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Countryside Bird Survey – Volunteer Surveyor

Bird surveys
Time involved Two early morning visits
Skills required Breeding bird ID
Duration April - June
Location Nationwide
About this role

Deadline: Ongoing (the survey period is 1st April to the 30th of June)

Each summer over 200 skilled volunteers, NPWS Rangers and BirdWatch Ireland staff survey breeding birds across the Irish countryside. The Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) is coordinated by BirdWatch Ireland and funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Tasks:

  • Survey your selected square twice between April and June
  • Complete survey within 3 hours for each site
  • Identify birds by sight and sound (using the Look-see methodology)
  • Submit your results by the 1st September
Impact

The Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) has shown that populations of our common and widespread birds are continually changing. While most species are quite stable, some such as Goldfinch and Blackcap have increased substantially over the last 20 years. Some species such as Stonechat and Grey Wagtail have been shown to be prone to big fluctuations, especially after severe winters, while others including Kestrel, Skylark and Stock Dove are showing worrying declines. Such declines can be noted anecdotally, however this survey aims to detect and quantify such changes using robust, scientific but user-friendly methods. Over time, reasons for decline may be identified and there will be opportunities to provide advice to help reverse such trends.

Benefits of taking part
  • Develop your bird ID skills
  • Learn how to count birds
  • Contribute to one of the longest-running monitoring schemes in Ireland
  • Help conservation
  • Improve your health and wellbeing
  • Spend more time outdoors
What’s required?
  • Ability to identify common countryside birds by sight and sound (songs and calls)
  • Binoculars
  • Some map-reading skills
  • Willingness/ability to carry out surveys on potentially challenging terrain (survey squares occur in a broad range of habitats across every county, from upland blanket bog to lowland farmland and woodland).

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 (see ‘How to get involved’).

Time and commitment

Minimum time commitment: At least one field season (April – June).

Hours required: Two early morning visits over the three months (c. 3 hours).

Language skills

Suitable for those with basic – intermediate English.

Age restrictions

Over 18s.

Selection details for this role

Screening of interest forms for suitable candidates. No references or vetting required for this role.

Volunteers will be provided with the following supports
  • Support and advice from the CBS coordinator and CBS team
  • Counter Manual
  • Training resources
  • Workshops held once a year
  • Annual newsletter
  • Long-term Service Awards
Getting there

Sites are located around the country so access requirements will vary from site to site. View map of sites here: https://bwi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Minimalist/index.html?appid=bc4a917b08774f179612942da7661571

How to get involved