The Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) defines the bird nesting season as the period beginning on the 1st March and running until the 31st August. During this period there are restrictions on the cutting/burning/clearance of vegetation or felling of trees as these activities are likely to have an adverse impact on nesting birds. Whilst there are situations where these activities are considered acceptable during this period, it is often specified in pre planning documentation or as a condition of planning permission that any such works are carried out at an appropriate time of year (i.e. 1st September - 31st February). It is advisable to avoid the undertaking of these works within the bird nesting season or if they are proposed for the period March-August inclusive, the legal situation and conditions of planning permission should be consulted to ensure that the actions taken are both legal and planning compliant.
Breeding bird surveys for certain projects such as wind farm, power lines, etc. should now be scheduled to start in March and April. Breeding bird’s surveys are undertaken throughout the summer months from March to August inclusive. Typical breeding habitat for birds in Ireland include uplands, woodlands, bogs, islands, farmland and hedges. Due to the fact that birds are highly mobile, surveys need to be carried out repeatedly throughout the survey season (generally monthly) to determine bird usage of a particular site or area.
McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan carry out general breeding bird surveys and also more specialised surveys such as breeding Hen Harrier surveys on upland wind farm sites.
Our surveys are used to monitor effects that developments may or may not have on bird populations during the construction and operational phases of their lifetime.
Additional information on bird surveys:
Why are breeding bird surveys required?
The majority of bird species in Ireland are protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended) with the exception of those species considered agricultural pests. In addition to this, a number of species are afforded protection under Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. In addition to legal protection, surveys for a number of bird species that are on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) red list are often required as part of the planning process. This list includes species whose breeding numbers have declined by 50% or more in recent years. Birds are most vulnerable during the breeding season, when nests are built and young reared.
How is the scope of the breeding bird survey determined?
Initial ecological studies of an area often determine whether a proposed development is likely to have an effect on birds and consequently whether a bird survey is likely to be required. Recommendations for further bird survey work are often made following these initial ecological surveys. Bodies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Birdwatch Ireland and Planning Authorities often require that breeding bird surveys be undertaken as part of the planning application process.
How are bird surveys conducted?
There are two widely used methods of conducting bird surveys, fixed-point observation and walking a defined transect. In fixed-point surveys, the observer counts birds from a fixed point or a number of fixed points. In transect surveys, the observer walks along a pre-determined route recording any birds seen or heard.
What types of breeding bird surveys are undertaken by McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan?
In addition to general breeding bird surveys, which record usage of sites by all breeding birds present, some more specialized surveys are also conducted by staff from McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan such as Breeding Hen Harrier Surveys on upland wind farm sites. Hen Harriers breed on upland sites with bog, scrub and young forestry plantations and are very sensitive to disturbance. Developments in these kinds of habitats have been few and far between in the past but in recent years they have offered ideal conditions for wind farm developments and surveys are often required to determine whether a site is used by Hen Harrier. Hen Harrier surveys are generally carried out using fixed point surveys during the summer months. In contrast to the counts undertaken for wintering birds, surveyors wait at a particular vantage point for a set period of time (several hours) and count any birds seen during that defined period. Further information such as direction and height of flight and behaviour is often required.
What purpose does a breeding bird survey serve?
The information gained from bird surveys is often used to inform project design in order to avoid, minimise or reduce potential impacts on breeding birds and enhance the existing habitats on a site. Other surveys are used to monitor effects that developments may or may not have on bird populations during the construction and operational phases of their lifecycle.
For additional information on breeding bird surveys, please contact us.