Duhallow Birdwatch Group was established in 2009, its primary aim is to support, educate, inform and promote bird conservation
Duhallow Birdwatch Group was established in 2009, its primary aim is to support, educate, inform and promote bird conservation
The Duhallow Birdwatch Group currently has thirty active members, including professional conversationalists, amateur and beginner bird watchers. Field Trips and seminars are organised throughout the year for members to attend and participate in.
A garden bird survey was undertaken by the group in 2014. Garden birds are among our most familiar and easily observed bird species. They are easily attracted to feeders and bird tables, and can be watched from the comfort of our own homes. In the last year we participated in the BirdWatch Ireland Garden Bird Survey which helped us to keep track of the fortunes of Duhallow’s garden birds. The most common species identified in the survey included: Woodpigeon, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Blue Tit and Starlings.
Duhallow Bird Watch Group organises outdoor and indoor information events each year which are open to the public. Our events enable birdwatchers to be able to recognise birds and discover all about their habits and the habitats in which they live. We always ensure that each field trip is well organised and led by an expert Birdwatcher. Over the last number of years the group has organised number of educational trips, information seminars and practical workshops for members and non members such as:
- Bird Watching Trips to places such as Mizen Head, Cape Clear Islands, Timoleague, Millstreet Country Park and the Macgillycuddy Reeks.
- Visit to East Coast Reserve in Wicklow.
- Visit to Cuskinny Nature Reserve in Cobh, Co. Cork.
- Talk from Wildlife Expert Jim Wilson.
- Visit to Wexford Slobs and Nature Reserve.
- Talk from Jamie Durrant, Birdwatch Ireland.
- Amazing Swift, guest speaker Lynda Huxley
- Visit to Coolwood Wildlife Park
The Dawn Chorus in Duhallow
The Dawn Chorus in Duhallow is traditionally the morning when wildlife enthusiasts across the barony and beyond set their alarm clocks a little earlier than usual to go out and enjoy a morning of beautiful birdsong. Each year it takes place in the Island Wood in Newmarket, where many different species of bird are identified on the day.
Members of Duhallow Birdwatch have access to our Environmental Resource Library which is a learning resource for wildlife enthusiasts. We also have bird seeds available for people to purchase. If you are interested in learning more about Birdwatching or in becoming a member of Duhallow Birdwatching Group please contact Katie on 029 60633.
