The public has been invited to take part in the biggest birdwatching project undertaken in Ireland, the compilation of Bird Atlas 2007-11. The aim of the four-year project is to collect the numbers and distribution of birds here and in Britain.
The project began yesterday under the management of BirdWatch Ireland, which has mobilised its 14,000 members to carry out a stocktake of Ireland's birds, the first such operation in nearly 20 years.
This is a joint project of BirdWatch Ireland, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club.
The aim is to survey more than 250 species to set the agenda for bird conservation over the next two decades and lead to a greater understanding of the impacts of global warming and pollution.
Niall Hatch, BirdWatch Ireland's development officer, said the organisation would need as much help as possible from the public to carry out this project.
"We want the public to tell us about the birds they see and send us on reports to supplement the work which will be carried out by our own staff, trained volunteers and our own members," he said.
"We want this to be as comprehensive as possible and I would urge anyone with even a passing interest in birds and the natural world to send us reports of the birds they see, be they common or rare," he said.
"We want people to tell us about the birds they see in their gardens or the hawks they see when out walking or the owls they see at night," he said.
He said more experienced birdwatchers are being asked to visit particular areas to count and identify birds spotted.
"We want to involve the whole community and if schools want to be involved we will give them information packs to help in what should be a great school project," he said.
He added there was also room for involvement by corporate Ireland.
He said companies could sponsor a species and be credited in the atlas, which will be published in five years' time.
Those wishing to take part should call 01-2819878. There is also information regarding the project on www.birdwatchireland.ie or http://www.bto.org/birdatlas/taking_part/index.htm