Mixed report for NI birds

A new report, which shows how climate change is affecting birds in Northern Ireland, has been published by the RSPB.

The report - State of the UK Birds 2004 – revealed that while some in roads are being made for the recovery of local farmland birds, a new threat has begun to emerge in the form of climate change.

The report showed that there is some good news for birds that had previously been in trouble – such as the corncrake. However, while breeding in the Western Isles in Scotland has been good, the corncrake has yet to make a comeback in Northern Ireland. With some reports of calling birds in 2005, and improved land management by the RSPB on Rathlin Island, it is hoped that the good news can cross the Irish Sea in the next few years.

Another piece of positive news is that the hen harrier is doing well in Northern Ireland. In contrast, their numbers are falling in England and southern Scotland.

“Climate change is without doubt the greatest long-term threat facing our wildlife today,” Dr James Robinson, Conservation Manager, RSPB NI, said.

“It is important that we heed the signs and do all we can to take steps to curtail the effect our lifestyle is having. While the report points to some areas of recovery for some birds, it will be largely meaningless if the wider picture changes.

“While some species will be able to adapt, others, like the golden plover, with nowhere to go may become extinct. Here in Northern Ireland, we could see some of our most beloved birds never visiting our shores again – heralding a great change for us all.”

The State of the UK’s Birds 2004 is the sixth in the annual series. This year the document is a partnership between the RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland).

(MB)