INJURED KESTREL

JOINT EFFORT SAVES AN INJURED KESTREL

Photo: (I am trying to find it on the computer!)

The kestrel is one of our most common birds of prey, and is often seen hovering over farmland and at the sides of main roads. With its long tail and narrow wings, it is easy to distinguish from most other bird species. Unfortunately they can succumb to the dangers of the industrial world.

Recently a kestrel was run over on the main Letterkenny road in Newtowncunningham. After the accident the bird was taken to the local vets who gave him the all clear after a short rest. He was then given over to the ISPCA, who in turn gave him to Killian Mc Laughlin in Buncrana to nurse him back to full health. Killian is well seasoned to looking after wild creatures and with his wealth of knowledge the bird was soon ready to put back into the wild. As the bird had not flown for a while, Killian put the kestrel into a large aviary to stretch his wings. . When the wings had strengthened and was ready to go back into the wild Killian phoned the ISPCA inspector Kevin McGinley who came and took him back to where he came from. It was successful, the bird flew round a few times to get his bearings then took off into the horizon.

To help these birds thrive in the countryside it helps to know a few details of their preferred hunting grounds. This bird exploits a broad range of habitats, including farmland, heaths, moors, parks, woodland edges and even town and city centres, but when feeding requires short grass or other low vegetation. The kestrel feeds largely on small mammals, especially the short-tailed vole, and small birds such as house sparrows. Invertebrates are also very important components of the diet; earthworms taken from cereal fields are particularly important during winter. Kestrels hunt by sight, and when hovering they are able to remain still even in strong winds. Upon spotting their quarry, they plunge to the ground, seizing the prey with their talons.

Kestrels nest in holes in trees, old buildings or in the abandoned nests of other birds, especially crows. Like many wild birds, the kestrel suffered as a result of the use of pesticides. The population declined rapidly during the 1970s, possibly as a result of agricultural intensification, habitat loss and a decline in populations of small mammal prey. Although the population seems to have remained stable during the last 15 years or so, there is some evidence that a further decline has occurred since 1994. The kestrel should benefit from measures aimed at improving farmland habitats for wildlife. Prescriptions such as unsprayed field margins and leaving stubble fields unploughed during the winter should increase the populations of small mammals and birds on which kestrels feed. Set-aside fields also provide good habitats for mice and voles.Lets hope that this kestrel has a long and happy life back in the wild and we continue to improve the countryside to accommodate a vast range of wildlife.

Environmental.

INISHOWEN POETS

(Click on the title for a link to Inishowen Poets site)

Here is a site for all you budding poets in Inishowen. Below is the introduction, check out the site for more information.

Welcome to Inishowen Poets, this is a new website set up for poets within the Inishowen area. If you have any poems you would like to publish on this site please contact me. You can find my contact details by clicking here.

I have just published my first edition titled "Anonymous In A Town That Talks" and it is currently on sale in various shops around the Inishowen peninsula. Alternatively, you can contact me and I would be more than happy to post a copy out.

Over the past 4 years I have been struggling to come to terms with a condition I refused to accept that I had. These are a selection of poems written over the period of time I spent incarcerated in various psychiatric hospitals. I used poetry to vent my frustrations and maintain my focus. The condition I was fighting to come to terms with is known as Bi Polar.

I am, who I am, I’m a Bi Polar…Bear!

To everyone who helped to supported me….Sláinte!

Constantine O’Donnell August 2006

POND CARE

Now the weather is hot, ponds can get clogged up with weeds. The speed at which the whole surface of the water can be covered is startling. Twist blanket weed out of ponds with a long stick, that way you will not disturb the muck at the bottom of the pond. Leave the weed at the side of the pond overnight to let any insects run back into the water. If you have tadpoles in water, make sure there are places where they can crawl out once the legs have established. If they cannot get out of the water they will drown, and we do not want that now do we?

Horticultural.

FRUIT GARDEN

Cane fruits
Tie new canes of raspberries and blackberries on to support wires as they grow. Keep them separate from last year's shoots, which will flower, and fruit this summer.

BIRD CONTROL
Spread nets over soft fruit bushes, such as currants, and over strawberries growing in rows or in containers. Once blackbirds and other birds find fruits to their taste they will return again and again and will quickly strip plants of unprotected fruit.

ENCOURAGING BUDS
Sometimes buds on the stems of apple and pear trees remain dormant and don't develop. This isn't a problem unless you are trying to train the tree into a formal shape and need a shoot to grow from the exact position of the dormant bud. Notching is a technique you can use to try and force it into growth. Use a sharp knife to cut out a small piece of bark just above the bud. Do this during the growing season and the sap flowing along the stem will be directed towards the bud instead of by-passing it, and should encourage the bud to develop into a shoot.

Horticultural.

PRUNING SHRUBS

GENERAL CARE IN THE GARDEN


Many spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned as soon as their flowers have started to fade. Any shoots that have carried flowers can be cut back, shortening them to shape the shrub and control its size and vigour. Forsythia can grow large and ungainly if left to its own devices, so prune to give the shrub a definite shape and form. This and other shrubs, such as Berberis darwinii, are sometimes grown as hedges, so can be pruned to give a more formal structure. All the flowering stems of Prunus triloba can be pruned to their woody base, while selective pruning on philadelphus and weigela stops them getting large and woody. Make sure that there are no signs of birds nesting if the shrubs are large. If the signs are there then leave pruning until the birds have flown.

Horticultural.

A PRICELESS THING- POEM

I cannot buy it at the shop
Or purchase it on ebay.
You cannot wrap it up for me
And save it for my birthday.
This precious thing is priceless
And up there with the best
Of every special moment spent
At work or play or rest.
It’s hard to find the adjective
Or perfect turn of phrase
That best portrays the magic of
Endless summer days.
And moments snatched from stressful life
To mow the moss and rushes
That thrive on my beloved lawn,
That sweeps among the bushes.
The company of ancient rocks
While listening to the birds,
Or willing life for younger trees,
With tender coaxing words.
Just standing there and breathing in
The healing peace, the calm,
The joy that comes with feeling
That I know now who I am -
A lady with a passion and
I do not seek your pardon
For enjoying the simple pleasure
Of my Inishowen garden.

Thanks to Annette McNelis, Buncrana

Horticultural.

TREE LIFE

50 YEARS IN A TREE

An Indian octogenarian has reportedly spent half a century living in a tree after a tiff with his wife.

Gayadhar Parida took to staying in a mango tree after a quarrel over a 'tiny issue' with his wife 50 years ago. He moved trees when his first tree house was destroyed in a storm but he has never moved back into his home in Kuligaon, Orissa. Mr Parida, 83, said: "I had come to stay after disturbances with my wife. But after some days, I felt spiritualism had developed within my body. He apparently spends most of his time in the company of poisonous snakes and comes down only to drink water from a pool. Mr Parida accepts food offered to him by family members but no amount of coaxing has convinced him to leave his tree house. His son Babula, 55, said: "I have gone to the garden several times to woo him back but he vehemently refused to return. Hurt and dejected, I had to come back home."

Environmental.

INISHOWEN BUTTERFLIES

Photo:Dianthus.

(Click on the title for a link to the Inishowen Wildlife Club)


Bob Aldwell from the Dublin Field Club was at Dunree Fort last week to give a talk on butterflies. I stumbled into the room half an hour late with the family and eventually settled on a table at the back to find out more about what is happening to the butterflies in Inishowen. I know without being told that there is no shortage of the large and small white butterfly. These lay great numbers of eggs on the cabbages, broccoli and brussel sprout plant that we plant in the garden. In fact I am convinced they have joined forces and invested in a wheelbarrow as the plants are disappearing fast. I could go out and try to control them but they and most other butterflies are having a hard enough time without me joining in.

There are species that are suffering around the peninsula. The Large Heath butterfly is struggling because of the modern methods of cutting the turf on the bogs and the spread of conifer forestry plantations. The Marsh fritillary was common here but has not been seen for at least 9 years, again the impact of human activity has had a big impact. All is not lost though as a lot of butterflies are thriving and increasing in numbers now that we are using fewer chemicals on the land. The Green Hairstreak has been spotted in Moville this year and seems to have migrated from the Dublin area.

Our eagle eyed town gardener in Buncrana, George Mc Dermott spotted a Wall Brown butterfly this year, which is also a first in Inishowen.Most butterflies can live happily in your own garden and they do not necessarily have to munch away at your vegetables. Certain plants are big attractions for them. Buddleia and Sedum ‘brilliant’ will attract loads of varieties and even neglected areas covered with nettles will be a haven. Some annuals to plant could be Dill Calendula Candytuft Cosmos Petunias, Nasturtium and Zinnias. Perennials could include: Achillea, Dianthus, Asters, Erigeron, Mints and Sedums. Shrubs that could be effective at attracting the butterfly other than Buddleia could include Potentillas, Spireas Weigela and Viburnums. The more types of planting mean that there are more chances of attracting a greater variety of butterflies. The Inishowen Wildlife Club would be interested if you see any butterflies that are unusual in the garden. E-mail inishowenwildlife.com or check out their website.

Environmental.