Over the past four summers, I have been working on Cape Clear Island, which is a true paradise for nature lovers in Ireland. Surrounded by cliffs, rocky beaches, lakes, bogs, and lush greenery, it is a stunning island where wildlife thrives on the Wild Atlantic. This unique area makes observing birds and other wildlife easily accessible, as it only requires short walks to key sites that allow frequent and close encounters with migratory and resident birds. Cape Clear is undoubtedly a magical spot, not only to bird but to learn and grow personally and professionally!
Before the bursary, I already had valuable experiences through various BirdWatch Ireland and National Parks and Wildlife Service projects and began training for a BTO ringing permit. Living and working on Cape Clear over multiple summers has provided numerous opportunities to develop my practical skills in field ornithology.
This bursary provided an opportunity to immerse myself full-time for 2 weeks in the observatory, improving my skills, gaining new ones, and forming a deeper insight into the world of ornithology and ecology. I worked under the guidance of the observatory’s new Bird Warden, John Horton, and assisted in ringing, guided walks, moth trapping, pelagic seabird monitoring, and surveys, gaining invaluable experience from both John and visiting experienced birders.
On a personal note, this bursary was especially meaningful, as it is in memory of Steve Wing, who introduced me to the Cape Clear Bird Observatory and bird ringing during my first summer on Cape Clear, knowing I was studying zoology. Steve’s generosity and mentorship inspired my continued involvement in field ornithology on Cape Clear. His vast knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world will continue to inspire future birders with this rewarding bursary.
Activities and Responsibilities
At Cape Clear Bird Observatory, I undertook a wide range of fieldwork, survey work, public engagement, and data management tasks. A significant part of my role involved mist-netting and bird ringing at key sites, including Michael Vincent’s Garden (MVG), Cotters/Nordy, and East Bog. Over the two-week bursary, I ringed 116 birds and extracted 66, representing 17 species. One of the most notable species recorded was a Marsh Warbler, only the second ringed record for Ireland. This work included setting nets, extracting birds safely, taking biometrics, fitting rings, and releasing birds.
Alongside fieldwork, I assisted John, with guided walks for visitors to the observatory and to Cape Clear generally. This provided valuable experience in public engagement, helping to communicate bird migration, ringing, and the island’s wildlife to members of the public. I also completed ecological surveys along established routes, recording bird activity and noting other wildlife. These surveys included both diurnal and nocturnal work, during which I recorded bats, butterflies, moths, and marine mammals, reflecting the broad biodiversity of Cape Clear.
I assisted with moth trapping one early morning during the “Seabird to Songbird” course at the observatory, identifying a range of moths and butterflies improving my understanding of invertebrate diversity and its ecological links to bird populations. I also joined a pelagic boat trip before the bursary began and assisted in recording seabird activity at sea, gaining experience in identifying European Storm Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters, Great Shearwaters, and other offshore species.
Accurate data management was essential throughout the bursary. I maintained detailed ringing logs, survey sheets, and observational notes in line with BTO standards, and contributed to entering data into the observatory database, supporting long-term monitoring of migration and population trends.
Final Takeaways
My time at Cape Clear Bird Observatory provided an invaluable opportunity that helped me to refine my skills and get hands-on experience for my future career. Not only did I improve my birding skills, I also improved my overall wildlife identification skills through guided walks, surveys, and wildlife education. My confidence also improved through assisting private tours, and learning from experienced birders broadened my practical knowledge.
On a personal level, this bursary was extremely rewarding. I connected with other young birders, including two peers of a similar age. Working alongside both young and experienced birders was encouraging and educational, and it was rewarding to feel part of a growing community of birders sharing experiences, challenges, and a genuine passion for ornithology.
This experience has reinforced my aspirations to pursue a career in ecological research, and demonstrated the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and community in fieldwork. I left feeling inspired and motivated to continue contributing to wildlife research and conservation efforts.
The bursary served as a tribute to Steve Wing, who introduced me to bird ringing during my initial summer on Cape Clear, and this experience allowed me to continue developing my skills in his memory. His enthusiasm and dedication to the natural world will continue to inspire future students in the birding community. Meeting friends and birders who had known Steve since his early days on Cape Clear was a special experience. Hearing their memories of him and witnessing how his passion for wildlife continues to inspire and connect with those who share his love for birds and conservation was both moving and motivating.
Many people travel from all around the world to bird watch or ring birds on Cape Clear Island, and I was fortunate enough to live there. I am very grateful that I was in the right place at the right time! I would like to thank BirdWatch Ireland for this incredible opportunity, and I am extremely grateful to John Horton for his mentorship during my time on the island—particularly during the two-week bursary. I have learned an incredible amount under his guidance and truly appreciated being able to get involved and immerse myself fully in every aspect in the field. This experience has given me opportunities and memories I would not find anywhere else. I am deeply grateful to have been the first recipient of the Steve Wing memorial bursary, and it will undoubtedly have an amazing impact on my future and others. I know this bursary will continue to inspire future ornithologists and students. It was truly a magical experience ringing and handling birds – one I will never forget and will be forever grateful for.
