yesterday, I was delighted when this snow bunting shuffled out of the heather by my feet and posed so well for almost 15 minutes. Wonderful to see such colour on what seemed like a bleak and barren site.

1181 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

A few sketches from the weekend. Goosander is generally a scarce and shy species in Ireland, always distant at a few regular sites, so I was delighted with one showing well with mallards in Ramelton town on Saturday. The Coal Tit was one of a few birds during some surveying yesterday.

1767 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

White-tailed Eagles are becoming an increasingly regular sight in Donegal, and can almost be guaranteed at a few favoured locations. This was a rough study from a few years ago to help me age the birds I was seeing.

1431 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Two new Christmas card designs are still available on my website. A huge thank you to everyone who has bought them, and for the kind feedback, it is really appreciated! Please check out www.robertvaughanillustrations.com for more.

061 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

A few sketches of a pair of Bullfinches that were quietly feeding in our garden recently. They looked even better against the autumn colours surrounding them.

0211 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

I was glad to see the 2 Taiga Bean Geese last week at Dooey in West Donegal. Having managed brief views of 1 of the 9 Taiga's that had been at Inch, it was a great opportunity to be able to take in the structure and details. A Pink-footed sleeping in a roadside field made for a much better subject.

This adult Pink-footed Goose showed particularly well, sleeping in a roadside field with some Greylags.

It was a great opportunity to sketch the details of what is still a relatively scarce bird away from a few sites.

The 2 Taiga Beans remained distant, but gave an opportunity to focus on the structure, being quite distinct from the more regular Tundra.

Hopefully they remain for the winter now and I will be able to return for better views and more sketching.

0448 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 11/11/2025

I completed the Swainson's and Grey-cheeked Thrush illustration over the weekend. It was really enjoyable to work on these 2 subtle American vagrants that I was lucky to see earlier this Autumn close to home. #donegalbirding

51027 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

A big surprise on Saturday was a Bittern appearing at Inch Island, Donegal. I had just started sketching an American Golden Plover when the Bittern flew in and landed infornt of us. Although typically skulky, it was on show regularly until darkness allowing some sketching.

A few sketches of the head, it spent most of the time hunched over feeding.

It did occasionally stand up right, and even puffed out the head and neck feathers in display at times.

I had only started sketching the AGP when the Bittern appeared. Lesser yellowlegs and a great white egret, plus both barn and long eared owls made for a very memorable evening.

Typical view for the most of the evening.

1240 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Two new Christmas card designs now available on my website, www.robertvaughanillustrations.com Plenty of other cards, prints and some new originals can also be found there.

080 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Donegal has a poor history of American passerines, so it was a bit of a surprise to hear of a Swainson's Thrush last month. Nobody could then have predicted what would be discovered in the following week, with Grey-cheeked Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler and 4 or 5 Red-eyed Vireos. #donegalbirding

Swainson's Thrush and a pencil out line of the Grey-cheeked, both surprise new birds for Donegal that stayed over a week allowing everyone plenty of time to see them.

2634 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

I have just re-stocked on my Christmas cards, including a few new designs that I will share in the coming days. Please have a look at my website to see more www.robertvaughanillustrations.com Many new original paintings and illustrations are also available.

050 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

I was really delighted to receive this beautiful book by the incredible @dougalisart.bsky.social this morning. Page after page of stunning art work, I will be pouring over this for days, and no doubt for years to come, using it as inspiration and motivation.

0101 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

After a recent early morning airport drop off, I continued down to Wexford for the first time in years. I was delighted to find a juvenile American Golden Plover at Tacumshin, before a harrier spectacle. The male Northern Harrier joined a few Hen and Marsh Harriers as the sun set.

The juvenile American Golden Plover appeared to drop in to the lake shore infront of me as I scanned for waders. Apparently a new bird, as there hadn't been one seen in over a week.

Along with American Goldem Plover, 2 Semi-p, White-rumped and Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stints and a fly over Lesser Yellowlegs made for a great afternoon.

After a long wait, the male Northern Harrier arrived in to roost. The light had almost gone when it settled infront of me with another bird. Unfortunately it was too dark to make out if it was the juvenile Northern also present.

1445 0

Robert Vaughan @robertvaughani.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

One of the Harlequins Ducks I found a few weeks ago has settled down on a quiet little beach in North West Donegal and I was really fortunate to spend a bit of time with it recently. Fingers crossed now that it stays for the winter, what a glorious sight it will be in a few months.

The rufous flanks were starting to break through, and in good light there was a blue sheen around the eye, confirming it as a young male as I had originally thought.

The distinct head pattern was just breaking through also, still a long way to go before it is a stunning adult male. I can only hope it remains for the winter and into next spring.

On the water, and in poor light, it looked very dark, impossible to make out any colour. The white crescent at the base of the bill was the only indication that is was a young male.

4636 0