Brian Burke
@bburke88.bsky.social
Seabird Scientist for Birdwatch Ireland, with a particular interest in Terns and Gulls. S-permit bird ringer.
Wicklow/Roscommon.
Wicklow/Roscommon.
Pinned
Brian Burke
@bburke88.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Devastating Bird Flu impacts on Irish seabirds revealed in new study - BirdWatch Ireland
A new study has revealed the devastating toll of the 2023 bird flu outbreak on Ireland’s tern species at their most important colonies.
birdwatchireland.ie
An overview of the impact of HPAI H5N1 on the breeding Terns on the east coast of ROI in 2023 and 2024. Full case study published in #BirdStudy
In short, very bad for Common Terns, bad for Arctics and Sandwich, surprisingly minimal impact on Roseates overall.
birdwatchireland.ie/devastating-...
In short, very bad for Common Terns, bad for Arctics and Sandwich, surprisingly minimal impact on Roseates overall.
birdwatchireland.ie/devastating-...
Reposted by Brian Burke
“Eoin Dorgan, asst sec at Dept of Public Expenditure Dorgan said Ireland needs to apply Tony Blair’s motto “tough on crime, tough on causes of crime” to the ongoing issue around legal objections”
..citizens ensuring that decisions are lawful are not criminals
www.businesspost.ie/politics/sen...
..citizens ensuring that decisions are lawful are not criminals
www.businesspost.ie/politics/sen...
Senior official says public given too many opportunities to object to infrastructure plans
www.businesspost.ie
November 21, 2025 at 8:08 AM
“Eoin Dorgan, asst sec at Dept of Public Expenditure Dorgan said Ireland needs to apply Tony Blair’s motto “tough on crime, tough on causes of crime” to the ongoing issue around legal objections”
..citizens ensuring that decisions are lawful are not criminals
www.businesspost.ie/politics/sen...
..citizens ensuring that decisions are lawful are not criminals
www.businesspost.ie/politics/sen...
Reposted by Brian Burke
Worker’s rights getting rolled back. Environmental protections getting torn up. Financial regulation getting loosened. Data privacy laws getting sacrificed to the AI Gods. Access to Justice being undermined. Capitalism isn’t in crisis. Capitalism is the crisis.
“Eoin Dorgan, asst sec at Dept of Public Expenditure Dorgan said Ireland needs to apply Tony Blair’s motto “tough on crime, tough on causes of crime” to the ongoing issue around legal objections”
..citizens ensuring that decisions are lawful are not criminals
www.businesspost.ie/politics/sen...
..citizens ensuring that decisions are lawful are not criminals
www.businesspost.ie/politics/sen...
Senior official says public given too many opportunities to object to infrastructure plans
www.businesspost.ie
November 21, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Worker’s rights getting rolled back. Environmental protections getting torn up. Financial regulation getting loosened. Data privacy laws getting sacrificed to the AI Gods. Access to Justice being undermined. Capitalism isn’t in crisis. Capitalism is the crisis.
Reposted by Brian Burke
We're now starting to get reports of dead Whooper Swans with rings. If you find a dead bird & feel comfortable doing so - check for rings using the below @btobirds.bsky.social advice 👇🏻 Collecting information on ringed birds helps better understand the impact on different age groups.
November 7, 2025 at 9:46 PM
We're now starting to get reports of dead Whooper Swans with rings. If you find a dead bird & feel comfortable doing so - check for rings using the below @btobirds.bsky.social advice 👇🏻 Collecting information on ringed birds helps better understand the impact on different age groups.
Reposted by Brian Burke
Reminder: 99% of people have no actual use for an SUV.
November 16, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Reminder: 99% of people have no actual use for an SUV.
Reposted by Brian Burke
HEY! YOU! IMPORTANT GULL NEWS! www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Worth a shout? Yelling is best way to deter gulls, UK study suggests
Animal behaviourists tested 61 gulls in Cornwall to find most effective method of countering feathery threat
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:39 AM
HEY! YOU! IMPORTANT GULL NEWS! www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Reposted by Brian Burke
Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round
November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Love being reminded to do this every year. It's a win/win all round
Reposted by Brian Burke
What bothers me is that impartiality and balance are two different and incompatible things. Impartiality means that you don't intervene to put your thumb on the scales. Balance necessarily requires that you intervene to artificially make every issue look like a 50/50.
November 10, 2025 at 10:49 AM
What bothers me is that impartiality and balance are two different and incompatible things. Impartiality means that you don't intervene to put your thumb on the scales. Balance necessarily requires that you intervene to artificially make every issue look like a 50/50.
Reposted by Brian Burke
'Hijacked'? 'Pushing an agenda'? It's called EU law, namely the Habitats Directive, it's been in place for decades, & like most laws Ireland is failing to do that well, while our biodiversity pays the price.
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
November 10, 2025 at 11:51 AM
'Hijacked'? 'Pushing an agenda'? It's called EU law, namely the Habitats Directive, it's been in place for decades, & like most laws Ireland is failing to do that well, while our biodiversity pays the price.
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
So, yes, eNGOs are pushing it. Unapologetically.
www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/wa...
Reposted by Brian Burke
The idea that Ireland has ever "gold plated" the transposition of EU Environmental law, is causing a lot of people in my world to chortle manically.
November 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM
The idea that Ireland has ever "gold plated" the transposition of EU Environmental law, is causing a lot of people in my world to chortle manically.
Reposted by Brian Burke
There is a co-ordinated attack underway on access to justice & environmental democracy, with the Irish public being bombarded daily with anti-judicial review messaging from all sides.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
Despite the click-bait headline my contribution has been accurately reported in this piece by @eithnedodd.bsky.social unfortunately on the industry side the wool has been pulled over her eyes by the usual self-serving rhetoric
By way of followup a short 🧵
By way of followup a short 🧵
The rate of judicial review in Ireland is "off the charts," the Director of Housing and Planning at the Construction Industry Federation has said
November 5, 2025 at 10:04 AM
There is a co-ordinated attack underway on access to justice & environmental democracy, with the Irish public being bombarded daily with anti-judicial review messaging from all sides.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
This is to soften up the public before their right to access justice is removed- it's manufacturing consent.
Reposted by Brian Burke
79% of homes sold in Dublin this year were bought by landlords, 75% by large landlords. About 1 in 5 TDs are landlords.
This is disgusting dog whistling. The problem has never been people seeking asylum. The problem is people seeking to endlessly profit from folks just looking for a home.
This is disgusting dog whistling. The problem has never been people seeking asylum. The problem is people seeking to endlessly profit from folks just looking for a home.
🗣️ "The one thing that there is a problem with is housing right across the state, and the more that come to seek asylum, the more pressure it puts on that system.” - Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley
#TonightVMTV
#TonightVMTV
November 5, 2025 at 8:28 AM
79% of homes sold in Dublin this year were bought by landlords, 75% by large landlords. About 1 in 5 TDs are landlords.
This is disgusting dog whistling. The problem has never been people seeking asylum. The problem is people seeking to endlessly profit from folks just looking for a home.
This is disgusting dog whistling. The problem has never been people seeking asylum. The problem is people seeking to endlessly profit from folks just looking for a home.
Reposted by Brian Burke
Just a reminder that as of end of 2024 there are 104,327 landlords in Ireland.
Or 2.3% of the adult population. There are 33% of adults renting.
So someone explain to me why political parties tiptoe around landlords so much? Beyond the fact 20% of the Dail are landlords themselves #speirgorm
Or 2.3% of the adult population. There are 33% of adults renting.
So someone explain to me why political parties tiptoe around landlords so much? Beyond the fact 20% of the Dail are landlords themselves #speirgorm
Guess which of us didn't vote for this #SpéirGorm #housingcrisis
November 5, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Just a reminder that as of end of 2024 there are 104,327 landlords in Ireland.
Or 2.3% of the adult population. There are 33% of adults renting.
So someone explain to me why political parties tiptoe around landlords so much? Beyond the fact 20% of the Dail are landlords themselves #speirgorm
Or 2.3% of the adult population. There are 33% of adults renting.
So someone explain to me why political parties tiptoe around landlords so much? Beyond the fact 20% of the Dail are landlords themselves #speirgorm
Reposted by Brian Burke
April: If we don’t get Housing right in seven months, we’re screwed.
November: Housing crisis here until 2040.
November: Housing crisis here until 2040.
November 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
April: If we don’t get Housing right in seven months, we’re screwed.
November: Housing crisis here until 2040.
November: Housing crisis here until 2040.
Reposted by Brian Burke
Only two years ago the European Court of Justice ruled that Ireland hadn't implemented the EU Habitats Directive while a number of other cases are outstanding.
It's hilarious to think that there's anything 'gold plated' about our environmental regulations!
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
It's hilarious to think that there's anything 'gold plated' about our environmental regulations!
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
Micheál Martin says house building in Ireland is hampered by 'gold-plating' of EU rules
Taoiseach says 'going beyond what is required' is slowing down delivery of housing and other big projects in Ireland
www.irishexaminer.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Only two years ago the European Court of Justice ruled that Ireland hadn't implemented the EU Habitats Directive while a number of other cases are outstanding.
It's hilarious to think that there's anything 'gold plated' about our environmental regulations!
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
It's hilarious to think that there's anything 'gold plated' about our environmental regulations!
www.irishexaminer.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Brian Burke
“If this was, as Harris framed it, a referendum on Ireland’s proud history of better-things-aren’t-possible centrism, then surely he must accept that his conceptualisation of Ireland is actually… wrong.”
This week’s column is about how FG and FF have responded to the election results.
This week’s column is about how FG and FF have responded to the election results.
Surrealing in the Years: Sorry Simon, maybe Ireland doesn't want to be a 'centrist' country
Hey, I didn’t make the rules.
jrnl.ie
November 1, 2025 at 9:09 AM
“If this was, as Harris framed it, a referendum on Ireland’s proud history of better-things-aren’t-possible centrism, then surely he must accept that his conceptualisation of Ireland is actually… wrong.”
This week’s column is about how FG and FF have responded to the election results.
This week’s column is about how FG and FF have responded to the election results.
Avian Flu is on the rise again and it's important we know where, when and what species are affected, so make sure to report any dead birds via the links below! @birdwatchireland.bsky.social
⚠️ Please report sightings of dead birds for possible testing for Avian Influenza. ⬇️
📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
📌 In England, Wales & Scotland: www.gov.uk/guidance/...
📌 In Northern Ireland: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/...
📌 In Republic of Ireland: aviancheck.apps.serv...
#UKBirding #BirdingWales #BirdingScotland
October 30, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Avian Flu is on the rise again and it's important we know where, when and what species are affected, so make sure to report any dead birds via the links below! @birdwatchireland.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian Burke
With HPAI bird flu resurging in UK and Western Europe, here's the link to the 2 recent special issues of #BirdStudy on avian influenza: 20 papers on impacts, mitigation, patterns and control. Part 1/2:
#ornithology #seabirds #raptors #birdflu
#ornithology #seabirds #raptors #birdflu
Special Issue of #BirdStudy is now published:
The impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on birds: part 1
10 papers (5 #OpenAccess) plus Editorial on the impacts of #birdflu #HPAI outbreak in Europe, Canada, Antarctica: www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/7...
#ornithology #ukbirding #seabirds
The impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza on birds: part 1
10 papers (5 #OpenAccess) plus Editorial on the impacts of #birdflu #HPAI outbreak in Europe, Canada, Antarctica: www.tandfonline.com/toc/tbis20/7...
#ornithology #ukbirding #seabirds
October 30, 2025 at 2:25 PM
With HPAI bird flu resurging in UK and Western Europe, here's the link to the 2 recent special issues of #BirdStudy on avian influenza: 20 papers on impacts, mitigation, patterns and control. Part 1/2:
#ornithology #seabirds #raptors #birdflu
#ornithology #seabirds #raptors #birdflu
Reposted by Brian Burke
"Portugal expects to reach 30% of its marine protected areas by 2026"
Still waiting for Ireland to pass a law to allow for the creation of Marine Protected Areas!
www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-10...
Still waiting for Ireland to pass a law to allow for the creation of Marine Protected Areas!
www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-10...
Portugal reaches 30% of marine protected area
Portugal expects to reach 30% of its marine protected areas by 2026, bringing forward its 2030 target, with the creation of the Madeira-Tore and Gorringe Bank Marine Nature Reserve, whose preparatory ...
www.theportugalnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:14 PM
"Portugal expects to reach 30% of its marine protected areas by 2026"
Still waiting for Ireland to pass a law to allow for the creation of Marine Protected Areas!
www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-10...
Still waiting for Ireland to pass a law to allow for the creation of Marine Protected Areas!
www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Brian Burke
They lose an election, and immediately lurch to the right to appease the vote-spoilers.
I've been watching this for more than 20 years in European politics, and now Ireland is inexorably heading in the same overtly racist direction.
Buckle up, things are about to get really, really shit.
I've been watching this for more than 20 years in European politics, and now Ireland is inexorably heading in the same overtly racist direction.
Buckle up, things are about to get really, really shit.
Immigration numbers are too high. We have to listen to the people in this country. The increase is too high.
- Simon Harris, via @news.rte.ie
Welcomed by Aontu.
Matt Carty says SF has been saying this for some time.
- Simon Harris, via @news.rte.ie
Welcomed by Aontu.
Matt Carty says SF has been saying this for some time.
October 29, 2025 at 9:14 PM
They lose an election, and immediately lurch to the right to appease the vote-spoilers.
I've been watching this for more than 20 years in European politics, and now Ireland is inexorably heading in the same overtly racist direction.
Buckle up, things are about to get really, really shit.
I've been watching this for more than 20 years in European politics, and now Ireland is inexorably heading in the same overtly racist direction.
Buckle up, things are about to get really, really shit.
Reposted by Brian Burke
The tech bro oligarchs are all singing off the same hymn sheet. These are smart people who know the catastrophic suffering that will result from climate breakdown but they also know their empire of wealth will leave them totally unaffected.
www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-d...
www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-d...
Bill Gates Delivers ‘Tough Truths’ on Climate Just Before Big U.N. Talks
Bill Gates argues against focusing on emissions goals in favor of measures of human development.
www.newsweek.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:57 AM
The tech bro oligarchs are all singing off the same hymn sheet. These are smart people who know the catastrophic suffering that will result from climate breakdown but they also know their empire of wealth will leave them totally unaffected.
www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-d...
www.newsweek.com/bill-gates-d...
Reposted by Brian Burke
Recent Aras elections saw multiple candidates get through process via Oireachtas or local authority support - 1997 had 5 candidates, 2011 had 7 and 2018 had 6. There is no need to change the system because the 2025 motley crew were late to process, poor quality or not serious about running at all.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Oireachtas may have to look at changing the process by which a person gets on the ballot in presidential elections, which he described as "restrictive".
jrnl.ie/6856687
jrnl.ie/6856687
Taoiseach suggests referendum on changing 'restrictive' process for getting on presidential ballot
One in eighter people spoiled their votes.
jrnl.ie
October 26, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Recent Aras elections saw multiple candidates get through process via Oireachtas or local authority support - 1997 had 5 candidates, 2011 had 7 and 2018 had 6. There is no need to change the system because the 2025 motley crew were late to process, poor quality or not serious about running at all.
Reposted by Brian Burke
Connolly’s landslide buries political myths about Ireland’s presidential process - how the establishment's attempts to explain #Aras25 are fatally flawed from the outset, and who really matters in the aftermath.
philipoconnor.com/connollys-la...
philipoconnor.com/connollys-la...
October 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Connolly’s landslide buries political myths about Ireland’s presidential process - how the establishment's attempts to explain #Aras25 are fatally flawed from the outset, and who really matters in the aftermath.
philipoconnor.com/connollys-la...
philipoconnor.com/connollys-la...
Reposted by Brian Burke
As I've poimted out numerous times recently, the Irish political establishment has no idea how to deal with the nascent threat of the far right, instinctively taking the wrong option every single time.
Connelly was an independent who did the work, got on the ballot, and won.
The far right did not.
Connelly was an independent who did the work, got on the ballot, and won.
The far right did not.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Oireachtas may have to look at changing the process by which a person gets on the ballot in presidential elections, which he described as "restrictive".
jrnl.ie/6856687
jrnl.ie/6856687
Taoiseach suggests referendum on changing 'restrictive' process for getting on presidential ballot
One in eighter people spoiled their votes.
jrnl.ie
October 26, 2025 at 8:11 AM
As I've poimted out numerous times recently, the Irish political establishment has no idea how to deal with the nascent threat of the far right, instinctively taking the wrong option every single time.
Connelly was an independent who did the work, got on the ballot, and won.
The far right did not.
Connelly was an independent who did the work, got on the ballot, and won.
The far right did not.
Reposted by Brian Burke
Have the conversation, even if it's difficult. Irish media is generally terrible at explaining these things, so it falls to citizens to help each other.
Connelly got the biggest personal mandate in the history of the state. That's the story.
Connelly got the biggest personal mandate in the history of the state. That's the story.
And yet, the first thing my mother did when I showed some enthusiasm about our new president-elect is to refer to the spoiled votes as an indicator that there's a problem with CC's victory. I'm honestly afraid to ask if she spoiled her own vote because the answer might be yes.
October 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Have the conversation, even if it's difficult. Irish media is generally terrible at explaining these things, so it falls to citizens to help each other.
Connelly got the biggest personal mandate in the history of the state. That's the story.
Connelly got the biggest personal mandate in the history of the state. That's the story.
Reposted by Brian Burke
Can you imagine TDs scrambling to change the Constitution or commentators hand-wringing in the media if it was leftists who behaved the way the spoiled vote crew did, in the same (minority) numbers, after several bigoted riots. Not so much forced to pander to them as willingly taking a running leap.
October 26, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Can you imagine TDs scrambling to change the Constitution or commentators hand-wringing in the media if it was leftists who behaved the way the spoiled vote crew did, in the same (minority) numbers, after several bigoted riots. Not so much forced to pander to them as willingly taking a running leap.