Volunteers sought for peregrine breeding survey

IRISH Raptor Study Group (IRSG) are working closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to coordiante a national Peregrine Falcon breeding survey in 2017.

The survey aims to determine how many peregrines nest in Ireland. The last complete survey was carried out in 2002.

This survey estimated there were 390 occupied breeding territories in Ireland.
Peregrines are large powerful falcons with a medium length tail and pointed wings. Adult birds are blueish-grey on the back and have white finely barred underparts.

The face is mainly white with a very distinct black moustache. Another key identification point is their screeching call, often heard while circling overhead. 

Typical nest sites include coastal cliffs, upland crags and rocky outcrops and in recent years have been found nesting in quarries and on man-made structures (e.g. church spires, buildings, castles, tower houses).

The survey runs until mid-July with visits timed during specific periods to determine occupancy and breeding success.

So far there has been a great response to our request for help, but more volunteers are needed across the country to increase coverage and get a better understanding of these fearsome birds of prey.

There are a number of way for volunteers to get involved: Monitor a specific survey area (5x5km square), check suitable buildings in your local area or send sightings of Peregrines to the IRSG

Please contact the survey coordinator (Jen Lynch - monitoring@irsg.ie) to register and get started – all the necessary information will be provided and no experience is necessary.

Peregrines can be subject to illegal activity such as persecution and egg and chick theft. In order to minimize these threats, sensitive information about nest location should be kept confidential and sent in confidence to the IRSG.

If you observe any suspicious activity, this should be reported immediately to your local wildlife ranger or the IRSG.