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The status and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Ireland in 2023 : results from the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I- WeBS)
Burke, Brian Kennedy, John Gadd, Rhys Fitzgerald, Niamh Lynch, Andrew Caffrey, Brian Walsh, Alyn Murray, Tony Kelly, Seán B. A.
Burke, Brian
Kennedy, John
Gadd, Rhys
Fitzgerald, Niamh
Lynch, Andrew
Caffrey, Brian
Walsh, Alyn
Murray, Tony
Kelly, Seán B. A.
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Brian Burke, John Kennedy, Rhys Gadd, et al. "The status and distribution of wintering waterbirds in Ireland in 2023 : results from the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS)", [report], National Parks and Wildlife Service. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 3 March 2026, Irish wildlife manuals, No.162, 2026
Abstract
Annual monitoring of the distribution and abundance wintering (non-breeding) waterbirds is carried out in the Republic of Ireland by the Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS). This monitoring programme, which commenced during the 1994/95 season, is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and, to date, has been coordinated under contract by BirdWatch Ireland. I-WeBS monitors coastal wetland sites together with inland lakes, turloughs, rivers and callows. Estimates of national population size and populations trends for a range of wintering waterbird species were generated using data from I-WeBS and associated surveys, including the Non-Estuarine Coastal Waterbird Survey (NEWS) and a number of species-specific surveys. I-WeBS, together with these other surveys, therefore provides the principal tool used in the monitoring of wintering waterbird populations in Ireland and the wetlands upon which they rely, as well as informing their conservation locally, nationally and internationally. Importantly, these data underpin Ireland’s reporting under Article 12 of the EU Birds Directive and thus for monitoring and assessing the efficacy of the Directive for the conservation of birdlife on a national and European scale. This report includes a single comprehensive account on the current population status of wintering waterbirds and their sites in the Republic of Ireland for the period 2016/17 - 2022/23. A total of 486 sites were surveyed during this period, 290 of which were covered in three or
more seasons. Detailed accounts are provided for 63 regularly occurring waterbird species; comprising 39 species within the ‘wildfowl and allies’ category (swans, geese, ducks and their allies), 18 wading bird species, and 6 gull species. For each regularly occurring waterbird species, a national (and all-Ireland) population estimate is provided, as well as estimates of population trends over various time periods. It was possible to calculate population trends for 44 of these species. Summary data are provided for 69 non-regularly occurring waterbird species. Of the 29 wildfowl and ally species that were assessed, 11 species are showing declines over the recent 5-year period, with Bewick's Swan showing the greatest decline (42.9%). Over the recent 26-year period, five species (Bewick's Swan, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Scaup and Goldeneye) have declined by >50% and a further five species have declined between 25-50% (Shelduck, Mallard, Greenland White-Fronted Goose, Greylag Goose (Icelandic) and Wigeon). Conversely, Little Egret, Whooper Swan, Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose and Eider have increased by >50% over the 26-year period, and Greylag Goose (resident), Little Grebe, Cormorant and Gadwall have increased by 25-50%. Though Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose and Gadwall have increased in the long-term, their populations have shown declines in the short-term. Seven of the 15 wader species assessed are showing declines over the recent 5-year period, with 10 of the 15 showing declines over the 26-year period. Two wader species (Grey Plover and Lapwing) have declined by >50% in the 26-year period, with five species (Golden Plover,
Purple Sandpiper, Dunlin, Turnstone and Curlew) declining between 25-50% in the same timeframe. Three wader species (Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit and Greenshank) have increased by >50% during this period. It was not possible to calculate national population estimates or trends for gull species. This report also includes an assessment of the current pressures and predicted future threats facing Ireland's wintering waterbirds. Based on this assessment, the most significant pressures
and threats are: avian influenza, recreation and other disturbance, energy production and related infrastructure (e.g. wind farms), mixed source water pollution/eutrophication, fisheries and aquaculture, climate change, hunting, urbanisation and development, agriculture and forestry, invasive alien species and problematic native species, and natural processes. A synthesis of these pressures and threats is included, with relevant information gaps highlighted. This report employs updated methods for data analysis and therefore represents the most comprehensive and robust assessment of wintering waterbird populations and their trends
over time. Furthermore, this report identifies areas where survey coverage in I-WeBS and associated surveys could be improved, as well as identifying where new survey approaches are required, such as aerial surveys for offshore marine waterbirds and a new approach for gull species.
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2026-02-03
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National Parks and Wildlife Service. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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IWM162.pdf
Adobe PDF, 15.28 MB