1996/99
For up to date news visit the Connaught Telegraph website.
Corncrake - John's sleepless nights are for the birds
13 May 1998
FARMER John Feeney from Shanclough, Knockmore is the toast of BirdWatch Ireland for his dedication to protecting the Corncrake.
But John spent many sleepless night listening to the distinctive nocturnal 'crek-crek' of the bird who set up home just outside his bedroom window.
In an effort to get some sleep, John donned a pair of industrial ear protection muffs. When this failed he added a pair of ear plugs but all to no avail.
Eventually when the Corncrake moved to an adjoining field John finally got a sound nights sleep.
The Shanclough Corncrake appeared in John's garden on April 14 - the earliest recorded arrival in recent years.
Further sightings have been made at Annagh, Belmullet.
BirdWatch Ireland fieldworker in the West, Tim Gordon, said the agri-environmental grant scheme to protect Corncrake nests from destruction during the mowing of meadows and silage fields is set to continue this season.
Grants of £50 per acre are available to landowner in Mayo to delay mowing until the birds have hatched their young.
Mr. Gordon has praised Mr. Feeney for his co-operation in protecting the Corncrake.
"He has shown great civil spirit despite the nightly inconvenience he had to endure", he added.
