RSPB NI are thrilled to announce that three calling Corncrakes have returned to Rathlin Island for the breeding season this year.

RSPB NI are thrilled to announce that three calling Corncrakes have returned to Rathlin Island for the breeding season this year.

They were first heard calling on the island this year in April by Liam McFaul, RSPB NI’s Rathlin Island reserve warden.Once widespread across Northern Ireland, changes to agricultural practices have seen Corncrake suffer a decline in numbers since the 1980s.

However, thanks to conservation efforts from RSPB NI, in partnership with volunteers and landowners, their distinctive “crex-crex” call has been heard once again on Rathlin Island.