Learn about a Ni-wide Woodcock survey

WHY have one story about birds, when you can have two? This almost slipped birdbrain me’s mind – but there’s another great meeting for local birdwatchers taking place in coming days, with a very informative evening in store at Fermanagh House next Wednesday.

Taking place at 7.30pm on March 27, Michael Stinson, of Erne Environmental Ltd., who coordinated the first Ni-wide breeding woodcock bird survey last year, has arranged a meeting about the results of the survey, and the event next Wednesday evening will be an update for survey volunteers and the general public, at which all are welcome.

The first ever such survey was a partnership between the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the British Trust for Ornithology, with financial support for Northern Ireland surveying from the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

Sticking my beak in, I see that the survey found that the overwhelming majority of breeding woodcock were found in Fermanagh and west Tyrone – highlighting how important the local area is for the species, while all six counties saw volunteers diligently noting woodcock.

I’ll leave that kind of impressive statistic, and other survey findings, to Dr. Chris Heward, Head of Wetland Research Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, and survey organiser, who will be delivering the overview of the status of breeding woodcock locally and across these islands next Wednesday.

For further information, contact Michael at 0789 0358 239, or email michael@erne-environmental.com.

I’m sure that Michael and Chris will have a top-class presentation in store, so do head over to Fermanagh House then if you can.