The RSPB has flagged up concerns about the decline of hen harriers (Circus cyaneus) in Northern Ireland, with just 46 breeding pairs left in the region, a fall of 22 per cent since 2010 when there were 59. According to BirdWatch Ireland in 2015 there were an estimated 108-157 breeding pairs in the Republic, a decline of 8.7 per cent since a 2010 survey which recorded 128-172 pairs. While the situation in Ireland is grim it is at crisis point in England where the RSPB survey found that the hen harrier is on the brink of extinction as breeding species there fell from 12 pairs in 2010 to just four pairs last year. Claire Barnett, conservation team leader for RSPB NI, said: “The hen harrier is one of our most wonderful birds of prey. To see one soaring through the air before dramatically diving down during its thrilling skydancing display is an iconic sight and one that will always take your breath way"
Source: The Irish News, 5 August 2017
https://www.irishnews.com/lifestyle/2017/08/05/news/take-on-nature-grow…
- Login om te reageren