About this site

Nestwatch.ie offers daily glimpses into the lives of nesting birds, up close and in real-time. Using smart nest boxes equipped with cameras and sensors, we capture video and images that reveal the quiet, everyday drama inside bird nests, from egg-laying to fledging.

What we do?

Nestwatch is about making nature visible. By installing smart nest boxes across urban areas we’re creating vital nesting spaces for birds while opening a window into their lives for the public to watch, learn from, and enjoy.

Why it matters?

Bird populations across Ireland are in decline, largely due to habitat loss and the disappearance of natural nesting sites. Nestwatch combines simple technology with community engagement to support biodiversity and offer an antidote to “climate calamity fatigue” — that sense of helplessness in the face of environmental challenges.

Our Goals

Support Local Biodiversity: Create safe, monitored nesting sites to help restore urban bird populations.

Build Awareness and Empathy: Share real-time nest footage with the community to inspire interest and care for the natural world.

Develop a Scalable Model: Create a digital framework for biodiversity that can be replicated in other communities and cities.

Inform Policy: Use data - enhanced through AI and machine learning - to support evidence-based conservation and planning decisions.

How It Works?

Each smart nest box includes:

Cameras and Sensors: For live monitoring of bird activity, nesting patterns, and environmental conditions.

Web Platform: Our website hosts streams, videos, and insights so anyone can follow along with the nesting season.

QR Code Access: Scan a code near the box to instantly access the live feed on your phone or device.

Acknowledgements

Nestwatch.ie is made possible through the generous support of several key partners:

The Digital Hub for providing essential IT infrastructure and helping us engage with the local community to facilitate the siting of bird boxes and cameras on campus.

Xwerx for their expertise and support in developing the hardware and software that powers our smart nest boxes and live-streaming system.

Climate Immersion Fellowship for supporting creatives to engage with issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation - and for helping develop our team's ability to craft cutting-edge immersive experiences.