Survey of nesting swans in Wicklow

THE annual survey of nesting swans in the Wicklow, Dublin, and Kildare regions is under way and members of the Wicklow branch of BirdWatch Ireland are being asked to take part.

Organisers of the survey would appreciate reports of any nesting swans at locations in County Wicklow. Many of the Wicklow swans have yellow engraved rings that they received at Bray Harbour. A full life history of the birds will be provided to those who report nesting swans.

Members are also asked to keep an eye out for Herring gulls and Great black backed gulls with red or blue rings as 250 gulls were colour ringed last summer.

All sightings of swan nests or colour ringed gulls can be sent to grprole@eircom.net.

As part of Biodiversity Week 2018, which ran from May 19 to May 27, the Wicklow branch hosted two events the East Coast Nature Reserve. A smooth newt survey was carried out and involved pond dipping and trapping for freshwater pond-life, including fish, frogs and newts. A butterfly survey was also held at the reserve.