News

Landmark publication on World Wetlands Day charts thirty-year journey of wetland birds in Ireland

Date Released: Monday, February 2, 2026

  • Over 1200 volunteers involved in gathering data over 30 years
  • Findings show mixed fortunes for migratory waterbirds, who spend winter months in Ireland
  • Data will inform decision-making in restoration and management of wetlands

Climate change, changes in habitat and recreational activity are just some of the factors that impact on the fortunes of wetland birds who migrate to Ireland each winter. That is according to a major study published today on World Wetlands Day (2nd February 2026) by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The ‘Status and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Ireland’ includes over 30 years of data on 63 of the different species of waterbirds that visit Irish wetlands from autumn onwards each year. The report is based on data from the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS), an annual monitoring programme funded by the NPWS and delivered under contract by BirdWatch Ireland.

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.

Commenting on the report, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:

“I’m delighted to be publishing this landmark study on World Wetlands Day, and to acknowledge the dedication of the many volunteers who committed their time, expertise and passion to gather the data underpinning it. Without their work, we would not be able to tell the stories of these amazing birds, or shed light on what’s needed to protect them.”

“Waterbirds travel great distances to seek food and shelter in our wetlands at this time of year, reminding us that we are connected to a wider global ecosystem. Many of them are already under threat, and Ireland has an important role to play in protecting the European population by providing safe and suitable wintering habitats. For instance, while we have just over 100 breeding pairs of resident Curlew that remain in Ireland all year round, over 30,000 Curlew visit us each winter to avail of the relatively mild climate and abundant food resources found along our coastlines, lakes, rivers and wetland areas.”

“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. White’s Marsh in Co. Cork, which is an important stop over for Black-tailed Godwits, Lapwing and other waterbirds, was recently acquired by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the plans underway there are just one example of how we can restore wetland habitats to ensure that these incredible birds return to us year on year.”

This report provides detailed assessments on 63 waterbird species, outlining how each population has fared since the 1980s. 18 species have increased over the past thirty years including the Black Tailed Godwit and Little Egret. Examples of species in decline include the Curlew and the Tufted Duck. There are positive signs for some wader birds, with seven of fifteen wader species showing signs of recovery in recent years.

Data is gathered by an extensive network of skilled BirdWatch Ireland volunteers and NPWS staff who survey hundreds of wetland sites across Ireland, including many of Ireland’s Special Protection Areas (SPAs). These skilled and trained surveyors use binoculars and telescopes to count the number of each individual waterbird species that are present at each site.

Helen Boland I-WeBs Programme Manager at BirdWatch Ireland said:

“Ireland’s waterbirds are in trouble and 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. The data collection is the product of thousands of hours of waterbird surveying every year, carried out by over 1200 people - mostly volunteers - over more than three decades. 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:

“It is a critical time for Ireland’s natural environment. BirdWatch Ireland 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.”   

The report also describes the many and varied pressures that are likely driving changes in the status and distribution of waterbirds in Ireland, as well as those likely to drive changes in the future. The report finds that there is no single pressure driving negative impacts on waterbird species but rather a combination of interacting pressures, including: climate change; direct mortality from avian influenza or hunting; habitat loss and degradation; collisions with infrastructure; disturbance and displacement from recreational activities. Pressures can contribute to decreased breeding productivity and/or increased mortality which ultimately leads to population declines.

Minister O’Sullivan continued:

“I’d like to pay tribute to the BirdWatch Ireland volunteers and staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service who gave tens of thousands of hours of their time in all weathers to visit our wetlands to wait patiently and carefully survey the birds. The work done by NPWS and BirdWatch Ireland is fantastic example of citizen science that reaches into our lagoons, along our canals and across our floodplains to tell an epic story about these intrepid winter visitors.

“We can all play a part in protecting our waterbirds. Simple actions like keeping your dog on a leash in wetland areas, and keeping your distance from them during their feeding and resting periods will help these birds survive the winter periods.”

Tony Murray, Ornithologist with the NPWS added:

“One of the great spectacles of nature in Ireland every year is the arrival of migratory waterbirds to our wetlands, something enjoyed by people all across the country. These birds undertake mammoth migrations every year to escape the harsh freezing conditions of their northern breeding grounds and Ireland plays a key role in their survival by giving them protected areas to feed and rest, before they migrate north again in spring. Using relatively simply but robust survey methods, the Irish Wetland Bird Survey allows us to track the fortunes of these waterbirds at a local and national level, helping us identify problems and enact solutions, on the ground or to inform policy decisions in Ireland or overseas. The findings of this landmark report highlight the many and complex changes that are occurring in our ecosystems, in Ireland and globally.”

I-WeBS data can inform decision-making and actions to help conserve and restore waterbird populations and the wetland sites upon which they rely. It is directly relevant to the management of SPAs which are designated for wintering waterbirds. I-WeBs contributes to international monitoring programmes such as the International Waterbird Census run by Wetlands International, one of the largest biodiversity monitoring programmes globally. This is used to inform major policy decisions under international conservation agreements such as the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement. It also contributes to major international scientific research projects. 

The ‘Status and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Ireland’ is available on the NPWS website.

Further Information

Findings

  • Diving ducks such as Pochard, Goldeneye, Scaup and Tufted Duck have suffered declines of over 50% since 1994.
  • Other waterfowl species such as Mallard, Wigeon and Greenland White-Fronted Goose have experienced more moderate 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 such as 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. 
  • The I-WeBS programme welcomes new recorders across the country.

White’s Marsh

White’s Marsh is located within the Clonakilty Bay Special Area of Conservation for wildlife conservation (SAC) and Clonakilty Bay Special Protection Area (SPA) for the protection of birds. Restoration of land within White’s Marsh to semi-natural habitats will enhance the habitat available for foraging and roosting wintering waterbirds in the area. The site was recently purchased by the NPWS.