VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR BIRD SURVEY
Volunteers are wanted to survey overwintering water birds on Carlingford Louth.
The Wetland Bird Survey ( WeBS) coordinated by the British Trust for Ornithology in the UK and Northern Ireland and by BirdWatch Ireland in the Republic of Ireland (IWeBS), is a scheme which monitors water birds wintering in the UK and Ireland. Bird numbers are surveyed on wetlands once a month from September to March on key count dates. Wetlands of all types and sizes are monitored including estuaries, coastlines, bays, lakes etc.
Carlingford Lough is an important site for overwintering water birds (including Light-bellied Brent Geese) and includes a number of protected sites. The lough is divided into 6 sections for the counts. We are always looking for people to get involved and help out with the counts. This involves spending a couple of hours at high tide at one or more specific locations, counting the water birds that you can see. You will need to have a pair of binoculars to help identify the birds, which at times can be quite distant.
A basic knowledge of birds and a willingness to learn are also essential. Support will be provided for anyone who is keen to get involved. It should be possible to pair up new people with existing surveyors to help introduce them to how the counts work.
If you are interested in getting involved in the Carlingford Lough area, please contact Jen Lynch ( jenny.lynch9@gmail. com).
If you are interested in assisting at other sites in the Republic, please contact the IWeBS office of BirdWatch Ireland iwebs@birdwatchireland.ie.