While wandering through the fresh air of Ireland, all walks of life are brought to our senses in their special habitats. Many habitats make up the land of Ireland, and throughout this journey we have learned and grown through the experiences of animals, land, and habitats. Killary Sheep Farm, a farm alongside water with fresh green grass screamed “habitat” the second we arrived. The sheep’s environment and the bog land surrounding the sheep farm was for miles, giving the sheep room to live freely. The farm’s dog, Sylvie, herded the sheep in their own habitat to bring them together for one to be sheared. Shearing occurs in the habitat of the sheep so they feel comfortable in their own living space. The sheep farm treats the sheep and takes good care of them until the sheep are killed. They are killed without fear, unlike the United States. I felt like I made a difference by feeding the baby sheep and get to know their habitat and lifestyle in the time I was there.
As I walked beyond the sheep farm along the coast line, I began to smell the ocean breeze and fish habitat. I looked forward to seeing how mussels were farmed in their own habitat, the ocean. Everyday, a half ton of mussels are taken out of the water everyday. Starfish are a major factor who harm the habitat of the mussels and eat them. Another invertebrate that helps the habitat of the mussels is the sea quirt, they drink salt water and spit it back out to cleanse the water. The habitat can be changed on a day to day basis. For example, the man at the mussel farm tries the mussels everyday because water testing goes out Monday through Thursday, and that is to long of a time for the mussels to be trusted to consume. Infections in the water may affect the habitat of the mussels. For example, amnesic infection in the water caused the mussel habitat to be harmed and then human consumption to be harmed. Both the land and the sea are home to many species in Ireland.