Flying high: Native birds stage comeback

IF the twitter of the robin or the thrush’s song has been more vocal of late, that may not be so surprising.

A new survey reveals that many of our native species of birds are making a comeback after years of decline.

A report released yesterday by BirdWatch Ireland said: “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.”

The results are based on the Countryside Bird Survey which is a joint project of BirdWatch Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The publication coincides with the 2009 All Ireland Bird Conservation Conference, which is being held this weekend in Newcastle, Co Down, and is run jointly by RSPB Northern Ireland and BirdWatch Ireland.

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

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.

However, the report also reveals many of these are only beginning to recover from the massive declines which occurred during the 1970s. Some species also continue decline, especially kestrel, swift, skylark and mistle thrush.

Dick Coombes, the CBS co-ordinator said: “Birds are valuable indicators of the health of our environment.” lBirdWatch Ireland is the largest conservation charity in Ireland, representing more than 14,000 members and with 22 local branches. For more information visit their website at www.birdwatchireland.ie