Fourth class engaged with a wonderful webinar organised by 'Birdwatch Ireland' for primary schools across the country. Niall Hatch introduced the children to the birds commonly found in our school yard and gardens. The children took notes during the session and jotted down some interesting facts which you can read below.
- There are over 7 million wrens in Ireland which means there are more wrens than people. The wren is Ireland's second smallest bird.
- Dunnock means 'little brown fella' in Irish. Many people don't recognise them as they are very well camouflaged and blend in well to the Irish countryside.
- The chaffinch is the most common bird in Ireland. If you would like to attract chaffinches to your garden put out sunflower seeds. An Rí Rua is the Irish for chaffinch and it means 'Red king'
- The number of greenfinches are dropping in Ireland every year as they are affected by a disease which is spreading quite rapidly.
- Bullfinches love to eat dandelion seeds and apple blossoms. They have a short beak which they use for snipping off blossoms from trees.
- House sparrows like to nest in holes in walls.
- Blue Tits love to eat peanuts from wire mesh feeders and caterpillars. Blue Tits nest in nest boxes in April and May.
- Long tailed Tits use spiderwebs to build their nests.
- The Goldcrest is Ireland's smallest bird. They only weigh 5 grammes and weigh less than a 20 c coin. Waxwings are a very colourful bird and eat three times their own weight in berries everyday.
