Barn Owls being protected in Kildare by Birdwatch Ireland
The work included new nest box initiatives and monitoring in Kildare
BirdWatch Ireland’s work to protect threatened bird species is continuing to have an impact in Co Kildare, with the organisation’s latest annual report highlighting conservation efforts for Barn Owls in the county.
The conservation charity says its nationwide Barn Owl programme continued during 2025 through county-scale surveys, population monitoring and the expansion of nest box schemes.
The work included new nest box initiatives and monitoring in Kildare, alongside similar projects in Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Cork, Clare, Longford, Monaghan, Westmeath and Galway.
BirdWatch Ireland said the work is helping to improve understanding of Barn Owl distribution and population trends while supporting the recovery of the species through partnerships with local authorities and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Barn Owls are among Ireland’s most distinctive birds of prey, but their populations face pressures including habitat loss and changes in agricultural landscapes.
The charity’s 2025 report also highlighted its wider scientific and conservation work, with modern technologies increasingly being used to monitor Ireland’s birds.
BirdWatch Ireland developed and trialled thermal drone surveying techniques for breeding Red Grouse in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, while drones were also used to monitor breeding seabirds and other species.
The organisation said it continued specialist monitoring of Hen Harriers across Ireland’s Special Protection Area network, using drone and thermal technology to monitor breeding success and population trends.
It also expanded Nightjar surveys in the south-east using passive acoustic monitoring and thermal drones, confirming the species at three sites, including one successful breeding pair.
BirdWatch Ireland recorded a healthy surplus of €328,800 in 2025, compared with €316,843 the previous year.
The organisation said it had made significant progress on its 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, covering conservation, policy and advocacy, people engagement and organisational resilience.
BirdWatch Ireland, which has more than 15,000 members, said the contribution of its staff, local branches and volunteers remained central to its work protecting Ireland’s wild birds and biodiversity.