BirdWatch Ireland has reported a marked increase in the number of budding ornithologists as people spend more time at home noticing wildlife in their garden.
It says birdwatching has become increasingly popular since the first lockdown over Covid-19 last March. BirdWatch Ireland says last year it welcomed double the number of would-be ornithologists it normally attracts.
Development Officer Niall Hatch says 2,000 new members joined BirdWatch Ireland in 2020 making it the best year in the organisation's 52-year history.
The pandemic meant the cancellation of around 400 BirdWatch Ireland events including dawn chorus walks, which help draw awareness.