Ireland's largest conservation charity, Birdwatch Ireland, has responded strongly to recent comments by Limerick Co. Councillor John Sheahan calling for an "Open Season" on the protected hen harrier -- one of most threatened birds."Cllr. Sheahan's ill-informed and short-sighted statement shows how far we have to travel as a state in prioritising our natural heritage over … [Read more...] about Birdwatch Ireland responds to Cllr.’s “Open Season on Hen Harrier” remarks
raptors
Peregrine falcons shot in Co. Tipperary
Peregrine falcons nesting in south Tipperary have been deliberately shot in a spate of attacks over recent weeks according to a report from Bridwatch Ireland.The birds, two of which died and one which sustained permanent injury, are believed to have been shot in three separate incidents.The body of an adult female (pictured) was found by bird of prey expert Kevin … [Read more...] about Peregrine falcons shot in Co. Tipperary
White-tailed Eagles Found Dead in Co. Cork and Co. Kerry
Reports today have confirmed that a white-tailed eagles found dead in Co. Cork in January was illegally poisoned.The body of the female bird, released in Killarney National Park in 2010 as part of an official reintroduction project, was discovered washed up on the seashore at Glengariff in West Cork on the 18 January. Test results released today confirm the cause of death … [Read more...] about White-tailed Eagles Found Dead in Co. Cork and Co. Kerry
Hen harrier shooting prompts call for Garda investigation
Birdwatch Ireland (BWI) has called on An Garda Siochána to launch an immediate investigation following the recent shooting of a hen harrier at a winter roost site in County Kerry.Hen Harriers are a species of high conservation concern in Ireland and are listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. They are protected under Irish and European law, and the loss of even one … [Read more...] about Hen harrier shooting prompts call for Garda investigation
Sparrowhawk: the “Ronseal” of Irish birds!
Living and working in the country is often quite tranquil, but this morning the calm was shattered when this male sparrowhawk dropped in for an impromptu visit. Suddenly the background harmony of birdsong was replaced by a cacophony of anxious alarm calls as blackbirds, swallows, house sparrows, chaffinches and tits all screamed their warnings. Trouble had arrived! I glanced … [Read more...] about Sparrowhawk: the “Ronseal” of Irish birds!
