The Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG) is a volunteer organisation that exists to promote the knowledge of raptor biology and populations through volunteer field-based research, working in partnership with landowners, industry, statutory agencies and non-government organisations.

The NIRSG key objectives are:

• to study, research, survey and monitor raptors (birds of prey) across Northern Ireland
• to encourage the conservation of raptors in Northern Ireland and elsewhere
• to provide information on breeding raptors to relevant statutory and non-statutory bodies in Northern Ireland
• to raise the awareness and profile of all native raptor species and the issues facing them
• to inform and assist the protection and wildlife agency (NIEA) and the police (PSNI) regarding suspected illegal persecution of raptors
• to collaborate with other researchers and research organisations to develop our raptor research and monitoring programmes

What we do:

• Annual peregrine population study
• Monitoring studies of other raptors particularly hen harrier, merlin, buzzard, kestrel and buzzard populations
• Ringing of nestling raptors
• Reporting and identification of raptor persecution in NI, including liaising with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) who is responsible for investigating reports on suspected wildlife crime
• Working with the quarrying industry in protecting biodiversity
• Liaison with forestry managers to protect nesting raptors
• Rescue and rehabilitation of injured raptors
• Assisting scientific work with other research organisations and universities

link:
website www.nirsg.com