Birds of Salthill

The Birds of Salthill, Citizen Science “Aves Mara” project

In early December, when the Aquarium was closed and the weather was a little too cold for exploring the rockpools, we decided to shift focus and capture some images for the Wild Atlantic Way series. However, while walking along Grattan Beach in Salthill, we noticed a particularly unique bird foraging along the shoreline—and with that, a new project began.

After reviewing our photos and video of the Godwit, we returned the following day to gather more footage. This second visit led us to spot a Redshank, and from that moment, Aves Mara was born.

• Herring Gull
• Stonechat
• Blue Tit
• Godwit
• Brent Geese
• Starlings
• Hooded Crow
• Blackbird
• Robin
• Turnstone
• Cormorant
• Pipit (Meadow and Rock)

Birds of a feather, make small ideas bigger…

What began as a single idea quickly evolved into a meaningful Citizen Science project, to identify and record as many bird species as possible in the Salthill area. The project not only deepened our own understanding and awareness of local birdlife but also created an opportunity to share this knowledge with others.

To support this, we developed a simple YouTube series highlighting the birds we encountered, along with an illustrated Bird Identification Game designed to help young people recognise birds through colour and basic features. This approach forms the foundation of active learning—we can offer guidance and tools, but discovery and curiosity are left to the individual.