Hi,
Just to let people know who intend kayaking off Skerries during May-June period. The Cormorant colony on St Patrick\'s Island is very prone to disturbance this year. The birds have spread into a number of sub colonies along the southern/eastern and northern shorelines. This includes the main landing beach near the ruined house on northern side.
Best if people can avoid landing but if necessary please use western side.
The Rockabill wardens are due on this week. The critical time re nesting is May to early June. Small parties welcome but please ask permission and allow wardens to direct you. Give me a call if anyone wants to discuss further.
Sean
Skerries Islands/Rockbill-Breeding Seabirds
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nigelgalloway
- Posts: 0
- Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:37 am
Re:Skerries Islands/Rockbill-Breeding Seabirds
Hi Sean, I know of a few river folk going to Irelands Eye for a picnic at the weekend (10/11) - Is this a sensitive area as well?
Re:Skerries Islands/Rockbill-Breeding Seabirds
Hi Nigel,
I think kayakers should try to observe same environmental awareness protocols on all Irish islands especially during the key nesting period for seabirds. The seabird nesting season extends into August/September in the case of Gannets ,Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Fulmar but the real critical time is May/June when birds are on eggs and young are small.
What people in general are sometimes unaware off is that while they may be totally enjoying the spectacle, the disturbance of adult birds off nests by walking through and around nesting colonies allows predators i.e. all Gull species to wreak havoc in their wake.
I think a tread lightly approach and avoid walking through the main breeding areas is good practice.
In the case of Ireland\'s Eye, it receives a lot of visitors and there is a lot of disturbance in the Gull colonies in particular. The main seabird colonies however, are by and large safe enough as the steep ground acts as a deterrent for walkers. The only vulnerable species are the Cormorants along the north slopes as this species deserts the nest site at the least sign of danger.
Sean
I think kayakers should try to observe same environmental awareness protocols on all Irish islands especially during the key nesting period for seabirds. The seabird nesting season extends into August/September in the case of Gannets ,Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Fulmar but the real critical time is May/June when birds are on eggs and young are small.
What people in general are sometimes unaware off is that while they may be totally enjoying the spectacle, the disturbance of adult birds off nests by walking through and around nesting colonies allows predators i.e. all Gull species to wreak havoc in their wake.
I think a tread lightly approach and avoid walking through the main breeding areas is good practice.
In the case of Ireland\'s Eye, it receives a lot of visitors and there is a lot of disturbance in the Gull colonies in particular. The main seabird colonies however, are by and large safe enough as the steep ground acts as a deterrent for walkers. The only vulnerable species are the Cormorants along the north slopes as this species deserts the nest site at the least sign of danger.
Sean
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michaelcheers
- Posts: 0
- Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:37 am
Re:Skerries Islands/Rockbill-Breeding Seabirds
Is there somewhere we can get this kind of information generally for the rest of Ireland. I\'m not a committed birdy person myself, but I\'d be quite happy to avoid certain behaviors or locations if it would avoid problems for the critters.
Where are the sensitive sites in the rest of Ireland?
When are they sensitive?
There were some good tips and info discussed earlier in this topic
http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... mitstart=0
kind regards
Mike
Where are the sensitive sites in the rest of Ireland?
When are they sensitive?
There were some good tips and info discussed earlier in this topic
http://www.irishseakayakingassociation. ... mitstart=0
kind regards
Mike