The Man Recording Every Bird in Ireland Before It’s Too Late

With over 12,000 bird recordings to his name, Irish ornithologist Seán Ronayne is on a mission to document every bird species in Ireland—before they disappear.Originally from Cobh, County Cork, Seán’s passion for birds took flight in Barcelona, where he began recording unfamiliar species. Now, back in Ireland, he has nearly completed his ambitious goal, with only three elusive birds left: the grey partridge, great skua, and red-breasted merganser.But Seán’s project is more than just a personal quest. With 63% of Irish birds at risk of extinction, he sees his work as a warning: the decline of bird populations signals a deeper ecological crisis. He has witnessed firsthand the destruction of Ireland’s landscapes, describing it as “ecologically devastated”—a result of unchecked development and environmental neglect.Yet, Seán remains hopeful. Through his recordings and the documentary Birdsong, he aims to inspire change. “There are fragments of beauty and hope out there that we can build from,” he says. His message is clear: protecting birds means protecting Ireland’s natural heritage before it vanishes forever.