The Birds of Ireland

Feathers on almost all birds are arranged in groups called feather tracts. These tracts are common to most birds and can vary between species

When identifying birds it is the same thing – think of your humble sketch as a map rather than a work of art.

You do not need a degree in art. In fact, you do not need to be able to draw well at all. If you think about it, if you wanted to give someone directions you would probably draw a map rather than have them remember the directions in their head.

Making a quick sketch of any mystery bird you see is also very valuable. With a little practice, you can record a large amount of information about a bird in this way in a short space of time.

Many of the most famous naturalists began as birdwatchers.

You can make a valuable contribution to our knowledge and the conservation of birds.

Birdwatching can become a lifetime hobby. Its beauty is that birds are everywhere, from the windowsill in the centre of a town or city to the cliff tops of the most remote, windswept island.

At some stage or other each of us has had our attention drawn to a wild bird, whether looking at a cheeky Robin in the garden, watching seagulls during a day at the beach in summer or when feeding the swans at the local pond.

Photo Credits
Mark Carmody took almost all the photos in this guide.

The Collins Press without whom this book would not be possible.