Being particularly charismatic, birds of prey (or "raptors") tend to grab their fair share of the headlines: however, this July has been quite exceptional in the number of occasions they featured in the spotlight. Unfortunately, the historic fledging of the first 'Irish born' White-tailed Eagles in over 100 years from their nest at Mountshannon in Co. Clare provided the only positive story among these news items.
We apologise in advance for the grim reading which follows, but we feel it is essential to highlight the sinister issues which sadly still exist in our countryside if we are to effectively tackle them.
A recent article in the Limerick Leader publicising comments made by Limerick County Council Cathaoirleach John Sheahan, urging the removal of protection for Hen Harriers and calling for an "open-season" on this Annex I species made for depressing reading and caused shock and outrage amongst conservationists and the general public in Ireland, as well as overseas: please see Birdwatch Ireland's response here.
Ironically, in the same week as the councillor's ill-informed comments, the National Parks and Wildlife Service published its first Bird of Prey Poisoning and Persecution Report from 2011, which BirdWatch Ireland assisted with and which clearly demonstrates the damage caused by such indiscriminate acts of wildlife crime.
NPWS Bird of Prey Poisoning and Persecution Report HERE.
We also have outrageous news to report regarding a spate of recent shootings of nesting Peregrine Falcons in south Tipperary, which shows beyond doubt that we need to step up efforts to tackle these despicable acts of bird of prey persecution.
Finally, we wanted to give you an update on how some of our widespread raptors have fared the 2013 breeding season
Update on our raptors during the 2013 breeding season HERE.
Adapted from news items posted in the recent BirdWatch Ireland eWings
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