New research has shown that corncrake numbers are improving across Ireland including the population in Donegal.
A survey by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has found a 35% increase in the population of the critically endangered birds in Ireland over the past five years, although the overall numbers remain very small.
A total of 218 separate male corncrakes were recorded calling out to mark core breeding territories in counties Donegal, Mayo and Galway this year.
A corncrake has also been spotted on Oileáin Árann (Aran Islands) for the first time in 25 years.
Specific projects in places like Tory Island has also seen a jump in numbers.
The positive trend in population numbers is the result of collaborative conservation measures involving local farmers and communities, the Corncrake LIFE Project, and the NPWS.
Corncrakes are extremely shy and elusive birds that fly more than 6,000km to Ireland from the Congo region of West Africa to mate and have their young.
For full story see https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/0810/1398995-corncrake-population/
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