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The Inishowen Raptor Study Group is a voluntary organisation made up of people from all walks of life with the common interest of studying birds of prey. It is affiliated to the Irish raptor Study Group . Members are also involved with the Golden Eagle reintroduction programme .

As birds of prey are at the top of the food chain they are good indicators of the state of the local environment , in the past they have given warning of chemicals causing problems in the food chain when numbers declined .

The group has monitored the recolonization of the area by buzzards , first recorded in1981,and now widespread in the county . These large birds caused some apprehension among farmers and various groups , members met and discussed with local people explaining that buzzards did good by feeding on rabbits , pigeons , magpies , and rodents , redressing the balance of nature to some extent caused by the absence of large birds of prey in our environment .

Other species surveyed are the Sparrow hawk , one nest having been monitored for 41 years , where broods of 5 and 6 have been regularly recorded . Merlin and kestrel sites are also monitored .Members participate in national surveys i.e. Hen Harrier , and in the 2002 Peregrine Falcon survey.

The most difficult work yet undertaken is a population evaluation of Long Eared Owls , this nocturnal species appears to be increasing with the spread of conifer plantations in Inishowen .

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Group members also involve themselves in wildlife in general , participating in Iwebs , Goose and swan counts , bird ringing , as well as taking an active interest in the population trends of mammals including Squirrels , Pine Martens , Badgers etc .all of which is extremely rewarding .

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                                                 To check the progress of the Golden Eagle Reintroduction Project click address below