Tag Archives: Bird Watch Ireland

The Barn Owl was once a much more common sight throughout Clare but in recent years has suffered widespread decline. This summer, Birdwatch Ireland is conducting a survey of the barn owl population in Clare and is seeking the assistance of the public in its endeavours. Have you seen a Barn Owl, do you know of a potential Barn Owl nest site or have you installed a Barn Owl nest box in Clare? You can not report this information on Barn Owls in Clare to BirdWatch Ireland. Over recent decades, Barn Owl populations have suffered widespread declines and are now a Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland. As a top predator and sentinel species for the health of our countryside, the declines in Barn Owl populations are extremely worrying. The intensification of agricultural practices has resulted in the loss of suitable Barn Owl habitats, including a reduction of prey-rich foraging habitat and nesting sites. Alongside these land use changes …

THE Clare Branch of Birdwatch Ireland December outing takes place to Ballyallia Lake just north-west of Ennis on Saturday next, December 11.  Ballyallia is described as a rich limestone lake and it has large numbers of wildfowl. Though not a very large lake, it is an important site in Ireland for Shoveler. Birds such as Whooper and Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail Duck, Tufted Duck, Moorhen and Coot, all of whom are usually seen at this site during the winter months. Birdwatchers also hope to find Curlew, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit. The nearby woodland hosts Jay, Treecreeper and birds of prey.  Those attending are asked to meet at the bird board opposite Lake View Stores on the Ruan road at 11am. The advice is to bring binoculars. If possible, as optical equipment cannot be shared due to public health guidelines Further details are available on Clarebirdwatching.com. Christmas cards and bird calendars are now for sale on birdwatchireland.ie.

NATURE has felt the benefits of decreased human activity during the lock-down, according to experts in Clare, who feel that staying close to home has also given people an opportunity to develop a greater appreciation for local wildlife. “Over the last while, people have become much more aware birdsong in particular,” noted Tom Lynch, Secretary of the Clare branch of Bird Watch Ireland. “It’s not the numbers of birds has increased, it’s just the quietness has made their song much clearer. Chicks have a better chance of survival too and it’s easier for birds to forage.” The drop-off in human activity and regulations confining people to their immediate localities have also lead to a spike in interest in bird-watching, Tom added. “All of our group and formal activities are curtailed, but people are definitely reconnecting with nature and things they were aware of in their youth. We’ve had calls about people hearing cuckoos in mid-April. A bit of a novelty …