Sir, - I refer to your article (April 19th) regarding corncrakes. As stated in this report the corncrake grant scheme has returned for 1996. However only the corncrake population for Co Mayo and the grant scheme uptake in that region for 1995 is reported. The national figures for last year is 174 calling males, 88 in north Donegal, including the islands of Tory and Inisboffin, 63 in the Shannon callows and 23 in Co Mayo. This is the first recorded increase in corncrake numbers since records began. Corncrakes have been dramatically declining in Ireland for several years, with just 130 calling males counted in the country in 1994. Last year's population of 174 calling males is an increase of 33 per cent.
The IWC's Corncrake Grant Scheme aims to increase the breeding success of corncrakes by encouraging farmers to delay mowing of hay or silage until after most of the nests have hatched. This involves delaying mowing until August 1st and mowing from the centre of fields outwards, which increases chick survival by driving birds away from mowing machinery to safety under cover of the remaining grass. The scheme was a great success in 1995, with over 300 farmers taking part and over £90,000 paid out in grants.
The corncrakes are returning to Ireland this month after spending the winter in south east Africa. The 1996 population will be recorded over the next two months and their nesting sites will be protected. To help with this project the IWC would appreciate any deposits from the public of corncrakes heard.
Corncrake hotline: Shannon: 0509 51001; Mayo 096 51326; Donegal 074 65126.
The IWC's Corncrake Project is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Dep of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the EU LIFE Fund. - Yours, etc.,
Corncrake Fieldworker,
Crank House,
Banagher,
Co Offaly.