Snipe news! 1/4 Two Snipe tagged in Iceland by José Alves left Ireland at dusk on 5 April and reached Iceland 17 hours later. See map. Averaging 80 and 87 km/h #ornithology

New Pilot Project to Protect Ground-Nesting Birds from Mink 🦆🪺 The National Parks and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Breeding Waders EIP and the NARGC, has launched the Midlands Mink Eradication Programme — a first-of-its-kind initiative to protect Ireland’s vulnerable ground-nesting birds. Predation by invasive American Mink is one of the biggest threats to species such as Curlew, Lapwing, Red Grouse, Grey Partridge, and Hen Harrier. This new pilot programme will: ✅ Target a 2,600 km² area around Lough Ree – one of Ireland’s most important breeding wader sites ✅ Use state-of-the-art detection technology and a specialist mink dog to find mink ✅ Be delivered through a trained volunteer network, ensuring humane and effective trapping ✅ Support EU efforts to remove invasive mink and protect native wildlife Minister of State for Nature, Heritage & Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said: “American Mink are a serious threat to our native birds and other wildlife. This programme, based on science and citizen engagement, is a major step forward in tackling invasive species across Ireland.” 👥 How You Can Help: Members of the public and local communities are encouraged to support the project and report mink sightings. Together, we can protect Ireland’s precious ground-nesting birds for future generations. 📍 Project Area: Lough Ree region, stretching south to Shannonbridge, west to the River Suck, north to Rooskey, and east to Longford Town.

Where are the Curlew now? If you’ve been following our Curlew's headstarting journey, we’ve got exciting news! Thanks to GPS tagging, we’re now tracking their movements post-release — all thanks to the innovative GPS tags they were fitted with! In this video, Karen and Donal will outline where to find, and how to interpret the information. Why GPS tagging matters: 🔍 Provides a better understanding of bird movement, habitat use, survival rate and integration. 🛡️ Will possibly help identify key nesting sites, which can guide targeted conservation efforts, such as habitat management and nest protection. 📊 Monthly updates are now live on our website — see where these amazing birds have been spending their time! Data such as this will be crucial in defining, and then refining, conservation strategy for Curlew in Ireland. The Breeding Waders EIP will deliver 5, 10, 20 and 40 year strategies for Irish Breeding Curlew. 🔗 Head to our website to explore their travels: breedingwaders.ie/headstarti… @agriculture_ie @Notice_Nature @NPWSIreland @HenHarrierProj @fotawildlife

🔥 New Research Confirms: Controlled Burning Helps Heathland Birds Thrive A major new study has found that prescribed fire significantly boosts bird populations in open heathland habitats. Birds like the Woodlark and Stonechat were found in much higher densities - 1.6 times more on land managed with fire compared to sites relying mainly on grazing. ✅ Fire maintains nutrient balance for insects – a key food source ✅ It creates bare ground – vital for nesting and foraging 📲 Full blog in the replies 👇