Garden Bird Survey 2007 - 08

BirdWatch Ireland's most popular survey started on Monday, December 3rd. Don't worry if you missed the start, just start now! .. all information is useful.

Over 600 participants from every county in Ireland took part in the 2006/07 Garden Bird Survey. This really is a survey for everyone; it can be done from the kitchen window!

In the 2006/07 winter season (right), the Robin was at the top of the table closely followed by the Blue Tit and the Blackbird at a close third, making them the most frequently occurring species in Ireland’s gardens (not to be confused with most abundant). For sheer numbers the House Sparrow, Starling, Chaffinch and Greenfinch prevail, in that order.

Large gardens supported the highest diversity, with an average of 22 species; medium-sized gardens attracted an average of 20; and smaller gardens attracted a respectable average of 19 species. An average of 19 species of bird was recorded in suburban gardens and an average of 21 species appeared in rural gardens. The average number of species observed in urban gardens was 18, showing that diversity is still relatively high in such areas. A total of 101 species was recorded, 42 of which were located in one large rural garden in Co. Wicklow (from 2005-06 survey).

The survey is useful in accessing the stability of common bird populations, particularily when Song Thrush, House Sparrow and Starlings have declined dramatically in the UK.

In contrast, here in Ireland the survey has found Song Thrush numbers to be steady. Other common birds such as Blackbirds, Robin, Blue Tit, Chaffinch and Magpie are stable, while Wren, Goldcrest, Blackcap and Goldfinch have increased.

On the downside, House Sparrow numbers are dropping here as well. Garden size In the city has dropped and what there is, is often sterile and over-maintained; not good Sparrow habitat! Starlings are in decline, but European birds may not be wintering here because of the mild winters at home. This survey and others will help to clarify their status.

A survey form and the simple instructions are in the Winter 2007 edition of Wings magazine or you can download them in Acrobat format here: Garden Bird Survey Form 2007-08 Garden Bird Survey Instructions If you don't have Acrobat Reader, you can download it here: