January marks the start of the optimum season for carrying out Red Grouse bird surveys. Although the surveys can be undertaken between any time between January and March the preferred survey method uses a tape lure and requires a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and so adequate time must be allowed to obtain the licence in advance of carrying out the survey.
Red Grouse surveys are commonly required as part of environmental impact assessments for wind farm or power line projects, or any other type of developments in upland areas with heather dominated habitats. Project developers and applicants hoping to bring forward applications in the coming year would be well advised to commission the surveys in the coming weeks, and prevent unnecessary delays.
McCarthy Keville O'Sullivan's in-house ecologists and bird specialists have a wealth of experience in undertaking surveys for Red Grouse. Contact Brian Keville on 091 735611 for further information or follow the link below to our website for further detail on the surveys.