The distinctive 'crex crex' call of the corncrake has been heard once again last week in the Western Isles, marking the return of this endangered species for another breeding season in Scotland.
Their appearance follows the news that numbers of the bird found in Scotland rose for the first time in five years in 2023 when 870 calling males were recorded, up from 828 the previous year.
Nearly half of that figure were recorded in the Western Isles which plays an important in the drive to save the corncrake.
As a red listed species, this takes Scotland’s population of the species back to levels not seen since 2019.
Whilst still significantly lower than the 2014 high of 1282 calling males, the number marks an important result in efforts to save these birds in what is hoped could be a turning point in their recovery.
The success of the population, following worrying declines due to changes in agricultural practices. is thanks to partnership working in corncrake areas with the local communities, volunteers, farmers, crofters and landowners through the project ‘Corncrake Calling’.
Corncrakes are incredibly secretive small brown birds, and are close relatives to Moorhens and Coots, though they spend the winter months in Congo in Central Africa, migrating back to a few places across Scotland and Northern Ireland to breed.
Previously found across the UK, the mechanisation of farming meant most of their breeding habitats were lost, except for the few remaining areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Tara Proud, project manager for Corncrake Calling, said their spring return to Scotland is not only a “hugely exciting event,” with their signature “crex crex” call undeniably marking the start of spring, but also an “encouraging sign that the conservation efforts in the area are helping.”
“Corncrakes are an iconic part of the landscape here, they mean a lot to local communities. The farmers and crofters we work with are creating space for these small but mighty birds, and we’re already seeing the results.”
Corncrakes need cover to nest in, such as nettles, so by leaving tall patches of vegetation they have somewhere to hide.
Corncrake-friendly moving methods are encouraged way in summer by harvesting from
the middle of the field out, so the young chicks, which can’t fly, are able to get
out of the way.
Corncrakes return from Africa to spend summer in the Hebrides
23 April 2024
