birding...

Whitethroat Sylvia communis ©Sue & Andy Tranter http://www.suesbirdphotos.co.uk/

In comparison to most European countries, Ireland has fewer breeding species. While many of these are migratory, there are also many resident species, common in Europe, that are rare in Ireland. There are several reasons for this:

Firstly, Ireland has been isolated as an island for approximately 8,000 years. As a result, many sedentary species including Nuthatches, Willow Tits and Tawny Owls, which do not move great distances, have not managed to cross the Irish Sea. Secondly, Ireland`s mild, wet climate results in a lower winter mortality rate for resident species, allowing such species to commence breeding in the best habitats before many migrants arrive. Therefore, Ireland has fewer available niches for migratory species. Finally, Ireland has fewer habitat types than our neighbouring island. In comparison to Britain, Ireland has less deciduous woodlands and Scots pine forests, while habitats such as heaths, chalk down land and very high mountain ranges are totally absent explaining why birds like Woodlark, Dartford Warbler, Crested Tits and Ptarmigan do not occur here.

However, Ireland does hold healthy populations of some species that are in serious decline elsewhere in Europe. Corncrakes are recovering their numbers in the midlands, while Dublin and Wexford hold large numbers of Roseate Terns. Of course, the islands and headlands of the rugged western and southern coasts hold enormous seabird colonies, with the largest breeding number of Storm Petrels in the world. Ireland also holds three sub-species of breeding birds, Coal Tit, Jay and Dipper, while the Irish Red Grouse is also considered by some to be a distinct subspecies.

While Ireland`s western geographical location is not ideal for many European migrants, it is perfect for the occurrence of many North American species swept across the Atlantic on their long migration from northeast Canada. Every autumn, waders, gulls and passerines are found in the southern and southwestern counties. In Wexford it is not unusual to encounter five species of Nearctic wader in one day at Tacumshin. In the autumn of 1999, up to nine Buff-breasted Sandpipers were seen together in Wexford. In the same autumn, at least 5 Chimney Swifts, a Common Nighthawk and a Swainson`s Thrush were recorded.

Its westerly location has also made Ireland one of the best sea watching spots in Europe. Sites like Cape Clear Island in Cork records large movements of Cory`s and Great Shearwaters most years while in recent times Soft-plumaged (Fea`s) Petrels are annual. Other hot spots for sea watching including the Bridges-of-Ross, Co. Clare, and Kircummin Head, Mayo, have become Mecca`s for sea watchers.

Dominated by the warm Gulf Stream, Ireland enjoys relatively mild and wet winters, making it ideal as a wintering ground for wildfowl and waders. The Wexford Wildfowl reserve holds over half the world`s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese, while the Nearctic influence is still obvious in winter with Ring-necked Ducks seen annually. Each winter large numbers of northern gulls arrive in northern and western counties. Perhaps Killybegs, in Donegal is the most famous with Iceland and Glaucous Gulls occurring in double figures every winter. In recent years smithsonianus Herring Gulls are being found each year while Killybegs also played host to a superb adult Thayer`s Gull, which attracted a very appreciative audience during its three-week stay.

Despite its apparent lower density of species, Ireland holds one last superb attraction to the visiting birder - solitude. Birding is still in its youth in Ireland and its not unusual to spend a mid-week day at one of Europe`s hotspots in perfect weather conditions, at the right time of the year, and not meet another birder. The opportunity of finding your own birds is unique in Ireland. Of course, if you do do that….don`t forget to contact BINS!

New County Pages

The birding information for each Irish county is now to be found on the new Irish County pages... click the interactive map to view them [as soon as it appears...]

This page brought to you in association with:
Cambrian Bird Holidays