The feather report - A wonderful recovery

History tells us that man was not beyond considering events in nature as signals from a higher power, especially when things are bleak, that this force has intervened on our behalf and that the good times are about to return.

Tempting as it may be this morning to revive that set of beliefs it would probably end in tears. However, it is nonetheless wonderful news that so many bird species have returned to population levels common before the great decline of the last three decades.

BirdWatch Ireland have just published a report which shows that advances have been made by some species though others remain in trouble.

There is much we can do — inexpensively — to help species in decline and the rewards are great. So great even as to turn the pessimism of the day into optimism.