The Chough on Islay
Thursday, June 08 2006
The chough, a rare type of crow found only in a few areas of Scotland, is to be added to the list of species given special protection in the area around Loch Gruinart on Islay. In late February, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) began formal consultations with local farmers and land managers on the Scottish Executive’s proposals to add chough to the list of species protected by the Gruinart Flats Special Protection Area (SPA).
One of Europe’s top wildlife sites, the area is already internationally important for the large flocks of barnacle, white-fronted geese and light-bellied brent geese which arrive from Greenland every winter. The addition of chough to the features of interest will protect the birds under European law.
Angus Laing, SNH Area Manager said: “Islay is a stronghold for chough. Between the winter of 2001/02 and the winter 2003/04 Gruinart Flats was home to approximately 4.5% of the UK’s chough population. It is worth getting out to have a look at these birds - with their red legs and red beaks they are very distinctive and full of character. Visitors to the beaches and dunes around Loch Gruinart often see large flocks of chough feeding on insects found in the sandy soil and in cow dung.” Anyone interested in finding out more about the consultation should contact Rae McKenzie, SNH Area Officer at Scottish Natural Heritage, Main Street, Bowmore, Isle of Islay by popping in or ringing 01496 810711.
What's Related |
Story Options |