RSPB NI is delighted to announce that four male Corncrakes have been heard calling on Rathlin Island this year, offering hope for one of Northern Ireland’s rarest breeding birds following concentrated conservation efforts.
2 min readOnce widespread across Northern Ireland, Corncrake numbers declined dramatically around the 1980’s due to changes in farming practises. Today, Rathlin Island is the only place in Northern Ireland where the species still breeds.
The Corncrake is a secretive bird, that spends much of its time hidden in tall vegetation, making it difficult to spot. However, during the breeding season, the males can be identified by their distinctive ‘crex-crex’ call which they use to attract mates.
For many years, RSPB NI has worked hard alongside local farmers, landowners and volunteers to create and maintain suitable habitats for the Corncrake on Rathlin Island. This includes managing vegetation to provide cover for nesting birds and their chicks. Each winter, dedicated volunteers carefully dig up nettles from sites across Northern Ireland. After the roots are cleaned, they are transported to Rathlin Island and replanted, to establish the dense vegetation that Corncrake rely on when they return from Africa each spring.
Liam McFaul, RSPB NI’s Warden for Rathlin Island said, “Every year, I look forward to hearing the return of the corncrake, it was one of the sounds of my childhood, growing up on Rathlin, to hear four this year is an encouraging sign for the future of Corncrakes on Rathlin Island, especially after years that they weren’t heard at all. It’s fantastic to see this iconic species continuing its recovery, thanks to the dedication of local farmers, landowners and volunteers. Their presence is a reminder that conservation works, and that, together, we can help give nature a home.”
Thanks to RSPB NI's members and supporters, the charity can carry out vital conservation efforts to support nature throughout the year. The charity has been working in Northern Ireland for 60 years, to find out more about the project, or to become a member, visit: https://www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ireland
