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The Bird Atlas 2007-11 is off to a flying start following
the first winter of survey work.
The number of dedicated volunteers helping to map Ireland’s
birds has just reached the 1,000 mark for the first time and
an incredible 95,000 bird records have been submitted to the
Atlas website in Ireland. BirdWatch Ireland - the Irish Atlas
Coordinator - is aiming to survey all bird species across
the whole country over the next four years.
The results of this Atlas will play a major part in setting
the priorities for bird conservation in Ireland for the next
two decades. With so many changes taking place across the
country - such as our changing climate, increased development
pressure and evolving agricultural sector - it is essential
that we monitor how our birds are faring amidst an ever-changing
Ireland.
This is why the Atlas is so important and why your help is
needed to put the dots on the maps to answer these questions.
So, from the 1st April, why not do your bit by taking on a
square for the Bird Atlas. The methods involved couldn’t be
simpler and everyone can help - from the expert birdwatcher
to the complete beginner. Just log on to the website - Click
Here - or contact the Atlas Coordinator for details.
The submission of records online allows BirdWatch Ireland
very quickly to build a picture of the distribution of birds
and already there have been some exciting early findings -
like the spread of the Buzzard. However, these maps do not
show the complete picture - it will take four years to do
that.
In Ireland, funding for the organisation and undertaking
of the Atlas fieldwork is being provided by The National Parks
& Wildlife Service, The Environmental Protection Agency, The
Heritage Council and The Environment & Heritage Service -
NI.
Irish Atlas Coordinator - Brian Caffrey, BirdWatch Ireland,
Midlands Office, Crank House, Banagher, Co. Offaly
Tel: 05791 51676 / Email: [email protected]
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