Lapwing and crows

Asus1

Just wondering what is the situation re shooting crows,magpies,rooks and other corvids with the intention of protecting lapwing clutches.The last few years we've had lapwing for most of the winter into early summer on the family land.They have been hatching chicks as ive seen some but i wonder would shooting the corvids increase their chances of survival better.
We have alot of crows and for the last few days ive watched as the lapwing seem to spend most of the day mobbing crows.Ive also found the first nest of the year with 4 eggs so they are hatching which is great.So legally am i ok to make a dent in the crow population.Another point is will it make a difference as we have a good few badgers around and i guess there's a fair few hedgehogs around and both love eggs.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/F4FCmFzU5drkdfSu7

Eddie B

Asus1 wrote: »

Just wondering what is the situation re shooting crows,magpies,rooks and other corvids with the intention of protecting lapwing clutches.The last few years we've had lapwing for most of the winter into early summer on the family land.They have been hatching chicks as ive seen some but i wonder would shooting the corvids increase their chances of survival better.
We have alot of crows and for the last few days ive watched as the lapwing seem to spend most of the day mobbing crows.Ive also found the first nest of the year with 4 eggs so they are hatching which is great.So legally am i ok to make a dent in the crow population.Another point is will it make a difference as we have a good few badgers around and i guess there's a fair few hedgehogs around and both love eggs.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/F4FCmFzU5drkdfSu7

When it comes to predation from crows, the first line if defence would be to remove any trees from where they are nesting. Too late to go down that road now, if birds are already nesting. Also too late, for shooting as that could also disturb the Lapwings. Best approach would be to use traps to catch the crows. Can be very effective, and will not disturb the nesting birds. As far as other predators are concerned, well not a whole lot you can do about that. Predator proof fences work, but they can run expensive, and a big job to maintain

Asus1

Eddie B wrote: »

When it comes to predation from crows, the first line if defence would be to remove any trees from where they are nesting. Too late to go down that road now, if birds are already nesting. Also too late, for shooting as that could also disturb the Lapwings. Best approach would be to use traps to catch the crows. Can be very effective, and will not disturb the nesting birds. As far as other predators are concerned, well not a whole lot you can do about that. Predator proof fences work, but they can run expensive, and a big job to maintain

Unfortunately land is near a forest and other land which has alot of large beech,ash and a few massive oak.We have a few white thorn and black sally which they dont nest in.Is it legal to shoot birds heading back to the trees in the evening.But i think your right re traps.I seen the local gun clubs massive ladder trap a few years ago.Probably would be the best option.

Eddie B

What I mean is, if there are tree's close to the nesting birds, crows will use them to observe, and spot nests, eggs, and chicks. Especially tree's in the middle of the field. They can be the difference between success and failure to ground nesting birds like Lapwing.

As reguards shooting. I recon it would be legal, especially when it's on your own land.

skipking

maybe someone local with an air rifle could help you out no noise so will not disturb the lapwing. i do a lot of this kind of shooting around farm buildings where you cant use a shotgun and where noise could be a problem.

Birdnuts

A couple of Curlew projects I've helped out on over the last few years do intense crow trapping in association with local GC's to increase chick survival - and I'm pleased to say we've seen a steady rise in successful Lapwing broods as a side benefit:)

Asus1

Birdnuts wrote: »

A couple of Curlew projects I've helped out on over the last few years do intense crow trapping in association with local GC's to increase chick survival - and I'm pleased to say we've seen a steady rise in successful Lapwing broods as a side benefit:)

I might see can i take a few crows with the 22 tomorrow,but i feel im probably at nothing.Around the area there is an awful lot of crows and jackdaws,I mean 10s of flocks ranging from 5 to 60.There is not a day i would not see a flock(murder) of crows in the field.And last year i saw a huge increase in grey crows and they were massive never seen any as big i used to think they were buzzards.

Birdnuts

Asus1 wrote: »

I might see can i take a few crows with the 22 tomorrow,but i feel im probably at nothing.Around the area there is an awful lot of crows and jackdaws,I mean 10s of flocks ranging from 5 to 60.There is not a day i would not see a flock(murder) of crows in the field.And last year i saw a huge increase in grey crows and they were massive never seen any as big i used to think they were buzzards.

I wouldn't worry too much about the likes of Jackdaws or even rooks - its the Grey Crows you need to nail!!

Asus1

Am up to 6 grey crows and 1 fox over 3 days.All caught in larsen type cage traps even the fox.

Asus1

Heres a nest im trying to protect,there is maybe 6 or 7 more but they're very hard to find

Eddie B

Asus1 wrote: »

Am up to 6 grey crows and 1 fox over 3 days.All caught in larsen type cage traps even the fox.

Is that the pest stop make of Larsen trap, that folds up? Seems to be working well anyway

Asus1

Eddie B wrote: »

Is that the pest stop make of Larsen trap, that folds up? Seems to be working well anyway

I'll be honest i dont know i have a loan of 2 and they're both catching birds.Could not believe my eyes at the fox getting in the trap.Heres another im using.

EoghanS

up until the lockdown, i was taking grey crows out in north county Dublin, i was really surprised on the size of them this year, no photos, but 2/3 of them were easily 14"-16" absolutely huge

Rose patrol

If you can, make sure that on the land where the lapwings are nesting always a couple of rows of rough grass patches are left.

The young chicks can hide in there and it will make it harder for the crows, buzzards AND foxes to find them.

Don't know if it's prohibited but if you shoot a crow and hang it on a pole in the middle of the land the other crows might avoid that land

Mellor

Asus1 wrote: »

Just wondering what is the situation re shooting crows,magpies,rooks and other corvids with the intention of protecting lapwing clutches.

Not permitted for Rook or other corvids.
Only grey crow and magpie from feb