Appeal for sightings of Ireland's smallest bird of prey
Photo by Shay Connolly
The Merlin bird is a member of the falcon family and is Ireland's smallest bird of prey.
BirdWatch Ireland and the Irish Raptor Study Group are looking for help in increasing understanding of the breeding distribution and habitats of these charming birds.
This information will be used to help safeguard the breeding population and will inform and direct more targeted conservation and research.
A spokesperson said: "We are hoping that you may be able to help us by providing information on breeding Merlins which you have encountered over the past ten years, as well as evidence of nesting and/or nest locations.
"We assure you that this information will be treated in the strictest of confidence and individual nest locations will remain confidential."