Birds of particular note in Donegal

The corncrake:

The Corncrake is the only Irish breeding bird which is threatened with global extinction. However, in the summer of 2005, corncrakes were heard just outside our B+B, and one was observed along the Owenea River on a byway during a fishing excursion. 

BirdWatch Ireland has operated an intensive Corncrake Conservation Project in Ireland since 1991, with the support of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  The following information is provided by them:

Corncrake Conservation Trends

Corncrakes were once common in Ireland. Conservative estimates put the population at the turn of the century in the tens of thousands. By the late 1960s, the population had declined to about 4,000 singing males. An All-Ireland census carried out in 1988 found that the population had dropped to just over 900 singing males, and when this census was repeated in 1993 only 174 singing males were recorded - a decline of over 80% in just five years. This survey also found that corncrakes were now restricted to three core areas in Ireland - the Shannon Callows, North Donegal and Co Mayo (the Moy Valley and the Mullet). By 1994 numbers had fallen further, to 129.

As a result of concentrated conservation measures, however, numbers rose for the first time in 1995. The All-Ireland census, which is carried out on a five-yearly basis, took place again in 1998. The results of this showed the overall number in the core areas to be 149-153 singing males, with only two of these males recorded outside the core areas. Numbers in 1999 and 2000 showed some stability with around 150 singing males recorded. Numbers have remained stable in Mayo and West Connaught, with small increases in Donegal.

In the Shannon Callows the population appeared to be more or less stable until severe summer flooding on 2002 disrupted breeding. Only 20 singing male Corncrakes were recorded that year, and there were serious concerns that, given the poor weather conditions during the breeding, the population may decline further in 2003. However, the number of singing male Corncrakes recorded in the callows actually rose to 22 - See Latest News section.

Corncrakes have declined throughout western Europe, but in areas where conservation projects have been initiated, eg Scotland, there have been similar increases in recent years. In Eastern Europe and Russia there are still large numbers of corncrakes. However, populations in these areas are also threatened, as political changes may lead to rapid intensification in agriculture.

Ecology

Secretive and difficult to see, corncrakes prefer to remain concealed in long grass, nettles and other tall vegetation. Their camouflaged buff-brown plumage allows them to remain well hidden. When the males arrive in Ireland in spring, they announce their presence and attract a mate with the well known "crex crex" song (which gives the bird its latin name).

Females start to lay the first brood in late May. Nests are situated in areas of tall vegetation, usually in hay and silage fields, which provide continuous cover and a good food supply. The incubation period lasts about three weeks, with peak hatching dates in mid-June. The females feed their chicks for the first few days and stay with them for about two weeks. At this stage, the chicks cannot yet fly, but they can find food for themselves and run very quickly. The chicks fledge after about five weeks. After leaving the first brood, the female mates again and starts to lay the second brood. The hatching date for this brood is in late July.

Why the decline

Corncrakes began to decline when traditional farming systems began to be replaced by modern agricultural methods. Increasingly sophisticated machinery meant that grass could be cut earlier in the year and more rapidly than ever before. Farmers also began to take several crops of grass per year. Earlier mowing dates have prevented corncrakes and other ground-nesting birds from successfully hatching young in the meadows. Research has shown that, in order to maintain population levels, corncrakes need to hatch two broods of chicks per year. As the peak hatching date for the second brood is in late July, corncrakes will decline rapidly in areas where most of the mowing takes place before early August.

An increase in livestock, particularly sheep, in some areas has led to a reduction in the area of tall vegetation available for corncrakes, especially when they arrive in spring. This increase in livestock has also contributed to an increased demand for fodder.

The method of mowing used is also important in corncrake survival. Corncrakes, particularly young chicks, are reluctant to cross open ground, and may become trapped in an island of remaining grass at the centre of the field as mowing proceeds. They are often killed as the last swathes are cut.

Conservation measures

In order to increase corncrake breeding success, BirdWatch Ireland, with the support of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, have operated a Corncrake Conservation Project in Ireland since 1991.

BirdWatch Ireland fieldworkers in each of the core corncrake areas count singing male corncrake, and advise farmers on corncrake-friendly farming methods. Farmers with corncrakes in their meadows are eligible for entry to the Corncrake Grant Scheme. Grants are paid to those who delay mowing of hay or silage until 1 August, by which time most corncrakes should have hatched two broods. There is also a grant for mowing from the centre of the field outwards, which gives young corncrakes a chance to run towards the edges, to safety, under cover of the remaining grass.

There is often a shortage of cover available for corncrakes when they arrive in Ireland in spring. Nettles and Iris patches provide suitable early cover, and BirdWatch Ireland has been working with farmers in the corncrake areas to increase the area of such cover available.

The public in areas where the corncrake still breeds are enthusiastic in assisting in its survival. Local farmers are always interested to hear how the season is progressing, and local people report corncrakes they hear to BirdWatch Ireland fieldworkers. This support is vital to the continued success of the project, and is greatly appreciated.