The Nightjar’s Whisper: A Fragile Recovery and the Future of Ireland’s ‘Spinning Wheel’ Bird
For many in Ireland, the evocative churring call of the nightjar – once so familiar it earned the bird the Irish name túirne lín, meaning ‘spinning wheel’ – has faded into memory. But a glimmer of hope is emerging. Recent surveys by Birdwatch Ireland suggest this elusive bird, dramatically declined throughout the 20th century, is clinging to existence, and potentially making a slow, fragile comeback.
A History of Decline: Habitat Loss and the Pesticide Impact
The story of the nightjar in Ireland is a cautionary tale of environmental change. John Lusby, Conservation Officer at Birdwatch Ireland, points to a steep decline beginning in the latter half of the 1900s. The primary drivers? Loss of suitable habitat – specifically, open woodland, heathland, and recently clear-felled areas – and the widespread use of pesticides. Nightjars are aerial insectivores, meaning their diet consists almost entirely of moths and other flying insects. Pesticide use decimated insect populations, directly impacting the nightjar’s food source.
This decline wasn’t just a gradual fading. Lusby’s 2024 report revealed a point where the nightjar was considered functionally extinct across much of the island. The situation was so dire that the focus shifted from active conservation to simply confirming whether any breeding pairs remained.
The South-East Stronghold and Expanding Surveys
The turning point came with a 2023 survey focused on counties Kilkenny and Wexford, identified as the “last remaining stronghold.” Researchers spent hundreds of hours recording birdsong, eventually detecting nightjar calls at two sites and confirming one successful breeding pair. This discovery spurred a wider study encompassing Waterford and Tipperary. The use of drone technology equipped with thermal sensors allowed the team to monitor a nest from a safe distance, a crucial step in protecting this vulnerable species.
Interestingly, a recent sighting in Belfast, while surprising, highlights the nightjar’s elusive nature. Lusby suggests they may be present in other areas, simply undetected due to their nocturnal habits and preference for secluded habitats. This underscores the importance of continued, comprehensive surveys.
Beyond Ireland: Global Trends in Nightjar Populations
The plight of the Irish nightjar isn’t unique. Nightjar populations are facing challenges across Europe and beyond. In the UK, the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reports similar declines linked to habitat loss and changes in woodland management. A 2021 study published in Bird Conservation International highlighted the impact of agricultural intensification on nightjar breeding success in several European countries. Read the study here.
However, there are success stories. Targeted habitat restoration projects in parts of Germany and France have demonstrated that nightjar populations can recover when provided with suitable breeding grounds and abundant insect prey.
What Does the Future Hold? Key Factors for Recovery
The upcoming results of Birdwatch Ireland’s 2025 survey will be pivotal. But beyond the numbers, several key factors will determine the long-term fate of the nightjar in Ireland:
- Sustainable Forestry Practices: Promoting clear-felling practices that create a mosaic of habitats, including open areas and regenerating woodland, is crucial.
- Reduced Pesticide Use: Encouraging integrated pest management strategies and reducing reliance on broad-spectrum insecticides will help restore insect populations.
- Habitat Restoration: Active restoration of heathland and open woodland habitats is essential, particularly in areas where nightjars were historically present.
- Continued Monitoring: Long-term monitoring programs are vital to track population trends and assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Pro Tip: If you live in a potential nightjar habitat, consider creating a small insect-friendly garden with native plants. This can provide a valuable food source for these birds.
FAQ: Nightjars in Ireland
- What do nightjars eat? Primarily moths and other flying insects.
- Are nightjars rare? Yes, they are a Red List species in Ireland, meaning they are of high conservation concern.
- When can I hear a nightjar? During the breeding season, typically from May to August, at night.
- What does a nightjar’s nest look like? They nest on the ground, with no nest building – simply laying their eggs directly on the leaf litter.
- How can I help nightjars? Support organizations like Birdwatch Ireland, advocate for sustainable land management practices, and create insect-friendly habitats.
Did you know? Nightjars are masters of camouflage. Their mottled plumage allows them to blend seamlessly with the forest floor, making them incredibly difficult to spot during the day.
To learn more about Birdwatch Ireland’s work and how you can get involved, visit their website: https://birdwatchireland.ie/. Share your thoughts on the nightjar’s recovery in the comments below – have you ever heard its distinctive call?
