Species Focus Willow Warbler: increasingly abundant summer migrant - also ... Curlew: breeders facing extinction Cape Clear Observatory re-opens ...
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Number 82 Autumn 2016 • ISSN 1393-3434 Species Focus also ... Willow Warbler: Curlew: breeders facing extinction increasingly abundant Cape Clear Observatory re-opens WINGS SPRING 2016 summer migrant 1 Richard Mills: photos from the edge
National Parks and Wildlife Service The mission of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is: n To secure the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems and maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna in Ireland n To implement the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the Wildlife Acts n To designate and ensure the protection of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), having regard to the need to consult with interested parties n To manage and develop the State’s six National Parks and 78 Nature Reserves n To implement international Conventions and Agreements to which Ireland is party, relating to the natural heritage NPWS provides BirdWatch Ireland with financial support to undertake: n The Irish Wetland Bird Survey (I-WeBS) n The Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) n Seabird monitoring and wardening at Kilcoole and other important seabird colonies NPWS also contracts specific work packages to BirdWatch Ireland, including the development of agri-environment schemes for breeding waders on the Shannon Callows. The NPWS is also funder and partner in the programmes to restore the Grey Partridge and reintroduce the Golden Eagle, White-tailed Sea Eagle and Red Kite. 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 Tel: +353-1-888 3242 Roseate Tern (Photo: Ita Martin) LoCall: 1890 383 000 Fax: +353-1-888 3272 Website: www.npws.ie E-mail: natureconservation@environ.ie
From the Interim CEO Why not visit Cape Clear Island this autumn? A DICK COOMBES an especially big welcome to new members across the country who joined us at the many events this summer hosted by our local branches and staff. Every issue of this quarterly magazine includes plenty of events run by our branches (see the What’s On Guide, pages 32-34 for more details), so please do use these as opportunities to get to know birds, biodiversity and people in your area. Highlights of this issue include a focus on our Cape Clear Bird Observatory, which is now back up and running with visitors making the most of ‘the Obs’ and the range of activities the island has to offer to birders and non-birders alike. Why not take the trip to beautiful West Cork and visit it for yourself? The island reaches out into the Atlantic at the southernmost tip of Ireland. You will see in these pages that we are continuing our vital work for the Curlew, a bird that is facing extinction here in Ireland as a breeding species, with fewer than 150 pairs remaining. Without immediate focused efforts and proper commitment from the Government we are almost certain to lose this as an Irish breeding species. We also report about the plight of breeding waders more generally, putting an even greater emphasis on the need for action both on the ground and in how we implement agricultural policy in Ireland. Our seabirds seem to have taken a hit this year – it’s been a tough Birdwatchers approaching Lough Errul on Cape Clear Island, Co Cork. Cape is a great place for short breaks, particularly for walking, wildlife season at most of the east coast colonies monitored by BirdWatch watching and outdoor pursuits. Visitors can stay at our Cape Clear Bird Ireland. While the nesting totals were broadly on a par with previous Observatory, which is open for business again (see pages 20-21). years, the proportions of chicks surviving has been incredibly low; it seems that poor food supply may have been the main reason. affecting funding opportunities, conservation collaboration and Our work on keeping up to date with the governance needs of policy implementation. We will be working closely in these charities is ongoing, and you’ll see in this issue that we will have an partnerships and with the Brussels office of BirdLife International EGM in September to formally update our Memorandum and Articles to address any anticipated challenges. of Association to bring them into line with the Charities Act and best Thank you for your support, whether you are new to us or a practice in this area. Details of these proposed changes were long-standing member. We would welcome your feedback on any presented at our recent AGM and are provided on page 35. part of our work and in particular on this magazine, Wings. Finally, on ‘Brexit,’ the UK referendum on membership of the EU, We hope you will get a chance to go out and about to enjoy we have formed strong collaborations over many years and work the birds and other wildlife of the autumn months. extremely closely with our partners in the UK, and in Northern Ireland in particular, on many levels. While this should not change, we expect Declan O’Sullivan, there may be an impact on the environment across these islands, Interim CEO, BirdWatch Ireland Any item or product advertised in Wings is not Editorial Team: necessarily approved or recommended by Cóilín MacLochlainn, Oran O’Sullivan, Niall Hatch BirdWatch Ireland unless specifically stated. For any Published by: BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, advertising enquiries and best rates, please contact Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Greystones, oosullivan@birdwatchireland.ie. Co Wicklow, A63 RW83 Telephone: (01) 281 9878 Copy deadline for the Winter 2016 issue Email: info@birdwatchireland.ie of Wings is Monday, 26th September 2016 Web: http://www.birdwatchireland.ie BirdWatch Ireland Board Members: Charity number: Registered Charity No CHY5703 Gerry Lyons (Chair) John Lynch Brian Lavery Tony Culley COVER PHOTOGRAPH: Wings is the quarterly membership magazine David Fay Stephen Wilson Curlew in wet heath of BirdWatch Ireland (Cairde Éanlaith Éireann). Jim Dowdall by Richard T Mills Contributions of photographs, drawings, letters, (see Special Report, page 24) news items and articles are welcomed and should Inset: Willow Warbler be addressed to the Editor. The opinions by John N Murphy expressed by contributors are not necessarily (see Species Focus, page 14) those of the Editor or of BirdWatch Ireland. BirdWatch Ireland is the BirdLife International partner in the Republic of Ireland WINGS AUTUMN 2016 3
Our greatest asset is our members I am deeply honoured to be taking on the four-year term as future growth and development of the organisation. In addition, to Chairperson of BirdWatch Ireland. My earliest introduction to the ensure that we continue to maintain the highest standards, the Board organisation was when I became interested in birds in primary school, will work towards fully implementing the Governance Code: a Code of and I clearly remember the infectious enthusiasm of great characters Practice for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and such as Major Robin Ruttledge on my first branch outings. Charitable Organisations in Ireland. I was delighted that members I would like to thank those who supported my nomination, and I voted unanimously at our recent AGM to take the first steps towards would also like to express sincere thanks to outgoing Chairperson, this goal by proceeding with the update of our Memorandum and Kieran O’Byrne, who led the organisation through what was Articles of Association in line with current best practice, and I look undoubtedly the most difficult and challenging period in its history. forward to members adopting the revised document at the upcoming Thanks are due also to outgoing Board member Seamus Bridgeman, EGM at BirdWatch Ireland headquarters in Kilcoole, Co Wicklow, on who I am sure will continue his work as a dedicated volunteer. Wednesday, September 20th. At our recent AGM we welcomed Tony Culley, John Lynch and Over the years, I have seen that our greatest asset is our members: Stephen Wilson to the Board; together they bring a strong mix of you bring such enthusiasm and vitality to our many local branches management, insurance, accounting and environmental skills. They join around the country.Your ongoing support as volunteers and through existing Board members Jim Dowdall, David Fay and Brian Lavery, your membership is vital in helping BirdWatch Ireland to support a whose environmental, auditing and technology expertise has proven huge range of terrific projects. invaluable. Together, we have an excellent mix of skills to oversee the I very much look forward to meeting you and to visiting as many running of the organisation. The 2015 Annual Accounts, together with branches as possible over the course of my tenure. a full detailed breakdown of Governance Costs, are now available on Good birding! our website. Our priority as a Board is to work with our Interim CEO, Declan Gerry Lyons O’Sullivan, to continue to build and maintain solid foundations for the Chairperson, BirdWatch Ireland OPTICS EL ‘FieldPro’ Ultravid HD + Ultravid Compact 8x32 £1475 10x50 £1935 10x32 £1495 12x50 £1955 8x32 £1279 8x20 BR £479 8.5x42 £1800 EYESHIELDS PLUS FREE AVIAN 10x32 £1289 10x25 BR £499 WITH 10x42 £1820 ALL NEW ELs 7x42 £1389 8x20 BL £549 8x42 £1439 10x25 BL £579 CL Pocket SLC ATX/STX 10x42 £1489 8x42 £1179 65mm 25-60x £2150 8x50 £1479 Trinovid Compact 8x25 £505 10x42 £1249 85mm 25-60x £2610 10x50 £1539 10x25 £540 8x56 £1475 8x20 BCA £329 95mm 30-70x £2870 12x50 £1639 10x25 BCA £349 10x56 £1520 Victory SF Terra ED TSN-883/884 BUNDLE •TSN-883/884 scope body BD XD 8x25 £229 •TSE-14WD 25-60xW eyepiece 8x32 £309 8x42 £1845 10x25 £249 •C-881 Stay-on-Case 10x42 £1869 8x42 £449 Monoculars 10x42 £479 Conquest HD 3x12B 5x10 £115 £289 SV 8x32 £589 4x12 £195 10x32 £599 6x18 £209 8x25 £83 8x42 £699 8x20 £239 10x42 £729 10x25 £90 10x25 £259 £2299 Image Stabilised Lite Compact Lite 8x25 £265 & Ultralite 8x32 Lite £179 10x30 II £369 8x28 Lite £169 8x42 Lite £199 10x28 Lite £189 10x42 Lite £209 12x36 III £569 8x32 Ultralite £169 10x50 Lite £229 15x50 £819 18x50 £979 MultiView Variable-angle Spotting Scope 10x42 L £1199 80mm 20-60x £339 EyeShields Available from £11.50... We guarantee the lowest UK prices on all our OPTICS In the SHOP, on the PHONE, or ONLINE +44 (0) 1225 466364 Visit us online or in store to see the full range www. aceoptics.co.uk 48 hour dispatch £20 (small items £10) • Open Mon-Sat, 9am-5.45pm • Prices are in Pounds Sterling, are correct at time of going to print & include UK VAT • Errors & omissions excepted 16 Green Street, Bath, BA1 2JZ. 4 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
Email: nhatch@birdwatchireland.ie Letters Post: BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow Note: Please provide your name and postal address at end of letter. Letters may be edited or cut. Publication does not imply endorsement; the views expressed in any letters published on this page are not necessarily those of BirdWatch Ireland. SUZANNE BEHAN GAVIN CULLEN In this particular case, the brown plumage on the upperparts and wings appears “diluted,” which suggests that this Robin’s body is creating an abnormally low level of melanin pigments. The red colouration on the breast appears normal, however, which is what one would expect: while birds’ bodies create brown and black pigments, they can’t create red pigments, which instead come directly from their diets. – Niall Hatch TOM DONOGHUE Little Egrets on Booterstown Marsh Meadow Pipit My photo isn’t the clearest (phones aren’t Meadow Pipit great for long-distance shots), but is it possible Sir, – Can you identify this bird for me [see that they are Little Egrets? photo, above]? GAVIN CULLEN SUZANNE BEHAN (via Facebook) (via Facebook) A leucistic Blackbird Dear Gavin, –You are correct: those are indeed Dear Suzanne, – Great photo! The bird is a Little Egrets. In Dublin, Booterstown Marsh has Meadow Pipit, a close relative of the wagtails. It’s become quite a reliable spot for them in recent We’ve been sent another photo of a leucistic one of Ireland’s most common bird species and is years, as has Bull Island, and the species now bird, this time by Tom Donoghue in Ferbane, found throughout the country; it favours bogs and breeds in the city, in St Anne’s Park between Co Offaly. It’s of a female Blackbird [see photo, unimproved grasslands. – Niall Hatch Clontarf and Raheny. They have also become an above] which this year successfully reared a increasingly common sight at many other JOAN MOORE brood of chicks in Tom’s garden, having paired wetland locations around the country, especially with a normally-coloured male. – Niall Hatch along the south coast. – Niall Hatch Troublesome squirrels About ‘Rare Bird News’ Sir, – I’ve been having trouble with squirrels at Sir, – I would like to congratulate BirdWatch my bird-feeding station. Any suggestions? Ireland on Wings, which always has many ROBERT MAUK interesting articles, but there is one aspect Sandymount, Dublin 4 which I think could be improved: the Rare Bird News section. The most recent issue [No 81, Dear Bob, – I have a very handy suggestion when Spring 2016] left out some rarities seen in it comes to deterring squirrels. If you get hold of County Waterford, where I do most of my Two views of the leucistic Robin some hot chilli powder (make sure it is just pure birdwatching. For example, there was no chilli powder, with no salt or other ingredients mention of a flock of five Spoonbills present in added) and dust peanuts, seed, etc, with it before Leucistic Robin putting them in the feeders, it can be very Dungarvan last winter, or of two Water Pipits Sir, – I’m sending you photos of a bird that has seen in the county, including one long-staying effective. The chemical in chilli which causes the been visiting my garden [see photos, above]. bird which was coming into breeding plumage. burning sensation in the mouth only works on To us he seems like a partial albino Robin. The report also stated that “up to 20 mammals, including squirrels, rats and mice (and, He appeared last summer and then was gone Glossy Ibises were noted visiting several sites of course, humans). Birds are unable to taste it, until recently. We had hoped he wasn’t killed in Co Cork. Smaller numbers were recorded and it has no effect on them whatsoever. by a cat. When he disappeared the usual in Co Waterford.” In fact, 14 was the biggest If a squirrel tries to eat the food, it gets a very garden Robins came around, but they have flock seen in Cork and that was probably part unpleasant surprise, though no harm is caused to finished nesting and moved off and this little of the flock of 19-20 previously seen in it – the pain caused by chilli is due to pain guy is back. He seems a loner or may have a Tramore, Co Waterford. receptors being tricked, not actual physical mate hidden. I hope this interesting column can be more damage. They pretty quickly learn to avoid the JOAN MOORE accurate in future. offending feeders, while the birds are none the Grange, Co. Cork ÉAMONN MacLOCHLAINN wiser. – Niall Hatch Carrick-on-Suir, Co Waterford Dear Joan, – It’s a Robin alright, and there is indeed something unusual about its plumage. It Egrets in urban area Dear Éamonn, – Many thanks for your kind cannot be a partial albino: a creature is either Sir, – I was on my way to work in Dublin on words and your feedback regarding Rare Bird albino (lacking all pigment) or it’s not. It is, the DART recently and photographed three News. We regret the omissions. An official (and however, what is referred to as a leucistic blindingly white birds at the water’s edge, more comprehensive) list of rare bird sightings is individual, which means that it is missing some, standing on one of the small islands in published annually in the Irish Bird Report. – but not all, pigment. Booterstown Marsh [see photo, top right]. Niall Hatch WINGS AUTUMN 2016 5
By Dick Coombes Woodpigeon: portly, clumsy and familiar. Photo: Darragh Owens Modern-day intensive farming has not benefited many species, but one exception is the Woodpigeon. Photo: Dick Coombes In August, look for... Woodpigeon Endearing bird with soothing song It is hard to believe that, up to two centuries ago, the Woodpigeon was a relatively scarce bird in Ireland and almost entirely confined to broadleaved woodlands. Today, we know it as a common and But much of that menu is very seasonal and mortality can be high widespread inhabitant of parks, gardens, woods and especially when food is scarce. The bountiful supply of extra food that farmland. modern arable farmland presents for Woodpigeons – particularly The Countryside Bird Survey, carried out annually by BirdWatch cereals, oilseed rape and winter crops – substantially improves Ireland with around 200 essential volunteers, has found survival rates…and so the increase in numbers. Unfortunately, Woodpigeons present in almost 90% of sample sites surveyed, while such intensive monoculture farming does benefit a few making it the fifth most widespread breeding bird species such as Woodpigeon, it is not at all good for many others in the country. Such a dramatic or overall biodiversity…but that’s a whole other story! change in its status is clearly The Woodpigeon’s lifestyle is a sedentary one, at least in these linked to the increased islands. Ringed birds in Britain have rarely been recovered more availability of food than five kilometres from the ringing location. that decades of In Europe, too, west of a line from Denmark to Italy, it is also ever-improving farming resident, but it has an additional massive summer range twice that practices has size, stretching to the north and east into Scandinavia and Russia. provided. These birds have to go somewhere in winter and vast numbers do Woodpigeons survive on so, to the cork oak woods of the Iberian peninsula. Crossing the a rich and varied diet of Pyrenees to get there in the autumn has its hazards, though, as naturally occurring waiting shooters take a heavy toll on their numbers. vegetable matter – clover, Its taste for cereal grains and cabbage leaves makes the seeds, buds, beech mast, Woodpigeon unpopular with farmers and gardeners and it remains haw and ivy berries – and on the quarry list for hunters in Ireland. to a lesser extent invert- However, for many of us, there is something endearing about this ebrates such as ants, insect portly, clumsy (have you ever heard one exit an ivy-covered tree larvae, small snails and quietly?) bird with soft pink and blue-grey plumage. worms. The song, if a little melancholy, is soothing and can be heard late in the season (they can still be on eggs as late as August) and, along Woodpigeon. Note with the Yellowhammer’s “little bit of bread and no cheese” song, it the curious shape of is one of the iconic late-summer farmland sounds. its eye pupil – more An old local name, Wood Quest, still used in parts of Ireland keyhole than circular. today, is thought to derive from the Latin questus, meaning “to Photo: Michael Finn lament.” 6 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
Red Kite: Officially ‘Blue White A7,’ it was released in north Co Dublin but is now breeding in Co Wicklow. Photo: Marc Ruddock (Golden Eagle Trust) White-winged Black Tern (juvenile). Photo: Dick Coombes In September, look for... In October, look for... White-winged Black Tern Red Kite Zigzagging across lake or lagoon Soaring on the Wicklow skyline September is a time of huge change in this part of the world. The Once upon a time, Red Kites were widespread and quite common mass southward exodus of migrant birds is at its peak and, while throughout Britain and perhaps similarly so in Ireland too. Sixteenth-century most of them keep on course and hit their targets, a few, especially accounts note large flocks scavenging offal in the streets of London (and first-timer juveniles, end up in places they don’t mean to be. In other cities), where they were protected by royal statute because of their many cases, those are the ones of particular interest to birders. So, value as refuse collectors. This benign relationship with humans was not to at this time of year, the sight of a lone tern zigzagging lazily across a last, however. Improved sanitation meant less food and the last pair bred in lake or coastal lagoon, dipping to the water surface every the capital city in 1777. Gamekeepers across these islands regarded now and then (but not diving into it), should the Red Kite as vermin, and brutal persecution in the 1800s led immediately start alarm bells ringing. There is every to its extinction in Ireland and most of Britain too. likelihood it is a marsh tern. By 1903, with just five pairs clinging on in Wales, the There are three species of marsh tern – British Red Kite was all but extinct. But rescue came Whiskered, Black and White-winged Black. just in time and stringent protection slowly brought They differ from the more familiar sea terns the Welsh population back from the brink. Irish bird- in being more compact, shorter-tailed and watchers will recall that if you wanted to see Red broader-winged. And because they feed Kites in the 1970s and ‘80s, a trip to the scenic largely on insects, both in the air and off valleys of central Wales was your best bet. How the water, their swooping, leisurely feeding times have changed! action makes them quite distinctive. Protection was working, but recovery was slow. All three can turn up in autumn, Black So to help the process, re-introduction Tern being the most regularly occurring, and programmes commenced in England and Scotland Whiskered the rarest. White-winged Black using young birds from Spain and Sweden. Tern is rare, but in some years two or three Meanwhile, in Ireland, the Red Kite had long been just grace our shores, well off-track from their a rare, occasional visitor. Until, that is, the Golden Eagle breeding grounds in Hungary, Bulgaria and White-winged Black Tern Trust and National Parks and Wildlife Service brought in Photo: beyond. Dick Coombes 160 chicks from Welsh nests and released them in Co In autumn, most will be juveniles, and Black and Wicklow and Co Dublin between 2007 and 2011. White-winged Black Terns look pretty similar, both showing It was a success story, though not without setbacks – many were dusky grey upperparts and a neat black skullcap. But White-winged shot and poisoned. But the Red Kite is now firmly established as part of our has a darker saddle (back), white rump, a whiter forehead and lacks breeding avifauna. Purists may have difficulty accepting them as “wild,” but a dark patch on the neck side. time will no doubt mellow this view. Driving through Wicklow today, There have been some ninety Irish records to date, more than enjoying the sight of these elegant raptors soaring on the skyline, you would half of them in the last thirty years, so sightings are increasing. Some be forgiven for thinking they had never left us. One excellent spot is have been long-stayers, so when news is out, a journey to see this Woodenbridge, in the Vale of Avoca, where pre-roost gatherings can reach dainty little gem will be well rewarded. double figures from mid-afternoon. WINGS AUTUMN 2016 7
News national Broad support for EU laws protecting birds and habitats The Birds and Habitats Directives are fit for purpose…but better implementation is critical The Birds and Habitats Directives have been subjected to a Fitness Check evaluation by the European Commission. On July 5th 2016 the European Commission finally released the consultants’ report after the World Wildlife Fund for Nature filed an ‘official access to document request.’ The consultants have found the Directives to be fit for purpose and state that ‘the balance of evidence suggests that updates at this stage would generate uncertainty and be counter- productive in both nature conservation and economic terms.’ They also state that better implementation is needed and measures should mirror the numerous examples of cost-effective implementation, developed over many years of experience, which demonstrate that, when implemented well, the Directives provide an efficient framework. However, despite this news, rumours abound that there is high-level lobbying going on to weaken the Directives even at this stage. BirdWatch Ireland calls on the Commission to finalise the Fitness Check, to listen A group of hikers about to undertake mountain skills training in the Wicklow Mountains to the support it has received for the Directives and SPA and SAC and calling for better implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives. focus on better implementation as soon as possible. Broad support for better implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives includes: • 312 European SMEs sign the Declaration of Support for these laws (2016) • 520,235 people (including 8,000 Irish people) have said in the public consultation – ‘Save our Nature Laws (And Make Sure They • 9 Environment Ministers who wrote to Vice-President Timmermans and Commissioner Vella calling for the Birds and Work Properly’ (2015) Habitats Directives to be protected (2015) • 11,700 people sent a message to the EU decision makers that The Nature Laws are Fit for Purpose (2016) • The Environment Committee in the European Parliament (December 2015) when it voted against changes to the EU Nature • 592, an overwhelming majority of all 751 MEPs, voted for better Directives and for better implementation implementation of these laws under the EU Biodiversity Strategy (2016) • The European Council (December 2015) when it agreed on the need to implement nature laws instead of revising them. NGOs updated on key planning matter Can “Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest” (IROPI) be used to damage protected areas? BirdWatch Ireland recently hosted a training Implementation Group (ELIG) and was CÓILÍN MacLOCHLAINN session for Irish conservation charities on the delivered by Andrew Dodd, Head of implementation of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Casework at the RSPB. Directive. This section of the law allows for The training was well attended and well the possibility for project developers to received and comes at an important time as destroy internationally important and EU Article 6(4) may be implemented for the protected habitats if they fall under Imperative first time in Ireland this year. Ireland has not Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI). had a development proposal which Developers must, under the same article, warranted this type of compensation before. compensate for this habitat loss and ensure An important consideration in Article coherence of the Natura 2000 network. 6(4) is what is considered in the public The training was commissioned by The interest and can it override the destruction Environmental Pillar’s Environmental Law of habitat which could be lost forever. Oak woodland, Co Wexford 8 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
News national Irish business shows support for EU nature laws Twenty-five Irish small and medium-sized Jim Kennedy (on left), of Atlantic Sea Kayaking, supports EU nature laws because, he says, “healthy enterprises (SMEs) were among 312 ecosystems and abundant nature help our business.” European SMEs that recently signed up to a Declaration of Support for the Birds and Habitats Directives. The SMEs want better investment in nature conservation in order to maintain their natural capital. They call on the Commission to protect their livelihoods by implementing better our nature laws and not undermining them. In order to ensure certainty for business including Irish SMEs, the move to better implementation of the Directives could not come quickly enough. The Directives are the cornerstone of European nature protection laws and are critically important to these businesses who depend on a thriving environment for their livelihoods. The Irish businesses which declared their support for the Directives include service providers in the areas of tourism, health and wellbeing, agriculture, its longest yet with 37 species of regularly occurring birds listed and ecological consultancy and education. These businesses are mainly another 91 on the Amber list. Ireland’s wild bee are especially located in rural areas from the different corners of Ireland and rely on threatened. a thriving, attractive environment with abundant nature for their In order to protect the habitats, species, livelihoods and jobs which businesses. They state in the Declaration that, “Our good business depend on them, we must get serious about the framework for relies on good nature protection, including nature protected by EU nature protection which includes enforcement and better law. Stable, effective and predictable legislation is important for us.” implementation of our EU and national nature laws. PLEASE JOIN THE LIST If your business would like to join The Irish countryside is marketed through various government programmes as ‘green’, ‘untouched’ and ‘sustainable.’ However, the indicators of a healthy environment do not match this rhetoric. Over the list of supporters of the EU nature laws, please contact Oonagh 90% of our internationally important habitats have ‘bad’ or ‘inadequate’ Duggan, Policy Officer: oduggan@birdwatchireland.ie. (The full list status. The Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland is at of businesses is on our website.) Online map will show all Swift sightings Help Ireland’s Swifts by mapping your summer sightings on our new online mapping tool With the help of funding from the Heritage We are also delighted to report that further Ricky Whelan, who is part of the Swift Council, BirdWatch Ireland has launched surveys at a selection of heritage sites are project team, said, “We are assessing four new an online mapping tool to record Swift being undertaken this year on behalf of the sites for Swift nesting activity, namely Athenry nest-site locations and sightings around the Office of Public Works. Castle in Co Galway; Emo Court in Co Laois; country. Ennis Friary in Co Clare; and Trim Castle in The mapping tool allows users to log their Co Meath.” Swift nest locations and sightings directly onto Last year, surveys were carried out at five an interactive map and to view other mapped sites, namely: Kilmainham Jail in Dublin; records.Your records will allow BirdWatch Kilkenny Castle in Kilkenny; Portumna Castle Ireland to make more informed decisions on and Gardens, Co Galway; Clonmacnoise, Co Swift management planning and policy Offaly; and Roscrea Castle, Co Tipperary. nationally. With the new mapping tool all Swift records “Only by knowing where Swifts are nesting from observers nationwide will appear on a can we play a role in protecting their nesting single map, including those records gathered sites,” said BirdWatch Ireland Project Officer since 2013 by the Dublin City Urban Birds Brian Caffrey. “Better integration of this Project, supported by Dublin City Council. Please take a look at the mapping tool information in national heritage and planning databases, for example, will inform relevant planning authorities and will help the long- and please continue to send us your Swift Swift. Photograph: Stefan Berndtsson term survival of the species in Ireland.” sightings at http://arcg.is/29uOeJC. WINGS AUTUMN 2016 9
News national Important seabird numbers found in Mayo bay Counts record exceptionally high numbers of Common Scoters, Great Northern Divers and Slavonian Grebes Blacksod Bay, at the south end of the Mullet peninsula in Co Mayo, is a very important wintering area for divers, scoters and grebes. This was revealed by a detailed study commissioned by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) last winter. A large and sheltered bay, Blacksod was already recognised as internationally important based on the waterbirds it supports, particularly in winter. But counts of birds occurring in the deeper areas furthest from the land-based vantage points had been very limited as they relied on calm seas. The NPWS achieved reliable counts of these open-water areas by surveying on days when sea conditions were especially calm. The counts were organised by BirdWatch Ireland’s Reserves Manager, Dave Suddaby, who censuses this bay regularly for I-WeBS, our annual winter wetlands bird survey. “Selecting calm days at an exposed west-coast site like this is challenging given the prevailing weather conditions,” said Dave. “But we managed to find some calm days and to complete the counts.” The exceptional string of storms that hit the west coast last winter made coordination of the survey difficult, but it may have increased the number of birds seeking shelter in the bay. Some key species and their estimated populations were: Great Northern Diver (230), Greenshanks coming in to land. Photo: Richard T Mills Slavonian Grebe (32) and Common Scoter (3,500). “I was pleasantly surprised to find the bay supporting such large numbers, all significant in a national context. Thirty-two Slavonian Grebes? A local record,” said Dave. The counts also indicated that the bay was an important staging I-WeBS count dates area, particularly for northward-bound divers in spring. The recommended dates for the 2016/17 I-WeBS count season are presented below and were chosen based on tidal conditions. If the suggested weekend is not workable, please select the next most appropriate date and try to coordinate with any nearby sites, where relevant. If you have any queries, please contact us at iwebs@birdwatchireland.ie. I-WeBS counters will soon receive their newsletter and any additional information about the season ahead. East Coast & South & West Inland Counties Coast Counties Weekend High Weekend High Tide Tide (Sunday) (Sunday) Dublin* Cork** Sep 17th-18th 13:23 24th-25th 13:29 Oct 15th-16th 12:15 22nd-23rd 11:48 Nov 5th-6th 15:35 12th-13th 16:10 Dec 3rd-4th 14:23 10th-11th 14:55 Jan 14th-15th 13:32 21st-22nd 13:10 Feb 11th-12th 12:31 18th-19th 11:02 Mar 11th-12th 11:32 18th-19th 09:27 *Based on the high-tide time predicted for the North Wall, Dublin. **Based on the high-tide time predicted for Cobh, Cork Harbour. Great Northern Divers fishing in the surf. Photo: Richard T Mills 10 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
News national Ireland to host international bird conference BirdWatch Ireland is organising the International Wader Study Group Conference in Cork this September The annual International Wader Study Group Conference comes to Ireland this year. It will be held at Trabolgan Holiday Village on the edge of Cork Harbour between the 9th and 12th of September 2016. This international conference brings together wader scientists, policy-makers and anyone interested in waders and their conservation, to discuss and disseminate information and ideas. The conference is being organised by BirdWatch Ireland and is kindly sponsored by the EPA, with support from Fáilte Ireland. The weekend programme promises a suite of interesting talks, poster sessions and an afternoon excursion. Two excursions are being organised with support from our local branches in Cork. One will be led by Cork Branch members and will visit areas around Cork Harbour, while the West Cork Branch will lead an excursion to Courtmacsherry Bay. A workshop on Monday morning will focus on identifying potential impacts of rising sea levels on wader populations and their habitats, and on finding some solutions. Bar-tailed Godwit The confernce is open to all. Further details can be found (amongst Black-tailed Godwits). Photo: Richard T Mills at www.waderstudygroup.org/conferences. Countryman BGA HD READ THE REVIEWS opticron.co.uk /reviews Designed and built to deliver exceptional viewing performance in a lightweight rugged body, the Countryman BGA HD are ideal for the wildlife enthusiast wanting superior cross-field definition, light transmission and colour contrast packed into a superbly finished compact instrument weighing under 700g. 30 year guarantee. 10x50, 12x50 8x42, 10x42 8x32 8x32 3389, 8x42 3399, 10x42 3419, 10x50 3429, 12x50 3429 Opticron equipment can be tried, tested and purchased at good optical retailers countrywide including: BirdWatch Ireland, Kilcoole 01 2819878, Camera Shop, Waterford 051 875049, Conns Cameras, Dublin 2 01 6777179, Galway Camera Shop 091 565678, Magees Pharmacy, Letterkenny 074 9121409, O’Leary’s Camera World, Cork 021 4273988, Whelan Cameras, Limerick 061 415246. Opticron, Unit 21, Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Beds, LU4 8EF, UK Tel +44 1582 726522 Email: sales@opticron.co.uk WINGS AUTUMN 2016 11
News national Roseate Terns at Rockabill have another good year Another record year for the Roseate Tern colony at Rockabill but Little Terns fare poorly along the east coast The 2016 breeding season saw BirdWatch Ireland conduct its most extensive tern survey, tern wardening and tern colony management efforts to date. The programme of work by BirdWatch Ireland at Ireland’s east coast tern colonies received help and support from the Louth Nature Trust and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Efforts at Dalkey and Rockabill were increased thanks to additional support from the Roseate Tern LIFE Project. In addition, BirdWatch Ireland is leading on an NPWS-funded census of marine islands, which will help us to update our tern totals nationwide – the last full census took place in 1995. * * * * * * * Rockabill (Co Dublin) Record-breaking Some of the Roseate Terns and Common Terns on Rockabill earlier this year. Photo: Brian Burke numbers of terns nested here once again, with an incredible 1,556 pairs of Roseate Terns, 2,029 pairs of Common Terns and many downy young died over a short period pontoons were deployed nearby and in the about 60 pairs of Arctic Terns. The of time. For updates from this colony see the Tolka estuary to provide alternative nesting changeable wet weather in the last two Rockabill terns project blog at habitat. weeks of June took its toll, and rockabillterns.blogspot.ie. Unfortunately, nests laid on the Tolka pontoon were heavily preyed upon by large gulls. But many chicks hatched safely on the Kilcoole (Co Wicklow) Liffey pontoon and, as of July 4th, were 110 Little Tern nests were developing well. Further details at located this year. Foxes were dublinbaybirds.blogspot.ie. present and unfortunately they took many tern Dalkey Island (Co Dublin) By the eggs and chicks middle of June, 105 nests (of mostly Arctic outside the electric- Terns) had been located, the majority of fenced area. However, as of July 4th, we them on Lamb Island, adjoining the main already had 25-30 fledglings. Further details at island. In mid-July a pair of Roseate Terns littleternconservation.blogspot.ie. laid an egg in one of the boxes on Maiden Common Tern on Rockabill Rock. This is still being incubated at time of this year. Baltray (Co Louth) In most years this is a going to press. Photo: thriving Little Tern colony situated on the * * * * * * * Brian Burke north side of the Boyne estuary. This year, the peak count of adult Little Terns was only 19 “It’s been a mixed season for our terns this individuals, and despite having two large year,” said Stephen Newton, who leads on fenced areas on the beach prepared for BirdWatch Ireland’s seabird work. “We are them, none chose to nest. concerned that despite the record nesting attempts at many of the colonies, the Dublin Port As of July 4th, at least 526 overall breeding success will be poor.” pairs of mainly Common Terns (with 5-10 He is particularly concerned about the pairs of Arctic Terns) had laid eggs. east coast Little Terns. “We cannot tell for Traditionally, the Dublin Port terns have certain, but with none nesting at Baltray nested on two this year, and apparently low numbers – ship-mooring structures on the south around 50 pairs – in Wexford Harbour, the side of the River Liffey. The condition east coast population looks as though it has of the principal structure had redistributed or that many pairs have taken deteriorated dramatically in the last a ‘year out.’ Perhaps this indicates a scarcity couple of winters and new floating of food.” 12 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
News national Cleared scrub vegetation at field edge. Our hedgerow and upland birds need your help Proposed changes to Section 40 of the Wildlife Act pose serious threat to birds in the countryside BirdWatch Ireland continues to work against August. advance of the General Election. proposed changes to laws governing The current open season for cutting and To date, no scientific rationale has been hedgecutting, scrub removal and upland burning provides six months of the year for presented as the basis for the changes. burning. these activities. The proposed changes will BirdWatch Ireland has urged the Minister to The Minister with responsibility for nature negatively impact on wildlife including commission research on Irish egg laying protection, Heather Humphreys TD, intends breeding birds, pollinators, butterflies and dates before any changes are made but the to progress the Heritage Bill 2016 which mammals which use hedgerows for feeding Minister has decided to make the changes includes regressive changes to the dates for and shelter. first on a pilot basis, no details of which have hedgecutting and burning in the uplands by This Bill was initiated in the Seanad early been made public. We will keep you providing an additional month for burning in 2016 but did not make it through the informed of the status of this Bill over the activities in March and hedgecutting in Oireachtas as the Dáil was dissolved in coming months. You can help •launched Please sign the online petition in January 2016 which has Key points to mention received over 18,400 signatures and growing. The link can be found on our • We do not want to see any extension to the dates for hedgecutting website or at http://bit.ly/1PsLNYQ. and burning. In fact, the closed season for hedgecutting should be extended to • Please write to Minister Humphreys AND to your local TDs using some of the September 15th in key areas to protect nesting Yellowhammers. key points opposite and your own feelings on this subject. • Derogations to allow for hedgecutting by County Councils for Contact details for Minister road safety are already provided for Humphreys: within the Wildlife Act – no additional Minister Heather Humphreys, T.D., measures are necessary. Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, 23 Kildare Street • The voices of many rural dwellers who care about nature are not being Dublin 2 heard. As the Minister charged with the D02 TD30 protection of nature, please ensure that Email Addresses: birds and other wildlife and their ministers.office@ahg.gov.ie habitats are protected. and heather.humphreys@oir.ie Red Grouse. Photograph: John Fox WINGS AUTUMN 2016 13
SPECIES FOCUS Willow Warbler Willow Warbler Photo: Michael Finn Dick Coombes and Olivia Crowe report on a westward shift in Willow Warbler abundance. C etti’s Warbler, Nuthatch, Short- one spring day, a staggering 2,000 were toed Treecreeper, Serin, Zitting recorded on this small island. Cisticola…these are just some of the species that the pioneering This little olive-green bird with its plain plumage and unobtrusive habits would be Factfile Climatic Atlas of European Breeding overlooked easily but for its charismatic Names Birds, published in 2007, predicted will have song. Few countryside sounds evoke a sense Common name: Willow Warbler become regular breeding species in Ireland of summer more eloquently than the song Scientific name: Phylloscopus trochilus by the end of the 21st century, if not sooner. of the Willow Warbler – a whispered series Irish name: Ceolaire Sailí Indeed, Cetti’s Warbler is already turning up of notes tumbling down the scale, described Local name: Sally Picker in suitable habitat, e.g. in our East Coast once as a “silvery cadence,” eventually Nature Reserve in Newcastle, Co Wicklow, petering out as if out of breath. The perfect Occurrence where we hope it will eventually breed. warbler! Summer migrant wintering in Africa But we do not have to wait for these The colloquial Irish name, Sally Picker, south of the Sahara. It breeds widely species to colonise to see changes here. nicely depicts the bird’s dainty feeding action across Europe, Russia and Siberia. Already, apparently climate change-driven as it plucks insects from the underside of shifts in range are being exhibited by several leaves; it also makes the association between Confusion species of our most common and regularly the bird and willow trees, sally being a Very similar-looking to, and a close occurring summer migrants. One species common name for willow in Ireland. relative of, the Chiffchaff. Chiffchaffs do demonstrating these shifts well is Willow Of course, Willow Warblers are not just not winter as far south and thus have a Warbler. found in their namesake tree species – they shorter distance to migrate, typically The Willow Warbler is arguably as good a are at home wherever pioneer-growth trees arriving two weeks earlier in spring. symbol of summer as the Swallow. Willow and bushes flourish. Birch and alder groves Separating the two can be tricky. The Warblers winter throughout Africa south of are much favoured, especially when Willow’s paler legs and longer wings are the Sahara. Spring migration takes them associated with water or with damp and a help, but singing males present no north to fill a vast summer range stretching heavily vegetated ground. Even young problem as their songs are completely across the northern regions of Europe and conifer plantations provide suitable nesting different, the Chiffchaff ’s being instantly Asia – from the Aran Islands to eastern habitat for about fifteen years, until they recognisable: “chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff-chiff.” Siberia. grow too tall and dense. They begin arriving in Ireland at the start Our second-most widespread and Population size and status of April and, within days of the first numerous summer migrant (after Swallow), Every summer, an estimated 1.7 million stragglers being seen, Willow Warblers pour this small warbler is even more common territories are established by singing into the country in a massive surge, many and widely distributed than Great Tit: it male Willow Warblers in Ireland, and making first landfall along the south and east occurs in almost every 10-km square of the the population is increasing. Across coasts. national grids across Britain and Ireland. Europe, there are 56-100 million At migration hotspots such as Great The Irish population has around 1.7 territories, but the overall population is Saltee Island in Co Wexford, as many as 200 million territories – that is the estimated declining. typically make a temporary stopover for just number of singing males. They are literally one day before pushing on northwards. On everywhere during the summer months. 14 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
High Low Willow Warbler relative breeding abundance, 2008-11. Note the higher densities in Ireland and north-west Britain relative to the Willow Warbler. Photo: Carl Morrow south-east. Source: Bird Atlas 2007-11, courtesy of BTO. The maps from Bird Atlas 2007-2011 were following a gradient from sharp change are responsible. show that the Willow Warbler’s distribution declines in the south and east of England to The global populations of most of our at 10-km level has changed very little in shallow declines or slight increases in parts sub-Saharan migrants, including Willow Ireland since the previous two Atlases, 20 of the north and west of England, Scotland Warbler, are declining. It is probable that and 40 years ago respectively, but their and Ireland. unfavourable conditions on the wintering numbers have increased. grounds are driving this overall downward Our annual Countryside Bird Survey has trend. shown they are doing very well and there Marked shift in abundance The research on Willow Warbler suggests has been a significant increase since 2003. Later on, the 2007-2011 Bird Atlas maps that the breeding conditions in Scotland A very different picture is beginning to would illustrate these findings quite well, (and perhaps also Ireland) are now perhaps emerge in England, especially in the south showing the declines in relative abundance better than in England, and are masking the and east, where a serious decline is apparent in the southeast (England) contrasting with impacts of the overall population decline from both the UK’s annual Breeding Bird increases in the northwest (Ireland and across Europe. Survey results (from select sites) and the Scotland) – in other words, a shift in The picture is further complicated by all-encompassing 2007-2011 Bird Atlas. abundance from the southeast to the evidence that Willow Warblers breeding in That the patterns of change in Willow northwest. northern Britain come from different Warbler distribution are not consistent This pattern of change, which is also non-breeding or wintering locations to across Britain and Ireland first came to light evident for many other sub-Saharan those breeding in southeastern Britain. back in 2010, when a study by Caitriona migrants, has us all a little perplexed. There may well be some variation in the Morrison from the University of East Anglia Morrison and her colleagues have suggested resource availability in their wintering areas demonstrated that the population trends that changing climatic conditions and habitat which is causing the differences in trends. 2.5 2.0 1.5 Index 1.0 0.5 0 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 Willow Warbler Photo: PJ Wall Willow Warbler has shown a significant increase in abundance over the course of our Countryside Bird Survey (years 1998 to 2014 shown here). WINGS AUTUMN 2016 15
international News Cull threat to Norway’s Golden Eagles The Norwegian Parliament has approved a follow. NOF believes the proposal is unlikely LARS LOFALDI (BIRDLIFE NORWAY) pilot project and requested a change in to result in a reduction in livestock losses. legislation that will make it easier to cull “Shooting Golden Eagles is unheard of in Golden Eagles in two separate areas in Europe,” said Kjetil Solbakken, CEO of NOF. Norway. This could result in more than 200 “The removal of Golden Eagles that haven’t Golden Eagles being killed. caused any damage will almost certainly place BirdLife Norway says this is a result of Norway in the international Hall of Shame.” pressure from sheep and reindeer farmers, Norway’s own Environment Agency does who believe a reduction in the number of not support the weakening of the protections eagles will lead to a drop in the birds killing for Golden Eagles. their livestock. Norwegian law has protected NOF believes that the move to loosen the the eagles and other birds of prey since 1968. law protecting Golden Eagles is based on Norsk Ornitologisk Forening (NOF, flawed and misinterpreted science and will be BirdLife in Norway) considers the idea that seen as a dangerous wedge in species reindeer are killed by Golden Eagles to be protection, and a door to an open season on a unfounded and it risks setting a precedent that protected species that sets a terrible Golden Eagle other Nordic and European countries might precedent. – Christopher Sands Report shows alarming state of North American bird populations Since the 1970s, millions of North impacts from energy extraction, MAY HAGA American birds have disappeared predation by invasive species on and a third of bird species are now islands and climate change. of high regional conservation The situation is not much better concern, a new report has for tropical birds. Many of Canada’s revealed. migratory songbirds winter in Until now, the vulnerability score Mexico’s tropical forests and make of over a thousand native North a stopover in the US, which is why American bird species was the impact of deforestation in incomplete. The new report, The Mexico has such a huge impact State of North America’s Birds, is the throughout the continent. first assessment of its kind. It Grassland birds such as Lesser reveals that of the 1,154 native Prairie-Chicken are facing some of bird species that occur in North the steepest regional declines of America, one-third require urgent any group. In recent years, the vast conservation action. The species in prairies of North America have Greater Sage Grouse: a species of high conservation concern in the US need of most urgent action are mostly been turned into those that depend on oceans and agricultural land or developed. collected by volunteers and Three BirdLife Partners, Bird tropical forests. Only a few islands of original land citizen scientists across the Studies Canada, Nature Canada The most regionally endangered remain, making it very difficult for continent. Despite its alarming and the Audubon Society, were group are seabirds – more than wildlife to survive. findings, the report demonstrates among the North American Bird half of them are of high The report was put together by how the power of many can help Conservation Initiative partners conservation concern and affected the North American Conservation us understand conservation who collaborated on the new by a mix of pollution, overfishing, Initiative and was built using data needs and drive positive change. report. – Irene Lorenzo Malta’s first marine Special Protection Areas announced Good news for endangered The eight SPAs now form part of global importance as Malta is home and Malta’s Ministry for Sustainable Maltese seabirds! The national the EU-wide Natura 2000 to 10% of the world’s Yelkouan Development, Environment and government of Malta has given the network, which is essential for the Shearwaters, 3% of Scopoli’s Climate Change through the LIFE+ Mediterranean island state its first protection and long-term survival Shearwaters and 50% of European Malta Seabird Project, which came eight marine Special Protection of Europe’s natural heritage on land Storm-petrels of the Mediterranean to a successful end in June. Over Areas (SPAs) specifically for birds. and at sea. They will improve the subspecies. the project’s lifespan (2011-2016) Now that these sites have been conservation of all three protected The inventory of these sites was BirdLife Malta identified the most designated, Malta will also be and declining seabird species in created by BirdLife Malta in important sites for seabirds at sea fulfilling its obligation of Malta: the Yelkouan Shearwater, collaboration with the RSPB, the and proposed that they be legally implementing the EU Birds Scopoli’s Shearwater and Portuguese Society for the Study of protected and managed as SPAs. – Directive. European Storm-petrel. This is of Birds (SPEA, BirdLife in Portugal) Sanya Khetani-Shah 16 W INGS AUTUMN 2016
international News Spix’s Macaw reappears in Brazil A Spix’s Macaw has been seen in Natureza (Spix’s Macaw in the Curaçá, a small town in the Wild Project), which aims to bring Caatinga area of Bahia, Brazil. The the bird back from extinction. They Spix’s Macaw is critically confirmed it was indeed a Spix’s endangered, primarily as a result of Macaw and Pedro Develey, CEO of trapping for trade combined with SAVE Brasil, organised an habitat loss, and it had not been emergency trip to Curaçá to try to seen in the wild since 2000. locate the bird. This individual’s However, 130 Spix’s Macaws origin is uncertain, however, as it survive as part of a captive may have been released from breeding programme. captivity. That said, Spix’s Macaws The bird was first sighted on can live for 20-30 years in the wild June 18th by local farmer Nauto and the area is very large, with Sergio de Oliveira. The next day, his some parts difficult to access. neighbour Lourdes Oliveira and There is no more news of it as her 16-year-old daughter Damilys yet, but the project’s biologists and got up before dawn to look for the local residents of Curaçá are now Spix’s Macaw. Photo: Wabra Wildlife Preservation macaw in Barra Grande creek’s mobilised and an official project riparian forest. They found it and expedition is commencing. The fact Caatinga and riparian forests. town, and they are aware of its Damilys managed to film it with her that a Spix’s Macaw appeared in Spix’s Macaw is being bred in importance, thanks in part to mobile phone. the Curaçá area reinforces the captivity for future reintroduction two years of community work Lourdes contacted the Society necessity of protecting this site. to the wild; this year there were from SAVE Brasil.“There’s hope for the Conservation of Birds in Since 2014, the Ararinha na 19 chicks hatched by this project. again,” said SAVE Brasil CEO, Brazil (SAVE Brasil, BirdLife Natureza project has been working The people of Curaçá are Pedro Develey. “The people here Partner), one of the organisations to create a 44,000 hectares that make up Projeto Ararinha na extremely proud of the Spix’s are really committed to the protected area to protect the Macaw. It is a symbol of their reintroduction.” – Shaun Hurrell Rat boom expected in New Zealand The Department of Conservation populations of endangered species in New Zealand has been allocated at risk from the invasive predators. an extra $21 million to help fight an Previous mast years have led to expected pest population boom massive decreases in populations of caused by a heavy forest seeding, or previously widespread bird species. mast. This year, the Department will Every autumn, around a million ramp up pest control to cover tonnes of beech seed drops to the more than 800,000 hectares of forest floor, providing a bonanza for land. Research from the non-native rats. As rats increase, so Department’s previous pest do the number of stoats, another control work in 2014-2015 Rock Wren (female). Photo: Department of Conservation, New Zealand invasive alien species, which feed on showed that breeding success rats. Once the seeds germinate, the rates in controlled areas were far untreated areas, and when the to the Department of rats and stoats turn on native greater than in areas with no birds bred again a year later they Conservation, which looks after wildlife, bringing disaster if nothing is controls. For example, in the first raised five times more chicks. almost a third of the land area of done. This is the second mast year year, Rock Wrens raised three Unfortunately, in the budget New Zealand, was cut by around in a row and it places whole times more chicks than they did in announced recently, the allocation 9%. – Mike Britton African governments commit to preventing poisoning of wildlife Moved by the plight of their continent’s action to prevent the poisoning of vultures. BirdLife has been working hard to highlight endangered vultures and what this could mean Africa has also raised the stakes in dealing the plight of vultures and what this could mean for people, African governments gave their with wildlife crime and illegal wildlife trade. A for Africa – but international policy has yet to support to BirdLife’s vulture campaign at the hugely symbolic ivory burning took place in fully recognise that one poisoned elephant United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Kenya earlier this year, and mounting pressure carcass can kill hundreds of critically endangered in Nairobi, Kenya, in May. has led to a recent commitment by African vultures too. In one incident in Namibia in 2013, This was further cemented by the approval of governments to step up the fight against five hundred vultures were found dead after a new resolution on wildlife crime and trade elephant and rhinoceros poaching in Africa and feeding on the poisoned carcass of a poached that means African governments can now take illegal wildlife trade internationally. elephant. – Shaun Hurrell WINGS AUTUMN 2016 17
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