Tributes after death of 'birdman of Sherkin Island' Julian Wyllie

Scot who had lived on Cork island for almost two decades was a respected ornithologist and conservationist 

It is believed Julian Wyllie may have suffered a heart attack while walking home. Picture: Denis Minihane

Tributes have been paid following the death of respected ornithologist and conservationist, Julian Wyllie, who was known affectionately as the ‘birdman of Sherkin Island’.

Mr Wyllie, a Scot who had lived on Sherkin Island, off the Cork coast, for almost two decades, was found dead close to his home on January 2. He was in his mid-60s.

It is believed he may have suffered a heart attack while walking home, after ringing in the new year with friends.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Mr Wyllie, who hosted bird-watching talks and led bird-watching and nature tours on the island, was hugely respected among the bird-watching community across Ireland, Britain, and beyond.

He wrote several books, and co-authored Birds through Irish Eyes  with Northern Ireland-based ornithologist Anthony McGeehan.

English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter, and author Chris Packham was among those to heap praise on that book.

It was described by Dick Warner as a “lavishly-illustrated book designed for the indoor celebration of the wonders of the bird world”.

Sherkin-based artist Majella O’Neill Collins was among the islanders to pay tribute to Mr Wyllie, writing on social media: “RIP Jules — may you fly high with your birds."