IN PICTURES: Laois boy takes amazing nature photographs

A Laois boy who takes amazing nature photographs is encouraging people to take action in the face of the national biodiversity emergency. 

Rossa Bracken, 14, lives in Camross at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. More below this gallery.

He picked up a camera at the age of 11 and has been honing his skill since. He shares his photos on social media and even brought out a calendar for family and friends at the age of 12. 

He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live more.

"I spend a lot of time in the Slieve Blooms photographing its wildlife. It's amazing finding out about the different birds and animals that are here where they come from and what brings them here.

"My first photo was a buzzard then fallow deer and since then I take my camera everywhere I go. 

"It's important for us young people to know about the local biodiversity how we can help to save as many species and improve their habitats. It's in our interest and our future. 

"Anyone can pick up their phone or camera and record the wildlife around them even on the birdfeeders.

"So many groups out there can advise Birdwatch Ireland and on Facebook Ireland's wild birds and animals page. Ask your grandparents what they remember and what birds they can identify.  Just get out and look around," he said.

Rossa who is home schooled by his mam Kathy is a member of lots of sports clubs too, including Kilkenny Inline Hockey u15s, St Aengus soccer club in Mountrath, playing hurling and football in Camross and Ballyfin clubs.

Find his photos on Instagram at #boyandcamerarossa and on Facebook @Rossa Bracken.

National Biodiversity Week is taking place across Ireland from 19 to 28 May 2023.