BirdWatch Ireland has an extraordinary network of volunteers around Ireland and beyond. One of these amazing people is Hazel Nolan, who has offered to donate her fundraising proceeds for her upcoming half marathon to BirdWatch Ireland. We are incredibly grateful to Hazel, and are cheering her on during her training! Learn more about Hazel from her own words:

Introducing Hazel

Hi, my name is Hazel, I am 22 years old and on June 6th I am running a half-marathon in aid of Birdwatch Ireland. I was born in Cork where I developed a great love of animals. I would talk for hours about how I wanted to grow up and save animals’ lives. This inevitably led to my pursuit of Veterinary Medicine and so four years ago, I made the decision to move to Poland to attend college. For anyone who met me, it was clear to see that I always held a special place in my heart for birds. It started with my small flock of hens. At seven years old I would spend my days sitting in the garden with my favourite hen. I found it fascinating how different they were from any standard pet. At twelve, instead of asking for the latest Ipod, I asked for an incubator. This is when my academic interest in birds began.

My love for birds really blossomed when I arrived at college. In my first year, I met a Professor who dedicated his life to the study of birds. I decided to accompany him on a surveying trip. He informed me that he had been conducting research in the area over the past few years and had noted declining numbers in many populations. After seeing the importance of his work, I decided that there was more I could do for these animals. I volunteered with wildlife rescues during my breaks from college and in my spare time I started taking online courses about diseases and emergency treatment in avian patients. Even with all of this work, I felt there was more that could be done, after all I am only one person and it takes a village to see real change.

I was first introduced to BirdWatch Ireland on social media. I had been searching for an organisation that was making a real impact in the conservation of birds. The collaborative nature of this organisation really stood out to me, because assisting in conservation can feel so unattainable sometimes. I loved how anyone could get involved, from garden bird surveying to putting up bird boxes in your local area. After reading a few articles about the wetland bird conservation and the garden bird surveying I made the decision to reach out. So here I am, with twenty two kilometers between me and the finish line and nothing but spirit to get me there. I have never been more terrified and excited for something in my life! It is so special to be a small part of something so important in our world. An appreciation and respect for these often overlooked animals is a piece of me that I would love to share with more people. So please consider donating to this wonderful organisation and follow along on my journey!

Support Hazel

Follow Hazel’s journey on her Instagram or Facebook, or show your support by donating directly to her GoFundMe.