Uibhist a Tuath
The Corncrake, Crex crex is one of the country’s rarest breeding birds. It remains vulnerable in Scotland with counts showing their numbers are declining following a high in 2014.
In 2018 only 884 calling males were recorded during RSPB Scotland’s annual survey. This was a marginal increase of just 2% (18 birds) from 2017, and still down 31% from the 2014 high of 1,289 males. There were suggestions of slightly healthier results in areas such as North and South Uist, with increases of 18% and 30% respectively from the previous year, but these were outweighed by losses elsewhere. Unfortunately, despite 20 years of conservation success up to 2014, numbers continue to decline in Scotland with just 870 males recorded in 2019. The fact that the species is languishing at low numbers and struggling to recover continues to prompt concern that the long-term survival of these birds as a breeding species is now under threat.
This fascinating and generally secretive bird is best recognised by its rasping call and slight twitching of leaves as it moves effortlessly through tall grasses and other vegetation in order to stay concealed. Although fairly easy to hear it is not always easy to see - its voice carrying some considerable distance easily confusing the expectant observer.
The accompanying images were taken amongst the stunning scenery of the Outer Hebrides.
More at:
www.bto.org/science/monitoring/psob [Accessed, 20 May 2022].
www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/c/corncrake/conservation_action.aspx [Accessed, 20 May 2022].
www.highnaturevaluefarming.org.uk/hnv-in-scotland/corncrakes-scottish-islands-agri-environment-schemes-reversed-fortunes-one-europes-threatened-birds [Accessed, 20 May 2022].
