10 years of Irish bird reports shows mixed results

31/03/2009 15:25:39 Major publication on Ireland's breeding birds
March 2009. BirdWatch Ireland has published a milestone report on the changes in Ireland's inland breeding bird populations over the past 10 years. These results are based on the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) which is a joint project of BirdWatch Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and which has been carried out through the efforts of 450 dedicated volunteers and staff of partner organisations.

145 species recorded
Altogether, some 145 species have been recorded, including 18 species which are of conservation concern in Ireland. This is the first time anyone has had a decade's worth of breeding bird data for Ireland, and this is already being used for developing government conservation policy.

Wren, robin, blackbird and chaffinch - most widespread
The survey has revealed that wren, robin, blackbird and chaffinch are the most widespread species, occurring across 90% of the country. Rook, starling and wren are the most numerous.

Over the 10 year period, most of our breeding birds have fared reasonably well, especially pigeons, warblers, tits, finches and buntings, with most remaining stable or even showing an increase. Unfortunately, many of these are only beginning to recover from the massive declines which occurred during the 1970s.

Declining - Kestrel, swift, skylark and Mistle thrush
However, some continue to show decline, especially kestrel, swift, skylark and Mistle thrush. These farmland birds have been affected by changes in agricultural practices such as increased use of pesticides and fertiliser. Climate change has also undoubtedly played a role.

Dick Coombes, the CBS Coordinator, commented "Birds are valuable indicators of the health of our environment. This report is the result of the tremendous efforts of Wildlife Conservation Rangers and volunteers throughout the country. It is vital that we continue to track the fortunes of Ireland's breeding bird populations".

CBS participants are gearing up for the start of the twelfth season. If you are confident in your bird identification skills and would like to help, please contact Dick Coombes at BirdWatch Ireland.