Mayo museum to host corncrake conservation talk

THE National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park is hosting a special talk on the conservation of one of Ireland's most endangered birds - the corncrake.

The talk takes places at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, with Liam Loftus, Mayo field officer with Natura Communities Farmlands Birds.

Mr. Loftus will discuss the ongoing efforts to protect and restore corncrake populations in Ireland.

Once a familiar sound across the Irish countryside, the corncrake has become one of Ireland's rarest farmland birds. Although seldom seen, the species is well known for its distinctive rasping call, which echoes across meadows and fields on summer nights.

A remarkable migratory bird, today it survives in only a handful of locations, mainly along Ireland's western and northwestern seaboard.

The event offers a unique opportunity to learn about a species that formed an important part of Ireland's natural and cultural heritage for generations, and to discover the conservation efforts that are helping to bring the corncrake back from the brink.

This event is free of charge, but advance booking is required.

To book, visit museum.ie, phone (094) 9031751, or email BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie.