Peregrine Falcon Breeding Sites- your observations are being requested for a regional breeding study:

Please submit any current or historical records you have for Peregrine Falcon nest sites in Sligo as part of a study of breeding Peregrines in the north-west, for a National Parks and Wildlife Service nest recording and ringing project.

All records will be kept confidential, and you will get feedback on the 2012 outcome of any sites you report. It is hoped that the project will include the ringing of chicks - this will be done by a trained ringer who also has specific climbing/abseiling training for the role. In all aspects of this study, the birds' welfare will be paramount.

Pergegrines appear to be doing well in Sligo, and generally in Ireland. However there are continuing threats from human persecution, including in some cases the theft of eggs/young from nests, hence the need for confidentiality about breeding sites.

Please pass this request on to friends who are hill-walkers, climbers, anglers, or anyone else whose outdoor pursuits may bring them into close contact with typical Peregrine breeding habitat - cliffs, crags and quarries. Breeding has been confirmed at a number of traditional sites so far this year, but there may well be new ones given the increase in numbers seen over the past couple of decades

Please send any Peregrine nest site records to sightings@sligobirding.com - obviously these will not be published on the website, or anywhere else.

Bird Weekend at Benwiskin Centre:

An illustrated talk "Birds of North Sligo" will be presented by Michael Bell of BirdWatch Sligo at the Benwiskin Centre on Friday, 11th May at 8 pm. Michael will talk about the interesting birdlife present throughout the year in the area, including the Gleniff Horseshoe, Glencar, Bunduff and Mullaghmore.

The next morning there will be a field trip beginning at 9 am at the Barytes Mill Site at Gleniff to look and listen for birds in the adjacent woodlands.

Weather permitting this will be followed by a hike around Gleniff to observe birds of the open country. For more information contact Michael at 085 175 1000

25/26th May 2012

WILDLIFE OF SOUTH SLIGO WEEKEND:

Come discover the flora and fauna of the Ballymote area with Michael Bell of Nature Learn at a beautiful country estate in Newpark, Ballymote, Co. Sligo.
Friday, 25th May, 7.45pm: Illustrated presentation on the natural history of the surrounding area.
Saturday, 26th May, 9am: Examination of moth trap followed by nature walk through neighboring gardens, woods, lakeside and fields.

Numbers are limited so booking is essential.

Suggested voluntary contribution: €3 per adult, children free.

For more information phone Michael 085 175 1000 or Rosemary 086 337 5741.