Conservationists celebrate resurgence of corncrakes on Rathlin Island
Six calling male corncrakes have been recorded on Rathlin Island this breeding season, the RSPB NI said, describing the highest number to be counted in recent memory.
It comes just two decades after the bird faced extinction from Northern Ireland.
The RSPB said the corncrake has been driven to the brink by changing farming practices and the loss of traditional hay meadows.
They say that Rathlin Island remains the only place in Northern Ireland where the species is confirmed to be breeding, and thanked a 'dedicated effort by RSPB NI staff, volunteers and landowners is helping to change the fate of the corncrake'.
The Giving Corncrake A Home project was started by the charity in 2010, bringing volunteers together to dig, wash and transport nettle rhizomes to the island to provide the dense, early cover that corncrakes rely on to breed successfully.
It bore fruit in 2014 when the first corncrake returned to Rathlin Island year-on-year.
Liam McFaul, RSPB NI warden on Rathlin Island, said he has noticed the drop in numbers himself across his life.
'When I was growing up, corncrakes were everywhere, you couldn't step outside without hearing them. Now, even one call is rare,' he said.
'That's why creating early cover with nettle rhizomes is so important. Without it, corncrakes could have disappeared from Rathlin for good.'
Claire Barnett, RSPB NI's east area manager, added: 'I remember being out on Rathlin in 2014, walking the fields and hearing the corncrake call as they were becoming re-established.
'It was a moment of hope but I never imagined we'd one day be hearing six. It's incredible.
'This is down to years of hard work by our team, the community and volunteers.
'We're aiming for 10 calling male corncrakes on Rathlin, and with the right habitat and care, we're confident we can get there.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Wales Online
Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider
Anyone feeding birds 'fat balls' in garden urgently asked to reconsider As the Usutu virus spreads, homeowners who feed birds in their gardens are urged to reduce bacteria as much as possible Fat from the melted suet can get stuck in a bird's feathers (Image: Getty ) Many people enjoy watching and feeding birds in their back garden. However, as innocent as it may seem, feeding birds in the garden, especially during summer, carries some risks and may do more harm than good if people aren't careful. In a warning by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), homeowners across the UK are being urged to reconsider putting fat balls, or suet balls, out in their garden during the warmer months. According to the Met Office, temperatures are set to rise over the coming days, with the first yellow heat-health alert of 2025 issued for four regions of the country. The alert is currently in place for the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions of England. Just like people are urged to put certain bird food out during winter to help them survive the cold, homeowners with gardens are urged to be careful about what they put out in hot weather. If you often put fat balls out, then it is time to reconsider. During the spring and summer months, the RSPB says: "Birds require high-protein foods, especially while they're moulting. Be careful with peanuts, fat and bread during spring and summer. If you want to feed peanuts, only do so in rigid mesh feeders that will not allow sizeable pieces to be removed, since these could be a choking hazard to chicks." In terms of fat balls, the charity says: "Home-made fat balls can melt in warm summer weather, and should be avoided." It recommends people opt for suet products that are resistant to melting in heat. People using fat balls in summer are urged to reconsider alternatives to use instead Article continues below While fat balls can be a valuable energy source, they can also pose risks if not managed properly. Fat balls, especially homemade ones, can melt in warm weather, causing grease and potentially harming birds' feathers. Studies indicate that although some birds benefit from fat-rich foods, others may experience lower breeding success when these foods are easily accessible. Inappropriate foods, including fat balls, can create choking hazards for chicks, especially when nestlings are around. Fat balls can spoil, particularly in warmer weather, and leftover food can attract pests or other wildlife. It can also quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. At the moment, certain bird species are under threat as the Usutu virus spreads. Keeping your bird feeders clean is important, as some species face the threat of bacterial infections and viruses (Image: Getty ) The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is raising alarms among wildlife specialists in the UK, especially regarding blackbirds. This virus was initially identified in the UK in 2020 and has been associated with a decrease in certain blackbird populations. It is classified as notifiable, which indicates that although it is not a specific virus name, it represents a virus of concern, similar to various other diseases affecting animals or humans. It is advised to limit fat balls in warm months, when they are more prone to melting. You may want to choose quality fat balls made with premium ingredients that can endure outdoor conditions. To cater to a broader array of bird species, it is best to provide a range of food options, such as seeds, nuts, berries, and insects. What do birds eat? According to the RSPB, many birds will happily eat a variety of foods. But here are some of the organisation's top tips for feeding birds: Blackbirds mostly feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods, from suet pellets to mealworms. Blue Tits and Great Tits use a feeder, eating seeds as well as suet and peanuts. Finches, including Chaffinches and Greenfinches, also use a feeder, and they love sunflower hearts. If you're keen to attract Goldfinches or Siskins, try Nyjer seeds as they both seem to love them. Nyjer seed is also popular with Greenfinches and Redpolls. House Sparrows, Dunnocks and Collared Doves prefer to feed on the ground and will be attracted by small seeds. Suet balls and other fat-based food bars are excellent high energy giving foods for winter and popular with a wide range of birds. Mealworms are especially popular with Robins and Blue Tits and may attract other insect-eating birds such as Pied Wagtails. Be sure to look for good quality bird food – those that don't include 'fillers' such as dried peas and beans, red dari and wholewheat that birds rarely eat. You can also put out leftovers such as dried fruit, or fruit such as apples and pears. Don't use anything mouldy or salty though, and if you have a dog don't put out dried fruit – vine fruits, such as raisins, can be toxic to them. Bird feeders should be cleaner regularly and any old food removed and replaced with fresh Article continues below Where should you put bird feeders? You can set up your bird feeder in various locations, but try to choose a spot that is quiet and in a place where birds won't feel disturbed. Also, aim for somewhere away from bushes where predators might be lurking, yet close enough to cover for birds to quickly escape, as birds prefer to have a clear view around them while they eat. Also, try to keep feeders in sheltered areas away from strong winds. However, no matter where you decide to hang your feeder, ensure that you can see it from indoors to enjoy watching the birds. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the birds to become accustomed to a new feeder, so don't feel discouraged if you don't see many birds at the beginning.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Colchester bridge repairs resume after being halted by birds
Repairs to a bridge that closed to the public more than 500 days ago have resumed after the discovery of bird nests halted to repair the bridge - which closed in December 2023 when part of the Middle Mill weir at Castle Park in Colchester fell into the River Colne - started last month but was suspended on the same City Council, which is responsible for the weir itself, said work had restarted "with close attention being paid to the wildlife throughout".One moorhen nest was still active and remained undisturbed, and measures were being taken to prevent new nests from forming, the authority said. A spokesperson said: "We'll continue to monitor the site closely to ensure that wildlife is protected while essential repairs are carried out."They added "likely nesting activity from a wren" had also been discovered under the bridge - an area currently unaffected by the to the RSPB, moorhens and wrens are protected under UK wildlife law and it is illegal to move the nest of any wild bird while it is in was able to resume after a on-site meeting last week.A diversion of about 1km (0.6 mile) has been in place while the footbridge, owned by Essex County Council, has been closed. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
June warning to gardeners cutting their hedge this month
Trimming the hedges is a job that comes with risks, warn experts If you're desperate to get the garden in shape this summer, there's one job you may want to hang off setting about just yet. Cutting your hedge this month could land you in legal bother and see you fined or even facing jail time. That's because hedge cutting is covered by environmental law. And if you cut your hedge and damage or destroy a bird's nest in the process you can end up being prosecuted which can lead to an 'unlimited' fine. As the law stands, farm hedgerows cannot legally be cut between the dates of April 1 and August 31. In extreme circumstances, farmers can plead their case to cut hedges if they have a reason but it would require them to be granted a licence allowing them to do this. And while it is actually legal to cut a domestic hedge, gardeners would have to be extra careful there are no birds nest in it before getting the hedge trimmer out. If you do damage or destroy a hedge while cutting, intentionally or unintentionally, you are breaking the law, reports the Express. That's because many birds are still nesting and feeding their young in June. Experts at Husqvana explained: 'Under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it's an offence to intentionally damage or destroy a wild bird's nest while it is being built or in use. That includes consciously using a hedge trimmer when there is a bird's nest in your hedge, and in the process of doing so, causing the nest to be damaged or destroyed." The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) backs this up. It says that a person is breaking that law if they intentionally damage a bird's nest while it's being used or built, and this applies to trimming hedges, saying: "The moment it becomes active, it is illegal to destroy it". Breaking this law could land you an unlimited fine and even six months in prison. The RSPB adds: "The consequences for the above, even in the event of harm to a single bird, nest or egg, is an unlimited fine, up to six months in jail or both. Suffice to say, it is certainly not a risk worth taking." They said: "Pieces of environmental legislation such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as amended are regulated by a combination of the police, Natural England / Natural Resources Wales / Scottish Natural Heritage (based on location), the Environment Agency, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), the local authorities, the Partnership of Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW), various public bodies, and relevant organisations based on the endangered species in question. "Once an action breaking the rules of the Act has been carried out, the offence will inevitably result in a police investigation. "The police will enforce part 1 of the Act, as it focuses on the fundamental wildlife protection over wildlife species and what exactly necessitates a breach of the rules. "In fact, dedicated departments of the police specialise in breaches of environmental and wildlife laws, such as the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and Wildlife Crime Officers (WCOs). "Any law relating to the environment and wildlife are taken just as seriously as any other piece of active legislation. "Even in respect of a breach of the Act involving a single animal or habitat, the person responsible would be liable to pay a potentially unlimited fine, spend up to six months in prison, or possibly even both."
