Although it possesses fewer breeding species than neighbouring countries, it has relatively healthy populations of some that are in serious decline elsewhere in Europe, such as Roseate Tern and Corncrake.

It also has some of the largest breeding seabird colonies in the world, huge flocks of wintering waders and wildfowl, dramatic seabird passage and a host of rare and unusual migrants.

It is uncrowded,and combined with beautiful, unspoilt scenery, will make for an exciting and unforgettable birdwatching experience.

Ireland also has three distinctive subspecies of breeding birds, Coal Tit, Jay and Dipper.

Our American visitors
While Ireland`s western geographical location is not ideal for many European migrants, it is perfect for the occurrence of many North American species swept across the Atlantic on their long migration from Northeast Canada.

Every year, waders, gulls and passerines are found in the southern and south-western counties. In autumn in County Wexford it is not unusual to encounter five species of Nearctic wader in one day. In the autumn of 1999, up to nine Buff-breasted Sandpipers were seen together in Wexford.

In the same autumn, at least five Chimney Swifts, a Common Nighthawk and a Swainson`s Thrush were recorded in Ireland.

Seabird bonanza
Ireland's westerly location in Europe has also made it one of the best seawatching spots in Europe. Sites like Cape Clear Island in Cork records large movements of common seabirds like Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Fulmar and Kittiwake, while scarcer species such as Skuas (Jaegers), Cory`s, Sooty and Great Shearwaters are regularly encountered.

In recent times Soft-plumaged (Fea`s) Petrels has become annual. Other hotspots for seawatching, including the Bridges-of-Ross and Kilcummin Head, have become Mecca`s for sea watchers.

Wintering wildfowl
Dominated by the warm Gulf Stream, Ireland enjoys relatively mild and wet winters, making it ideal as a wintering ground for wildfowl and waders. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve holds over half the world`s population of Greenland White-fronted Geese, while Brent, Greylag and, on the west coast, Barnacle Geese are a common sight.

Huge flocks of ducks and waders are to be seen in and around the loughs and estuaries of Ireland, with sites such as Lough Neagh in the North, and the Shannon Estuary holding tens of thousands of Lapwing, Knot, Golden Plover and a host of others.

Gulls galore
Each winter large numbers of northern gulls arrive in northern and western counties. Perhaps Killybegs in Donegal is the most famous, with Iceland and Glaucous Gulls occurring in double figures every winter.

In recent years `smithsonianus` Herring Gulls have been found, while Killybegs also played host to a superb adult Thayer`s Gull, which attracted a very appreciative audience during its three-week stay.

Ireland holds one last superb attraction to the visiting birder - solitude.

Birding is still in its youth in Ireland and its not unusual to spend a midweek day at one of Europe`s hotspots in perfect weather conditions, at the right time of the year, and not meet another birder.

The opportunity of finding your own birds is unique in Ireland. Of course, if you do do that don`t forget to contact BINS!