Garden Birds
Garden Birds
Initiated 2024
Initiated 2024
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In our 2024 Community Biodiversity Action Plan, we proposed supporting Swifts and Bats by creating nesting boxes. We'd also like to discover what other flying species we host in our neighbourhood.
According to Birdwatch Ireland, there are 450 bird species on our island. If your garden contains their favourite foods or if you put up bird feeders throughout the year they'll soon bring colour and entertainment while removing some pests from your garden.
To help you Merlin is a free smartphone app that bird watchers find extremely useful for identifying birds by their calls. https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
The Irish Garden Bird Survey, conducted by BirdWatch Ireland, is a popular citizen science survey that monitors garden birds. We'd like you to join in and count the highest number of each bird species visiting your garden weekly. Also you can provide information about your garden and bird feeding practices.
The survey helps understand garden bird populations and the overall environment, and anyone can participate without registration.
BirdWatch Ireland publishes the survey results annually in their membership magazine, Wings.
Who’s in your backyard?
Who’s in your backyard?
Use our handy checklist to identify our local wildlife. Each link provides a deep dive into the species’ habits and history. Remember: in the animal kingdom, the boys usually wear the bright colors, while the girls opt for clever camouflage!
Small Birds
Small Birds
Attract a variety of species by offering a selection of seeds such as niger, sunflower hearts and peanuts in hanging feeders where they will have a good vantage point away from predators.
Larger Birds
Larger Birds
Typically ground feeders.
Calling all Johnstown Birdwatchers!
Calling all Johnstown Birdwatchers!
How many of these feathery neighbors have visited your garden in the last year? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our local ecosystem is buzzing with life, and we want to see what you are seeing!
The Johnstown "Spotted" List:
How many can you tick off?
The Bright Bunch: European Goldfinch, Eurasian Bluetit, Goldcrest, Eurasian Siskin.
The Garden Classics: European Robin, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Eurasian Blackbird.
The Bold & The Brave: Common Magpie, Hooded Crow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove.
The Hidden Gems: Eurasian Wren, Coal Tit, Redpoll, Dunnock, Song Thrush.
Pro-Tip: Become a Bird Detective
Stuck on a song or a flash of color? Download the Merlin Bird ID app. It’s like having a bird expert in your pocket—just record a sound or snap a photo to identify your visitor in seconds!
Take a Walk by the River...
If you’ve ventured down to the riverside lately, we bet you’ve seen even more species! Help us grow the Johnstown collection by adding your sightings.
Spring Clean
Spring Clean
Marking the Calendar: When to Feed (and When to Stop)
As our Tidy Towns biodiversity projects grow, we want to make sure we're following the latest expert advice. While we love seeing birds in our gardens, BirdWatch Ireland has updated its guidance to help protect our local finches and garden birds from disease.
The Golden Rule: Feed Seasonally
MAY 1st – OCTOBER 31st: The "Feeder Break"
BirdWatch Ireland now strongly urges everyone to stop using bird feeders (seeds and peanuts) during these months.
Why? Trichomoniasis (a fatal bird disease) spreads much faster in the warmth.
Nature Provides: Summer and Autumn provide plenty of natural insects, seeds, and berries. Our birds don't need the extra help right now, and removing feeders prevents large groups of birds from gathering and spreading sickness.
NOVEMBER 1st – APRIL 30th: The Winter Kitchen
This is the critical window! When the frost hits and natural food disappears, your garden feeders become a lifeline. High-energy peanuts, sunflower seeds, and fat balls are perfect during these cold months.
What can I do during the Summer Break?
If you miss your feathered visitors between May and October, you can still help safely:
Fresh Water is Priority: Keep those bird baths scrubbed and filled! This is the most helpful thing you can provide in the heat.
Go Natural: Instead of a feeder, plant a "living larder." Sunflowers, Teasel, and berry-bearing bushes like Rowan or Hawthorn are the best way to feed birds without the risk of disease.
Deep Clean: Use this summer "off-season" to give your feeders a serious soak in a mild disinfectant so they are sterile and ready for November 1st.
Let’s keep our local wildlife healthy and safe!
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