tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58940337857492745512024-03-16T13:26:32.669-07:00Hen Harrier IrelandAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-67896882065255856112019-02-25T02:34:00.001-08:002019-02-25T02:34:29.840-08:00Beware the Big forestry "sell"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A couple of years ago, bigwigs in the forestry industry and the Department of Agriculture got together to consider how to "sell" the idea of planting farmland with forestry. Planting targets are not being met, despite grants so generous, the government might as well be buying the land outright and putting it under trees. But farmers value their family heritage more than suits in Dublin could imagine. They value what their parents and grandparents fought for and worked hard for. They do not rush into quitting their farmland because private forestry interests or a minister tells them its the right thing to do. Added to that inherent value is a realisation that the model of forestry in Ireland just basically kills the community in many areas. After your 15 years of grants are over, good luck to you. Take a drive through any heavily forested area for yourself some time. It is quite shocking and not many know about it, because there are not many there to tell the tale!!</div>
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Nowhere has the proliferation of forestry had more of an impact than in parts of East Kerry and North Cork and West Limerick. Have a scan of these areas on Google Maps satellite view. More than 50% of the land there is under forestry. This has currently been stopped, since the EU judged Ireland's use of taxpayers money to continue to destroy the remaining habitats was contrary to European law. </div>
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Of course, foresters (and some politicians who obviously consider there must be votes in those deserted areas of forestry!!) don't like that and they have got together to push the forestry agenda from every angle. Lobbying government, ads on the radio an in the papers, etc. etc.</div>
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This below contains excerpts from Radio Kerry's agritime show, aimed at farmers. </div>
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This interview contains Trump-like ascertains that sitka spruce is the biggest tool Ireland has against climate change. Hell no its not! Peatlands are by far and away the greatest resource we have in that regard, yet the guy has an issue with environmental regulations. Forestry has been a real success story here according to him, yet the dogs on the street know what a shambles it has been. Very little native trees, a dominance of non-native green concrete. Remember, in other European countries, Sitka spruce is now classed as an invasive species! </div>
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Really, there is no need to go on, let this guy speak for himself and make up your own mind.</div>
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Our question is however, why does the media facilitate this (is it basically a big long ad that is paid for by the forestry sector?) and what role does the regulator, the Forest Service have....seems from a scroll through Forest Industries Ireland Twitter account that they are in with Forest Service and ministers....</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzP6GtTHFEMcILuH2EZNn6GkUX9N72WJ85uFflfQjWgJVXODLuzIfnhuubNqwrZvQWVrlG9X-jkWOihUcOvqw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-74295498593332634252018-01-22T04:33:00.000-08:002018-01-22T04:33:04.903-08:00If we are at a crossroads, we need to think forward about what road we go down<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1600" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_GgCvjXxp8ZlG2yQ6sr-BXQtWaL66m4J0GxS5AAvB3lHBeIPAuT_1gkewuNwzhlKPR72liDDsgJa8QfJsWlatauCKb1zBbh28-5fZslfPm_rQtgBoiL84jS0PupRfEE48XzCeCGxhUw/s640/forestry+Galway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The most common view in the
Sliabh Aughty Mts <span style="background-color: black; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">nowadays </span>is that above</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">There has been a lot of media coverage in the past
couple of weeks about concerns that excessive levels of industrial forestry are
ruining landscape, nature and communities. This is not a new subject by a long
way. These real concerns have been around for decades by environmental groups
and by people who have found themselves isolated in what have been termed “tall
green deserts”. The recent media coverage is perhaps a reflection that
politicians are becoming exercised about the issue now, in addition to local
communities and environmental groups. Notable among these has been Marian
Harkin, a Member of European Parliament. It takes a while for what is happening
in </span><span lang="EN" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Breandrum to
filter through to Brussels. The media coverage is also perhaps symbolic of the
crossroads at which rural Ireland finds itself, particularly in the less
agriculturally rich areas like the west and northwest and the uplands. A
perfect storm is brewing with suckler farming viability through the floor,
Brexit looming, and Government continuing to push forestry in a big way (mainly
to offset the increased carbon emissions associated with expansion of
dairy…although that theory is debatable and is being debated). Do we want to
see a rural Ireland smothered in Sitka Spruce, owned by investors in Frankfurt
and London or God knows where? This is essentially what is happening and is
likely to happen more and more. Ireland recently celebrated the 1916 rising and
all that stood for, and the links to land ownership are so strong for farmers.
It is clear that none but the vested interests (including some politicians and
even representatives on farming organisations) would prefer a ‘Sitka Spruce
State’. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "&quot" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Just a snippet of afforestation applications at any one time</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fvd6pR3NmrCMUEmTS4dNPSmkC-zSrcW6QbpNVSvMOC6keVVBRWnmCv7T0dgBMjOEnYzHXaXdPGs2RL3vtRhbN6GP4TukmJMGPdIf4Y-9bOcl04fLIgg4gDjjQDfBaIO_acpU9MR7hCU/s1600/Forestry+Derrybrien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">There is a growing recognition that farming and
environmental interests are not and should not be strangers; they should be
married! Environmentalists, particularly conservation groups are realising more
and more the importance of farmers in managing and providing environmental
goods from carbon balance to clean water to biodiversity, landscape and
pollination. Note the term “managing and providing”. It is not a given that
farmers automatically provide these by virtue of their practice; the type of
practice is obviously the underpinning influence and can be either positive or
negative. But environmentalists are awake to the fact that the farmers are the
most important people in the equation. </span></span><span style="font-family: "&quot" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Industrial non-native forestry
has been replacing natural and semi-natural habitats like hay meadows (and
the tax payer funds this)</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 9.5pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Oftentimes the most important areas from an
environmental point of view are considered ‘marginal’ land. A <b>lot</b> of
Irish farms are considered ‘marginal’. That really says it all about where we
have got to in Ireland over recent generations; the most important areas are
‘marginal’. Marginal to agricultural production; but agricultural production is
not everything, it is not the be all and end all and that is where mindsets
need to change and this is the space where future thinkers have been for some
time. ‘Marginal’ areas by their very nature will never produce the quantity of
agricultural produce possible in ‘the good land’. Economies of scale dictate
that farmers in marginal upland areas simply cannot compete in the same market
as farmers in highly productive areas. So future thinkers, including farmers in
these areas, are considering what is best to sustain what generations before
have created, in terms of a landscape, community and local economy, because at
present it is crumbling. So what is the solution? A new market; that of the environment.
They have considered that sustainability is a stool with three legs –
environmental, social and economic. While all three are equally important for a
thriving rural Ireland, environment is the foundation on which it all
depends. Rather than continuing what has been the trend since entering the
Common Market, with small farmers being bought out by the big
neighbour or abandoning their land and planting with spruce, farmers are opening their
eyes to the fact that the provision of environmental goods and value-added
produce has to be the way forward for these areas if they are to survive as a
thriving farming landscape with a social fabric. </span></span></div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.66px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The Forestry Programme has left
significant tracts of rural Ireland devoid of landscape, people and nature</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.66px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Farmers in a number of areas are aligning
themselves with environmental groups and agri-environmental projects. Such
projects would be truly sustainable in their aims, given the balanced input and
knowledge sharing between environmentalists and farmers (and by the way,
environmentalists can be and often are farmers and farmers can be and often are
environmentalists). This is not what can be said for the vested interests who push forestry plantations as ‘sustainable’.
They have highjacked that word and anyone who cares to take a drive through the
Sliabh Aughty Mountains or Mullaghareirk Mountains can see that for themselves
(the three legs of environmental, social and economic have been cut off…only a
stump of ‘economic’ exists and that money does not circulate much locally,
rather outwards to Coillte or private investors). If they were planting native
trees in the right places, that would go some way towards redressing the
balance, but the quick buck is what drives their decisions. So too the climate
that the Government has created for this proliferation of inappropriate
forestry has exacerbated its rise and the loss of small farmers, biodiversity
and local communities. This policy is coming under
scrutiny. Local, social and national media are turning a spotlight on the issue
and examining what is happening and what has happened. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn3kEw31N_lmfhrvEER21eVTr77FA6xC8_KaXiHzJ0fYNLjA4g5Lmw-3Hi88w3CevmTfmJkYDTy8TxQ8PrLZU2anikIZtD02zUxamPwAkoaGH4cKZ7s5MJLtK1F5DZWtoWs83QHvnssU/s640/Forestry+School.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Buried in this picture from the
Mullaghareirk Mountains is a derelict primary school. There is no longer any community
here.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn3kEw31N_lmfhrvEER21eVTr77FA6xC8_KaXiHzJ0fYNLjA4g5Lmw-3Hi88w3CevmTfmJkYDTy8TxQ8PrLZU2anikIZtD02zUxamPwAkoaGH4cKZ7s5MJLtK1F5DZWtoWs83QHvnssU/s1600/Forestry+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVn3kEw31N_lmfhrvEER21eVTr77FA6xC8_KaXiHzJ0fYNLjA4g5Lmw-3Hi88w3CevmTfmJkYDTy8TxQ8PrLZU2anikIZtD02zUxamPwAkoaGH4cKZ7s5MJLtK1F5DZWtoWs83QHvnssU/s1600/Forestry+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px;"><br /></a></span><br />
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); margin: 0px; padding: 3pt 0cm 0cm;"><div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The foregoing points are ones that readers of Hen
Harrier Ireland will be very well used to seeing from us over the past 5 years
or so. Others like the Irish Raptor Study Group and Birdwatch Ireland have for
a long time now advocated for a brighter future, even when others including
farming organisations have lobbied for more forestry. A common question asked
by the environmental protagonists has been “how has that model of forestry
helped your local area in the last 3-4 decades?”. Bringing it back to Hen Harriers,
these amazing birds are indicator species. They indicate that there is a suite
of other wildlife species including small mammals and small birds that they
would not survive without. These small mammals and small birds would not be
present without suitable habitats. In Ireland, the management of these habitats
is dependent on farmers. So there is a direct and straight line between the Hen
Harrier and the farmer. The proliferation of forestry in Hen Harrier SPAs to <b>a
staggering 53%</b> has correlated very closely with the decline of Hen
Harriers, the decline of biodiversity in general and the decline in small
farmers. While it is right that the media shine a spotlight on areas like
Leitrim and West Cavan where spruce dominated forestry cover is over 15% (85%
unplanted), it would be worth someone travelling to the Hen Harrier SPAs (47%
unplanted) with a camera and microphone to talk to the people that
live up there; <b>people who have been cut off from neighbours, people who have
seen the views from their younger days deleted, the bird songs silenced and the
fish in the rivers removed. Communities replaced by more than 200 million
spruce trees.</b> The last remaining farmers and communities in these areas are
so precious and need to be supported properly, yet their voices are not being
heard. The lazy narrative to date for these areas has been that the local
farmers are up in arms, that they want more forestry; whereas the reality could
not be further from the truth. This narrative has come from a relatively small
minority with a narrow aim, making a lot of noise (and a farmer vs bird story
is a tired old staple now at this point for some of the Irish media…let’s be
forward thinking). Oftentimes, those making the noise don’t even live in the
area and those reporting on it have never set foot there! The recent meetings
against forestry in Carrick-on-Shannon and for the Hen Harrier Project (a new
€25m injection into Hen Harrier SPAs to help farmers help Hen Harriers) in
Scarriff visually represent the reality. Farmers want to farm. They want to
pass on the land that was inherited from their parents to their own children.
If given their choice, they will take an exciting agri-environmental scheme any
day over a death knell forestry scheme. But as it stands, the Government are
stacking the odds in favour of forestry and against farmers and biodiversity.
They put greater money and duration of investment into forestry. They
artificially inflate land values to the point that local farmers can’t compete
with private investors when land comes up for sale and to the point that when
forestry is stopped in designated areas for environmental reasons, that the
value of land is de-inflated. The Forestry Programme has been a disaster all
told. Even perhaps those that designed the Forestry Programme would consider it
disaster in that it has failed to come anywhere near reaching its targets (yes,
they wanted <b>even more</b> forestry!). </span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgflRMkdMPPkBuAm-l8IjlYuYUGQBJJgqkepZ9aH9xSzB4G-NVk2_pDlWsiy6Yyj6_xSYKOl7jEtK532Kmj0BGwY5wmt3nDD6GNqcAKbMcrmNRzSDHNHQLVlpsevc3OdkbBW2V8jVe5s/s1600/INHFA+meeting+re+forestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgflRMkdMPPkBuAm-l8IjlYuYUGQBJJgqkepZ9aH9xSzB4G-NVk2_pDlWsiy6Yyj6_xSYKOl7jEtK532Kmj0BGwY5wmt3nDD6GNqcAKbMcrmNRzSDHNHQLVlpsevc3OdkbBW2V8jVe5s/s1600/INHFA+meeting+re+forestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgflRMkdMPPkBuAm-l8IjlYuYUGQBJJgqkepZ9aH9xSzB4G-NVk2_pDlWsiy6Yyj6_xSYKOl7jEtK532Kmj0BGwY5wmt3nDD6GNqcAKbMcrmNRzSDHNHQLVlpsevc3OdkbBW2V8jVe5s/s400/INHFA+meeting+re+forestry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgflRMkdMPPkBuAm-l8IjlYuYUGQBJJgqkepZ9aH9xSzB4G-NVk2_pDlWsiy6Yyj6_xSYKOl7jEtK532Kmj0BGwY5wmt3nDD6GNqcAKbMcrmNRzSDHNHQLVlpsevc3OdkbBW2V8jVe5s/s1600/INHFA+meeting+re+forestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: black; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 12.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">An INHFA conference organised in
January 2018 to discuss concerns on forestry</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgnJLiAPpRuB-KV7rxWIQWwyBIdPhgTxpGM20L4jiL93CnUTbsPe5Ryu8PSoLDkJfrI1LyhdLOHc9IT38PAecFqmT4_67JAgu9lcyJ5085p-PKqNBonamQuDbQPp5aGG_K3RBn34KlPw/s1600/HHP+Info+Scarriff+Jan+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgnJLiAPpRuB-KV7rxWIQWwyBIdPhgTxpGM20L4jiL93CnUTbsPe5Ryu8PSoLDkJfrI1LyhdLOHc9IT38PAecFqmT4_67JAgu9lcyJ5085p-PKqNBonamQuDbQPp5aGG_K3RBn34KlPw/s400/HHP+Info+Scarriff+Jan+2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A Hen Harrier Project information meeting organised in January 2018 to
discuss the new scheme</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgflRMkdMPPkBuAm-l8IjlYuYUGQBJJgqkepZ9aH9xSzB4G-NVk2_pDlWsiy6Yyj6_xSYKOl7jEtK532Kmj0BGwY5wmt3nDD6GNqcAKbMcrmNRzSDHNHQLVlpsevc3OdkbBW2V8jVe5s/s1600/INHFA+meeting+re+forestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It is now time for our politicians to be forward
thinking and put the resources earmarked for industrial forestry into agri-environment and
climate actions (which can include appropriately designed and targeted
planting of trees). Put that money directly into the pockets of the most
important people; the farmers who can manage and deliver appropriate management
of upland peatlands for carbon and water, manage and deliver habitats for
biodiversity, supply clean water from the upper reaches of river catchments,
alleviate flooding, etc. and in being rewarded, keep local economies turning.
<b>Politicians can be guaranteed that if the same money per hectare or
even less was pumped into such schemes as is the case for forestry, and that if
these schemes were offered on a 15-year basis as forestry is, there would be
massive uptake, far more than for forestry.</b> This would not only be far more
popular (which is what politicians will look for first), but it would also be
far more meaningful, sustainable and worthy. </span></span><span style="font-family: "&quot" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
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<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgnJLiAPpRuB-KV7rxWIQWwyBIdPhgTxpGM20L4jiL93CnUTbsPe5Ryu8PSoLDkJfrI1LyhdLOHc9IT38PAecFqmT4_67JAgu9lcyJ5085p-PKqNBonamQuDbQPp5aGG_K3RBn34KlPw/s1600/HHP+Info+Scarriff+Jan+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">It might take a leap of faith for some farming
organisations or individuals who have had an entrenched position to date, to
work with the environmentalists, and likewise for some environmentalists who
have had an entrenched position to date, to work with the farmers, but if there
is to be survival, there needs to be evolution and adaptation. Many have
already bolted from the starting line in pursuit of a sustainable future
vision. If these two groups come together and marry, to have ‘marginal’ areas
properly represented by politicians and to put such areas at the centre of all
that is good in Irish Governmental policy, there is hope. Otherwise all sides
will lose and all will be lost. The social and natural heritage which we cling
on to the remains of today, lies in the balance.</span></span><span style="font-family: "&quot" , serif; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black;"></span><span style="color: white;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-29520737117253718802017-10-14T02:48:00.003-07:002017-10-14T02:54:30.547-07:00Forestry and Hen Harriers in Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qBYouHMhubOEbu6VoNa0FwlX-aa7fIpzyaiZKzHY_ku1dEGuL3D3KAFR7Zcu6peH7caBSWAJUsAmcsEwEzcVK5VpOFGolleoQirRJRs9oc8GyU12KDzNZv6bwJYCscuSlrrErMCsJjo/s1600/037+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qBYouHMhubOEbu6VoNa0FwlX-aa7fIpzyaiZKzHY_ku1dEGuL3D3KAFR7Zcu6peH7caBSWAJUsAmcsEwEzcVK5VpOFGolleoQirRJRs9oc8GyU12KDzNZv6bwJYCscuSlrrErMCsJjo/s400/037+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Forestry and Hen Harriers in Ireland</h2>
Just in case there was any doubt!<br />
<br />
Forestry is the greatest negative driver of Hen Harrier population decline in Ireland.<br />
<br />
For a full review of scientific and peer-reviewed material on the matter, see <a href="https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjyg6T95e_WAhWsCMAKHU1fCKkQFggoMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.npws.ie%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fpublications%2Fpdf%2FHHTRP%2520-%2520Forestry%2520-%2520V3.2.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1QLbXpdqC7one-jcPtmptr" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">this review</span></a> which was put together to inform the science behind the Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan, which is still not published after four years and has gone very quiet indeed:<br />
<br />
For those on Twitter, it is well worth looking at the following search results<span id="goog_161556665"></span> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%40irishraptorsg%20forestry&src=typd" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">here</span></a> <span id="goog_161556666"></span>and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%40harrierireland%20forestry&src=typd" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">here</span></a><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafBVq6zEa-_d0nsqU6WBaFdV-AcqrDEA-8Ck_PgRf0oUIR07eDTT_WCCP1BlxGAPedvZd3gUF1oF5vsAfsMJtvR0r627TRXkLUL-1TIGtfBS8nB95ngfDSwI9stcC5nIELghKPtUAN74/s1600/Dead+Forestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafBVq6zEa-_d0nsqU6WBaFdV-AcqrDEA-8Ck_PgRf0oUIR07eDTT_WCCP1BlxGAPedvZd3gUF1oF5vsAfsMJtvR0r627TRXkLUL-1TIGtfBS8nB95ngfDSwI9stcC5nIELghKPtUAN74/s400/Dead+Forestry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Here are some posts down through the years on this blog referring to forestry and Hen Harriers:<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, 17 April 2016</b><br />
<u><a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2016/04/farming-and-hen-harriers-from-ground-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Farming and Hen Harriers – from the ground up</span></a><span style="color: yellow;">.</span></u> <br />
<br />
A post on the virtues of supporting people and local rural communities through sustainable farming schemes rather than socially and environmentally damaging forestry plantations led by industry <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, 21 January 2016</b><br />
<u><a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2016/01/a-picture-paints-thousand-words.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">A Picture Paints a Thousand Words</span></a></u><br />
A post describing from the ground, the losses of nature associated with commercial forestry including Hen Harrier, Curlew, Red Grouse, Skylark, and many more. Also the real impacts on local communities after 40 years of experience. Any questions? Take a drive to parts of any of the Hen Harrier SPAs!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, 12 April 2015</b><br />
<u><a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2015/04/the-hen-harrier-diaries-welcome-to_12.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">The Hen Harrier Diaries</span></a></u><br />
Some observations from fieldwork on Hen Harriers including two of the lesser known effects of forestry on Hen Harriers, increased predation risk and direct disturbance (nest loss) from forestry operations. The largest and most obvious downside of afforestation is loss of natural and semi-natural habitat for the Hen Harrier and various other upland species.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, 17 July 2014</b><br />
<u><a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2014/07/hen-harriers-suffer-mahor-losses-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Hen Harriers suffer major losses to predators</span></a></u><br />
Just before Hen Harrier chicks are due to fledge, they are often predated, to an extent that is driving population decline. Predation rates are higher in and near forestry.<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Tuesday, 10 June 2014</b><br />
<u><a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2014/06/misleading-article-in-irish-farmers.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Misleading article in Irish Farmers Journal heaps further bad press on Hen Harriers</span></a></u><br />
A response to a highly irresponsible article from a journalist on the Irish Farmers Journal, saying that forestry could be the saviour of Hen Harriers, when various books and scientific papers and evidence from the ground says otherwise. With the increase of forestry in Hen Harrier SPAs going from 0% to 52% in a number of decades, the journalist might have asked himself the basic question why Hen Harriers are not now flourishing in these SPAs, but instead decided to write an article devoid of facts or reality. Soon after this article, one of the authors of a book he mis-represented wrote into the Irish Farmers Journal to state the reality of forestry being negative for Hen Harriers, where he stated: “the opposite has been the case with the blanketing of large swathes of our uplands with mature forestry.”! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-64380154903860746562016-11-02T15:39:00.001-07:002016-11-02T15:39:04.346-07:00Irish Hen Harrier Winter Survey - November 2016At this time of year, it is awesome and inspiring to see Hen Harriers congregate together at communal roosts. To know that your recording of the roost watches is going directly towards informing the <a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/p/ihhws_10.html" target="_blank">Irish Hen Harrier Winter Survey</a> gives as much pleasure and satisfaction as watching the birds - especially for those who really care about conservation and the future prospects for the species in Ireland. This is more than just bird watching.<br />
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I undertake roost watches for the survey coordinator Dr. Barry O'Donoghue and I, along with a number of other hardy souls, have been watching Hen Harriers for the past 8 winters in the Kerry/Cork/Limerick border area - mountain, bogs and rivers country. <br />
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Throughout this season so far, things have been fairly slow, but the past week or so have seen an influx of Hen Harriers to my roosts (possibly from outside of Ireland?). In the three main sites that I watch, I have seen a total of 17 birds in the past few days! At one site, there were at least 11 harriers. Awesome and inspiring as I say and a honour to witness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Hen Harrier inspecting her roost at the November IHHWS roost watch</td></tr>
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Watching the harriers pass around together over the bogs on these winter evenings makes me forget almost everything from the day of work or normal everyday happenings. However I am often jerked back to reality with the realisation that these sites are all experiencing different threats and pressures and a number of sites that I used to see harriers at are no longer occupied. Ironically one of the threats in recent times seems to be from 'birders' who have been exposing the location of a roost by their words and actions. While some sites can suit wider public attention and public knowledge, it is imperative that the sanctity and confidentiality of most roosts is upheld (especially in areas where Hen Harriers have been shot) and that people claiming to be in it for the birds actually consider their actions and impacts. Even well meaning people can inadvertently disturb these sensitive birds - especially when no care is taken to maintain a low profile (standing out in the middle of the roost is obviously not a good idea!). Harriers have enough problems as it is!<br />
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I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Irish Hen Harrier Winter Survey as I have been for many years and deriving pleasure from watching the birds, and also from the knowledge that my records are informing a broader picture as to what is happening to the Hen Harrier population in Ireland.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-91735092958201834052016-08-23T09:39:00.001-07:002016-08-23T09:40:30.289-07:00The Hen Harrier Diaries: Final Entry<h2>
The Hen Harrier Diaries: Final Entry</h2>
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Work on the Hen Harrier Diaries commenced on the 28th of February, nearly six months later it has finally come to a conclusion it has been a disappointing year to say the least, with only two of our six pairs managing to rear young (with four chicks reared in total).</div>
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Below is a summary of the pairs.</div>
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Pair 1. Penny.</div>
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Penny set a high standard in 2015 rearing three chicks, a remarkable achievement for her first breeding attempt, this year she faced many obstacles from human disturbance (someone who clearly doesn't have any consideration or knowledge for wildlife taking photographs and clearly disturbing the mother who should have been tending to her chicks), bad weather to forestry work taking place in close proximity to her nest. But against all odds this amazing bird managed to rear two chicks this year, the young harriers have now dispersed to explore the world, we wish them well and hopefully someday they will return and rear chicks of their own.<br />
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Pair 2. Heather's Mom and Dad.<br />
As reported in previous updates our hunch was in fact correct, Heather's Mom and Dad were not successful in their breeding attempt this year. We believe they failed in the first weeks of early chick stage, with predation was the most likely cause. The odds are really stacked against this pair with the majority of their territory now a green desert of sitka spruce. This vast area of forestry is home to numerous predators and is forcing the birds to travel huge distances to forage. This sustained absence is when the young chicks are vulnerable to predators and is heartbreaking to watch. It is clearly no fault of the birds, and with a bit of luck this pair can be more successful next year.<br />
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Pair 3.The Glen Nesters.<br />
It seems the intrusion from other Hen Harriers changed the minds of this pair and they abandoned their breeding attempt early in the season, while the male remained in the territory for several weeks it appears all the activity proved too much for the female and she abandoned early on. This was really a disappointing turn of events for this pair as they have been one of our most productive pairs over the last number of years, lets hope 2017 can be a better year for the specialists.<br />
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Pair 4.<br />
It turned out to be a brilliant year for this pair, they managed to rear two chicks and both were females, despite deciding to nest less than 50 feet from active turf cutting (this is their second year rearing young in the same location, with turf cutting active both years). These chicks were the first to fledge in 2016 and they remained in the area for several weeks before finally deciding to venture into the world on their own, lets hope they stay safe and one day they return.<br />
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Pair 5.<br />
Unfortunately this pair also didn't make it this year, we can't say for sure but predation was the most likely reason for failing, this pair also have little or no choice to nest near mature sitka spruce plantation and face a gigantic challenge to rear young every year. This is very disappointing for this pair after such a successful year last year, lets hope they stay safe over the winter and return next year to give breeding another go next year.<br />
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Pair 6.<br />
This pair are similar to the other three pairs that didn't make it, and a clear pattern is obvious in all cases: sitka spruce/parents away from nests/predation. This has become an all too common occurrence. Pair 6 didn't have their best year in their debut year in the Hen Harrier Diaries, they also didn't make it across the line, we believe they they failed at the early chick stage, lets hope they return next year and have a better time of it.<br />
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For the young Harriers born this year they are now exploring the world on their own and face the biggest challenge of their short lives surviving their first winter, hopefully the will grace our skies on the hills again next spring. It's now onto the The Irish Hen Harrier Winter survey where we will keep you updated along the way, you can contribute directly to the conservation of the Hen Harrier by reporting any sighting of a Hen Harrier to harriers@ahg.gov.ie.<br />
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Thank You<br />
Hen Harrier Ireland.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-6387414857177092062016-08-19T11:50:00.001-07:002016-08-19T11:50:29.761-07:00<h2>
Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No. 7</h2>
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The Hen Harriers from the Hen Harrier Diaries have been working vigorously over the last few weeks to provide sufficient food for their young chicks, unfortunately it has not been all plain sailing for three of our pairs.</div>
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Pair 1. Penny.</div>
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Penny and her male companion are going from strength to strenght and are kept extremely busy providing for their young chicks, at this moment in time it's unclear exactly how many chicks Penny has or what stage they are at, we do know that Penny is still not sharing the workload of providing food for the chicks and spends the majority of her time at the nest, it could well be that her chicks are still relatively young or it could be that the male ( he is a super male ) is providing a sufficient amount of prey for Penny to remain at the nest with her young, hopefully we will have news of fledglings for the next update.</div>
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Pair 2. Heather's Mom and Dad.</div>
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Things are not looking good for Heather's Mom and Dad it's looks like they may not have been successful in their breeding attempt this year, previous watches have not provided us with any activity around their territory and both male and female have not been seen since our last update, we will monitor the situation over the coming days and weeks and hopefully we will have some positive news on the pair for the next update.</div>
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Pair 3. The Glen Nesters.</div>
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There is an element of mystery and uncertainty surrounding and specialists, their tranquil Glen has been the subject of intruders (other harriers) since the start of the breeding season,and as believed in previous updates that the female was incubating eggs, we are now almost certain that she is not incubating eggs and has possibly abandoned her breeding attempt before it ever started, the last sighting of the female was on the 27 of april and there has been no sighting of the male in weeks, it's possible with all this activity in her territory that she decided to abandoned this year's breeding attempt in this territory,maybe they have tried their luck somewhere nearby, we will continue to search the surrounding area and we will keep you updated on our findings.</div>
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Pair 4.</div>
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This pair chicks are not far off fledging, and both male and female are kept extremely busy providing food for their chicks,this is absolutely brilliant news for this pair as in previous years their chicks have always been the last to fledge, they clearly are on top of their game this year, hopefully we will have news of the first chicks fledged from Hen Harrier Diaries 2016 for the next update.</div>
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Pair 5.</div>
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It's highly probable that pair 5 have been unsuccessful with this year's breeding attempt, as with pairs 2 and 3 there has been little or no activity around the nest over the last few weeks, we have witnessed a male in the vicinity a few times but he was showing no interest in the nest, both the male and female were seen flying together on the 16th of June about one kilometre away from the nest this was ominous sign, as with the other pairs we will monitor the situation closely and keep you updated on developments. </div>
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Pair 6.</div>
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As we have been focusing the majority of our time trying to establish the exact status and whereabouts of pairs two three and five, we haven't dedicated as much time on pair 6 we would have liked however we can report that as of last week the female was still present at her nest and was seen defending it from Hooded Crow, we will focus all our attention on this pair over the coming days and we will keep you updated.</div>
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Thank You </div>
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Hen Harrier Ireland </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-13556258191193301472016-08-19T08:45:00.000-07:002016-08-19T08:45:56.502-07:00<h2>
Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No. 6</h2>
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After an extremely busy few months we have finally decided on the six pairs we are going to follow for the Hen Harrier Diaries 2016, the six pairs are all situated in territories from the Stacks to Mullaghariek Mountains Special Protection Area for Hen Harriers, after a few anxious moments at the start of the breeding season all six pairs settled down and are well on their way with their breeding attempt with the females either incubating eggs and some even have young chicks.</div>
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Introducing the pairs:</div>
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Pair 1. Penny.</div>
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The young female from the 2015 Hen Harrier Diaries, Penny had an outstanding season last year rearing three beautiful young Hen Harriers, and again this year she is off to a flyer, she has chosen to nest relatively close to last year's nest and is in close proximity to a mature sitka spruce plantation, this is a treacherous location with an abundance of predators lurking nearby, she is currently incubating eggs and we believe she might have at least one chick, the male is now either landing in the nest with food or dropping it straight into the nest this is a good indication that they might be young in the nest.</div>
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Pair 2. Heather's Mom and Dad.</div>
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It's wonderful to see this pair back again this year for another attempt at breeding, hopefully they can produce something the same as last year. These two are really making us work hard to find the exact nest location, hopefully for the next update we will have the nest located and maybe even news of chicks in the nest. </div>
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Pair 3. The Glen Nesters.</div>
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These two are professionals at rearing young, rearing three chicks last year, they have again chosen the secluded Glen as their preferred nesting location, the secluded Glen was thrown into chaos at the start of the breeding season with another male and female present, the resident male had to use every ounce of energy to show his unwanted guests who the king of this Glen was, all is peaceful now in the Glen, and the female is now incubating eggs while the male is kept busy keeping a watchful eye over his territory and providing his female with food.</div>
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Pair 4.</div>
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This pair have again decided to nest in the same location as the previous two years, it's an area where turf cutting is active, last year they reared one chick. Two pairs were active here at the start of the breeding season and we could possible have two pairs, hopefully we will have more information on the second pair for next update, the female of the resident pair is currently incubating eggs, the male is kept busy supplying food for the female and defending his territory from any intruders.</div>
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Pairn 5.</div>
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After an outstanding breeding season last year rearing 3 Beautiful chicks pair 5 are back again this year, hopefully they can produce the same result again result as last year, they have again decided to nest close to last years nest on a steep slope of gorse and heather, this female is also incubating eggs while the male is extremely busy evicting other males from a neighbouring territories out of his territory.</div>
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Pair 6.</div>
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This is a new pair to the Hen Harrier Diaries, they nest in a territory that has records of Hen Harriers breeding as far back as 1955, their preferred nesting location is also a steep Glen covered in heather bramble and bog myrtle, they had an excellent year last year rearing 4 chicks, after a few anxious moments at the start of the breeding season when the female had not returned, she finally returned to take her place alongside the male and is now incubating eggs, the is male is keeping a close eye on proceedings, returning with food and occasionally to check that all is well in his domain.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-56837907197812016032016-08-19T06:55:00.001-07:002016-08-19T06:55:28.497-07:00<h2>
The Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No. 5</h2>
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The Hen Harrier breeding season is now in full swing, with birds occupying all four territories checked over the last week.</div>
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One of the sites checked was the territory of Penny the young female from the Hen Harrier Diaries 2015, Penny and her male companion are now both present, with the male affectionately following her every move, the male is doing everything he can ti impress Penny with some spectacular sky dancing and so far she seems to be impressed.</div>
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The second site that was checked has produced some anxious moments during previous watches, this is the site where records of Harriers breeding date back as far as 1955 ( as reported in the Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No 4) it was a huge relief to finally see both male and female present, hopefully they can now settle down and continue the long tradition of Harriers breeding here.</div>
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On our arrival at the 3rd site we had two males and a female circling simultaneously. With one male departing the region the remaining birds were then able to concentrate on the job at hand, with the remaining male caring for the females every need, returning from a hunting foray with a Bank Vole tantalising the anxious female with food parcel, with the male hanging on to the prey for several minutes the female grew impatient and tried to wrestle the prey from the male's grasp, he eventually gave in to the female's request to release the prey. Hopefully we will have reports of them nest building in our next update.</div>
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Elsewhere we checked a site that didn't have a breeding attempt last year, hopefully that will change this year, with both male and female occupying the territory at present, with both male and female checking out potential nesting sites hopefully they can soon find a suitable area for nesting.</div>
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Stay tuned for further updates.</div>
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Thank you</div>
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Hen Harrier Ireland.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-62254946421426575062016-04-17T02:54:00.001-07:002016-04-17T02:54:31.561-07:00Farming and Hen Harriers – from the ground up.
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lets start with why, and lets finish with the solution that
we want.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why are Hen Harriers
one of the rarest and most endangered species in Ireland?<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their habitats have been lost and damaged across large
areas. Their prey base has been decimated (for the loss of every single Hen
Harrier, there will have been thousands of other birds that depend on the same
habitat lost). Even within the special protection areas, more than half of what
would have been their best habitat (moorland and grassland) have been subsumed
by non-native commercial plantations. The quality of habitat that remains in
the open areas if more often than not, of a poor quality. This industrial scale
loss of natural and semi habitat has seen the loss of many of Ireland’s most
loved birds including Curlew, Red Grouse, Skylark, Cuckoo and of course the
indicator of the health of the ecosystem – the Hen Harrier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why has the habitat
been lost?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The loss of habitat has followed a loss of the low intensity
type of farming that existed for hundreds of years. This type of farming is
difficult to maintain as economically viable. For the past 4 decades, the
government and private foresters have pushed forestry grants to small farmers -
cash to plant their land with non-native conifer trees. These industrial type plantations
are the absolute opposite of what many native Irish wildlife species require
and they are soon lost from the area. Of course the grant for planting the land
is only for a limited period (15 years), but the land is forever lost to
farming and indeed forever lost to memory. What often happens is that in an
ageing population, when the farmer passes on, the land is inherited by someone
who is not living on the land or who has a desire to continue farming on what
is difficult land, with relatively low financial return. The past 4 decades
have seen massive rural decline in these areas. Commercial forestry has clearly
not been the answer to stemming the loss of people from marginal upland areas.
Moreover, it has paralleled the loss of people and farming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those that do stay to farm the land, they try to compete
in the same market as the guys that are able to produce hundreds of large
animals on more agriculturally productive land. Those guys have far lower input
costs, while the farmers on the more marginal uplands have higher input costs,
struggling with heavier soils, higher rainfall, rushes, scrub, etc. In some
ways, it is like a two-tier league of agricultural production, where there are
the elite clubs who will always top the table given the resources available to
them, and those that are struggling to stay up. In trying to compete with “the
big boys”, habitats are lost and damaged on marginal upland farms – species
rich fields are reseeded, scrub is cleared out, stocking rates are increased –
all with resultant loss of biodiversity. However, if one takes a step back – is
it actually sustainable for those farmers struggling to stay up? In what are
volatile markets, where the price of milk or beef can drop below levels that
are economically safe even for “the big boys” in Ireland, the amount of time
and energy and money that farmers in the uplands are investing into their farms
would not be advised by pure economists. Farmers are not economists. Farmers
want to farm. They want to farm because of the love of being out there, on
their land. They love being out in the open, walking and working in their
fields, seeing the fruits of their labour, looking after their stock, etc. They
love the tradition. They would love to pass the farm from one generation to the
next. If they were in it for the quick buck – they would have sold out to the
forestry grants a long time ago. However, it would be foolish to suggest that
these farmers are blinded by their love of farming and that they don’t see the
financial side of what is happening. They see it more than anyone as they are
living it. Just about all these farmers work full time jobs elsewhere so that
they can make ends meet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, what’s the
solution?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Under the Rural Development Plan, there are supports
available to farmers to maintain viability, including incentives to support
ecosystems, maintain habitats and protect wildlife. Farmers in Hen Harrier areas
are ranked as a priority group for entry to GLAS. In addition, a new Locally
Led Agri-Environment Scheme (LLAES) is expected to come into place for farmers
in Hen Harrier areas. This scheme is intended to deliver results above and
beyond what GLAS will achieve and to be honest for the Hen Harrier it is very
much needed as GLAS does not appear to have the ability to turn things around
for a species that is in drastic decline. For commentators that wrongly have
notions that the locally led scheme is some form of compensation for
designation, they should realise that this commentary is misleading and
unhelpful. If the schemes are seen as anything other than money to farmers to
support habitats and species, the chance of failure is high. If the habitats
and birds are lost – what are the chances of getting this money in future, where
there are no habitats and birds? The monies are targeted towards where the
habitats and species exist. While the farmers are not economists, they understand
exactly how important agri-environment scheme money is to their farm income and
an environment of appreciation should be fostered to ensure this money delivers
on what it is paid for, and so can continue to come in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A future with
balanced choices<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In effect, this is the start of a move towards incentivising
farmers in marginal areas to operate in a third market – not forestry (whereby farming
ceases on that land), not trying to keep up with the big boys (which will
ultimately be a losing game), but a High Nature Value market whereby the
farmers are incentivised to continue or reinstate the practices that made or
makes their area so important for biodiversity and a range of public goods from
carbon to water to scenery. Farmers want to farm and agri-environmental farming
may be the best fit and most sustainable option for many farmers in the long
run. There is a very long way to go, to make sure the markets are balanced, to
make sure that the farmers are being offered three evenly weighted options and
not being forced down a particular route that would otherwise not be their
preferred choice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-7901642339007535252016-04-17T02:50:00.002-07:002016-04-17T02:50:33.368-07:00Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No. 4<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_571359ce61b843249247025">
Saturday saw 5 different sites covered. <br /> <br />
It was more like a winter Roost watch at one of the sites as the hailstones and snow came falling down. The resident male and female rested up in the white blizzard and waited until it abated. To fly around and get unduly wet would hinder their flight. When the weather dried up, it became lovely and sunny, with blue skies above. The pair flew around together closely, touching wings and landed together. This is behaviour that suggests they will nest very close by.<br />
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However, things aren't always so straightforward! A second male visited the pair in their peaceful Valley and the three flew around together. Does the female have a decision to make?<br />
It may well be that the second male was from a neighbouring territory where his own female has not been seen, we are getting anxious that this territory which has been watched from as far back as 1955 may be vacant/become extinct. However we still hold out and will continue observations there.<br />
Elsewhere at another traditional site there has also been anxious moments during previous watches, the female from this pair also was nowhere to be seen, thankfully Saturday this all changed with both male and Female present, they collaborated to oust two Ravens out of their territory, with the Male sky dancing in a territorial display to show the Raven's who the boss was , the female relentlessly harassed the Ravens until eventually they had enough and left the Harriers territory, hopefully the pair can soon settle down concentrate on their breeding attempt.<br />
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Also checked on Saturday was a site that previously had four Harriers present, and it was great to have all four birds still present on Saturday. The two males have really raised their game, with one enthusiastic male soaring in fierce shower of hailstone in an attempt to impress of the female's, the other male also did his very best to impress the females, with his excellent hunting skills, hunting in heavy snow and hail, all this activity from the males appeared to impress the females with both of them checking out potential nesting sites, hopefully they will soon pair off.<br />
<br /> The fifth site checked Saturday didn't have a successful breeding attempt last year, but there are encouraging signs so far this year, with birds present on both occasions the site was checked, Saturday we had two males circling each other, checking each other out and saying hello, next time let's hope there is a female present and that she settles down with one of the males. <br />
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Stay tuned for further updates.<br />
Thank you,<br />
Hen Harrier Ireland</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-25400987447562147052016-04-17T02:48:00.001-07:002016-04-17T02:48:20.971-07:00Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No. 3<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_571359ce61f141d65000498">
Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No 3<br />
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The spectacular Hen Harrier breeding season was in full flow again today. The warm air and gentle breeze helped the birds soar to astonishing heights. Two traditional breeding sites in Kerry were checked today.<br />
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One of the breeding sites checked today is very special, it is the birth place of a very special bird 'Heather'. Today's watch was similar to a previous watch from Entry 1, for 2 hrs there was nothing seen just as the watch was about to <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">come to a conclusion a Hooded Crow alerted me to the females presence, he scrambled over a kilometre to confront the on rushing female, he soon gave up his quest when he realised the enormous size of this female, she gracefully went about her business gliding elegantly towards her awaiting male companion, on her arrival the excited male immediately set off in a sky dance reaching 80 peaks, the female then decide to take to the sky's herself, taking full advantage of the warm thermals soaring to extreme heights, it was an immensely enjoyable way to spend 2.5 hours.</span><br />
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The second site checked today had been one of the most productive nesting sites over the last number of year's. The Male at this site gave an excellent display of sky dancing reaching 110 peaks, his Female counterpart did not show herself today, but there was encouraging signs that she was not too far away, the Male sky danced directly over a bunch of willow and returned several time and perched on the willow maybe signaling the Female was present , hopefully she will reveal herself next time.<br />
Stay tuned for various updates over the coming days.<br />
<br />
Thank you Hen Harrier Ireland</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-19619519577802527482016-04-03T14:17:00.002-07:002016-04-03T14:17:38.062-07:00Hen Harrier Diaries: Entry No. 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWceWTMoi5k6VxyZZYBJ6g-j0CGqy-mieNTGPAWWQQYbEAmpAyrUrQf3mRL5f6-x9veBLlvLWUpQCfrW1c6sI6j8VWdRSy__MMFu5XFtCeyuouyAi1iesWQRSdz4kX6Tw1J_d2cgnlpU/s1600/Food+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWceWTMoi5k6VxyZZYBJ6g-j0CGqy-mieNTGPAWWQQYbEAmpAyrUrQf3mRL5f6-x9veBLlvLWUpQCfrW1c6sI6j8VWdRSy__MMFu5XFtCeyuouyAi1iesWQRSdz4kX6Tw1J_d2cgnlpU/s320/Food+Pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today saw the Hen Harrier season well and truly get off the mark with the first food pass witnessed for 2016. This stage of the season is arguably one of the most important of all. The body condition of the females will determine how many eggs they will lay in about a months time. If the female is not receiving much food, physiology will lessen the number of eggs – maybe only 3-4 eggs. If she is receiving good quantities (and quality) of food, she might lay 5 or 6 eggs. This is a natural adaptation that follows good logic – no point in trying to rear many chicks if the signs are that food is low, but if food is high then it would be worth capitalising on this and laying more eggs in the hope of rearing more chicks. <br />
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The Hen Harrier’s food pass is one of the finest spectacles in all of nature. The male will come in with the food, often holding it low in one leg so that it is clearly visible to his mate. There will be some communication between the male and female and she will rise up underneath him in the sky, turn over and he will drop the food for her to catch in her talons while upside down! She will then take the food and eat if for herself or take it to the nest when she has chicks. It is an acrobatic feat that is unrivalled, though two trapeze artists perfectly moving in synchrony to meet one another is one way of describing what it is like (only better!!). <br />
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So we saw that today at one site, which was wonderful. We are now off the mark.<br />
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Elsewhere, at another site we had a male sky dancing to see off a hooded crow. It is popularly considered that the Hen Harrier’s sky dance (see Hen Harrier Diaries Entry No. 1 or the video on <a href="http://l.facebook.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.henharrierireland.blogspot.ie%2F&e=ATP0csiBWzbT77elOtNvlzaA67DrnSMsfRhn4Q2E0gChiatyCDMuzTFOLmKAzgyV" target="_blank">www.henharrierireland.blogspot.ie</a>) is to show off to potential suitors, but it is likely to also be a territorial display to show other birds (including other male harriers and possible trouble like crows) that the male is strong and agile and this is his turf! The sky dance of the male today made an absolute fool of the hooded crow. He was bamboozled by the agility of the male harrier and after a while did not know which way was up, as the male soared above him and dived below him so many times. He simply could not keep up with the Hen Harrier. However, he did persist in trying to attack the harrier for 15 minutes straight before finally giving up and leaving. The male’s mate then appeared and soared for some time high in the sky. The crows of course have not gone away and there may be more to come from them as the season progresses. They are often a lot of trouble for Hen Harriers as they attempt to go about their business and can take the harrier’s eggs and chicks also.<br />
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3 traditional sites that were checked today showed no signs of Hen Harriers. This has become too common an occurrence. We will continue to monitor these sites in the hope that Hen Harriers might some how show up.<br />
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As the evening drew to a close, we were lucky enough to be treated to the sight of four Hen Harriers together at one sight. Hopefully these four will progress to be two pairs (there has traditionally been two pairs in the locality). Lots of soaring high in the sky was witnessed. One of the males was carrying food but did not pass it to any female. This may have been in an attempt to hardwire into the female’s minds that this male, above the other male, is the guy that carries food. Treat them mean and keep them keen?!<br />
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One of the females perched on a turf heap for 40 minutes and was surprisingly buzzed by a male Merlin! Merlins are Ireland’s smallest bird of prey and share similar habitats to Hen Harriers with heather moorland being the preferred environment. Wonderful birds to see.<br />
Another wonderful bird to see in this environment is the Curlew and we had our first of the season today at the same site. These birds have become very rare. Like Hen Harriers, their decline is indicating a malaise in the upland environment; particularly due to afforestation, predation and agricultural intensification. <br />
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If you have any Hen Harrier sightings or records this spring/summer, we would be delighted to hear from you – but please do not publically disclose locations.<br />
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Keep in touch and watch out for the next instalment of the Hen Harrier Diaries!<br />
<br />
Photograph by HighlandwildlifephotographyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-1300043583883282252016-04-02T12:32:00.002-07:002016-04-02T12:32:33.811-07:00Hen Harrier Diaries 2016. Entry No. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBF48KUlR2iPkM6aufR2A28ONDcBnM_kv89otZhxv-FEVGLpJ1YST-a_TEzEwySYJYoMjJQQ_tRcDuUp3jTSMawGc-ri2oZ8CBNV7lLqrsBtxNtE814blaagSmIipF-LBcocVfrVkk1Y/s1600/Sky+Dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBF48KUlR2iPkM6aufR2A28ONDcBnM_kv89otZhxv-FEVGLpJ1YST-a_TEzEwySYJYoMjJQQ_tRcDuUp3jTSMawGc-ri2oZ8CBNV7lLqrsBtxNtE814blaagSmIipF-LBcocVfrVkk1Y/s320/Sky+Dancing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sky Dancing Male Hen Harrier (photo David Palmer) </div>
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This is a wonderful time of the year if you want to enjoy watching Hen Harriers. It is when they perform their courtship displays, known as the sky dance. Really, words cannot do this aerial display justice, and even videos like this (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F145538958&e=ATP9rNk9ePSYZ8vJSC5i1wYJB-i8ZlJmoONx_as7NufohCnv-NEvKis73s4jONx7" target="_blank">https://vimeo.com/145538958</a>) really can't live up to witnessing full blown sky dancing! <br />
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Today saw some wonderful sky dancing at a site in Kerry where a pair of Hen Harriers succesfully bred in 2015. For 1.5 hour<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">s, there was nothing to be seen, when as if from nowhere a male appeared on the scene. He performed a most remarkable sky dance, with 170 peaks and troughs - an amazing display of agility and stamina. Surely this impressed his mate and she soon came into the picture following the superstar on the dance floor! We all hope they do well this season. It is a long way to late July when we hope they will have reared chicks; fingers crossed!</span><br />
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At another site, it was a somewhat different story. The male was present alright, but there was no sign of his female. He sky danced and sky danced, exerting a massive amount of energy in hope that the female he bred with last year might see him and hopefully attach to him again this season. She did not show and while it is still early days, we are a little concerned that this may be yet another traditional breeding site that will lose a breeding pair. The nest was predated in 2015 and the female was not seen thereafter. Let's all hope that this is not the case and that the male's efforts will eventually pay off handsomely.<br />
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We will continue to keep our followers up to date with various news throughout the season. <br />
All the best for the breeding season ahead!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-79821103092295756932016-01-31T02:39:00.002-08:002016-01-31T02:39:34.406-08:00Heather – One Year On<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP7HX49A3w_s7SZb0WLbIVQSmQdJvyab1sTskinb1CsJMpJgapZ0UksWYYYhszYbkSQqG-_WeHxW4HC68O83FXmRabobUhY0GbXRruE7043LRd4Tk8HF1vbaZl051CglEYDliiYOtypQ/s1600/Heather+in+Cork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP7HX49A3w_s7SZb0WLbIVQSmQdJvyab1sTskinb1CsJMpJgapZ0UksWYYYhszYbkSQqG-_WeHxW4HC68O83FXmRabobUhY0GbXRruE7043LRd4Tk8HF1vbaZl051CglEYDliiYOtypQ/s320/Heather+in+Cork.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Because of
the direct and indirect impacts humans have on nature (for better and for
worse), because of how we would prefer humans interacted with nature, or
because of the experiences and memories that we gain from nature, we often tend
to consider nature from ‘our perspective’. It is seldom that we look at nature
and that our contemplation of what we see doesn’t fall under one of the
aforementioned categories; 1. “I’m sad at the loss of habitat” or “I’m delighted
to see the maintenance of habitat”, 2. “I wish people would have more
consideration for habitats and species” or 3. “I really enjoyed watching all
those starlings over the reedbed”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Those who love
nature will automatically be drawn into the situation from a personal
perspective – perhaps it is human nature and in all ways, that is a good thing.
But perhaps a bit more, we should go beyond what “I” see, what “I” wish or what
“I” got out of being with nature. How often do we think about what nature itself
sees, wishes or experiences? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So, out of
respect to nature, this blog entry will not recount what Heather, the satellite
tracked Hen Harrier gave to “us” in terms of joy following her progress or
information in terms of her travels, habitat use, new roosts and much more, nor
will it go into the obvious devastation that was felt at the time or her
persecution (which is still felt today) or public outcry and support for Hen Harriers
that followed. Instead, it will focus on what Heather would have seen,
experienced and wished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNTd5RJQLrd_Ok8AXQskO4zZ1oJLGbjxQyw6qbLy9na-KlTfsiNOgleOWs9yRSPkoH0SmgkEPGK2HDekPLJNvn9Z6QfiVlJ23nnViXsOJiWVkKUP8qJjlBlAfRKWJG88kpkpAgGuW0rM/s1600/Sally+and+Heather+in+nest+with+siblings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNTd5RJQLrd_Ok8AXQskO4zZ1oJLGbjxQyw6qbLy9na-KlTfsiNOgleOWs9yRSPkoH0SmgkEPGK2HDekPLJNvn9Z6QfiVlJ23nnViXsOJiWVkKUP8qJjlBlAfRKWJG88kpkpAgGuW0rM/s320/Sally+and+Heather+in+nest+with+siblings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Heather was
born and reared in the Summer of 2013, with her four siblings in a heather
covered nest, nestled on the slope of a ravine, with a young river flowing
below. Her mother would shelter and protect the young, very closely in the
first couple of weeks until they grew their feathers and became capable of self
thermo-regulating and feeding themselves on the food that their mother and
father would bring. Heather’s father was a particularly good provider and did
the majority of the provisioning for the five young, as well as for Heather’s
mother in the early weeks of the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">One day, while
both of Heather’s parents were away, the peace of nest was interrupted by two
men who walked in and took Heather and her sister (<span id="goog_32163545"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Sally<span id="goog_32163546"></span></a>) from the nest and
fitted them both with satellite tags before putting them back into the nest
immediately afterwards. Heather’s parents returned to the nest none the wiser,
but they and the young birds, must surely have been wondering what that small
device on their backs were. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When the
time came, Heather and her siblings began to fly. For the first month, the
family unit stayed around the general nest area, making great use of the
heather moorland so that the young could rise and attempt food passes from
their parents (with occasional fumbles forgiven by the fact they could re-find
any dropped food on the ground). Heather was now beginning to see the wider
world, beyond the heather covered nest where up until then all she knew was the
sky and her family. She could see for miles and miles from the top of the
mountain where she was reared. She could even see the Atlantic Ocean. Heather
did what was natural, and she flew. She began to explore, and in a big way. She
travelled in a north-easterly direction through Munster, towards Kildare, Wicklow
and Dublin. Dublin was obviously a world away from the little ravine, heather
moorland and mountain streams where she had been reared – she would have seen
the City, in fact flown over it. She turned for more natural habitat and called
the heather moorland of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains home for a number of
weeks. After some time, the natural desire for the young harrier to travel saw
her head north, to Meath. There one morning, she rose from her roost and
standing in the field was a man with a pair of binoculars looking at her. Onwards,
north to Louth and Armagh. Heather roosted on the shore of Lough Neagh, the
biggest lake in Ireland. She did not delay there however, and made the amazing
non-stop journey in a reverse southerly direction, from Lough Neagh to South
Cork. Hundreds of kilometres later, she arrived by the cliffs and roosted on some
coastal heath, surrounded by tillage farmland where she could find plentiful
food and a safe place to rest. It is possible that she found this patch of
land, hundreds of kilometres from where she had been, by following an adult
female Hen Harrier who had coloured tags on her back. Heather called this home
for a number of months</span><span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">, cruising around the tillage fields by day and
roosting by night to the sound of Chough, Gulls and crashing waves. From these
older birds, Heather would have learned of good hunting places and safe places
to spend each night. Again, there was every so often a man watching
Heather with binoculars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A
new year came. 2014 saw Heather visit the Nagle Mountains and then West
Waterford. Come breeding time, she was in the Ballyhouras and hung around with
an established pair. She did not breed that summer, but instead travelled
through various counties to make it to Mayo. Heather's roost sites in and
around Ballycroy National Park and Castlebar provided some super habitat in
terms of heather, rough grassland, hedgerows and scrub. It was a beautiful
summer and Heather's surrounds provided ample resources. Every so often, Heather
would have seen a man with a pair of binoculars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">With
the summer finished and the days shortening, Heather decided to retrace her
steps and visit the exact same sites in Cork as she had spent the previous
winter. However, after some time, she made the bold move back to her native
Kingdom - this time South Kerry. There, she would have every so often seen a
man with a pair of binoculars watch her as she and other harriers settled into
roost each evening to see out the night in what they would have seen as a safe
haven. She overlooked the spectacular Skelligs and even roosted on an offshore
island for some time. One day, she decided to take a short break from South
Kerry and returned home to the exact spot where she was reared. Back to the
heather clad hills and that mountain ravine. Even after all her journeys, she knew
where home was at all times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">However,
her return home was short and Heather soon travelled back to South Kerry again,
a return to the hills for an attempt at finding a mate, would have to wait a
short while until spring of 2015 arrived. One evening, Heather returned back to
her roost, back to her safe haven and the other harriers she had come to
recognize on a daily basis. There was a man watching, but this time it was not
a man with binoculars and good intentions, it was a man with a gun. Whether he
could be called a man is debatable however, as the coward pointed the barrel at
the innocent harrier and pulled the trigger. Ended. Life Ended. All that
Heather had seen, experienced and wished for was ended. The heather clad hills
and the mountain ravine, the Dublin Mountains, the shores of Lough Neagh, the
cliffs of South Cork the bogs of Mayo and all lands in between and further
away, could no longer be visited by Heather and her presence could no longer
add to the landscape or add depth to the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
little device that those two men fitted to Heather and he sister Sally allowed
Heather to be found, to allow her story when alive and dead to be known. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So ultimately perhaps, after learning considering
what Heather would have seen in her life (and you are urged to look back through this blog on Heather and Sally's full story as well as much more), we need to shine the light back on
ourselves and again revert to what we wish to see, experience and influence. Habitat
continues to be destroyed, for Hen Harriers and for all the native wildlife
species that they are an indicator of. Human attitudes continue to differ –
with more people growing indifferent to the plight of nature in Ireland, and at
the same time more people growing to care for the plight of nature in Ireland.
So if there is anything you can do to help more people care about wildlife in
Ireland to move the trend in the right direction, then do it. Engage people
with the outdoors. Fully educate yourself as to what is good and what is bad in
terms of landscape and habitat change and consider what the custodians of the
landscape need to continue maintaining habitats, rather than being pushed down
a road of intensification or abandonment. Make that difference! But every so
often, at the back of it all, have a think as to what the wildlife we so dearly
love is experiencing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-56385620290434586892016-01-21T06:09:00.000-08:002016-01-21T06:09:30.259-08:00A Picture Paints a Thousand Words<h2>
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North Cork is one of the most densely afforested regions in Ireland ( many other regions have also experienced the same level of afforestation ). This region of North Cork ( Mullaghareirk Mts ) was once a stronghold of the Curlew,Hen Harrier, Red Grouse Corncrake,Skylark and Meadow pipit. The Hen Harrier has suffered massive decline in their population and only a few pairs remain,the Skylark and Meadow pipit also suffered a substantial decline, the Curlew, Red Grouse and Corncrake have long vanished from the landscape. The bogs and meadows where these birds once thrived are today unrecognizable with the majority of them planted with non-native sitka spruce. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Cork 1973</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Cork 2016 ( exact location as picture above )</td></tr>
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The policy of planting these lands for the last thirty or forty years was simply not the answer, with the natural heritage experiencing enormous changes. For generations farmers worked vigorously to maintain and provide this pristine habitat, and is crucial they remain working and maintaining these high nature value lands for the survival of the remaining species </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family on there way to the well ( 1973 ) North Cork</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well today totally engulfed in sitka spruce ( 2016 ) North Cork</td></tr>
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There was also considerable changes to social heritage of the region, with the elderly who farmed these lands fervently all there lives who witnessed the greatest changes, and have many a story to tell of days gone by, from days in the bog with bottles of cold tea and hard boiled eggs with only the Curlew and its lingering cry for company and days in the meadow making haycocks a real family day out, hot summers nights and the call of the Corncrake, the stories of the white hawk ( Hen Harrier ) gliding majestically over the rolling hills before suddenly disappearing out of sight, stories of ramblers discussing the hard days work telling yarns and the all important game of cards, sadly today many of these are just memories<br />
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The farmers that do remain do so because they refuse to give up on generations of hard work and grafting on a challenging landscape, landowners and farmers are again been encouraged to plant their land with commercial forestry, some believe that they would be "better off" encouraged to give up on generation of their families hard work.<br />
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These farmers and families are vital to the biodiversity and the culture of rural Ireland its imperative we do not lose them.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-81693534139393497822015-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:002015-10-04T13:25:55.080-07:00The Hen Harrier Diaries<div>
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The Hen Harrier Diaries</h2>
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This is the final instalment of The Hen Harrier Diaries 2015. This years breeding season has been an outstanding success for our established pairs, they were all successful in rearing chicks. One of the territories (Pair 2) did not see any breeding attempt this year.</div>
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Pair 1; Heather's Mom and Dad. Great respect is due to this pair against all the odds they reared one beautiful chick, no meagre achievement in a predator infested area.The young fledgling has now set off to explore the world for itself , hopefully the chick will one day return and have a successful breeding attempt too.</div>
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Pair 3; The pairs hard work was really rewarding, rearing three gorgeous chicks, The three young chicks were an absolute joy to watch, especially when they fledged, they basically assaulted mom and dad every time they returned with food for their overeager chicks. They gave us some of the most memorable moments of the summer. Now they have gone their separate ways to explore the world, lets hope they stay safe.</div>
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Pair 4; We have had some anxious and enduring moments from this pair over the course of the summer. Their result has been a positive one rearing one stunning chick. The chick stuck around until a few weeks ago until it's curiosity to see the world got the better of it. Hopefully mom and dad can produce the same again next year.</div>
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Pair 5; The Professionals have yet again been phenomenal this year, the conclusion was even better than initially believed, they actually reared three chicks. They gave us a wealth of wonderful memories over the summer. Hopefully their young juveniles can find their away in the world and no doubt we will see mom and dad again next year.</div>
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Pair 6; New Kids on the BlockPenny is a special bird, like all Hen Harriers. From her first attempt at sky dancing to her first food pass, her bravery to challenge four lesser black back Gulls and evict them from her territory she had us intrigued. What a success story Penny has been, at such a young age to rear three gorgeous chicks credit to her and her Male companion, hopefully they will return again next year and be as successful as this year, and her young fledglings are thriving in their new world.</div>
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Now it is onto the first winter of the young birds born on the mountains this year. They will travel near and far, making their own way in the world. The first winter is a real bottlebneck for the Irish Hen Harrier population, with just one out of every six chicks believed to survive through to the following spring breeding season. The Irish Hen Harrier Winter Survey follows the progress of our national Hen Harrier population during this crucial part of the year and sightings can be contributed to <a href="mailto:harriers@ahg.gov.ie">harriers@ahg.gov.ie</a><br />
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We will keep you posted with some news from roosts around the country throughout the winter and should you have any news you would like reported yourself, please email Hen Harrier Ireland at <a href="mailto:home.of.harriers@gmail.com">home.of.harriers@gmail.com</a> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-75962156577468840722015-09-10T14:02:00.000-07:002015-09-10T14:02:30.519-07:00The Chance of a Lifetime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A young bird beginning to make its way in life. Every flight over the horizon provides a new, never before seen vista. A free spirit. Where to next? The world is its oyster.</div>
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Then BANG! Struck down!</div>
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Hit by a car on the side of a road outside Castleisland, Co. Kerry. Left for dead.</div>
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But where there are people with compassion in their hearts, there is hope.</div>
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The young male is picked up and looked after for a week, before being brought to Kingdom Falconry who then rehabilitated the bird further, before releasing him as a healthy individual at a bog near Knight's Mountain.</div>
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See the magnificent release here</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">There are many people who will do anything
they can to help wildlife, particularly some of our most rare and vulnerable
species such as Hen Harriers. This is a great example from two people who care
about the world around them and there are many more out there who share their
commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">While Heather had her life taken from her
in a cowardly act earlier this year, this is a courageous act that has offered
a young bird without a name another chance at life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In the very same county of Kerry. The
chance of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Let there be hope!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-59044935259128062452015-08-12T14:14:00.001-07:002015-08-12T14:14:09.200-07:00Solidarity<b>Miranda. Who is Miranda? Who <i>was </i>Miranda?</b><br />
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Miranda was a female Hen Harrier who had a magnificent journey. She was a special Hen Harrier -just like <i>all </i>Hen Harriers are special. She had an individual life story. She was an individual soul making her way in the world.<br />
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Miranda was born in Langholm, Scotland. She visited us here in Ireland, just as many Hen Harriers from Scotland have visited Ireland over the years. We know this because she was sat-tagged (see langhommoorland.blogspot.com) and we were lucky enough to be given the rare opportunity to follow the progress of a special, individual soul as she made her way in life. She travelled throughout much of Ireland, from Dublin to Mayo, from Donegal to Antrim and it was one of the most fascinating journeys that has been witnessed. All along the way, she opened up new insights to a young Hen Harrier's ecology. After some time, she was more Irish than Scottish, spending far longer in Ireland than she did in Scotland or indeed the Isle of Man where she also visited briefly. Then, radio silence.<br />
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<b>Lissycasey 7. Who is Lissycasey 7? Who <i>was </i>Lissycasey 7?</b><br />
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This was a beautiful young Hen Harrier born near Lissycasey in West Clare in 2008. She was fitted with green and yellow colour wing tags. She was the first confirmed record of an Irish born Hen Harrier venturing all the way across the sea. She spent her entire first winter in Wales, on the beautiful Skomer Island (fox and mink free and full of fat skomer voles!). There she became a local celebrity and many of the public in Wales got to see and enjoy this stunning looking bird. After a good winter, Lissycasey E decided to return home to Ireland and could well have become part of the breeding population here. Very sadly, the elements conspired against her and she met a storm when crossing the Irish Sea. She was unable to keep up the fight travelling westerly against a raging winds, rain and high seas and the next time she was seen was on the tide line of the Welsh coast. Another light extinguished.<br />
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Ireland and Britain have for longer than anyone knows, been <b>home </b>to one connected population of Hen Harriers. Hen Harriers do not recognise boundaries. They are literally as free as a bird. We have a metapopulation. What happens to Greenland White-fronted Geese, Redwings and Whooper Swans in the north has direct implications for the birds we see arrive here each winter. What happens to Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Swallows in the south has direct implications for the birds we see arrive here each Summer. What happens to Hen Harriers in Britain has direct implications for Hen Harriers in Ireland - if they continue to be shot in Scotland or England, this lessens the chances of young birds coming to Ireland - perhaps even Irish birds travelling to Britain may be shot. What happens to Hen Harriers in Ireland has direct implications for Hen Harriers in Britain - if Hen Harriers reared in Scotland or England come to Ireland to make a life for themselves yet year after year their nest is predated or if they too are shot, this lessens the chances of the population stabilising in Britain or Ireland.<br />
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This may seem a bit "sciencey" but it is science and we are in the age of knowledge.<br />
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Know then that the spineless killing of Annie (see <a href="http://langholmmoorland.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">here</a>) has more than a ripple of implications in Ireland and we stand fully in solidarity with those who love and watch and research and drive themselves into the ground in search of a future for this most superb of species. For anyone thinking that's a Scottish or English problem - it is not....<br />
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...Heather. Who is Heather? Who <i>was </i>Heather?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-77242679938151761412015-07-09T03:36:00.000-07:002015-07-09T07:42:12.306-07:00<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the third installment of The Hen Harrier Diaries.</div>
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Since our last update the majority of our six pairs are still going strong, Our pairs have been extremely busy providing food for their young nestlings.</div>
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Pair 1. Heather's Mom and Dad. This pair chose to nest in close proximity to a young sitka spruce plantation, it really is a precarious location with lots of predators in the vicinity. Last week one of our volunteers witnessed the Male attempt to expel two Ravens for a full hour, the Ravens were dangerously close to his nest, in the end the persistent Male won the day. Lets hope this pair have fledged chicks for the next update.</div>
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Pair 2. The Neighbours. Unfortunately the pair decided not to nest in the area this year, we hope they are safe and have a successful breeding attempt.</div>
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Pair 3. Both Male and Female are now busy providing food for their young nestlings.The variety of prey the Female has been returning with has just been amazing, from Lizards to small Mammals, Frogs and small Birds it has been remarkable to watch.They have also had the company of a young Female over the last few days, she is also keeping a close eye on the chicks.Their nest is also in a hazardous location, hopefully they can be successful rearing their young nestlings</div>
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Pair 4. This pair are also safe and sound. The Male and Female are working vigorously providing for their young. The Male is especially diligent in his hunting, hunting from dawn till dusk, one evening returning with food so late he was guided by the light of a beautiful full moon.</div>
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Pair 5. The glen nesters. The professionals have yet again been impressive in their breeding attempt , they have two beautiful chicks, Mom and Dad are now encouraging their chicks to fly, they are no longer dropping food into the nest but are forcing the chicks to fly to receive the food, it was incredible to witness these young Birds take their first flight.While they are nearly fledged they are still not out of danger, fingers crossed they remain safe over the next couple of weeks.</div>
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Pair 6. New Kids on the block. Penny and her charming Male have been kept extremely busy over the last few weeks, they have three nearly fledged chicks,some of the chicks are now dispersed around the surrounding area of the nest, only returning when Mom or Dad return with food, Penny really is an adoring Mom tending the chicks every need, returning the other day with a big Rat to the delight of her young chicks. Hopefully all her chicks will fledge soon and take their first flight. The world is their oyster.</div>
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Bye for now</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-26324368653545710682015-05-19T14:40:00.002-07:002015-05-19T14:44:43.706-07:00The Hen Harrier Diaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the second installment of The Hen Harrier Diaries.<br />
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Over the past few weeks our small team of volunteers have been working diligently to establish the exact location of our six breeding pairs. Have they settled down to nesting and if so, where are their nests?<br />
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Here are the latest updates on our six pairs.<br />
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Pair 1. Heather's Mom and Dad. This pair have been kept busy entertaining their energetic guest, they have been accompanied by a juvenile Female for the last couple of weeks, hopefully they will settle down soon and choose a nest location.<br />
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Pair 2. The Neighbours. While we still have not confirmed this pair yet. In the last couple of weeks<br />
we have had both a Male and Female sky dancing near last year's nest, we even had a juvenile Male showing us his dance moves.<br />
Fingers crossed we will have an established pair for the next update<br />
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Pair 3. This pair are now well established they have chosen their preferred nesting spot of previous years. Pair 3 have got off to a difficult start, a fire destroyed most of their territory, but hopefully they recover from this set back and have a successful breeding attempt.<br />
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Pair 4. They have carefully selected a nest location very close to where they nested last year. The Male has worked relentlessly, providing his Female with food. Hopefully they will be as successful as last year.<br />
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Pair 5. The glen nesters. The assertive Female has kept her devoted Male busy tending her every need. The pair have chosen a ridge of bramble and heather as their nest location in the secluded glen they have nested in previous years.<br />
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Pair 6. New Kids on the block. As you might have seen in a previous post, we named this Female Penny. Well Penny and her Male companion have chosen a hidden glen as their nest location.The Male has been looking after his girl with great care, bringing her plenty of prey to feed on, we wish them well.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
Hen Harrier Ireland<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com117tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-3170045058128113122015-05-01T07:36:00.000-07:002015-05-01T07:41:15.789-07:00COMPETITION TIME!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
To All Primary Schools and Secondary Schools:</div>
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Hen Harrier Ireland is organising a competition entitled <b>"Celebrating our Hen Harriers"</b>.</div>
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Hen Harriers have been found in the Irish countryside for thousands of years and they are one of the most spectacular birds in nature, with their acrobatic sky dances and awesome food passes! It is time to celebrate the Hen Harrier as a special bird, that represents a living countryside, with farming, Grouse, Curlew, Skylarks and much more.</div>
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We have lots of great prizes, including the following:</div>
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<li>A pair of excellent Minox 10x25 binoculars (first prize Secondary Schools)</li>
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<li>A digital camera (first prize Primary Schools)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR3xmIVRBRjthHvwitAAZiaxOhhh_UhyphenhyphentAlJZIaZ9Iwd3B8vz-HbTmkWepbSTJ521OajYvh3PTolBdUeki9tQsNWDgI4D84k9Jngv1XJcQPokz1x3yScbQosRh97t6oiJ0h4ktRITDas/s1600/Hen+Harrier+Food+Pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR3xmIVRBRjthHvwitAAZiaxOhhh_UhyphenhyphentAlJZIaZ9Iwd3B8vz-HbTmkWepbSTJ521OajYvh3PTolBdUeki9tQsNWDgI4D84k9Jngv1XJcQPokz1x3yScbQosRh97t6oiJ0h4ktRITDas/s1600/Hen+Harrier+Food+Pass.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
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<li>The opportunity for students and an accompanying adult to watch Hen Harriers in the wild (first prize Primary and Secondary Schools)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOFY_6c4OsXl-KFPpRU1QCqV6S4tRwdnSQXr_9TfqAMo6Wgr1ulByDJJ0Eq53FMSgEM3b5dVBWRNdGY45Z3951323EEasD9VGZEPsDsR_d6X3M1825RH_pTubtMqNIrv3LffxlUk334k/s1600/BMImg_33422_33422_Svensson_collins_pp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOFY_6c4OsXl-KFPpRU1QCqV6S4tRwdnSQXr_9TfqAMo6Wgr1ulByDJJ0Eq53FMSgEM3b5dVBWRNdGY45Z3951323EEasD9VGZEPsDsR_d6X3M1825RH_pTubtMqNIrv3LffxlUk334k/s1600/BMImg_33422_33422_Svensson_collins_pp1.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>Collins Bird Guides (runner up prizes Primary and Secondary Schools)</li>
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<li><span style="text-align: start;">All entries will receive a colourful glossy A3 Hen Harrier poster.</span></li>
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What you have to do:</div>
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Through your school teacher or parent, send a short story (limit 2000 words), poem or original artwork about Hen Harriers in Ireland to home.of.harriers@gmail.com or post to www.facebook.com/henharrierirerland <b>before 01 June 2015</b> and include your name, class/year and school address. Feel free to look through www.henharrierireland.blogspot.ie for inspiration!</div>
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Good luck to all entrants!</div>
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Hen Harrier Ireland 01 May 2015</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-23710685331537470512015-04-20T10:39:00.002-07:002015-04-20T10:41:51.393-07:0013 - 19 April 2015 Is this a Special Protection Area?Sun in the blue sky, light winds, hardly a cloud to be seen - what a week it was for watching the six pairs of Hen Harriers in the Stacks to the Mullaghareirk Mountains Special Protection Area that we have singled out for reporting to you through the Hen Harrier diaries. Lots of circling, soaring, dancing and loving by our birds this week! The young pair, pair 6, were especially energetic with both male and female giving as good as they could on the dance floor! We couldn't help but christen the female of this pair as Penny - she is like a shiny new penny!<br />
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Last week was made all the more enjoyable by a realisation of just how many Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs have now come to the area from Africa and the Mediterranean. These very welcome visitors add great sound to the locality, and when they breed in numbers, can be a very important part of the local Hen Harriers' diet. Like many birds of prey, Hen Harriers chicks don't hatch or fledge until later than most of their prey species, giving their prey ample opportunity to rear lots of young in advance, meaning that there is more food (prey) available when the harriers need it most (when there are hungry mouths in the nest!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXkN3TAstx2gMV85LiZeggkFoOvAdld27QepqGM1McLPCAVj-O6JQ066CYytlGzrMYVRCse4acJPvGSgm8UBQpgjpNv81tgXfyw5UXsBFS7rXQvWeGQ9GDJ5iZkWWoUcqJbHeINOSWPo/s1600/Willow+Warbler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXkN3TAstx2gMV85LiZeggkFoOvAdld27QepqGM1McLPCAVj-O6JQ066CYytlGzrMYVRCse4acJPvGSgm8UBQpgjpNv81tgXfyw5UXsBFS7rXQvWeGQ9GDJ5iZkWWoUcqJbHeINOSWPo/s1600/Willow+Warbler.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow Warbler - a very welcome summer visitor</td></tr>
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Right now is also a very important time in the breeding season as regards food supply - when the adults are pairing off and selecting their territories. The harriers will look for an area with good habitat and food supply for the season ahead - a very important call at such an early stage. Also, the amount of food the females take in at this time will determine how many eggs they will lay - an ecological adaptation to adjust for the amount fo food available. If its looking like a good year ahead for the female, she will lay a good amount of eggs, maybe 5 or 6. If its not looking so great, she may limit this to 3 or 4 eggs. Obviously this has implications for how many young the pair can possibly rear this season. So its great that there has been a good influx of migratory prey species at this important point in the season. We haven't yet seen any food passes this season, but expect to soon, as well as nest building! We have seen all pairs 1-6 show particular interest in particular patches within their territories, such as patches of bramble or gorse, heather or failed patches within forestry.<br />
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Has anyone seen any food passes or nest building yet??<br />
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There were a couple of things that made us wonder if we were in an SPA for these birds.<br />
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Firstly, there was lots of habitat being cleared out - especially the bright yellow furze bushes that add such colour and aroma to the countryside at this time of year. Diggers from the celtic tiger era have certainly found a new home in the uplands - it is clear that much of this is being forced on the farmers by threats of reduced farm payments for having scrub on the land.<br />
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Secondly, the amount of fires this week (as in the last few weeks) was horrific. Massive fires that blazed their way through the heather moorland and scrub for hours and hours - one was seen to start at noon on Saturday and was still blazing when the sun came up on Sunday - <b>19 hours of a fire and thousands of acres destroyed</b>. We haven't seen this reported in any media. This has all become so commonplace now - that doesn't mean it is to be accepted - far from it! This fire took out much of the territory of Pair 3 that we are following. Off to a really difficult start before they even got started.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOXDYkCK8IIGdKLXKsWuOxvPKiUsOgtdU_GOnKt0kahNIE9dE6nMQ0YCXws5W3qxwa6aTFJmDd3-vEPUQ6nFWv0tVCWZJcSwHD_PBZBt_faCvehuWNiAFYOW-XNCnjhGFBGnmfc9EPmw/s1600/IMG_0710(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOXDYkCK8IIGdKLXKsWuOxvPKiUsOgtdU_GOnKt0kahNIE9dE6nMQ0YCXws5W3qxwa6aTFJmDd3-vEPUQ6nFWv0tVCWZJcSwHD_PBZBt_faCvehuWNiAFYOW-XNCnjhGFBGnmfc9EPmw/s1600/IMG_0710(1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much of the territory of Pair 3 has been turned into dust. Red Grouse, Curlew and lots of Meadow Pipits believed to have been wiped out by this illegal fire.</td></tr>
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Thirdly, there hills were deafening this weekend by the sounds of a car rally. This is a really sensitive time for the birds in terms of selecting nesting areas and when lots of noisy rally cars are in the area at this time, it has the potential to disturb prospecting pairs. It would be great if the rally could be held a few weeks earlier or later to give the birds that window of opportunity to get settled in, or design the stages in a way that takes them away from traditional nesting areas.<br />
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Hopefully this week we'll confirm all birds are still present, despite all the noise, fires and habitat clearance.<br />
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It really was a joyous week to be out on the hills with these special birds. This week, we hope to hear our first Cuckoos of 2015, see our first food passes and hopefully even some nest building. The weather is promised good again!<br />
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Stay tuned for further updates!<br />
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Hen Harrier Ireland.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-18667139888774118432015-04-12T17:04:00.000-07:002015-04-12T17:04:08.553-07:00The Hen Harrier Diaries<br />
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Welcome to the first installment of The Hen Harrier Diaries. Over the course of the next four months,I will share with you some news from six territories in the Stack's to the Mullagharierk Mountains Special Protection Area for Hen Harriers. This is being undertaken as part of a national breeding survey; but also to extend what has been a long running study of over half a century on these mountains. How these pairs will do in 2015, we have no way of knowing but fingers, toes and everything else crossed that they will make it all the way from now until the end of the summer and come out the other side with young chicks reared!<br />
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For the safety of the Hen Harriers involved, these pairs will not be referred to by the location they dwell in, but by numbers (pair 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6). The males will be known as Males 1-6 and their corresponding partners will be know as Females 1-6.<br />
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So for the past few weeks, a small team of us have been busy going out establishing which territories are currently occupied. this is one of the most exhilarating times of the year and we have been treated to some spectacular sky dances by the males and even one female who reached 111 peaks on one of her dance sessions!! One of the sights that really puts a lump in our throats is the male and female circling together on the thermals, rising and inter-weaving with one another as the sun shines through the feathers of the brilliant white male and the rich brown female, against a beautiful blue sky. It really is something to behold. Love is the air!!<br />
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So to introduce our pairs, with whom you will become acquainted throughout the season!<br />
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Pair 1. Heather' Mom and Dad. You will remember Heather, who was born and reared in 2013 and targeted and shot in South Kerry in January 2015. Heather had travelled the country and brought so many people closer to Hen Harriers, as well as providing much needed data on the ecology of the species in Ireland. Well, Heather's parents are back for another try this spring and summer, The male has been sky dancing and has had to ''escort'' another male harrier who may been eyeing up the female. Good on him, he loves his girl and his territory! this pair have not had the best of luck and their usual nest location close to forestry, has been precarious and there have been a number of predation events over the years.<br />
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Pair 2. The Neighbours! While not yet confirmed for sure, we are hopeful that another pair will settle close to pair 1. we have had 2 females and 2 males in the area,so hopefully they will sort things out. This pair had their nesting attempt interfered with in 2014 when a well known forestry company were planting the ground right at their nest kept the adults away from the nest so long that the young died. Lets hope for better in 2015.<br />
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Pair 3. This has been a traditional nest site for a number of years now. The female tends to nest in amongst gorse scrub on a slope.Hopefully they will soon select their preferred nesting spot and start bringing nesting material for the breeding attempt that lies ahead.<br />
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Pair 4. Both male and female have been seen courting each other. they nest in an area where turf cutting is active and they were successful in rearing 3 beautiful young fledglings in 2014. Lets hope for more of the same this year!<br />
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Pair 5. The glen nesters!This pair nest in a secluded glen, which is very quite, apart from the beautiful sound of the Curlew! The male and female are considered real professionals and have been successful in rearing young for the past number of years.Once, the female was seen to carry a stoat in her legs!!<br />
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Pair 6. New kids on the block! A brand new '' out of the box '' female. born just last summer, has been seen in the company of an adult male. This is a very exciting prospect as this is a new pair and we wish them all the very best!<br />
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Stay tuned for various updates along the way .</div>
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Of course, feel free to share your own news also,BUT PLEASE DO NOT EVER GIVE ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD DISCLOSE LOCATION of these sensitive and rare birds of prey.</div>
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Bye for now!</div>
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Hen Harrier Ireland.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-66633043797152806552015-03-28T13:16:00.000-07:002015-03-28T13:16:27.633-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Irish Hen Harrier Winter Survey is on 31 March drawing to the conclusion of its 10th season,at which point the data will be analysed and published.This has been a massive piece of work,undertaken entirely voluntarily.It has documented from scratch,where Hen Harriers can be found in Ireland during the period August to March and how they have been doing in terms of numbers and much more besides.Be sure to play your part and contact the survey organiser (<span style="color: #0b5394;">harriers@ahg.gov.ie</span>) with any sightings or records from roost watches.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894033785749274551.post-14516218935292635932015-03-12T04:54:00.000-07:002015-03-12T06:27:28.527-07:00Heather the beautiful Hen Harrier - a tribute and a legacy<br />
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See this female Hen Harrier in the photo above? That was Heather's mom in June 2007 - her first nesting attempt as a young female on the uplands around Mount Eagle in County Kerry. You'll see this very image on information boards in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, on posters produced by Monaghan County Council about the Farney County's heritage, on various websites including www.npws.ie and on the information booklet that was sent out to landowners throughout the six Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas in Ireland. This image for a long time, represented hope. The female was unable to rear young on her first attempt in 2007 - this was not a "failed" attempt (Hen Harriers do not "fail" anything), rather her nest (with young chicks inside) was predated. However, there was hope, because this female was young and she had time on her side.<br />
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Fast forward to 2013. A great sunny summer near Mount Eagle and the same female was close to rearing her brood successfully. The breeding attempt was followed from the earliest sky dances by the sky silver male and his heather brown partner, to the fledging of the young chicks and indeed we were all so lucky to be able to follow one of the young chicks for years to come.... </div>
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An early start saw one of the greatest days ever with Hen Harriers. By 0600hrs, two young healthy female chicks were expertly fitted with lightweight MWT satellite tags. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IE; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-IE;">Local school children named them Heather and Sally (after two of the most important habitats for Hen Harriers)</span>. Heather can be seen on the right of the photo and her slightly older sister Sally on the left of the photo. The original post about this great day can be found by clicking <a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2013/08/sally-left-and-heather-right-on-day.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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As the local community and indeed people right across Ireland and overseas eagerly anticipated these birds' travels, Sally made the earliest moves away from the nest sight. She was first to leave the uplands, her siblings and parents. She was the first to see the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the McGillicuddy Reeks and the Golden Vale. She made various movements around Munster but eventually succumbed to starvation in West Limerick in August 2013. See the original post <a href="http://henharrierireland.blogspot.ie/2013/09/sally-dies.html" target="_blank">here</a> but better still, see the various other posts about Sally's short life throughout this blog site.</div>
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Heather was quieter in terms of her original movements. She stayed around the heather clad hills for a while, before making a very exciting move to Kildare and then the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains! Heather even made a visit over Croke Park on the weekend her native Kerry lost to the Dublin Blues in one of the greatest Gaelic Football matches ever played. She saw 80,000 people, but did 80,000 people see her? A lot more people got to hear about Heather on the Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio One (listen <a href="http://www.rte.ie/radio1/mooney/programmes/2013/0830/471258-mooney-friday-august-30th-2013/?clipid=1299348" target="_blank">here</a> from 01:04:00 and this certainly helped the profile of Hen Harriers among the general public and there was great support and hope for Heather in her future travels in life). Heather was already contributing to the conservation of her species in Ireland by endearing the public to this beautiful but vanishing native bird.</div>
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From Dublin, she visited the Royal County of Meath, where she was seen by the same researcher who fitted her with her satellite tag. To see her rise from her roost before sunrise over a field of oilseed rape was truly awesome and will never be forgetten. Miles from home, a world away in terms of habitat, a truly independent and free bird making her way in life. The shores of Lough Neagh next. Ireland's largest lake and Heather's furthest north trip. From there, she turned back around and made a direct journey all the way to the Atlantic cliffs of South County Cork. It is believed she must have met an older (wing tagged) female all the way up north and that this bird guided Heather to the Rebel County. The two showed up at their cliff top roost together on the same day. How else did Heather know how to find this roost for the very first time when she was hundreds of kilometres north in Lough Neagh the day before? She stayed there for some time with a number of other harriers, cruising around the tillage fields by day and roosting by night to the sound of Chough, Gulls and crashing waves. From these older birds, Heather would have learned of good hunting places and safe places to spend each night. Again, the same researcher was again lucky enough to see Heather here, while local man Dave McGrath got some wonderful photographs of Heather including this one below.</div>
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A new year came. 2014 saw Heather visit the Nagle Mountains and then West Waterford. Come breeding time, she was in the Ballyhouras and hung around with an established pair - did she want to breed? Was she just curious? Learning the ropes? Whatever the case, she did not breed that summer, but instead travelled through various counties to make it to Mayo. Mayo may have been perhaps one of the happiest and most content times in Heather's life. Heather's roost sites in and around Ballycroy National Park and Castlebar provided some super habitat in terms of heather, rough grassland, hedgerows and scrub. It was a beautiful summer and Heather's surrounds provided ample resources. To be honest, it would have been good if she stayed there the rest of her days, but a free and wild spirit, she was to go wherever she liked. </div>
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With the summer finished and the days shortening, Heather decided to retrace her steps and visit the exact same sites in Cork as she had spent the previous winter. However, after some time, she made the bold move back to her native Kingdom - this time South Kerry. She overlooked the spectacular Skelligs and even roosted on an offshore island for some time. She made a memorable trip home to Mount Eagle for a while. Even after all her journeys, she knew where home was at all times and could have returned to breed there this summer if she wanted.<br />
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Yet this was not to be. Throughout 2013 and then 2014 and then 2015, Heather's location was checked on a daily basis. Everytime, it was heart in mouth stuff as to whether she was alive or not, and exciting to think where she might be at that very moment in time. Every time without fail, she lit up our eyes when her tag showed she was alive and well. Until someone in South Kerry (in the very same area where the magnificent White-tailed Sea Eagles have been poisoned), decided it was a good idea to shoot Heather out of the sky in the second week of 2015. <br />
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A sustained series of negative media articles over the past year has vilified this, one of Ireland's most magestic yet most endangered birds of prey. Reports of "farmers unable to farm their lands" were published without reference to fact. There are two items where consent must be sought in Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas - 1. removal of field boundaries and 2. reclamation of heath/bog - both activities require consent for any farmer anywhere in the country even without anything to do with Hen Harriers or SPAs! "Tight restrictions?". The Hen Harrier has co-existed with small farmers for generations and it is afforestation that is seen as the largest threat. Under GLAS, farmers in Hen Harrier SPAs will be prioritised for funding - and hopefully that's something that gives people a viable alternative to planting their land (which the vast majority of farmers don't want to do). <br />
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The Hen Harrier is effectively bringing farmers in the Hen Harrier SPAs up to €140 million over the next five years, to stay and farm their land in the manner that has led to these areas being so important in the first place. The loss of this type of farming, which is difficult given the land types, has been one of the main reasons for the decline in Hen Harriers. When the people move out and the trees move in, the wildlife that depends on the previously existing habitats are also lost.<br />
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40 years or so of planting non-native Sitka spruce trees in these areas has only served to hasten the loss of small farmers and communities. The Hen Harrier SPA is bringing millions of euros to the pockets of those who farm in the most important breeding areas and is thereby contributing towards keeping people in an otherwise socio-economically struggling area.<br />
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Whats even more worrying, is that other Hen Harriers have disappeared from the same place as Heather at the same time, while at another roost in North Kerry (as reported previously), where there were 13 Hen Harriers just before Christmas, there are now none.<br />
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Heather was a fine healthy bird, a good weight and had just fed before being shot. She was knocked abruptly from the sky to the ground, with a ruptured liver, her right wing broken in two and her rib cage smashed. Her tag had a hole in the side of it, yet it still gave out accurate information as to Heather's location and the fact that she was dead.</div>
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Hopes and dreams stemming from 2007 to the future of Hen Harriers in Ireland. This was not just one bird, but the hopes for a species that has been and continues to vanish from our country. The story of these three birds - Heather's mother, her sister Sally, and Heather herself, sums up the issues for Hen Harriers in Ireland. Predation, Starvation (via lack of habitat), Persecution - three of the key aspects that are seeing Hen Harriers disappear from Ireland. Where Mount Eagle had 11 pairs in the 1990s, there is now 1 pair barely hanging on, mainly as a result of the heather moorland having and farmland been planted with commercial plantations. Curlew, Grouse and Skylark to name just a few have also disappeared. So too have local farmers, families and communities that once managed that land as a valuable habitat. We need to ensure small farmers are protected and supported to stay on the land and look after the wildlife and their own social heritage and indeed future. It is vital however, that any money provided to farmers in the name of the Hen Harrier really delivers for the Hen Harrier itself.<br />
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Heather's mom, the young female photographed in 2007 may not be around Mount Eagle for much longer - time is no longer on her side. Heather will not grace this area, nor will her sister, nor will 200 or so other Hen Harriers born and wing tagged or satellite tagged in Ireland since 2006. <br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are losing a species right before our eyes.</span></b></div>
It is possible to address this, and the solutions have been clear for some decades now. Less of the bad stuff (commercial wall to wall sitka spruce monoculture) and more of the goood stuff (farmers financially supported to stay on the land and paid to maintain the habitats as they have done for generations, rather than encouraged off the land by lucrative yet short term afforestation grants). €1.25 billion will be spent under GLAS for farmers to suppor biodiversity - lets hope it works for Hen Harriers, Red Grouse, Curlew, Snipe, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Owls, Kestrel, Merlin, Marsh Fritillary, Ragged Robin etc. etc. and indeed the people who manage their habitats in these areas. Thankfully, the majority of people, espeicially the farmers in Hen Harrier areas, are realising these solutions. <br />
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<strong>It is vital that "environmentalists" and farmers continue to work together to resolve a future for all - the bird is dependent upon the farmer and the farmer may well be dependent on the bird to bring agri-environment payments so that the farm can remain financially viable.</strong></div>
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Heather is gone from us but lets not say her life was in vain - lets not have this illegal and cowardly act define her legacy. Lets work together for a better future.</div>
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Cromán na gCearc<o:p></o:p></div>
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I dtús báire, ba gheit a bhaineadh sí asam<o:p></o:p></div>
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mé ar mo mhachnamh clapsholais sa gharraí<o:p></o:p></div>
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ag siúl go mall, mo mhéara leis na duilleoga,<o:p></o:p></div>
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mo shúil ag muirniú fás gach gas<o:p></o:p></div>
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m’anáil ciúin roimh mhórgacht luí na gréine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ar airde mo chinn a heitilt, an dá sciathán<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oscailte ina gleann fial ar dhá thaobh an choirp.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chorraigh an t-aer lena himeacht, osna ciúin, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Agus í ar a seilg, tostmhar, tapa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ní fhaca ariamh ag cromadh í ach chamadh sí<o:p></o:p></div>
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I leataobh go minic, faobhar a seilge a thabhairt ar shiúl<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ó mo mhuineál bhí ina bealach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tagaim uirthi ar maidin, úrmharbh, ina luí álainn ar an fhraoch, eití leata,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Báinne nimhe ag líonadh ina súle, gach cumas imithe,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Agus an ghaoth ba ghiolla aici, ina leanbh bómánta ag súgradh lena heireaball.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fágaim I ngabhal crainn le hómós í,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ach diúltaíonn an ghaoth don deasghnáth choimthíoch agus leagann í.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cuirim ina luí ar dhos fraoigh í.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An mhaidin dar cionn, tá cleití scaipthe, corp ar shiúl.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02480268924714004483noreply@blogger.com2