Curlew chicks released after eggs rescued from wildfire

Curlew chicks have been released back into the wild after their eggs were rescued during a wildfire on Slieve Beagh in County Fermanagh. Four endangered curlew chicks were returned to their native habitat following a coordinated effort involving conservationists and firefighters. The rescue operation took place on 30 April, when a wildfire threatened the breeding grounds of a rare curlew pair. This area, spanning parts of Counties Fermanagh, Tyrone and Monaghan, is one of the last strongholds for the critically endangered bird on the island of Ireland. The fire, which reached its peak with 85 firefighters deployed, posed a serious threat to the curlew’s nesting site. The birds' breeding ground is part of a cross-border conservation initiative aimed at protecting the dwindling population. The curlew, known for its distinctive call, has seen a dramatic decline, with numbers dropping by 97% since the 1980s. Today, only around 150 breeding pairs remain in Northern Ireland, making each individual crucial to the survival of the species. Dónal Beagan, Headstarting and Nest Protection Manager with the Breeding Waders EIP project, learned about the wildfire while in Dublin. He immediately contacted Róisín Normanly, an RSPB Conservation Advisor stationed nearby. Together, they acted swiftly to safeguard the curlews. The nest, located on the bog, had been previously protected by a fence installed to deter predators. However, the approaching fire forced urgent action. As the flames advanced, Ms Normanly described the scene as alarming. She recalled seeing a plume of smoke rising over the bog, with her heart sinking as she approached the site. The fire was advancing toward the fenced nest, and despite efforts to protect the area, the situation remained dire. With emergency permission granted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the team decided to remove the eggs to ensure their safety. Working alongside Vincent Campbell from the Sliabh Beagh Curlew Conservation Trust, Ms Normanly carefully collected the eggs and transported them in a lunchbox to an incubation facility. The eggs were placed in a controlled environment where temperature and humidity levels were meticulously regulated. This step was essential to mimic the conditions necessary for successful hatching. The process of raising the chicks in captivity is a meticulous task. Dónal Beagan, who also serves on the Slieve Beagh Conservation Trust, explained that the incubation phase typically lasts about 50 days. During this time, the eggs are monitored regularly, and automatic turning mechanisms help maintain optimal conditions. Once the chicks begin to hatch, adjustments to humidity levels are made to support their emergence. Upon hatching, the young curlews are initially kept in a brooding tub designed to simulate the warmth and security of an adult’s presence. After a week, they are transferred to a small outdoor aviary, where they gradually adapt to their surroundings. By the second week, the chicks begin to explore their environment and develop the ability to regulate their body temperature. This stage marks a critical transition, as they become more independent and capable of surviving outdoors. The release of the four chicks represents a significant achievement for conservation efforts. While the curlews were successfully saved, other bird species such as meadow pipits and skylarks were unable to receive similar intervention. The incident underscores the fragility of the ecosystem and the importance of continued conservation work. As the curlews return to their natural habitat, the focus remains on preserving the fragile balance that sustains these rare birds.