Hawk-eyed public urged to keep watch on birds

ROBINS, wrens and goldcrests are just some of the feathered friends that BirdWatch Ireland is asking households to keep an eye out for over the coming weeks.

As part of BirdWatch Ireland’s Garden Bird Survey, which is in its 17th year, hawk-eyed members of the public are being asked record the numbers of birds visiting their gardens and report back with the information via post or online.

According to development officer with BirdWatch Ireland, Niall Hatch, the information received helps to keep track of the fortunes of Ireland’s most familiar and best-loved birds.

“We ask people to record the highest number of each species they see in their garden each week. It’s free, fun and many people simply do it from their kitchen windows. The survey is very popular and it helps to build up a good picture of the birds that visit Irish gardens.

“Last winter in particular it was very cold and a lot of small birds — such as the wren — didn’t fare out too well. There were also reports of unprecedented numbers of the redwing and fieldfare thrush, so it will be interesting to see if that occurs again this year or if they have returned to normal levels.”

BirdWatch Ireland aims to conserve wild birds and their natural habitats and has over 15,000 members.

According to Mr Hatch, people should keep a look out for the waxwing — a beautiful reddish-brown bird that makes an appearance in Ireland during winter every three to four years.

He added that it is just as important to keep a note of the more common birds that people see, as well as the rarer visitors.

“We need to know how many and how often the more common birds come into gardens, because a difference in sightings by only 1% or 2% even can tell us that something unusual may have happened. So people should take note of birds such as blackbirds too, and it is always good to know our friendly robin is doing okay.”

- www.birdwatchireland.ie

What to feed

Peanuts — preferably in mesh feeders to prevent choking.

- Sunflower seeds.

- Mashed potato.

- Oat flakes.

- High sugar and fat foods, such as bacon rind or cake.

- Try to avoid dry food such as desiccated coconut or rice.

- Bread is not great for birds, as it has little protein.