In Your Nature
The In Your Nature Podcast brings you conversations about birds & wildlife, wild places, the work of BirdWatch Ireland and wildlife conservationists. The podcast features Ricky Whelan, biodiversity officer with Offaly County Council in conversation with Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland with regular expert guests. BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland's largest independent conservation organisation. Episodes are released in seasons (three per year) with six episodes in each, dropping weekly (Monday mornings) in spring, summer, and autumn. Topics discussed vary, with birds and wider biodiversity at the heart of it all, each episode finishes with the "Bird of the Week" feature in homage to this wonderful group of animals. To give feedback, suggest topics or ask a question you can email us at info@birdwatchireland.ie .
The series is supported by Laois, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage - Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and the Heritage Council.
The series is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.
In Your Nature
In Your Nature Ep 16 - Species Extinctions
Since humans occupied and began to alter our landscape there have been winners and loosers amongst our bird species. Humans impact on the avifauna of Ireland has been mostly negative with persecution, over hunting and habitat destruction/loss being big drivers in the extinction process.
Ricky and Niall look at some species that are long extinct, some that have slipped away in the recent past and others that have returned. Some fabulous species feature in this episode including, the bittern, the common crane, the marsh harrier and corn bunting among them. The chat ends on a positive note as it turns to the potential of the midlands bogs to host thriving populations of cranes, bittern, marsh harrier and other wetland specialists.
In Your Nature is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly
For more about BirdWatch Ireland, visit www.birdwatchireland.ie.