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Dublin City River Bird Survey – Volunteer Surveyor

Bird surveys
Time involved No min or max
Skills required River bird ID skills
Duration April - September
Location Dublin City
About this role

Deadline: Ongoing (the survey period ends September 30th).

We are seeking records of river birds (Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, and Dipper) from waterways around Dublin City. Waterways may include rivers, streams or canals, etc.

Tasks:

  • Record river bird species observed in Dublin City.
  • Record the date and location of the sighting.

Record the number and location of any nest sites found. Note of caution, it is prohibited to photograph or interfere with a nest in any way without a National Parks and Wildlife Licence. So, please keep a respectful distance from any nests seen.

Impact

River bird populations are often under-recorded in Ireland due to their ecology. Several of these species are of significant conservation concern including the Grey Wagtail which declined by 67% between 1998 and 2016. Many of these species occur in urban environments. As urbanisation is increasing rapidly in Ireland, we need to better understand (a) our baseline population of river birds, and (b) how are they faring in an increasingly urbanised environment. This information will inform conservation measures for these species. Citizen scientists are key to this project, and your knowledge and sightings will make a significant contribution to our understanding of river bird populations and distribution in Dublin City.

The Dublin City River Bird Survey is coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland and part of a broader framework for improving biodiversity in Dublin City as part of the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan. It is supported by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Benefits of taking part
  • Develop or improve your river bird ID skills
  • Help make a difference in your local community or wider area
  • Improve your health and wellbeing.
  • Spend more time outdoors
What’s required?
  • Ability to ID river birds by sight
  • Ability to ID river birds by calls is of benefit for this survey
  • Binoculars would be beneficial

BirdWatch Ireland strives to be as inclusive as possible. If you have any additional needs and are unsure whether this role would be suitable for you, please do get in touch with the role coordinator.

Time and commitment

Minimum time commitment: No minimum. Observations should be made between April and September.

Hours required: Volunteer can decide how many hours to contribute.

Language skills

Suitable for those with basic English.

Age restrictions

All ages welcome.

Selection details for this role

There are no selection criteria for this role, simply log your sightings below. See ‘How to get involved’.

Volunteers will be provided with the following supports

 

Getting there

The survey takes place in Dublin City at any location of your choice. Hence, sites can be accessed by foot, bike, public transport, or car depending on how close the site is to you.

Log your waterway bird sightings here: https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/river-birds#7/53.455/-8.016