Ireland birdwatching and migration mapping initiatives

To mark World Migratory Bird Day, Esri Ireland has launched a digital map highlighting the flight paths of migratory birds returning to Ireland. The initiative aims to raise awareness for the conservation of migratory species and their habitats. Esri has also introduced a public survey, inviting birdwatchers to share photos and locations of spotted birds to improve mapping accuracy.

Ireland hosts approximately 450 bird species, including the Arctic Tern, which can travel up to 19,000km during migration, and the swift, one of the country's fastest birds. Key birdwatching locations include North Bull Island in Dublin, a designated National Bird Sanctuary and Special Protection Area, and the East Coast Nature Reserve in County Wicklow, which is the largest reserve in Ireland.