Nature in the News

A spokesman for super trawler owners says they are open to discussions about how to reduce the possibility of catching dolphins in their nets after it was claimed a near record number of the mammals were killed when large ships were recently fishing off the north-west coast.

BirdWatch Ireland says it is "extremely surprised" to learn about a poster campaign by the IFA to bar their organisation, as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, from accessing farmers' land . . . . says it actively works to advocate financial support for farmers who are in a position to help wildlife.

"At the site, the DCC found waste belonging to humans, dogs and birds. The proportions of these haven't yet been established; so we've no clue honestly if the birds are 10pc of the problem or 90pc," said Mr Webster

Four men associated with a pigeon racing club in County Waterford, Ireland, have been convicted of illegally poisoning peregrines and sparrowhawks, and other associated wildlife crimes.

The convictions are the result of surveillance and investigation by conservation rangers from the Irish Republic’s National Parks & Wildlife Service at three quarries in March and April 2014: Cappagh Quarry, Keereen Quarry and Carroll’s Cross Quarry. Live pigeon baits, smeared with poison and tied to stones or stakes had been found on a number of occasions at the top of the quarry cliffs, designed to lure in raptors. Four poisoned peregrines and two poisoned sparrowhawks had also been found.

Dead peregrine found in Dalkey Quarry

Just a few days after a pair of peregrine falcons was reported to be nesting in the Central Buttress area of Dalkey Quarry, the female bird has been found dead. This will almost certainly result in the failure of the eggs to hatch.

The National Parks & Wildlife Service is appealing to anybody who saw unusual activity in Dalkey Quarry, particularly below the signal tower, during the morning or around lunchtime on Saturday (9th April), to contact them.

The peregrine falcon, which is protected under European and national legislation, is the fastest creature on the planet, and can dive at speeds of up to 200mph to strike its prey. As peregrines prey on smaller birds such as duck or pigeon, they have at times been subject to persecution.

The cause of the bird’s death is being investigated by the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS). While it is possible that the bird was poisoned, disturbance of wildlife by drones is also causing problems, especially during the breeding season.

If you have any information which could possibly assist this investigation, please contact the NPWS District Conservation Officer, Ciaran Foley on ciaran.foley@ahg.gov.ie or (076) 100 2634.

Climbers who experience a reaction from peregrines or nesting birds are asked to withdraw promptly so as to allow the birds the space to breed successfully. Mountaineering Ireland also appeals to people to keep a close eye out for suspicious activity at other peregrine falcon nest sites throughout the country.