The buzz on the buzzard

ONCE persecuted to extinction here, the buzzard, a bird of prey, seems to be making a comeback and we’ll probably be seeing more of it in southern parts, writes Donal Hickey

At present the buzzards are being captured at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co Dublin, because the Department of Arts and Heritage says, “of the threat to air safety, including the impact on aircraft due to bird strikes”.

Under the Wildlife Acts, permits may be issued to control protected wild birds which are causing serious damage, the department added. Eighteen buzzards have been captured to date and released in counties Cork and Waterford. The permits were issued to Bird Control Ireland Ltd on behalf of the Air Corps.