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WOODPECKERS ARE BREEDING in a core woodland in Killarney for what is thought to be the first time in centuries.
Greater Spotted woodpeckers have been “spotted” in Killarney National Park. after regular hammering on a dead tree trunk was reported by walkers. A breeding pair and chicks have now been confirmed by a conservation ranger.
It is the first time in hundreds of years woodpeckers have bred in Killarney.
And while the exact location – or tree – has not been revealed the chicks are becoming more and more vocal each day as they prepare to fledge.
Eamonn Meskell, NPWS Divisional Manager at Killarney National Park said there was “huge excitement” in the park.
“There’s huge excitement here in Killarney since these birds were spotted over the past few weeks.”
Woodpeckers like to spend time in areas where there are mature trees and the iconic hammer sound indicates they are carving out a home. And Killarney with its mature oak woodlands provides the perfect nesting and feeding opportunities for them.”
Killarney, like other areas, lost huge swathes of its oak and other forestry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Following the deforestation in those centuries Great Spotted Woodpeckers became extinct in Ireland.
The first recorded sighting of a Great Spotted Woodpecker for Killarney National Park was in 2013, where it was observed in the Tomies Wood area on the western most side of the 10,000 ha park.
This new development is felt to be significant as it is the first recorded breeding activity within the core area of the park.
Breeding was confirmed by Killarney NPWS Conservation Ranger Sam Bayley as he was ringing birds in the park as part of a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) scheme. This was followed by reported sightings of chicks by wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers in the Park.
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of NPWS said: “Stories like this reflect some of the unexpected treasures that can be found in our National Parks and Nature Reserves, and that our staff are working hard to protect.”
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is about the size of a starling. Both males and females are black and white with scarlet red underneath their tails. Woodpeckers have very long sticky tongues and feed on insects found in wood, as well as pine cones in autumn. During the breeding season, they may take the eggs and chicks of other birds.
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Has the Cookie Monster been in the cookie jar again ?
Very odd timing. They withdraw their support of this project not long after the sentencing of the doctor who helped locate Bin Laden. I’m not making accusations but it is funny.
But the accusations above that this money will be pumped into drones is ludicrous.
Great. Now they’ll redirect the $20m into more drones to attack the Pakistani population.
There’s hardly a peek about Americas secret war against Pakistan and the amount of civilians they’ve killed in comparison to
the coverage on Syria.
Don’t be a muppet
Think you may find that the drones you are referring to cost considerably more that $20 million.
Not true Derek. Guardian have been reporting the last few days on the increase of drone attacks in Pakistan and how they are blowing up *suspected* militants and everyone within a 100yd radius and then blowing up the funerals of the victims just in case their sons and daughters should harbour any resentment. Me suspects this tactic ain’t gonna work on the war on terror but if it does the guy who ordered it should get a Nobel peace prize. Oh wait…..
This episode was brought to you by the letters “U…S…A” and the numbers 9/11! you have gotta wonder is their “Oscar” an old green grouch or….a child who lives in a landfill and collects scrap for pennies?
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Jihad Street…
Which if these kids is doing their own thing. 3 kids skipping, 1 with a bag pack.
I’m sure most US taxpayers will be disgusted the way their tax dollars are being wasted. PS Drone on, they’re killing a lot of VERY bad people with them so they then can’t kill us.
Kermit the pakki frog just does not sound or look right
Just ask the count, he’ll tell ye…
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