Clare County Council team up with Birdwatch Ireland to undertake survey on nesting Choughs

This survey will run along a 30km stretch of coastline from Kilkee to Loop Head in West Clare. The project is being funded by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office and the Council’s Tourism Development Department.

The council is asking people to look for specific birds as part of the survey.

“The Chough is a member of the Crow family, predominantly associated with coastal locations, sea cliffs and a variety of other habitats for nesting and foraging,” said a spokesperson.

“The Chough has a red bill and red legs and an unmistakable call. In Ireland, Chough have been recorded feeding in a variety of habitats, such as improved grasslands and cultivated land.

“Chough primarily hunt for insects on or near the surface of soil or animal dung. Their slim curved bill is an excellent tool for probing and cutting soil and flicking stones aside in search of prey.

"The bird feeds on a variety of insects, such as ants, spiders, worms, and cranefly larvae (leatherjackets).”

Farmers along the coast would be familiar with ...
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