Birds of Kilbarrack

This term we have been studying the birds that are living in our community.All of these birds in our project have been seen within a 300 metre arc of our school. In our school grounds we have a wide variety of trees and a large grassy area which provided a habitat for many of these birds. Due to our close proximity to the sea shore we are also visited by wading birds such as the Curlew and Oystercatcher.

We are very fortunate in Kilbarrack that so many birds have managed to survive in this suburban environment.

Sparrows roosting at the Dart station

Starlings

Brent Geese

Sparrows Roost at the Dart Station

Where do sparrows sleep at night? Most people think that they sleep in nests. But in fact, they usually roost together in a hedge. They do this for warmth and also to watch out for predators. One hundred eyes are better than two.

Picture by Ryan B

In Kilbarrack, the sparrows all roost together in the hedge at the local Dart station. They usually start arriving about an hour before nightfall. While their loud repetitive noise can be heard by the passengers waiting on the platform the sparrows themselves are almost invisible. Their dull plumage helps to make them invisible. The males have a black bib under their throat. In the winter you cannot see the bib as much. Sparrows eat seed and berries but the nestlings are fed insects.



Short video of the sparrows settling in for the night.