The statistics about the state of Ireland’s natural habitats – and our native birds – are alarming. Ninety per cent of our internationally important habitats are in poor condition. Sixty-three per cent of our 212 wild bird species are in danger. Successive governments have let nature wither by allowing sectoral interests to run roughshod over it.

Birds of Irish farmlands are the fastest-declining group. Species including curlew, lapwing and other breeding waders are on life support. And common birds are at risk – the common kestrel is disappearing. Birds of lakes, turloughs and estuaries are also in trouble. These mostly migratory waterbirds are sensitive to development, disturbance from people and the effects of climate change. Irish birds of peatlands and uplands are as special as the peaty habitats they live in, but they too are struggling. They include the hen harrier – also known as the skydancer for its spinning, twisting dives in the air to attract a female. And while seabirds such as the puffin and kittiwake still breed in Ireland in high numbers, they are globally vulnerable and we have a duty of care to them.

But it’s not all bad news. Some vital restoration projects have had encouraging results. The numbers of migratory terns have skyrocketed at Rockabill island, Kilcoole beach and Lady’s Island Lake through National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) conservation projects, run by BirdWatch Ireland. These “sea swallows” travel from as far away as West Africa and even Antarctica, choosing our small offshore and lake islands and sandy coastal beaches to lay their eggs.

Funding from the now-threatened Life fund in Europe........

© The Irish Times