Wings

BirdWatch Ireland’s magazine for members, Wings, is published three times a year and is packed full of news and information including regular features such as:

• Latest News
• Site Guides
• Species Features
• Photo Galleries
• Events and Branch Information
• Reviews
• Rare Bird News

In the current issue

• Sparkbirds: we ask people to tell us about the bird that first sparked their interest in wild birds and nature.
• Summer Diary: Dick Coombes highlights some of the key birds to watch out for over the coming months.
• Twite: a native Irish bird on the brink: Cóilín MacLochlainn takes an in-depth look at this charming finch, one of Ireland’s rarest breeding bird species.
• Birds of Ireland Field Guide app: We take a first look at BirdWatch Ireland’s new bird identification app for smartphones and tablets.
• How ‘deep listening’ helps: Oonagh Duggan, BirdWatch Ireland’s Head of Policy and Advocacy, reports on deep listening events between farmers and environmentalists.
• We meet John Horton, BirdWatch Ireland’s new Cape Clear Bird Observatory Warden.
• The rewards of counting wetland birds: Rhys Gadd reflects on his first season as National Coordinator of the Irish Wetland Bird Survey.
• Big strides in seabird conservation: BirdWatch Ireland achieves a major target as 73 Important Bird Areas for seabirds are finally recognised in Irish coastal and offshore waters.
• A centre-page spread featuring the stunning work of wildlife artist Barry Ryan.
• On Land and Water: We feature exclusive extracts from this fantastic new book, featuring the photographs of Sheena Jolley and the poetry of D.J. O’Sullivan.
• Trim’s Sand Martin wall: With the help of locals and experts, BirdWatch Ireland’s Meath Branch has constructed a very successful artificial nesting site for these migrant birds, as Terry Cassidy reports.
• A report on our South Dublin Branch’s recent boat trip to view the spectacular seabird colonies on Howth Head and some of the island’s off the coast of Dublin, by Shane Kerr.
• Ainmneacha Éanlaith Éireann: our regular Irish-language column about the origins of Irish bird names, by Fearghas MacLochlainn.
• Branching Out: our regular round-up of the activities of BirdWatch Ireland’s volunteer-led branches around the country.
• Stephen McAvoy on the Rare Bird News from last winter.
• The Birds of County Donegal: Pat Smiddy reviews this landmark new book by ornithologist Ralph Sheppard.
• Wildacres: The story of how Brian and Gilly O’Toole have created their wonderful nature reserve in Co. Wicklow.
• Win a copy of On Land and Water by Sheena Jolley and D.J. O’Sullivan in our crossword competition.
• Plus lots, lots more!