BirdWatch Ireland
West Cork Branch
Protecting birds and biodiversity in West Cork
Surveys
There are several surveys to participate in throughout the year, and people are always needed to carry out this important work. Below is a list of some of the surveys currently ongoing.
National Swift Survey 2015 - The National Swift Survey is taking place again this summer 2015, with funding from the Heritage Council, so please enter any Swift sightings & especially any records of nests to the National Swift Survey 2015
Breeding Curlew Survey - BirdWatch Ireland is currently undertaking a survey of breeding Curlew and is appealing for your records. While the focus of the survey is in the north-west, west and south-west of Ireland, records are needed from around the country. The aim of the survey is to get an improved estimate of the number of breeding pairs of Curlew in Ireland and identify important breeding grounds. This information will help monitor long-term populations trends and aid in the design and application of new conservation measures for this threatened, enigmatic and well-loved species.
Birdtrack - A very simple survey for all levels of birdwatcher. A year round survey to record whatever birds are seen during a day. This can be done from any location, and the only equipment necessary is a notebook, although binoculars are recommended. This is an ideal survey for the total novice.
Garden Bird Survey - A survey that even beginners can take part in from the comfort of their own garden. Minimal equipment required: binoculars, notebook and survey form. Survey runs yearly from December to February. The aim is simply to count the peak number of each species that you can identify each week.
Spring Alive - A survey to track the onset of Spring each year. All you need to do is register your first sightings of Swallow, Cuckoo, Swift and White Stork on-line every year.
Countryside Bird Survey - A more challenging survey for those who enjoy a walk while they are out birdwatching. You need to be able to identify all common and widespread birds by sight or sound. Equipment required: binoculars and CBS recording sheet. This survey runs from April to June and requires walking kilometre long transects, while recording the birds seen and heard.
Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) - A very important survey of our wintering water birds. You need to be able to identify and count different water birds at one wetland location that you can get to each month on a set date. Equipment required: binoculars, telescope for larger wetlands and a notebook. Survey runs from September to March each year, with January being the most important count. Damaris Lysaght is the West Cork Co-ordinator for I-WeBs.
River Bird Survey - We are looking for details of your sightings of all riverine species, but especially Kingfisher, Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail and Sand Martin. But we would also like to know about rivers where these birds were absent. We are looking for breeding records of river birds (between mid-March and mid-June) from 2004 up to the present season to help us examine links between water quality and biodiversity.