The Corncrake, once a common summer visitor, is now a globally endangered species, with an increasingly fragmented population. Its rasping 'Crek-Crek ' call, once a familiar sound of the Irish countryside is now little more than a memory in many of its former breeding areas.

While parts of eastern Europe contain small breeding populations, the Shannon Callows in Ireland represents one of the last strongholds of the species in western Europe.

We shall be visiting this 'Corncrake oasis' early in the morning and listen to these rare and elusive birds calling from the dense hay meadows, its favoured habitat.

If we're lucky we may even glimpse one moving through the grass, or calling, head above the cover looking for trespassing males.

It is important that no disturbance is caused to these birds so patience is a virtue!

Many previous trips have resulted in seeing the males do their distinctive flight displays, the bright ornage wings and dangling legs being so obvious.

While Corncrakes represent the main purpose of our visit, the Shannon Callows also afford an excellent opportunity to see some of our breeding wader species. Redshanks commonly display over their nesting areas while the distinctive drumming display flight of the Snipe is a familiar sight and sound.

A variety of warblers are also to be found along the Callows and we should encounter the beautiful Whinchat.

From here, we can travel up into the Slieve Blooms, the scenic mountain range of Tipperary, home to Hen Harriers and Red Grouse, with woodland birds and Dippers on the rivers.

This midlands trip is designed specifically to see these target species, but the variety of habitat we will be birding in will produce many more.

Contact Eric now at BirdsIreland@eircom.net

Tour Leaders
Eric Dempsey & Esther Murphy