Survey aims to establish the number of peregrines in Cavan

Cáit Markey

 

Bird conservationists are seeking the public's help in safeguarding the future in County Cavan of the world's fastest animal.

It's 15 years since the Irish Raptor Study Group (IRSG) last undertook a survey to try to establish the health of the Peregrine Falcon population nationally, and now they are hoping to recruit amatuer bird watchers to chart their frequency once more.

Back in 2002 there were eight separate sightings of peregrines in County Cavan. Peregrine falcons are specially adapted to reach stunning speeds. When hunting they can dive from heights of over a kilometre, and reach speeds of 320km/h (200 mph) as these fearsome predators zero in on their unsuspecting prey.

Jen Lynch, survey coordinator from the IRSG, and ornithologist, explains that they, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, hope to determine exactly how many of these incredible birds nest in Ireland.

'The peregrine falcon is a protected species, both in Ireland and in Europe,' Jen tells the Celt, and proceeds to outline the relevant EU legislation. 'Which means that there is an obligation for the government to survey the birds and to make sure that they are doing okay.

'The last national survey that was undertaken was back in 2002, so there’s quite a gap there, and quite a gap in knowledge of how these birds are actually getting on.'

To fill in these gaps, they are seeking the help of volunteers to participate in the survey, which continues for another fortnight, and reassuringly, no experience is necessary.

There has been a great response to IRSG's request for help, but more volunteers are needed to increase coverage. There are a number of way for volunteers to get invovled: Monitor a specific survey area (5x5km square); check suitable buildings in your local area; send sightings of Peregrines to the IRSG.

Since Peregrines can be subject to illegal activity such as persecution and egg and chick theft. To minimize such threats, sensitive information about nest location should remain confidential and sent in confidence to the IRSG. Any suspicious activity, should be reported immediately to a local wildlife ranger or the IRSG.

Peregrine falcons can often be mistaken for other falcons. Large and powerful, and with a medium length tail and tapered wings, they boast a wingspan of one metre on average. Adult birds are a blueish-grey on the back and have white, finely barred underparts. The face is mainly white with a very distinct black mustache. Another key identification point is the screeching call, often heard when circling overhead.

'Even nesting they’re a really interesting bird to see,' explains Jen, 'especially their eating habits - birds are the main thing they eat, they’ll eat anything from a blackbird to a thrush. And if you see them flying it’s breathtaking, they truly are the acrobats of the sky.'

Jen explains you can occasionally catch a glimpse of these fascinating birds, in the most unlikely nooks and crannies of our rolling landscapes.

'These birds are actually quite adaptable,' enthuses Jen. 'So in terms of urban areas, you’ll have more reports of them nesting in buildings and also highlands and church spires. You’ll also see them in quarries. They have no problem using man-made structures, they don’t have to be in a natural habitat such as a high cliff or a rocky surface.

'In 2002 there were eight sightings on records in County Cavan, so they aren’t common but we may have a few more that haven’t been recorded in the survey. They are widespread, they are found all across the country. In Cavan in 2002 there were two natural sightings and six sightings in quarries.’’

Nationwide the last survey estimated that there were 390 occupied breeding territories.

Jen encourages people to get in touch with the IRSG if they spot a peregrine at any time during the summer - even after the survey has completed.

'You can get in touch with the Irish Raptor Study Group and tell them a description of what you saw, and a grid reference. You could also call the Cavan Bird Watch Group or with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and get someone who has a bit more knowledge of birds and confirm then that it is a peregrine.’’

Can you give a few hours of your time? If so, contact Jen at monitoring@irsg.ie