THE NUMBERS OF wetland birds visiting Ireland during the winter has declined due to climate change, habitat loss and human activity, a new landmark study has found. 

The study, which was conducted by 1,200 volunteers from BirdWatch Ireland and staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, covers the fortunes of 63 species of birds that migrate to Ireland during the winter months. 

Ireland is of global importance for migratory waterbird species including ducks, geese, swans, waders and gulls that travel from as far as the Canadian Arctic, Siberia or Iceland.

The researchers gathered information from wetlands around the country over a span of 30 years. 

Diving ducks such as Pochard, Goldeneye, Scaup and Tufted Duck have suffered declines of over 50% since 1994, the study found. 

Other waterfowl species such as Mallard, Wigeon and Greenland White-Fronted Goose have experienced declines of between 25-50%. 

Species such as Brent Goose, Barnacle Goose, Whooper Swan, Eider and Little Egret have increased by more than 50% over the same period. 

Species like Little Grebe, Cormorant and Gadwall have experienced a more moderate increase of 25-50% during the same period. 

The majority of wader species have declined since the 1990s but, positively, seven of 15 wader species are showing signs of recovery in the recent five years. 

“Long-term data, such as that provided by the I-WeBS survey, is vital in guiding decisions on how best to protect these species and manage their wetland habitats,” minister of state for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said.

Helen Boland programme manager of the survey at BirdWatch Ireland said Ireland’s waterbirds are in trouble and that “more than ever we need solid, scientifically robust information tracking their status”.

“The Irish Wetland Bird Survey indicates that we have lost one third of our wintering waterbirds since data collection began.

“We want to see long-term data like this helping to address the biodiversity crisis that has been identified in Ireland.”

Andrew Kelly, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland said his organisation” is eager to share this landmark publication with the anticipation that the ‘whole of government’ will integrate the findings into their policies, and with urgency address the pressures and threats on Ireland’s wetlands and their waterbirds.”