Robert Vaughan

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.

You're probably right, I will be back again before too long no doubt!

Lovely sketches, they are a stunning little duck!

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!

Thanks Steph, I am lucky to be working right next to it a few times a month this winter. Great to have the excuse to keep returning to it!

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!

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.

Glad you got to see it Harry, and sorry I missed you on a rare foray north.

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!

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.

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

Thank you very much Ed, and a very happy new year to you.

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

Beautiful work Holly, great to see the amazing progression. Happy new year!

Happy Christmas Russ, wonderful sketches as always. Best wishes for the new year.

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.

Give me a shout when you coming up, happy to pass on any local gen if you have the time.

Thanks very much Ed, a gorgeous bird and showing very well.

Thank you very much Peter.

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.

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!

Thats really beautiful, lovely work Holly.

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

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

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.

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

Thank you very much Russ.

Thank you Rae.

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.

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

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

Thanks very much Ed, any plans to travel up for it?