Cold snap effects birds in Ireland

Waterbirds on Brosna Callows, Ireland
Originally uploaded by Mike Maunsell

Because of it's our mild winters, Ireland is a vital and internationally important location for thousands of birds who depend on our wetlands to access valuable food supplies to help them survive. These species come from very cold regions such as Arctic Canada, Greenland Iceland, and parts of Northern Europe where winter food supplies are frozen. recently Ireland has been experiencing a long period of cold weather. This has an impact on bird populations, as the need to use a little energy as possible in such cold conditions, therefore it is very important that birds are not disturbing flocks of birds on our wetlands. All ornithologist and birders are making every effort not to disturb birds, causing them to take flight and use up scarce energy supplies. I would also ask Gun clubs to advise their members to suspend shooting to give water birds a chance to build up energy reserves.
Anyone out walking in the countryside, especially with dogs, would greatly assist birds chances of survival if they keep dogs away from wetlands where birds might be feeding.

Garden birds need all the food they can get especially during harsh weather conditions so please keep feeding then.