RAMBLE FOR RAPTORS!

I fell in love with birds of prey when I was 6 years old. I sponsored a Red Kite at school and the passion and love for them has grown with every passing year. I write a nature blog, campaign on local wildlife issues and raptor persecution, but I want to do more. I want to contribute something concrete, something that will really make a difference. It is incredibly upsetting and angering that these wonderful birds are being illegally persecuted whilst negative attitudes are fuelled by lack of education and understanding. Despite the fact that these magnificent creatures are protected species, they face the challenges of human actions.

A few months ago, I presented an idea to the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group. I wanted to hike The Cuilcagh Way (45km) to raise money and launch a much needed field project - to satellite tag raptors, such as adult Hen Harrier, Buzzard, Red Kite and Peregrine Falcon - and also to provide heightened awareness of these keystone species. To show kids and adults that these birds enjoy their rightful place in our eco systems to maintain natural order in our environment. I’m delighted to say, that after much negotiation and planning we will be able to deliver this - with your help!! I will do the trek on the 27/28 January 2018 (it‘s going to be cold, but I like a challenge!) and I will let you travel with me on my blog and on social media. The field project called ‘Hawk-Eyes’ will begin in the next breeding season - if we get the much needed funds!

Over the last seven years, there have been 50 confirmed cases (some with multiple birds) and many more reported cases of raptor persecution. I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. Add lack of awareness and habitat destruction - the plight of our raptors is not going to change unless we do something about it!

Satellite tagging by GPS device, is one of the most scientific ways to counteract wildlife crime, whilst also providing us with important scientific data - much needed in Northern Ireland. The monitoring team will track the birds’ location, thus making reaction to potential crimes, much faster. Dr Eimear Rooney and Dr Marc Ruddock from Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group, two top Northern Ireland raptor scientists, with extensive knowledge of raptors and tagging - will be running the study that I/you will fund. I will also be learning alongside them! The project will be carried out by experts, with the utmost ethical responsibilty and full transparency. Funding is always in short supply and I really want to make a difference: to combat/deter wildlife crime, to assist scientific data/evidence and all the time, raise awareness.

Help me reach our goal, please!

Thank you for reading

Dara McAnulty