In advance of Saturday’s General Election Oonagh Duggan, Assistant Head of Division-Policy and Advocacy at BirdWatch HQ, has asked BirdWatch Branches to circulate the “BirdWatch Ireland Manifesto for Nature” to members pointing out that the proposals in the document would help Ireland tackle the biodiversity and climate emergency if the political parties adopted them. General Election candidates should be asked what they and their parties intend to do to protect biodiversity and tackle climate breakdown. You can read the Manifesto at:- https://birdwatchireland.ie/app/uploads/2020/01/BirdWatch-Ireland-Manifesto-for-Nature-GE2020.pdf
The Wicklow Bird Race will be held on February 15th, full details are at the end of this email. It is an opportunity to improve your bird identification and to see a lot of beautiful Co. Wicklow.
Upcoming Wicklow Branch Events
February 2020
Tuesday 11th: “Dippers, fishers, goosers and wags” – birds of the Avonmore River Catchment a presentation by Oran O’Sullivan. Glenview Hotel at 20:00. Free admission but a small contribution to room hire costs would be appreciated.
Saturday 15th: Wicklow Bird Race. Meet at 7am at car park, south end of Bray promenade, for 07:15 start. Race Finishes 18:45 at Beehive Inn (south of Rathnew). Teams of 3/4 people per car, €5 per person.
Saturday 22nd: Joint outing to Altamont Gardens with the Carlow Branch. Meet at Altamont Gardens at 10:30. Car-pool from Greystones Park and Ride at 08:30 (contact birdwatchwicklow@gmail.com if you need a lift). Note there is a €3 entrance fee per person.
March 2020
Tuesday 10th: A presentation on Pine Martens in Ireland by Ruth Hanniffy, Ireland Projects Support Officer, Vincent Wildlife Trust. Glenview Hotel at 20:00. Free admission but a small contribution to room hire costs would be appreciated.
Saturday 21st: Outing to Kilcoole for early spring migrants and late winter visitors. Meet at Kilcoole train station car park at 10:00.
We are working on a diverse programme of branch events for the rest of the year. Joe’s bird song identification workshop will make a welcome return in April in preparation for the dawn chorus. If there is a topic someone is interested in hearing about or presenting on please do make contact with the branch by email.
