BirdWatch Ireland

John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland's Raptor Project Manager, recently spoke with The Irish Times about the critical status of Hen Harriers and the progress of the Threat Response Plan. “If the population continues to decline at its current trend they will be extinct within 25 years,” said Lusby.

Read the whole story here:

Embattled hen harrier clings on - but its future is far from certain Once-common bird of prey is at the centre of tensions over land use for farming and forestry

It’s Swift Awareness Week!

These aerodynamic wonders are truly unique, and we are lucky enough to have swifts as summer visitors. BirdWatch Ireland is working hard to document Swift nests for the OPW and county/city councils to try and protect these incredible birds, and to guide where best Swift nest box projects should be installed.

The rules are simple. Step one, find the egg. Step two, name which species laid that egg. Answers below.

The life of a chick isn’t easy, even getting to hatch isn’t guaranteed. Eggs make an easy target for predators looking for a quick meal—luckily, many species have eggs that blend into its surroundings. While it makes it harder for predators, that also means it makes them easier to be accidentally stepped on or disturbed by beachgoers.

All photos taken were taken under NPWS license during conservation and monitoring efforts by BirdWatch Ireland staff.

Answers:
1. Little Tern
2. Arctic Tern
3. Ringed Plover
4. Common Tern
5. Little Tern

Roseate Terns are one of the rarest nesting seabirds in all of Europe, and now, for the first time, they are nesting at the Dublin Port tern colony.

A total of five pairs of nesting Roseate Terns have been confirmed in Dublin Port this year, providing a great opportunity for birdwatchers and the general public to see these rare birds in an accessible location.

“It’s really welcome news that not only have Roseate Terns spread from their main colonies, but the fact that there are multiple pairs rather than just one will hopefully mean they stick around for many years to come.” said Brian Burke, our Senior Seabird Scientist. “The projects at Rockabill and Lady’s Island have been unbelievably successful at increasing the numbers of these birds, but we can’t have all of our eggs in those two ‘baskets’, so hopefully a few more pioneering birds will take a look at other tern colonies in Ireland and further afield in the coming years to help safeguard their future.”

A special thanks to the Dublin Port Company and Irish Nautical Trust who have helped and supported the Dublin Bay Birds Project to protect the important Common, Arctic and now Roseate Tern colony. Learn more about the Roseate Terns at Dublin Port: