THE distinctive call of the corncrake was heard at the weekend on Rathlin Island for just the second time in 17 years.
While the species can still be found in large numbers on the west coast of Scotland and in Donegal they have been virtually wiped out in Northern Ireland largely due to changes in agricultural practices.
The last reported breeding pair in Northern Ireland was in the late 1990s.
Through its Giving Corncrake a Home project, RSPB NI has been working for a number of years to entice the species back to Rathlin and at the weekend confirmed a male concrake was in fine voice.
A male was previously heard calling in the Church Bay area in May 2014 but, sadly, it was disturbed and did not attract a mate. At the time, the RSPB said its work for the species would continue and the latest development proves their perseverance is paying off.
Rathlin Island warden Liam McFaul said he was ‘delighted’ that this work was begin to reap rewards.
“Even if the male doesn’t manage to attract a mate this year, it’s a really encouraging sign that the work we’re is doing for these shy, secretive birds is making a difference.”
Every summer the corncrake makes a long distance trip from Africa and look for an appropriate habitat in which to breed. Corncrakes are shy, secretive birds and look for protective cover where they can call from and find food.
Early in the breeding season they use early growing tall vegetation like nettles, cow parsley, and irises to hide amongst and RSPB NI staff and volunteers have been working hard to provide more suitable early vegetation cover on Rathlin Island.
