Do you want the perfect excuse to hear the elusive Corncrake in Donegal?
Following on from the success of a series of Corncrake Tours which took place last year there will be a number of evening talks, and night-time excursions to hear this elusive and increasingly rare bird.
Led by a local wildlife expert these events provide an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about the once common Corncrake whose distinctive call was for older generations the sound that heralded the coming of summer.
The rapid decline of this bird over the past 50 years is an example of a wider disappearance across the plant and animal kingdoms of multiple species in Ireland. Our Emerald Isle is not an isolated case.
The widely publicised UN report on biodiversity published in early May highlighted the disastrous decline of the wonderful wealth of flora and fauna across the globe.
However, it does seem that there is a growing awareness of the repercussions of this grave situation upon humanity. The recent elections revealed a “Greenwave” sweeping over Europe and lapping Irish shores as people expressed their growing environmental concern at the ballot box.
The Corncrake is emblematic of species decline and a worthy symbol of environmental action whose conservation might hold the key to a brighter greener future.
Donegal along with the other main nesting area of west Mayo and Galway are the last two remaining Corncrake breeding ranges in Ireland, holding the last hope of the survival of this species here.
The Corncrake is a Summer visitor arriving in April. It likes to stay hidden in long grasses, amongst tall weeds or in damp places. To attract a female the male will begin ‘calling’ occasionally during the day on and off again, but more regularly at dusk reaching a steady peak around midnight and continuing till dawn. This call is a loud repetitive grating sound of ‘krek krek’.
This distinctive rasping call is often the only indication of the Corncrake’s presence. It is used by wildlife authorities to count their numbers. In September it heads off for the winter flying 10,000km to south-eastern Africa.
The upcoming Corncrake events will provide a wonderful insight for those who wish to learn more about this amazing bird, alongside the chance of hearing the Corncrake’s peculiar mating call. Organised by The Glasshouses (natithegloine.com) in Cill Ulta, these Corncrake nights will take place in Falcarragh, beginning at 10pm on each of the following Saturdays; the 8th & 22nd June and the 6th & 20th July. Those interested in attending should call (074) 918 0994 or (086) 822 0404.
If you see or hear a Corncrake please report it to the Corncrake Conservation Project; for Glemcolmcille to Falcarragh and the call John on (083) 132 2378 Islands / or / for Dunfanaghy to Inishowen call Andy on (085) 800 6635.