unofficial Reintroductions of birds?

cameramonkey

With the springing up of large numbers of woodpeckers in Ireland in different areas over a short number of years I have been wondering is this a natural happening or have they been unofficially reintroduced by man. Is it really possible that the woodpecker could reappear so quickly in such a short space of time? I was also thinking this in reference to the bittern that has now turned up in Wexford in small numbers after such a long absence. Do people take it into their own hands to reintroduce Irelands missing birds?

magicbastarder

i think the first question which crops up in response to your theory would be who is secretly capturing, transporting, and releasing woodpeckers?

occam's razor is the best guide here, i think.

Judgement Day

I should think that you're barking up the wrong tree on this one. The gradual appearance of the Great Spotted Woodpecker has been just that and has followed the pattern of other previous colonisations like that of the Collared Dove and the Little Egret. Also, it's not as if you can just nip down to your local pet shop and buy Woodpeckers and then release them - they are a protected species in Britain and I can't imagine anybody risking being caught robbing their nests etc.etc.

Traonach

Judgement Day wrote: »

I should think that you're barking up the wrong tree on this one. The gradual appearance of the Great Spotted Woodpecker has been just that and has followed the pattern of other previous colonisations like that of the Collared Dove and the Little Egret. Also, it's not as if you can just nip down to your local pet shop and buy Woodpeckers and then release them - they are a protected species in Britain and I can't imagine anybody risking being caught robbing their nests etc.etc.

x2

And where have they come from? The UK
population has increased by a phenomenal 300%
in the last 40 years and a similar story is coming
from parts of continental Europe. The reasons for
such increases are not entirely clear, but these
birds may be benefiting from an increase in
maturing coniferous plantations and better
overwinter survival as a result of their acquired
taste for artificially supplied foods such as peanuts
and suet. Of course, rising temperatures may also
be a factor. Whatever the reasons, we may simply
be getting the overspill.

From this article:
http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=yN0qpHhymyQ%3d&tabid=966

The reasons the Bittern are in Wexford is because of the extreme winter in Europe this year. They were forced to search out available habitat that wasn't frozen solid.

Granted there are proven attempted introduction of alien bird species into the country:mad:. For example people introducing red-legged partridge, numerous breeds of pheasants and wild turkeys for shooting purposes.:mad:

MB Lacey

I think I heard some statistic a few weeks ago that said the uk population of GS woodpeckers had increased by something like 200% over the last few years (very inaccurate because I can't remember exactly), but I remember it showed how massive the woodpecker population in UK had grown.
So the excess have been popping up in Ireland since 2004. And aren't they glad they did come over - all the best houses (mature oak trees) are free and vacant!

1squidge

It would be nice to hear drumming up around my neck of the woods this spring. Maybe only a matter of time.

Damer

oo I'd love to hear them in Kilkenny where did you say the pet
shop was that I could buy them!