'Recreational Activity' Behind Falling Bird Numbers In Slieve Blooms

Hen Harrier numbers are down a third since the last survey.

The Slieve Bloom Mountains has seen a sharp decline in the presence of Ireland's 'skydancing' birds.

The fifth survey of the Hen Harrier has found 106 breeding pairs remain throughout the country, which is a decline of one-third in just seven years since the last national survey.

The bird was known to frequent the mountains in Laois and Offaly, as the open heather moorland provided good breeding conditions.

However, it's believed the removal and replanting of trees and high levels of recreational activity have caused a disturbance to the Hen Harrier. 

More from Midlands News

Download Our App