After a highly successful Corncrake Tour last year, Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet Tidy Towns ) and Ballycroy National Park will be hosting this unusual event again this summer, as part of the annual Erris Beo Festival. Erris is one of the top five places in Ireland to ‘go wild’, according to The Irish Times. Visitors travel to Erris to experience natural beauty at its best, so it is unsurprising that the corncrake returns to this stunning place year after year, all the way from Africa.
Hear the Corncrake's Call will be held on Saturday, June 14. Mr Samuel Birch, corncrake conservation officer will give a brief talk at 9pm in the Talbot Hotel in Belmullet, assisted by Ballycroy National Park visitor centre education staff. Afterwards, a bus will transport the entourage to the Mullet peninsula to hear the 'crex crex' sounds of this endangered species.
The corncrake has a very special place in the hearts of Irish people. The Mullet Peninsula is now one of the only locations in the country where you can drive to and hear up to two dozen breeding birds this season. It is truly the stronghold of this rare species and the town of Belmullet is embracing this fact, with a special road sign welcoming people to Corncrake Country. Booking is essential. Please email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 098 49888 or 097 82292 ext 4. There is no fee and transport will be organised.
