the park boasts a wealth of bird life, and is of ornithological importance because it supports a diverse range of birds. 141 bird species have been recorded in the park, including upland, woodland and wintering waterfowl species. several species which are otherwise rare in ireland are present, notably the woodland species redstart (1–2 pairs), wood warbler (1–2 pairs), and garden warbler (possibly up to 10 pairs). the red grouse and ring ouzel are on the iucn red list of species of high conservation concern (1–2 pairs each). the greenland white-fronted goose, merlin, and peregrine are listed on annex i of the eu birds directive. other noteworthy species found in the park are the chough, nightjar, and osprey. the osprey sometimes passes through the park as it migrates between northern africa and scandinavia. historical accounts and place names suggest that the osprey bred in the area in the past. golden eagles once nested in the park, but were extirpated around 1900 as a result of disturbance, nest robbing, and persecution.