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The distinctive 'crex-crex' call of the corncrake has been heard two weeks earlier than usual thanks to the good weather on Rathlin Island.
This is the fifth year in a row the rare bird has been heard on the island, which is the only place in Northern Ireland where the bird still migrates to every year from west Africa.
We would love to see their numbers increasing now
Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) NI warden Liam McFaul said the presence of corncrake on the island was due to the hard work of volunteers and landowners on the island.
“Rathlin is a safe place for us to try and attract the birds to. The landowners on the island manage their land sympathetically for wildlife and along with the other islanders, they are as delighted as we are to hear that these loved but at-risk birds are back,” McFaul said.
“We would love to see their numbers increasing now and get a sustainable population, with four or five pairs regularly breeding. With two pairs last year and one bird returning so early now, this could be a really significant year for these birds.
“I’d also like to thank all of our volunteers who are so crucial in helping with our corncrake habitat work.”
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