Birds on the brink

Sir, – The removal of four bird species from the list of fliers that can be shot for fun is to be welcomed (News, September 1st).

The scaup, goldeneye, pochard and pintal can now soar across the skies over Ireland without having to contend with the blazing guns of our so-called field-sport fraternity.

Unfortunately, 11 other creatures listed in Birdwatch’s Birds of Conservation Concern Ireland report may still be legally killed as they flutter harmlessly above us or addle about on our river or lakesides.

I hope the protection accorded to the four lucky bird species will be extended to the remaining ones before too long. We’re in the grip of a biodiversity crisis with entire species being pushed to the brink of extinction, or already past the point of rescue.

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We’re reminded often about the sacrifices required to save Irish flora and fauna, but a mere stroke of the pen is all that is needed to take those 11 threatened birds off death row.

The Government needs to prioritise the protection of what’s left of our treasured but rapidly disappearing wildlife heritage. – Yours, etc,

JOHN FITZGERALD

Callan,

Co Kilkenny.