Rare sight of five funnel clouds captured on camera

The funnel clouds were captured by wildlife photographer David De Courcy over Wicklow Harbour on Friday morning

A rare sighting of five funnel clouds forming over County Wicklow in the Republic of Ireland has been captured on camera.

They were spotted by wildlife photographer David De Courcy over Wicklow Harbour on Friday morning.

Funnel clouds are cone-shaped formations that appear to dangle from a larger cloud above.

They are typically associated with cumulonimbus thunderclouds, according to the Met Office.

'Completely on the fly'

Although more used to capturing an array of wildlife, photographer David De Courcy told BBC News NI he could not pass up an opportunity to capture the five funnel clouds.

"It was completely on the fly," Mr De Courcy said.

"I saw the lovely sunrise and thought, I'll take a photo.

"I had an idea that they were some sort of vortex. They are a cool weather phenomenon."

When they touch the ground, funnel clouds are classed as tornadoes

Funnel clouds become tornados when they touch the ground and water spouts when they make contact with a body of water.

When they touch the ground, funnel clouds are classed as tornadoes.

They form when the atmosphere is unstable.

Although delighted with his photo, Mr De Courcy is not planning on making the switch from wildlife to weather photography.

"Photographing the weather is more hit and miss," he explained.

"Birds and wildlife are more my thing."