Four endangered curlew chicks have been successfully released into the wild after being rescued as eggs from a wildfire on Slieve Beagh in County Fermanagh. The rescue, which involved the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, saved the clutch after a blaze threatened one of the island of Ireland’s few remaining breeding sites on April 30.
The Rescue Operation on Slieve Beagh
When a wildfire broke out on the mountain, 85 firefighters were deployed to contain the flames. RSPB Conservation Advisor Róisín Normanly, who had fenced the nest for predator protection the previous morning, witnessed the smoke approaching the site. According to Ms. Normanly, the decision to lift the eggs was made after the nest was left unattended for several hours while parents fended off crows, and the surrounding habitat suffered significant destruction.
Working with Vincent Campbell of the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, Ms. Normanly secured the eggs and transported them to an incubation facility. While the curlew eggs were saved, Ms. Normanly noted that other ground-nesting species, such as skylarks and meadow pipits, could not be protected from the fire’s path.
Did you know?
Curlew populations on the island of Ireland have plummeted by 97% since the 1980s. Conservationists estimate fewer than 100 breeding pairs remain in the Republic of Ireland, with approximately 150 pairs in Northern Ireland.
Headstarting as a Conservation Tool
Dónal Beagan, Headstarting and Nest Protection Manager with the Breeding Waders EIP project, oversaw the 50-day rearing process. The eggs were kept in an incubator that regulated temperature and humidity before moving to a brooding tub. Once the chicks were hardy enough, they were transferred to outdoor aviaries on Slieve Beagh.
Headstarting is recognized as an emergency measure for species on the brink. By removing eggs from high-risk environments and rearing them in controlled conditions, conservationists mitigate the threat of natural predation and habitat disturbances. Before their final release, the four chicks were fitted with GPS tags and colored identification rings to track their progress.
Future Trends for Upland Biodiversity
Dr. John Cusack of the Conservation Trust described the release as a “silver lining” for a species facing intense pressure from habitat loss and land-use changes. However, he warned that upland areas are currently “tinderboxes,” making wildfires a persistent threat to ground-nesting birds.
The success of this intervention highlights the growing importance of cross-border collaboration between agencies in Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Monaghan. Earlier this year, Slieve Beagh recorded what is believed to be Ireland’s first known case of a headstarted curlew returning to establish its own breeding territory, having been released two years prior in County Leitrim. This suggests that while artificial rearing is a last resort, it can successfully contribute to the long-term survival of the species.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do curlews need “headstarting”? Because they nest on the ground, eggs and chicks are highly vulnerable to predators and environmental hazards like wildfires. Headstarting provides a safe, controlled environment until they are capable of flight.
- How long does the rearing process take? According to Dónal Beagan, the process from hatching to release takes approximately about 50 days.
- Are wildfires a major threat? Yes. Dr. John Cusack notes that upland bogs act as “tinderboxes,” and fires during the nesting season can wipe out entire breeding populations of ground-nesting birds.
Upland habitats require years to recover from fire damage, impacting local bird populations for multiple breeding seasons.
Have you spotted a ringed curlew in your area?
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