Birds of the Shannon Estuary StoryMap

Wetland Surveys Ireland were delighted to work with Clare, Kerry, and Limerick County Councils to create the Birds of the Shannon Estuary StoryMap. The StoryMap is an interactive resource for the public to learn more about the bird species which occur within the Shannon Estuary and the unique habitats which they reply on for survival. The online resource features beautiful photographs of bird species which were provided by BirdWatch Ireland. The StoryMap also highlights locations for bird watching along the estuary and provides tips for responsible bird watching.

The StoryMap was launched earlier this month to coincide with World Wetlands Day. Its launch is also timely given the recent headlines regarding the serious decline in numbers of wetland waterbird populations in Ireland, with declines of approximately 30% recorded over the last 30 years. The Shannon Estuary is recognised as being of international importance due to the diversity of bird species it supports and the extensive areas of wetland habitats within the estuary which support these bird species. We hope that the StoryMap will help to increase awareness of the importance of these wetland habitats, the diversity of species they support, and the importance of understanding and protecting them.