The Christmas tree in the grounds of St Josephs Psychiatric Hospital in Limerick cannot be taken down for at least another three weeks.
When staff at the Hospital went to take it down, as is traditional after January 6, they made a most unusual discovery.
A blackbird had made a nest in the tree top and is hatching what is believed to be up to five eggs.
Wildlife experts say it is most uncommon for blackbirds to nest at this time of the year: it happens more usually in the middle to the end of February.
Climate changes which are making our winters warmer and bringing earlier springs could be one reason, but she also could have been attracted to the tree by the lights and the heat, making it a perfect nest location.
The tree is located in the hospital grounds close to the main entrance, giving staff and patients a 'birds eye view' of the nest activity from the hospital's upstairs windows.
The tree will now remain there for at least another 15 days until the chicks are safely hatched.
