Wednesday 9 May 2012

The Arrivals (1)

They're here! So it begins!



Opening the boxes to reveal the state-of-the-art Microwave Telemetry Satellite Tracking Devices



The beginning almost feels like the end, given the incredible amount of hard work already completed in getting this project up and running and the PTT devices into my hands! A major thank you to all involved at the early stages, in particular Katie Crowley, Theresa Collins, Maura Walsh and the Environmental Working Group and Board of Directors of IRD Duhallow for funding the purchase of these tags. Of course the tags would not be of much use without the financial support of NPWS to download the important data that they will generate. Particular thanks are due to Dr. David Tierney and Dr. Ciaran O'Keeffe. The support of NPWS staff on the ground in Duhallow is very much appreciated, in particular Tim O'Donoghue, Dr. Tim Burkitt, Frank McMahon and Pat Dawson. Aidan O'Donoghue and Dan O'Loughlin are the dynamic duo of Duhallow in their search for Hen Harrier nests now. Please let us know if you see any Hen Harriers and it will help us in our quest.

Major thanks to Microwave Telemetry (USA), CLS (France) and Stephen Murphy (England) for technical support and advice.

Without the community of Duhallow, this project would not have been possible at all. The interest, hope and support inspired by the people there has brought this project to the fore!

Likewise, I'm sure when the birds are tagged and start moving to distant lands, we will build our community of supporters and people involved in this project. Duhallow is just the starting point...or will the tagged harriers return again?!

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