Cork-born ornithologist, wildlife sound-recordist, and award-winning author Seán Ronayne has devoted his life to nature. After studying Zoology and Marine Biology at UCC, and later specialising in ornithology, Seán began recording the sounds of birds and wildlife – a passion that has since become his life’s work.In 2021 he set out to record the vocalisations of every Irish bird species. With almost 200 to capture, the project highlights the fragile state of Irish ecology, with 63% of birds now at risk of extinction. To date, Seán has gathered over 12,000 recordings, with just three species left to find.His work has reached wide audiences through the acclaimed 2024 documentary Birdsong, directed by Kathleen Harris, as well as appearances on The Tommy Tiernan Show, The Blindboy Podcast, and A Note for Nature.Seán has also released two best-selling digital albums (Wild Silence and Hope), and his debut book Nature Boy won Irish Biography of the Year 2024, while also being shortlisted for overall Irish Book of the Year. He is currently writing his second book.Through his recordings, writing, and media projects, Seán is ensuring that the voices of Ireland’s birds, and the urgency of protecting them, are heard loud and clear.
Una Mullally – The Irish Times:
“It’s difficult to think of anyone in recent memory who has done more to impress upon the public the importance of birdlife in Ireland, and the significance of our biodiversity loss. Ronayne’s approach is also an inspiring one, using the wonder of nature to activate a love for what we have and what we are losing. His public talks often leave audiences moved to tears.”
Hilary Whyte – The Sunday Independent:
“Hirsute, casually attired, and refreshingly unmannered, Ronayne strolled onto the set of The Tommy Tiernan Show back in January [2024] and everything changed….Two things made the nation sit up that night and take Ronayne to heart; his unadulterated joy for nature, and the sheer integrity of his purpose. He became a speaker in demand.”
