Birdsong and Beyond: Seán Ronayne’s Mission to Record Every Bird in Ireland
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In an age of environmental crisis, one man is choosing to listen — not just to the science, but to the sounds. Seán Ronayne, an Irish ornithologist and bioacoustician, has set out on a breathtaking mission: to record the song of every bird species in Ireland.
His work is the focus of the beautifully shot documentary Birdsong, but his impact goes well beyond the screen. His passion is now a national conversation — one about biodiversity, listening, and love for the wild.
A Journey of Sound Across Ireland
Since 2021, Seán has travelled across every county in Ireland, from the rugged cliffs of Donegal to the woodlands of Cork, capturing soundscapes rich with natural wonder. His website, Irish Wildlife Sounds, acts as both an audio archive and an educational hub — featuring everything from the drumming of a woodpecker to the haunting cry of a seabird colony.
What makes his work unique?
Field recordings in natural habitats
Minimal interference — just nature as it is
Focus on sound as conservation: raising awareness through experience
Seán’s hypersensitivity to sound offers an extraordinary ear for detail
Birdsong: A Documentary That Listens
The documentary Birdsong (2024), directed by Kathleen Harris, captures Seán’s mission with emotional depth and sweeping cinematography. More than just a portrait of a naturalist, it’s a film about healing, purpose, and our vanishing connection to the wild.
🔗 Watch the trailer or find the film on IMDb
“It’s not just about birds. It’s about how we hear the world, and what we’re losing.” — Birdsong
Why Sound Matters for Conservation
We often protect what we can see — but what about what we can hear?
Seán's approach asks us to reconsider our relationship with nature. Birds are early indicators of ecosystem health. When a species goes quiet, it’s a warning. By recording them, he creates a sonic record of Ireland’s biodiversity — a vital tool for:
Environmental education
Species monitoring
Mental health and nature therapy
Inspiring art, music, and storytelling
His work highlights endangered and under-studied species, including the Corncrake, Ring Ouzel, and Roseate Tern — giving voice to those that are being drowned out.
How You Can Get Involved
Even if you’ve never touched a microphone or hiked a bog, Seán’s message is clear: Everyone can help protect the wild by learning to listen.
Here’s how:
Visit irishwildlifesounds.com and listen to the recordings
Share his work on social media or in schools
Support local biodiversity projects and native habitat restoration
Report bird sightings to BirdWatch Ireland or join a local birding group
Start conversations about sound and silence in nature
A Legacy of Listening
In a time when birds are disappearing — not just in number, but in voice — Seán Ronayne’s work reminds us that to protect nature, we must first pay attention. His recordings are more than data; they’re love letters to the living world.
So the next time you hear a bird outside your window, pause. Really listen. As Seán might say: That song might not be there forever.
Resources:
🌐 Seán’s official site: irishwildlifesounds.com
🎞️ Film page: Birdsong on IMDb
🐦 Bird conservation: BirdWatch Ireland
