Bird Assessment as part of an Environmental Statement for the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, Co. Kerry

Transcription

1 Bird Assessment as part of an Environmental Statement for the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, Co. Kerry Long Strand, Castlefreke, Clonakilty, County Cork Telephone or Website:

2 1 Introduction Cork Ecology were asked to produce a baseline chapter and impact assessment on birds for an Environmental Statement in support of a planning application for the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, within the Townlands of Tooreenagarriv, Ballynahulla, Barna, Knocknageeha, Reanasup and Reaboy, Co. Kerry, at the request of Silverbirch Renewables Ltd. This report is based on published literature and field visits that were made to the site by ecologists working for Silverbirch RenewablesLtd. Bird surveys have been conducted around the site between 2013 and The following ecologists were involved in this fieldwork: 2013 breeding bird surveys covering Barna and Lisheen sites Dr. Gavin Fennessey, Dr. Katherine Kelleher, Michelle O Neill and David Rees (Ecology Ireland) 2014 breeding bird surveys covering Barna and Lisheen sites John Meade and Ray Browne (Rathlus Ecology) winter bird surveys covering Barna and Ballinahula sites John Meade and Ray Browne (Rathlus Ecology) 2015 breeding bird surveys covering Ballinahula site and some additional surveys at Barna and Lisheen sites John Meade and Ray Browne (Rathlus Ecology) winter bird surveys covering Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites John Meade and Ray Browne (Rathlus Ecology) 2016 breeding bird surveys covering Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites Colin Barton (Cork Ecology) This chapter was prepared by Colin Barton (BSc Biology Ecology) of Cork Ecology, based on available published literature and the findings of the above surveys. 1.1 Approach For this assessment, impacts on the receiving environment were characterised with reference to the definitions provided in the Glossary of Impacts contained in the following EPA publications: Advice Notes on Current Practice in the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2003) Guidelines on the Information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements (EPA, 2002) Cork Ecology 2 August 2016

3 For the purposes of the Flora and Fauna chapter of the EIS, the National Road Authority s (NRA) Guidelines for Assessment of Ecological Impacts of National Road Schemes (Rev 2, June 2009), was also consulted. The potential for direct and indirect impacts on key ecological receptors are characterised for each phase of the project (construction, operation and decommissioning stage) and a Do- Nothing impact is also predicted. Residual impacts are also presented following any impact for which mitigation measures are prescribed. Cumulative impacts are also described, where applicable. As per the NRA guidelines, the determination of significance of impacts is based on the potential for change in conservation status. In terms of species, an impact would be considered significant where the long-term distribution or abundance of the species populations at the appropriate geographic scale was affected. 1.2 Outline of the proposed development The proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm is located approximately three kilometres south-west of Ballydesmond. The proposed site is located on elevated ground rising in altitude from 190m to 269m, to the west of and sloping towards the upper reaches of the Blackwater River valley. The south western extent of the proposed site is located close to the ridge forming the watershed between the Blackwater River and Laune River catchments. Turbines are located at elevations of between 200 and 260m OD. The proposed site is approximately 415 hectares (c. 4 km 2 ) in area. The site is primarily a mix of wet grassland, cutover bog and commercial forestry plantations. Much of the surrounding lands, including those comprising the rest of the individual landholdings within which the proposed wind farm development is located, also comprise wet grassland, cut-over bog and commercial forestry. There are also several private dwellings within the overall study area, an Eirgrid 220kV Substation and a number of existing and permitted wind farm developments. The proposed development will comprise 14 wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 150m (maximum rotor diameter of 120m) and associated infrastructure including substation buildings/compounds, underground cabling, grid connection, met masts, access tracks, borrow pits and repositories and crane hardstanding areas, and temporary construction compounds within the Townlands of Tooreenagarriv, Ballynahulla, Barna, Knocknageeha, Reanasup, Reaboy and Tooreencahill, Co. Kerry. It is intended that the maximum total installed capacity of the wind farm will not exceed 50 MW. Minimum rotor height for the proposed turbines (i.e. distance from ground level to the lowest point of the rotor) will be 30m. Cork Ecology 3 August 2016

4 2 Desktop Review of conservation sites and historic information on birds 2.1 Sources of information The desk study focussed on the 10 kilometre squares (or hectads) R10 and W19, in which the proposed wind farm will be located. The following sections detail the sources of published material that were consulted as part of the desk study for the purposes of this chapter of the Environmental Statement. These included the synopses of sites designated for their conservation importance compiled by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht (DoAHG), bird distribution atlases and other relevant research publications. 2.2 Designated conservation sites for birds Table 2.1 shows the sites designated for their conservation importance for birds that are within a radius of 15 kilometres of the study area. No conservation designation applies to the proposed development site. Thus this area does not form part of any Natural Heritage Area (NHA), Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Statutory Nature Reserve or National Park. However, three of the proposed turbines (T9, T10 and T12) are within 300m of the Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills & Mt. Eagle SPA (Site Code ), at its nearest point (Table 2.1) (Refer to Figure ). This SPA is designated for the conservation of Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus. Hen Harriers are listed on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive and are a Red Data Book species (Whilde 1993). Hen Harriers were formerly listed as being of high conservation concern by Birdwatch Ireland (Newton et al 1999), but are currently listed as being of medium conservation concern (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Hen Harriers are also considered a high priority conservation species by the Irish Raptor Study Group (IRSG 2006). There is one other designated conservation area for birds located within a 15 km radius of the proposed development site Mount Eagle Bogs NHA (Table 2.1). A summary of the relevant site synopses from NPWS (2015) is included below, with the full synopses for these designated sites included in Appendix A. Cork Ecology 4 August 2016

5 Table 2.1 Designated conservation sites for birds located within a 15 km radius of the proposed development site Designated Area Qualifying habitats Qualifying species Distance from proposed turbines (at nearest point) Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills & Mt. Eagle SPA (site code ) Hen Harrier 0.3 km Mount Eagle Bogs NHA (Site Code: ) Upland blanket bog Hen Harrier and Red Grouse 5 km Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills & Mt. Eagle SPA The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for Hen Harrier. This SPA is a stronghold for Hen Harrier and supports the largest concentration of the species in the country. A survey in 2005 resulted in 40 confirmed and 5 possible breeding pairs, which represents over 29% of the national total. A similar number of pairs had been recorded in the period. The mix of forestry and open areas provides optimum habitat conditions for this rare bird, which is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. The early stages of new and second-rotation conifer plantations are the most frequently used nesting sites, though some pairs may still nest in tall heather of unplanted bogs and heath. Hen Harriers will forage up to c. 5 km from the nest site, utilising open bog and moorland, young conifer plantations and hill farmland that is not too rank. Birds will often forage in openings and gaps within forests. In Ireland, small birds and small mammals appear to be the most frequently taken prey. Short-eared Owl, also listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive and very rare in Ireland, has been known to breed within the site. Nesting certainly occurred in the late 1970s and birds have been recorded intermittently since. The owls are considered to favour this site due to the presence of Bank Voles, a favoured prey item. Merlin, a further E.U. Birds Directive Annex I species, also breeds but the size of the population is not known. Red Grouse is found on some of the unplanted areas of bog and heath this is a species that has declined in Ireland and is now Red-listed. The main threat to the long-term survival of Hen Harriers within the SPA is further afforestation, which would reduce and fragment the area of foraging habitat, resulting in possible reductions in breeding density and productivity. The SPA has a number of wind farm developments but it is not yet known if these have any adverse impacts on Hen Harriers. Cork Ecology 5 August 2016

6 Mount Eagle Bogs NHA Mount Eagle Bogs NHA consists of four areas of blanket bog adjacent to Mount Eagle, 9 km east of Castleisland on the Kerry/Cork county boundary. Mount Eagle is part of an extensive upland complex that extends from the Stacks Mountains in Kerry to the Mullaghareirk Mountains in Cork and Limerick. This upland complex supports extensive areas of blanket bog, much of which has been afforested in recent years. The upland complex is an important stronghold for the Hen Harrier population in Ireland. Red Grouse and Irish Hare also occur on the site. 2.3 Historical data of bird species of conservation concern Published data on bird species of conservation concern, as compiled by Birdwatch Ireland for the two 10 km grid squares (R10 and W19) containing the proposed development site is presented here as background information. Information is taken from the following published data sources: The Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland (Sharrock, 1976); The New Atlas of Breeding Birds in Britain and Ireland: (Gibbons et al., 1993); Bird Atlas : The breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland (Balmer et al., 2013); The second national survey of breeding Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Ireland 2005 (Barton et al 2006); The third National Hen Harrier Survey 2010 (Ruddock et al 2012); The fourth National Hen Harrier Survey 2015 (Ruddock et al 2016). In addition, information on the conservation status of the relevant species in Ireland was taken from the latest Birdwatch Ireland paper on Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (Colhoun and Cummins 2013). A total of 10 species on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive or on the BoCCI red list were recorded in Squares R10 and W19 on surveys for breeding and/or winter atlases (Tables 2.2 and 2.3). These are considered in more detail below. Cork Ecology 6 August 2016

7 Table 2.2 Breeding Atlas bird data for Squares R10 & W19 Species Breeding Atlas Breeding Atlas Breeding Atlas Conservation status Square R10 Hen Harrier Breeding Breeding Probable breeding Peregrine Breeding in 100km square Breeding in 50km square - Annex I Amber-listed Annex I Green-listed Red Grouse Probable breeding - Possible breeding Red-listed Corncrake Probable breeding - - Annex I Red-listed Curlew Breeding Breeding - Red-listed Barn Owl - - Breeding Red-listed Meadow Pipit Breeding Breeding Breeding Red-listed Grey Wagtail Breeding - Probable breeding Red-listed Square W19 Hen Harrier - - Breeding Merlin Possible breeding - - Peregrine Breeding in 100km square Breeding in 50km square - Annex I Amber-listed Annex I Amber-listed Annex I Green-listed Red Grouse Probable breeding Breeding - Red-listed Corncrake Probable breeding - - Annex I Red-listed Curlew Breeding Breeding - Red-listed Barn Owl Breeding - Breeding Red-listed Meadow Pipit Breeding Breeding Breeding Red-listed Grey Wagtail Breeding Breeding Possible breeding Red-listed Yellowhammer Breeding - - Red-listed Hen Harrier is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, and is currently on the BOCCI Amber list, due to an unfavourable conservation status in Europe, with the global population concentrated outside Europe (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Cork Ecology 7 August 2016

8 Hen Harriers were recorded as breeding in Square R10 in all three breeding atlases. The species was not recorded breeding in Square W19 in the first two breeding atlases, but was recorded as breeding in this square in the third breeding atlas (Table 2.2). The second National Hen Harrier Survey recorded five breeding pairs of Hen Harriers in Square R10 in 2005, with no pairs recorded in Square W19 (Barton et al 2006). In the third National Hen Harrier Survey in 2010, two pairs of Hen Harriers were recorded in Square R10, with no pairs recorded in Square W19 (Ruddock et al 2012). In the 2015 National survey, two pairs of Hen Harriers were again recorded in Square R10, with no pairs recorded in Square W19 (Ruddock et al 2016). A paper on the 2010 National Hen Harrier Survey compared population estimates for Hen Harrier SPAs in 2010 with the population estimates from 2005 that were used as SPA classification values. In 2005, there were a total of 40 confirmed pairs and five possible pairs recorded in the Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA. By 2010, the SPA population had dropped to 18 confirmed pairs and 11 possible pairs, a decline of 35.6%. It was concluded that this change may have been due to changes in the forest age structure and/or variation in breeding success associated with forest habitats (Ruddock et al 2012). In the 2015 National Hen Harrier Survey, there were 23 confirmed pairs and a further five possible pairs recorded in the Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA, which gives a similar total figure (28 confirmed and possible pairs) compared to 2010 (29 confirmed and possible pairs) (Ruddock et al 2016). Merlin was not recorded as breeding or in winter in Square R10 in any atlas. Merlin was recorded as possibly breeding in Square W19 in the first breeding atlas, but there were no subsequent breeding records (Table 2.2). There were no winter records of Merlin in Square W19. Merlin is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, and is currently on the BOCCI Amber list, due to a moderate decline of between 35% and 69% in its breeding range over the period to (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Peregrine were recorded as breeding within the 100 km square containing the proposed development in the first breeding atlas, and as breeding within the 50 km square containing the proposed development in the second breeding atlas. More detailed information on their breeding status in Squares R10 and W19 for this period was not available. There were no records of breeding peregrine in Squares R10 and W19 in the third breeding atlas (Table 2.2). There were also no winter records of Peregrine for these squares. Although Peregrine is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, it is currently on the BOCCI green list. Green-listed species are described as being of the least conservation priority (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). A national survey of breeding Peregrines in 2002 concluded that the Peregrine population in the Republic of Ireland was at an all time historic high (Madden et al 2009). Cork Ecology 8 August 2016

9 Red Grouse was recorded as probably breeding in both Squares R10 and W19 in the first breeding atlas (Table 2.2). In the second atlas, Red Grouse was recorded breeding in Square W19, but not in Square R10. In the third breeding atlas, Red Grouse was recorded as possibly breeding in Square R19 but was not recorded in Square W19. There were no winter records of Red Grouse in either square. Overall, the atlas shows a 66% reduction in the Irish distribution of Red Grouse (as shown by occupied hectads) since the atlas survey. The Irish population has probably been much reduced in recent decades by habitat loss and fragmentation caused by peat cutting and especially the expansion of forestry. Red Grouse is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a population decline of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Table 2.3 Winter Atlas bird data for Squares R10 & W19 Species Square R Winter Atlas Winter Atlas Hen Harrier - Present Conservation status Annex I Amber-listed Barn Owl - Present Red-listed Meadow Pipit Present Present Red-listed Grey Wagtail - Present Red-listed Square W19 Hen Harrier - Present Annex I Amber-listed Barn Owl - Present Red-listed Meadow Pipit Present Present Red-listed Grey Wagtail - Present Red-listed Corncrake was only recorded as possibly breeding in both Squares R10 and W19 in the first breeding atlas, with no breeding records from subsequent atlas surveys (Table 2.2). Corncrake distribution has declined dramatically throughout Ireland in recent times. Corncrakes breed in damp hay meadows (with tall grasses) and wet marshland. According to the BirdWatch Ireland Corncrake survey carried out in 1993 there has been an 81% decline in the population since 1988 (Sheppard & Green 1994). The atlas shows a 91% reduction in Irish distribution (as shown by occupied hectads) since the atlas survey. Corncrake is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive, and is currently on the BOCCI red list due to a population decline of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013, and a decline in the breeding range of at least 70% between the atlas and the atlas (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Cork Ecology 9 August 2016

10 Curlew was recorded as breeding in both Squares R10 and W19 in the first and second breeding atlases, however there were no breeding records from either square in the breeding atlas (Table 2.2). Curlew was not recorded in either square in the winter atlas surveys. Curlews breed in a variety of habitats including bogs, arable fields and maritime grassland. The Irish breeding population has declined by 80% since the 1970s and there may be only a few hundred breeding pairs left. The atlas shows a 78% reduction in the Irish distribution (as shown by occupied hectads) since the atlas survey. Curlew is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a population decline of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013, as well as a decline in the breeding range of at least 70% between the atlas and the atlas. In addition, the non-breeding population has declined by at least 50% between the mid-1980 s and (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Barn Owl were not recorded as breeding in Square R10 in the first two breeding atlases, but were recorded as breeding in this square in the atlas (Table 2.2). In Square W19, Barn Owl were recorded as breeding in the first atlas, but not in the second atlas. The species was recorded breeding again in this square in the breeding atlas. Barn Owls were also recorded in both squares in the winter atlas surveys (Table 2.3). The favoured haunts of Barn Owls are open agricultural landscapes with rough pastures and woodland edges or scrub. Barn Owl is currently on the BOCCI red list due to a decline in the breeding population of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Meadow Pipit was recorded as breeding in both Squares R10 and W19 in all three breeding atlases (Table 2.2). The species was also recorded in both squares in the winter atlas surveys (Table 2.3). Meadow Pipit is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a short-term population decline of at least 50% between 1998 and 2011 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). It is considered that the population declined suddenly because of severe winters between 2009/10 and 2011/12. However, recent data from the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) indicate that the population has been in recovery since 2011 (Crowe et al., 2014). Grey Wagtail was recorded as breeding in both Squares R10 and W19 in the first breeding atlas (Table 2.2). In the second atlas, Grey Wagtail was recorded breeding in Square W19, but not in Square R10. In the third breeding atlas, Grey Wagtail was recorded as probably breeding in Square R19 and possibly breeding in Square W19. Grey Wagtail was recorded in both squares in the winter atlas surveys (Table 2.3). Grey wagtail is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a short-term population decline of at least 50% between 1998 and 2011 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). It is considered that the population declined suddenly because of severe winters between 2009/10 and 2011/12. However, recent data from the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) indicate that the population has been in recovery since 2011 (Crowe et al., 2014). Yellowhammer was not recorded as breeding or in winter in Square R10. Yellowhammer was recorded as breeding in Square W19 in the first breeding atlas, but there were no subsequent breeding records (Table 2.2). There were no winter records of Yellowhammer in Square W19. Cork Ecology 10 August 2016

11 Yellowhammers are strongly associated with cereal farming, and it is thought that changes in agriculture away from cereal farming in some parts of Ireland have led to a decline in the Yellowhammer population. The atlas shows a 61% reduction in the Irish distribution (as shown by occupied hectads) since the atlas survey. Yellowhammer is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a decline in the breeding population of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). 3 Survey Methodology 3.1 Hen Harrier activity in the breeding season Surveys for breeding pairs of Hen Harriers around the site and hinterland In 2013, Hen Harrier field surveys were undertaken in accordance with NPWS recommendations (NPWS 2003) and the Survey Methods for Use in Assessing the Impacts of Onshore Wind farms on Bird Communities (SNH 2010). The survey comprises two aspects; (i) a study of Hen Harrier usage of the site during the bird breeding season and (ii) a study of Hen Harrier breeding pairs within a 5km hinterland of the site during the bird breeding season. In 2013, surveys for breeding pairs of Hen Harriers and other birds of prey were conducted in and around the proposed development site in April and July. The aim of this part of the survey was to establish the number of territorial pairs of Hen Harriers within a 5 km radius of the proposed wind farm. The hinterland study was completed over four survey days in April and July 2013 (Fennessy 2016). The 5 km hinterland surrounding the proposed wind farm sites was assessed for suitable Hen Harrier nesting and foraging habitats. These areas were then observed for Hen Harrier activity using a series of short vantage point watches during the survey days. In the event that a Hen Harrier was observed, its gender, behaviour, associated habitat and observation time were noted. These data were used in subsequent analysis, assessment and interpretation of Hen Harrier occupancy within 5 km of the proposed site. In 2014, a survey of potential breeding Hen Harrier habitats within a radius of 3km of the proposed site was carried out on 15th July 2014 in suitable weather conditions. A 5km radius survey was also carried out on 26th July 2014 in suitable weather conditions (Rathlus Ecology 2014). Vantage point observations were conducted within the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites between April and July, however no surveys of potential breeding Hen Harrier habitats within 5km of the proposed sites were conducted in 2015 (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). In 2016, surveys for breeding pairs of Hen Harriers (and other birds of prey of conservation concern) were conducted in and around the proposed development site in April, covering all Cork Ecology 11 August 2016

12 suitable breeding habitat up to two km from the proposed development. At this time of year, territorial pairs of Hen Harriers can be identified by characteristic aerial displays. The aim of this survey was to establish the number of territorial pairs of Hen Harriers in the vicinity of the wind farm. The methods used for the surveys were based on methodology agreed between NPWS, Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Raptor Study Group for Hen Harrier monitoring in February 2003 (NPWS 2003), and those used for national surveys of breeding Hen Harriers in 2005 and 2010 (Barton et al 2006, Ruddock et al 2012). Observations were carried out from a series of vantage points overlooking all suitable habitats within a 2 km radius of the proposed wind farm, and overlooking the site itself, in April Repeat visits were made to all vantage points where Hen Harrier territorial behaviour had been seen on the first visit. The length of time spent at each vantage point ranged from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on Hen Harrier sightings. At each vantage point, regular scans were made over all visible suitable habitat using binoculars and telescope. All Hen Harrier activity was noted. Territorial pairs were considered confirmed if display or pair behaviour (e.g. food pass) was seen at the same site on two separate occasions, at least one week apart, as defined in Barton et al (2006). If territorial behaviour was only recorded at a site once, or if only one adult bird was ever seen at a site, this was considered a possible pair. Searches for territorial behaviour were only carried out in good weather conditions and were suspended during periods of rain, poor visibility and high wind, as such conditions may affect Hen Harrier activity. Assessment of Hen Harrier activity around Barna and Lisheen sites (2013 and 2014) In 2013, vantage point (VP) surveys were undertaken between April and July 2013 during suitable weather conditions as required (Fennessy 2016). An additional VP survey was carried out in August 2013 at Barna, in response to the sightings of both male and ringtail Hen Harriers in the earlier part of the season. In 2013, simultaneous observations were conducted from four vantage points overlooking the Barna and Lisheen sites and immediate vicinity over four separate days between April and July. Two vantage points were used for each site, which allowed adequate coverage of the sites (Appendix B). A total of 24 hours of observation time was spent at each VP between April and July inclusive, with six additional hours of observations made in August 2013 from VP1 at Barna. VP surveys were undertaken using appropriate survey equipment as required (e.g. GPS units, binoculars, scope, notebooks etc.) and during suitable weather conditions (Appendix B). The survey team was made up of the same four experienced ecologists on each of these study visits. Cork Ecology 12 August 2016

13 All observers were in regular contact by means of two-way radios. This helped co-ordinate observations of birds flying across the survey sites. In the event a Hen Harrier was observed, its gender, behaviour, flight-line and height, associated habitat and observation time within and outside of the site boundary were noted. These data were used in subsequent analysis, assessment and interpretation of Hen Harrier usage of the site. In addition, the proportion of time spent by Hen Harriers on and off the site during the survey was calculated. Other Annex I species (e.g. Golden Plover, Peregrine Falcon) occurring during the VP surveys were also recorded and included in the data tables and mapping for this report. In 2014, vantage point surveys were conducted from four locations; two overlooking the Barna site and two overlooking the Lisheen site. Surveys were conducted between April and July. Three hours of observations were conducted at individual vantage points. Surveys avoided days of high winds (greater than Beaufort Force 5), heavy rain or poor visibility (Appendix C). Assessment of Hen Harrier activity around Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites (2015) In 2015, the survey methods followed the SNH guidelines (SNH 2005), and NPWS methods (NPWS 2003). Watches of six hours duration were carried out between April and July. Nine vantage points were used in the April-July 2015 watches, although observations were not conducted at every vantage point in all months (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). Three vantage points were used to cover the Barna site, with another three vantage points used to cover the Lisheen site. A further three vantage points were used to cover the Ballinahulla site, to the north-east of Barna (Appendix D). Watches were carried out in suitable weather conditions (Appendix D). Acceptable conditions were defined as winds not exceeding Beaufort force four and good visibility of at least 1.5 to 2 kilometres from the vantage point. Heavy and persistent rain/hail or snow (i.e. heavy enough to discourage bird activity) were considered to render conditions unsuitable for surveying, although light-moderate passing showers or short periods of fine drizzle were considered acceptable as long as they did not have significant negative effects on visibility. Watches were suspended and restarted where weather conditions became unsuitable for surveying (e.g. a watch could be suspended during a sudden torrential downpour, or where a mist rose and cleared again). Observations did not begin for ten minutes (to allow any short-term disturbance to decline) after reaching a VP at the beginning of a survey day and a break of 20 minutes between two VP watches was also enforced (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). Cork Ecology 13 August 2016

14 Assessment of Hen Harrier activity around Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites (2016) In the 2016 breeding season, the survey methods followed the SNH guidelines (SNH 2014), and NPWS methods (NPWS 2003). Additional vantage point surveys over the proposed wind turbine locations at Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla commenced in March 2016 and were continued through to August Four vantage points were surveyed in March 2016, with five vantage points being covered from April to August 2016, with a total of six hours at each vantage point in each month (Figure 3.1). This gave a total of 144 hours (8,640 minutes) of observation time between March and July 2016, with a further 30 hours of observation time in August Figure 3.1 Proposed wind farm site, showing proposed development site (red line), turbine locations, vantage points (blue circles) and viewsheds (blue lines) All Hen Harrier activity was recorded and mapped, including duration of observation, activity (hunting, display etc) and estimated height of flight, in relation to the rotor-swept zone of the turbines. Cork Ecology 14 August 2016

15 Observations were carried out in good weather conditions and were suspended during periods of rain, poor visibility and high winds, as such conditions may affect Hen Harrier activity. Other species of conservation concern observed during surveys were also recorded. 3.2 Surveys of Hen Harrier winter roosts Hen Harriers typically arrive at a winter roost site during the last hour of daylight, and may disappear straight into cover or may fly around for a period before settling into vegetation. Birds may roost on the ground in heather or long grass or scrub or also in trees (Watson 1977). Surveys were conducted at the known Hen Harrier winter roost site at Barna Bog between November 2014 and March Additional roost watches were also conducted over potential roost habitat at the Ballinahulla site between January and March For the winter roost watches, a vantage point was chosen that overlooked the likely roosting site. Both early morning and evening watches were conducted for two hours duration. Survey times are given in Table 4.9 (Rathlus Ecology 2015b & c). Winter roost watches were carried out in reasonable weather conditions as far as possible, avoiding periods of rain, poor visibility and high winds, as such conditions may affect Hen Harrier activity. Further roost watches were conducted between November 2015 and March 2016 from vantage points overlooking the known regular winter roost site and other areas of Barna Bog, outside of the proposed wind farm. Additional roost watches were also conducted over potential roost habitat at the Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites over the same period. Both early morning and evening watches were conducted for two hours duration. Survey dates and times are given in Appendix D (Rathlus Ecology 2016). 3.3 Surveys for Red Grouse Surveys for Red Grouse were undertaken in March and early April 2014, at Barna and Lisheen. Surveys consisted of two dusk surveys from vantage points at the Barna site and two dusk surveys from vantage points at the Lisheen site (Rathlus Ecology 2014). Territorial male Red Grouse display around sunset, and the display flight is noisy, conspicuous and unmistakeable, and can also be observed over long distances. This method has been successfully used to monitor the Red Grouse population at Long Mynd in Shropshire for several years (SACWG 2014). Cork Ecology 15 August 2016

16 3.4 Surveys for other bird species In 2013, in tandem with the VP study, a casual list of birds heard or seen during the VP watches was also noted by each of the observers. These data were used to produce a baseline breeding bird community for the Barna and Lisheen sites across the 2013 breeding season (Fennessy 2013). In 2014, walkover breeding bird surveys were conducted around the Barna and Lisheen sites. The methodology involved morning surveys along the transect route. Surveys were avoided on days of high winds (greater than Beaufort Force 5), heavy rain or poor visibility. The route was walked at a slow pace so that all birds detected were identified and located. In April and May 2016, walkover breeding bird surveys were conducted around the proposed Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites. Walkover surveys were conducted on 12 th, 20 th and 26 th of April and 3 rd, 10 th 12 th and 16 th May. All bird species heard or seen were recorded. Evidence of breeding activity, such as singing, alarm-calling or birds carrying food was also recorded in order to estimate the minimum number of breeding territories between April and June. Bird identification followed Svensson and Grant (1999). 4 Results 4.1 Hen Harrier activity in the breeding season In 2013, searches for Hen Harrier breeding pairs around the proposed sites and 5km hinterland were conducted on 29 th and 30 th April, with repeat surveys on 9 th and 19 th July (Appendix B) (Fennessy 2016). Table 4.1 Details of observations of target bird species recorded in the km hinterland surveys (from Fennessy 2016) Date Species Sighting description April 2013 Sparrowhawk Hen Harrier Sparrowhawk Buzzard Male circling north of Doctor's Hill - from 10:30 to 10:45 [Observation 1] Male seen near Tooreennamult Bridge at 13:17, foraging over cutover bog and then heading south [Observation 2] Probable female) seen at 14:15 south of Scrahanfadda [Observation 3] Pair circling at Knockrower West at 15:00 [Observation 4] July 2013 Hen Harrier Male observed at 11:01 at Barna to northwest of Cork Ecology 16 August 2016

17 the site. Seen briefly before dipping below line of coniferous plantation [Observation 5] Sparrowhawk Peregrine Two recently fledged Sparrowhawks recorded at 12:35 between Tooreennamult Bridge and Knocknageeha - one bird calling [Observation 6] Male perched on bog at Lisheen plucking small bird. Disturbed at 12:44 and flew to northeast appearing to land again. [Observation 7]. No confirmed breeding territories of Hen Harrier, or recently fledged young Hen Harriers were recorded within 5km of the site during the 2013 hinterland surveys. There were two sightings of male Hen Harriers recorded. In addition, there were five sightings of other raptor species, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine Falcon (Table 4.1). In 2014, no Hen Harrier nesting activity was recorded within the Barna or Lisheen wind farm sites on April surveys. No Hen Harriers were recorded on a survey of potential breeding Hen Harrier habitats within a radius of 3km of the proposed site on 15th July in suitable weather conditions. No Hen Harrier activity was recorded on a 5km radius survey around the proposed site on 26th July in suitable weather conditions (Rathlus Ecology 2014). In 2015, no Hen Harrier nesting activity was recorded within the Barna, Lisheen or Ballinahulla sites on April surveys. No additional surveys of potential breeding Hen Harrier habitats within 5km of the proposed sites were conducted in 2015 (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). In April 2016, fieldwork in and around the proposed Barna wind farm confirmed the presence of one territorial pair of Hen Harriers approximately 700m from the nearest proposed turbine. This pair were still active in July 2016, and successfully fledged two young. There was no Hen Harrier territorial behavior recorded elsewhere in the 2 km hinterland around the proposed development in April In addition, a pair of Goshawks Accipter gentilis were recorded displaying to the south of the proposed turbines at Lisheen, and also to the south-west of the proposed turbines at Barna on 14 th March The pair were covering a large area and were not seen on subsequent surveys. It is concluded that they are not nesting within the proposed development sites, but may be nesting somewhere in the vicinity. Goshawks typically prefer mature conifer plantations, and the species is currently Amber-listed on the BOCCI list, as it is considered a rare breeding species, with less than 100 pairs, with breeding proven, or at least probable, between 2004 and 2012 (Colhoun and Cummins 2013). A Buzzard Buteo buteo was seen soaring to the south of the proposed turbines south of Barna Bog on 18 th March 2016 but was not seen subsequently. It is concluded that Buzzards are not nesting within the proposed development sites, but there may be a pair nesting somewhere in Cork Ecology 17 August 2016

18 the vicinity. Buzzards typically nest in mature woodland, and the species is currently Greenlisted on the BOCCI list (Colhoun and Cummins 2013). 4.2 Monthly observations in the breeding season April to August 2013 A total of 102 hours of observations were conducted between April and July, with 54 hours at the Barna site and 48 hours at the Lisheen site. Dates and weather conditions during observations are shown in Appendix B. During the course of the 2013 VP surveys, Hen Harriers were recorded at both of the proposed development sites. At the Barna site there were 13 Hen Harrier flightlines recorded between April and August, with three sightings in April, five in May, two in June, one in July and two in August (Table 4.2). At the Lisheen site, there were six Hen Harrier flightlines recorded between April and July, with three sightings in May and three in June (Table 4.2). Table 4.2 Summary of Hen Harrier activity recorded in the vicinity of the Barna and Lisheen sites, April to August 2013 (from Fennessey 2016) (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Site April May June July August Total Inside Barna Outside Barna Total 7.7 mins 19.0 mins 7.3 mins 5.8 mins 8.0 mins 47.8 mins Inside Lisheen Outside Lisheen Total 0 mins 47.0 mins 2.8 mins 0 mins mins Overall Total 7.7 mins 66.0 mins 10.1 mins 5.8 mins 8.0 mins 97.6 mins Hen Harriers were recorded in the Barna site and immediate vicinity for a total of 47.8 minutes between April and August 2013 (Table 4.2). This represented 1.5 % of the total observation time (54 hours). Most activity was recorded in May (39.7%), with the least activity recorded in July (12.1%). Hen Harriers were recorded for a total of 6.3 minutes within the proposed site at Barna, compared to 41.5 minutes of activity recorded outside the proposed Barna site. Cork Ecology 18 August 2016

19 Hen Harriers were recorded in the Lisheen site and immediate vicinity for a total of 49.8 minutes between April and July 2013 (Table 4.2). This represented 1.7% of the total observation time (48 hours). Most activity was recorded in May (94.4 %), with no activity recorded in April or July. Hen Harriers were recorded for a total of 47.8 minutes within the proposed site at Lisheen, compared to 2.0 minutes of activity recorded outside the proposed Lisheen site. Overall, observations of Hen Harriers in the vicinity of the Barna and Lisheen sites combined totalled 97.6 minutes between April and August 2013 (Table 4.2). This represented 1.6% of the total observation time (102 hours). Hen Harriers were recorded for a total of 54.1 minutes within the proposed sites at Barna and Lisheen, compared to 43.5 minutes of activity recorded outside the proposed sites. There were sightings of ringtail Hen Harrier (probably adult female) on the open bog outside the proposed Barna site boundary in April and May The old Bórd na Móna lands at Barna contains areas of habitat attractive for nesting, foraging and roosting Hen Harrier and the flightlines recorded at this site were concentrated in the strip of bog, interspersed with scrub. The presence of male and female Hen Harrier in this habitat in the early part of the 2013 breeding season suggested the presence of a breeding pair. However, the activity levels dropped in June and July and there was no evidence of an active nest site anywhere in the Barna site during the 2013 VP survey. It is possible that there was a nesting attempt at this location early in the season but the pattern of activity suggests that any nesting effort was abandoned by June 2013 (Fennessy 2016). Hen Harrier sightings around the Lisheen site were restricted to observations of foraging males in May and June The bulk of the May sightings refer to an apparently immature male Hen Harrier, which was recorded in the Lisheen site for a total of 32.0 minutes (66.9% of Hen Harrier observations within the Lisheen site in 2013). This bird was actively foraging for most of the period of observation (Fennessy 2016). Although no detailed foraging durations or breakdown of flight heights were recorded, the majority of sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys between April and August 2013 involved hunting birds flying below 10m in height (Fennessy 2016). A summary of 2013 Hen Harrier sightings is given in Appendix B. April to July 2014 Between April and July 2014, observations were conducted from four vantage points overlooking the Barna and Lisheen sites. A total of 28 hours of observations were conducted over the period, with 16 hours at the Barna site and 12 hours at the Lisheen site. Dates and weather conditions during observations are shown in Appendix C. Cork Ecology 19 August 2016

20 During the course of the 2014 VP surveys, Hen Harriers were recorded from vantage points overlooking both of the proposed development sites and adjacent habitat. At the Barna site and immediate vicinity, there were three Hen Harrier sightings recorded between April and July, with one sighting (two birds) in April, no sightings in May, no sightings in June and one sighting in July (Table 4.3). At the Lisheen site and immediate vicinity, there was one Hen Harrier sighting recorded between April and June, in May, with no sightings in April or June (Table 4.3). There were no vantage point observations at the Lisheen site in July 2014 (Rathlus Ecology 2014). Table 4.3 Summary of Hen Harrier activity recorded in the Barna and Lisheen sites, April to July 2014 (from Rathlus Ecology 2014) (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Site April May June July Total Inside Barna Outside Barna Total 0.5 mins 0 mins 0 mins 0.5 mins 1.0 mins Inside Lisheen (minimum) Outside Lisheen Total 0 mins 0.4+ mins 0 mins - mins 0.4+ mins Overall Total 0.5 mins 0.4+ mins 0 mins 0.5 mins 1.4+ mins Overall, 2014 observations of Hen Harriers in the Barna and Lisheen sites and surrounding areas were considerably lower than over the same period in 2013, with a combined total of 1.4 minutes between April and July, although survey effort was also lower (Table 4.3). This represented 0.1% of the total observation time (28 hours) (Rathlus Ecology 2014). Hen Harriers were not recorded inside the proposed site at Barna over the period, compared to 1.0 minutes of activity recorded outside the proposed Barna site. Hen Harriers were recorded inside the proposed site at Lisheen for a minumum of 0.4 minutes over the period, although the duration of observations of a male circling and soaring within the site on 28th May 2014 were not recorded (Rathlus Ecology 2014). The duration of activity within the proposed Lisheen site would have been higher than the 0.4 minutes recorded, probably by a few minutes. There was no Hen Harrier activity recorded outside the proposed Lisheen site over the period. Although no detailed foraging durations or breakdown of flight heights were recorded, the majority of the low number of sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys between April and July 2014 involved hunting birds flying below 10m in height (Rathlus Ecology 2014). A summary of 2014 Hen Harrier sightings is given in Appendix C. Cork Ecology 20 August 2016

21 April to July 2015 Between April and July 2015, observations were conducted from nine vantage points overlooking the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahula sites. Three vantage points were used to cover an additional site at Ballinahulla, to the north-east of Barna. In addition, three vantage points were used to cover the Barna site, with another three vantage points covering the Lisheen site, although watches were not carried out at every vantage point each month for the latter two sites (Appendix D). A total of 120 hours of observations were conducted over the period, with 24 hours at the Barna site, 24 hours at the Lisheen site and 72 hours at the Ballinahula site. Dates and weather conditions during observations are shown in Appendix D. During the course of the 2015 VP surveys, Hen Harriers were only recorded in the vicinity of the Barna site. At Barna there were three Hen Harrier sightings recorded between April and July, with two sightings in April and one in June (Table 4.4). There were no Hen Harrier sightings at the Lisheen site or the Ballinahulla site (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). Table 4.4 Summary of Hen Harrier activity recorded in the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites, April to July 2015 (from Rathlus Ecology 2015a) (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Site April May June July Total Inside Barna Outside Barna Total 0.4 mins 0 mins 1.3 mins 0 mins 1.7 mins Inside Lisheen Outside Lisheen Total 0 mins 0 mins 0 mins 0 mins 0 mins Inside Ballinahulla Outside Ballinahulla Total 0 mins 0 mins 0 mins 0 mins 0 mins Overall Total 0.4 mins 0 mins 1.3 mins 0 mins 1.7 mins In 2015, there were no sightings of Hen Harriers within the three proposed sites between April and July (Table 4.4). Hen Harriers were recorded outside the Barna site for a total of 1.7 Cork Ecology 21 August 2016

22 minutes between April and July, which represented 0.1% of the total observation time at the Barna site (24 hours). Most activity was recorded in June (76.5%), with no activity recorded in May and July. Although no detailed foraging durations or breakdown of flight heights were recorded, all sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys between April and July 2015 involved birds flying below 20m in height. i.e. below the rotor swept zone of the proposed turbines (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). A summary of 2015 Hen Harrier sightings is given in Appendix D. March to July 2016 Between March and July 2016, observations were conducted from five vantage points overlooking the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahula sites and adjacent habitat. A total of 144 hours of observations were conducted over the period, with 24 hours from four vantage points in March, and 30 hours from five vantage points each month between April and July. Vantage point surveys were also conducted from five vantage points in August. Dates and weather conditions during observations are shown in Appendix E. Between April and July 2016 there were 65 sightings of Hen Harriers in the Silverbirch Study Area. Hen Harriers were recorded in the Silverbirch Study Area for a total of minutes (4.6 hours) over this period (Table 4.5). This represented 3.2% of the total observation time between March and July Highest levels of activity were recorded in July 2016, with lowest activity recorded in March Table 4.5 Sightings of Hen Harriers in the Silverbirch Study Area, March to July 2016 (Time shown in decimalised minutes) March April May June July Sightings Minutes Within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, there were 32 sightings of Hen Harriers between March and July 2016, and a total of 40.9 minutes (0.7 hours) of activity was recorded within the proposed wind farm over this period (Table 4.6). Highest levels of activity within the proposed Wind Farm were recorded in June 2016, with lowest activity recorded in March Cork Ecology 22 August 2016

23 Table 4.6 Sightings of Hen Harriers in the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, March to July 2016 (Time shown in decimalised minutes) March April May June July Total Sightings Minutes Between March and July 2016, seven types of Hen Harrier behaviour were recorded within the Silverbirch Study Area (Table 4.7). Overall, hunting and birds on the ground/perching were the two most frequently recorded activities, accounting for 66.5% of the recorded observations. However, the high figure for perched/on ground birds largely due to one male Hen Harrier outside the proposed wind farm, which was recorded perched for 70.0 minutes on 25 th July. Table 4.7 Summary of Hen Harrier activity recorded in the Silverbirch Study Area, March to July 2016 (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Activity March April May June July (mins) (mins) (mins) (mins) (mins) Total In* Out* In* Out* In* Out* In* Out* In* Out* Mins % Hunting Circling Soaring Gliding Flying Display On ground Total % Combined Total 18.1 mins 59.0 mins 40.3 mins 42.1 mins mins mins *Inside or outside proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm Within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, five types of Hen Harrier behaviour were recorded (Table 4.8). Overall, hunting was the most frequently recorded behaviour, accounting for 70.7% (28.9 minutes) of the total recorded time within the proposed wind farm (40.9 minutes). Flying Cork Ecology 23 August 2016

24 was the next most frequently recorded behaviour, accounting for 19.6% (8.0 minutes) of the total recorded time within the proposed wind farm. Table 4.8 Summary of Hen Harrier activity recorded in the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, March to July 2016 (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Activity Time (minutes) Percentage Hunting Soaring Flying Display On ground Total 40.9 mins 100% Within the Silverbirch Study Area, the majority of Hen Harrier flying activity between March and July 2016 was recorded below 30 m in height, with the majority (87.2%) of all observed flight activity recorded below 30 m when data from all months were combined (Table 4.9). Peak activity between 30m and 150m, which includes the likely rotor-swept zone, was recorded in April and May, which are the peak months for soaring activity related to display behaviour. Table 4.9 Breakdown of Hen Harrier flight heights recorded in the Silverbirch Study Area, March to July 2016 (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Height March April May June July Total <5 m m m > 150 m Total 18.1 mins 57.4 mins 31.5 mins 40.3 mins 42.5 mins mins Cork Ecology 24 August 2016

25 Similarly, within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, the majority of Hen Harrier flying activity between March and July 2016 was recorded below 30 m in height, with 97.2% of all observed flight activity recorded below 30 m when data from all months was combined (Table 4.10). Peak activity within the proposed Wind Farm between 30m and 150m, which includes the likely rotor-swept zone, was recorded in May. Table 4.10 Breakdown of Hen Harrier flight heights recorded in the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm, March to July 2016 (Time shown in decimalised minutes) Height March April May June July Total <5 m % 5 30 m % m % > 150 m % Total 3.6 mins 5.6 mins 9.3 mins 9.8 mins 10.6 mins 38.9 mins 100% Flight paths of Hen Harriers recorded flying through the Silverbirch Study Area during the vantage point surveys between March and July 2016 were mapped (Figures 4.1 to 4.5). Highest activity within the Wind Farm was recorded in June and July Cork Ecology 25 August 2016

26 Figure 4.1 Hen Harrier flight paths through the Silverbirch Study Area in March 2016 In March 2016, Hen Harrier activity was predominantly in the Barna Bog area, with no sightings around the proposed Ballinahulla or Lisheen turbines (Figure 4.1). Cork Ecology 26 August 2016

27 Figure 4.2 Hen Harrier flight paths through the Silverbirch Study Area in April 2016 In April 2016, most Hen Harrier activity was over Barna Bog, west of proposed Turbines 8 and 9. A male was also recorded twice in the vicinity of the proposed Ballinahulla turbines (Figure 4.2). Cork Ecology 27 August 2016

28 Figure 4.3 Hen Harrier flight paths through the Silverbirch Study Area in May 2016 Hen Harrier activity was lower in May 2016 than the previous month. Two males were seen chasing each other flying south-west near the proposed turbines at Reaboy, to the south of Barna Bog. A male was also seen hunting in the vicinity of the proposed Lisheen turbines in May (Figure 4.3). Cork Ecology 28 August 2016

29 Figure 4.4 Hen Harrier flight paths through the Silverbirch Study Area in June 2016 In June 2016, Hen Harrier activity was again mainly in the vicinity of Barna Bog, west of proposed Turbines 8 and nine, and also south-west of the proposed turbines at Reaboy (Figure 4.4). Cork Ecology 29 August 2016

30 Figure 4.5 Hen Harrier flight paths through the Silverbirch Study Area in July 2016 In July 2016, Hen Harrier activity was mainly in the vicinity of Barna Bog, west of proposed Turbines 8 and nine, and also south-west of the proposed turbines at Reaboy. Single males were also seen hunting in the vicinity of the proposed Ballinahulla and Lisheen turbines in July (Figure 4.5). Cork Ecology 30 August 2016

31 Hen Harrier winter roost surveys Winter roost surveys were conducted at the Barna roost site between November 2014 and March Survey dates, times and weather conditions are shown in Appendix C. Winter roost surveys were also conducted at the Barna roost site and around the remainder of the proposed development site between November 2015 and March 2016 (Rathlus Ecology 2016). Survey dates, times and weather conditions are shown in Appendix D. A comparison of numbers of Hen Harriers recorded during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 monthly winter surveys at the Barna roost site is presented in Table Table 4.11 Comparison of counts of Hen Harriers recorded during winter roost surveys in 2014/2015 and 2015/16 at the Barna roost site (from Rathlus Ecology 2015b & Rathlus Ecology 2016) Survey month Winter 2014/15 Winter 2015/16 November December January February March 6 birds (4 males; 2 females) 4 birds (2 males; 2 females) 11 birds (4 males; 5 females; 1 imm male & 1 ringtail ) 8 birds (4 males; 3 females & 1 imm male) 4 birds (2 males; 2 females) 1 Ringtail refers to undetermined female or young male Hen Harrier 7 birds (4 males; 1 imm male; 2 females) 8 birds (3 males; 1 imm male; 4 females) 10 birds (5 males; 3 females; 2 imm males 2 birds (2 males) 4 birds (3 males; 1 female) In both winters, highest numbers of roosting Hen Harriers were recorded in January, with peaks of 11 birds and 10 birds respectively. In winter 2014/2015, lowest numbers of roosting Hen Harriers were recorded in March (4 birds), while in winter 2015/2016, lowest numbers of roosting Hen Harriers were recorded in February (2 birds). The degree of movement of birds between roosts over the winter period in Ireland is not known, although wing-tagging and satellite-tracking studies indicate that movements may be considerable, with quite a high turnover of birds (Hen Harrier Ireland 2015). In winter 2014/2015, roost surveys were also conducted in the Ballinahulla area of the proposed site, north-east of Barna Bog between January and March 2015, however no Hen Harriers were Cork Ecology 31 August 2016

32 observed going to roost in this area (Rathlus Ecology 2015c). In winter 2015/2016, roost surveys were conducted at the Ballinahulla and Lisheen areas of the proposed wind farm development between November and March. Although Hen Harriers were recorded occasionally on these watches, there was no evidence of a winter roost in these areas (Rathlus Ecology 2016). Other species of conservation concern In winter 2014/2015, three other species of conservation concern were recorded on roost surveys between November and March. A Short-eared Owl and a Barn Owl were observed hunting at the Barna site in February 2015, and two Barn Owls were observed hunting at the Barna site in March 2015 during the winter roost surveys (Rathlus Ecology 2015b). In addition, Woodcock were observed feeding at the site on the January 2015 winter roost surveys (Rathlus Ecology 2015b). In winter 2015/2016, three other species of conservation concern were recorded on roost surveys between November and March. A Short-eared Owl was observed circling over Barna Bog in November 2015, while a Merlin was recorded at the western end of Barna Bog in January A Barn Owl was seen at the eastern end of Barna Bog in February 2016, with a pair seen hunting in March 2016 (Rathlus Ecology 2016). 4.3 Red Grouse No Red Grouse were recorded at either the Barna site or the Lisheen site during dusk surveys between mid-march and early April 2014 (Rathlus Ecology 2014). There were also no incidental sightings recorded on other vantage point surveys, walkover surveys or winter roost surveys between 2013 and However it is considered likely that Red Grouse are still present in low numbers in the Barna Bog area. Old Red Grouse pellets were recorded on the edge of the old Bórd na Móna lands at Barna during an initial scoping visit in early April 2013 (Fennessey 2016). In addition, a Red Grouse was heard calling at the eastern end of Barna Bog in February 2016 (Rathlus Ecology 2016). 4.4 Other bird species recorded on breeding surveys In 2013, during vantage point surveys in and around Barna and Lisheen between April and August, a total of 49 bird species were recorded (Table 4.12) (Fennessy 2016). In 2014, during vantage point and walkover surveys in and around the Barna and Lisheen sites between April and July, a total of 45 bird species were recorded (Table 4.12) (Rathlus Ecology 2014). In 2015, during vantage point and walkover surveys in and around the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites between April and July, a total of 33 bird species were recorded (Table 4.12) (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). In 2016, during vantage point and walkover surveys in and around the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites between April and May, a total of 42 bird species were recorded (Table 4.12). Cork Ecology 32 August 2016

33 Overall, a total of 58 bird species were recorded in the vicinity of the three proposed sites between 2013 and Table 4.12 Species recorded on vantage point and walkover surveys in and around the Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites in the breeding season between 2013 and 2016 Species Grey Heron P P Mallard P P Teal P Pheasant P P P P Hen Harrier BD P P P P Buzzard P P Kestrel P P P P Sparrowhawk P P P P Peregrine BD P Golden Plover BD P P Snipe P P Lesser black-backed Gull P Woodpigeon P P P P Collared Dove P Cuckoo P P P P Short-eared Owl BD P P P Swift P P Skylark P P P P Swallow P P P P House Martin P P Meadow Pipit RL P P P P Pied Wagtail P P Wren P P P P Dunnock P P P P Robin P P P P Stonechat P P P P Wheatear Song Thrush P P P P Mistle Thrush P P P P Blackbird P P P P Blackcap P P Whitethroat P Grasshopper Warbler P P P Sedge Warbler P P P Cork Ecology 33 August 2016

34 Willow Warbler P P P P Chiffchaff P P P P Goldcrest P P P Blue Tit P P P Great Tit P P P Coal Tit P P P P Long-tailed tit P P Magpie P P Hooded Crow P P P P Raven P P P P Jackdaw P P P Rook P P P P Starling P P P House Sparrow P Chaffinch P P P P Linnet P P P P Redpoll P P Goldfinch P P P Greenfinch P P P Siskin P P P Crossbill P P Bullfinch P P P Reed Bunting P P P P Yellowhammer P Total species P = species present; 1 Fennessy 2016; 2 Rathlus Ecology 2014; 3 Rathlus Ecology 2015a; BD = listed on Birds directive Annex I; RL = listed on BoCCI Red List. Cork Ecology 34 August 2016

35 Breeding birds within the proposed sites Evidence of breeding activity was recorded for 27 species within the proposed development sites during breeding bird surveys conducted in April and May 2016 (Table 4.13). Birds that were singing, alarm-calling or carrying food were assumed to be holding territory. A minimum of 203 territories were estimated, with Willow Warbler, Wren, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Skylark and Dunnock the eight most frequently recorded breeding species. These eight species accounted for 73.9% of the total minimum number of territories recorded. Table 4.13 Numbers of territories recorded within the proposed Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites during breeding bird surveys in April and May 2016 Species April May Minimum number of territories Mallard Pheasant Wood Pigeon Cuckoo Skylark Meadow Pipit Wren Dunnock Robin Stonechat Song Thrush Blackbird Mistle Thrush Blackcap Willow Warbler Chiffchaff Grasshopper Warbler Sedge Warbler Goldcrest Great Tit Coal Tit Hooded Crow Chaffinch Bullfinch Siskin Redpoll Reed Bunting Total territories territories Total species breeding species Cork Ecology 35 August 2016

36 Species of conservation concern From a species conservation viewpoint, the most significant impact arising from the proposed development would be the loss of individuals of a rare species. Rare and vulnerable bird species are listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive (79/409/EEC). In addition, BirdWatch Ireland (BWI) have recently revised their lists of species of high, medium and low conservation priority in Ireland. There are currently 21 breeding species currently included on the Red List, which signifies species of high conservation concern, with nine wintering species and two passage species listed. A further five species are Red-listed for both breeding and wintering (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Four species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive were recorded over the period (Hen Harrier, Peregrine, Golden Plover and Short-eared Owl). Hen Harrier sightings are discussed in Sections 4.1 to 4.3. There were two sightings of Peregrine at the Lisheen site in June These were thought likely to involve the same bird, as both sightings were made in the same general area and involved an individual carrying a large prey item (Fennessy 2016). Peregrine was not recorded on surveys in 2014, 2015 or between March and May of Peregrine is currently Green-listed by Birdwatch Ireland (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Golden Plover were recorded in low numbers in late winter and early spring in 2013 and As well as being on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, Golden Plover is also Red-listed by Birdwatch Ireland (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). In 2013, a flock of seven Golden Plover were recorded at the Lisheen site in April (Fennessy 2016). In 2014, two Golden Plover were observed feeding on the bog at Lisheen in late March (Rathlus Ecology 2014). In March 2016, 12 Golden Plover were observed circling below turbine height at the Lisheen site, with a flock of 29 Golden Plover seen circling and landing on the bog habitat south-west of turbine six south of Barna Bog. These birds would be passing through the area on migration to their breeding grounds in the north and west of Britain and Ireland, and northern Europe. There are no breeding records of Golden Plover for the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). Short-eared Owls were recorded occasionally in the Barna Bog area in winter and early spring. A Short-eared Owl was heard calling during a roost watch at the Barna site in April The species presence at the site over the 2014 winter was also reported (Rathlus Ecology 2014). In 2015, a Short-eared Owl was recorded on a dusk roost watch at the Barna site in April (Rathlus Ecology 2015a). In addition, a Short-eared Owl was observed hunting at the Barna site in February 2015, during the winter roost surveys (Rathlus Ecology 2015b). On the 2015/2016 winter roost surveys, one Short-eared Owl was observed circling over Barna Bog in November 2015 (Rathlus Ecology 2016). On 10 th May 2016, one was observed hunting for several minutes close to Turbine 6, south of Barna Bog, within the proposed Wind farm boundary. There was no Cork Ecology 36 August 2016

37 evidence of breeding or territorial behaviour recorded during this sighting, and there were no other sightings in the remainder of the breeding season. Based on these observations, it is concluded that low numbers of Short-eared Owls use the Barna area in winter and spring, however, there was no evidence of the species breeding in the vicinity, based on project fieldwork to date. There are also no breeding or winter records of Short-eared Owl for the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding and winter bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). There were no known breeding records of Short-eared Owl in Ireland in 2014 or 2015 (Newton 2015). As well as being on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, Short-eared Owl is currently Amber-listed by Birdwatch Ireland, as it is considered a rare breeding species, (fewer than 100 breeding pairs in Ireland during the period ), and also because of its conservation status in Europe (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Of the remaining species recorded, four are considered Red-listed species by Birdwatch Ireland (Woodcock, Barn Owl, Meadow Pipit and Yellowhammer). Woodcock were observed feeding at the Barna site in the January 2015 winter roost surveys (Rathlus Ecology 2015b). Woodcock are currently Red-listed by Birdwatch Ireland, due to a decline of 70% or more in the breeding range in Ireland between and , and also because of its conservation status in Europe (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). There was no evidence of breeding in the vicinity recorded on surveys in the breeding season, and there are no breeding records of Woodcock for the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). Barn Owls were recorded occasionally in the vicinity of the Barna site during the winter roost watches (Section 4.3). There is a known Barn Owl nest site in the north-east of the proposed wind farm site, that was considered likely to be active in both 2013 and 2014 (Fennessy 2016 and Rathlus Ecology 2014). This breeding site is approximately 500m from the nearest proposed turbine. Barn Owl were recorded as breeding in the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases, and were also recorded in both squares in the winter atlas surveys (Balmer et al 2013). Barn Owl is currently on the BOCCI red list due to a decline in the breeding population of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Meadow Pipits were recorded as commonly breeding within the proposed development in all four years of surveys. Meadow Pipit is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a short-term population decline of at least 50% between 1998 and 2011, because of severe winters between 2009/10 and 2011/12 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). However, recent data from the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) indicate that the population has been in recovery since 2011 (Crowe et al., 2014). Cork Ecology 37 August 2016

38 A male Yellowhammer was recorded singing in the southwest of the Lisheen site in May 2014, although there were no subsequent sightings. Yellowhammer is currently on the BOCCI Red list due to a decline in the breeding population of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). There were no breeding records of Yellowhammer in the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). 5 Potential impacts of the proposed development 5.1 Hen Harriers There are four main potential impacts that the proposed developments could have on Hen Harriers breeding in the vicinity: Mortality due to collisions with turbines Site avoidance by foraging harriers (habitat loss) Disturbance to prey availability Direct disturbance of nesting birds Mortality due to collisions with turbines Direct collisions with turbines could potentially be significant for displaying or soaring birds passing through the rotor zone. Hunting birds would be at low risk of turbine strike as almost all hunting flights are made below 10 m in height. Minimum rotor height for the proposed turbines will be 30m. There is little information available on the likelihood of recently fledged juveniles colliding with wind turbines. However, in the first two to three weeks following fledging, the young birds are quite clumsy and unskilled, and it is considered that they would be more at risk of collision with turbines compared to a skilled and experienced adult bird. Collision risk would also be affected by other conditions such as local topographic features and weather conditions such as wind, mist, fog and rain (Galvin 2001). Site avoidance by foraging harriers (habitat loss) The size of the foraging area available to hunting Hen Harriers in the area could potentially be reduced following turbine construction, if hunting birds avoided or partially avoided the wind farm area. Cork Ecology 38 August 2016

39 The severity of the impact would depend on the degree of avoidance shown by hunting Hen Harriers, and this could change over time as birds become habituated to the presence of the turbines. Disturbance to prey availability The availability of prey to hunting Hen Harriers could be reduced as a result of habitat loss following construction or through disturbance during construction. Direct disturbance of nesting birds Breeding Hen Harriers could be disturbed if turbines were constructed very close to a nesting territory. Disturbance could result from construction activities, increased human activity in the area and the presence of operating turbines. 5.2 Other birds In assessing the effects of a proposed wind farm development on birds, there are three main potential impacts to consider (Percival 2007): Direct habitat loss resulting from the development; Collision with turbines; Disturbance (construction and operational phases); 6 Predicted impacts of the proposed development 6.1 Hen Harriers Mortality due to collisions with turbines Hen harriers are well-known to fly mainly at very low elevations as they quarter the ground for prey at slow speed (e.g. Watson 1977). Flights at higher elevation usually occur when birds are not hunting, such as when returning to a nest with prey, during display flights, or when simply flying from one place to another (Whitfield and Madders 2006a). For example, at Arecleoch proposed wind farm in south-west Scotland 80% of flights were below 10 m above ground level. Similarly, at Spireslack proposed wind farm in Lanarkshire only 3% of flight observations were at m, and at the nearby Hagshaw Hill extension only 3% of harrier flights were at m, with even less activity above these height bands (Whitfield and Madders 2006a). Foraging Cork Ecology 39 August 2016

40 Hen Harriers at several sites in Argyll in Scotland also spent very little time flying higher than 5m above ground (Madders 1997). The likelihood of Hen Harriers colliding with operating wind turbines is not well documented. A review of Hen Harrier collision risk studies included data on collision fatalities from at least 10 wind farms (nine in USA & one in Spain) where Hen Harriers (or Northern Harrier as the species is known in North America) occurred. Hen Harrier deaths were recorded at three sites with only a single study, involving searches over 7,500 turbine-years, recording more than one casualty, while there were no collision victims recorded at seven sites (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). Documented mortality was not positively related to Hen Harrier activity, since the wind farms with recorded deaths were those with the lowest recorded levels of Hen Harrier activity. Overall, the review concluded that Hen Harriers do not appear to be susceptible to colliding with turbine blades and that collision mortality should rarely be a serious concern (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). Although no comparable work has been published for Ireland, a similar result would be expected. A paper discussing Hen Harrier usage of an operational wind farm in County Galway described several occasions where Hen Harriers passed within 50 m of operational turbines (Madden & Porter 2007). Most of the sightings involved birds foraging within 10m of the ground. In addition, Hen Harriers have been seen hunting below 10 m in height, within 100 m of operating turbines at existing wind farms in County Kerry and Cork (C. Barton - pers. obs.). However, there is some evidence from Northern Ireland to suggest that risks of collisions with turbines may be increased during conditions of poor visibility such as hill fog (Scott & McHaffie 2008). Juvenile Hen Harriers would be most at risk of collision with wind turbines immediately following fledging. Young birds are dependant on the adults for food for 2 or 3 weeks following fledging and would remain in the immediate vicinity of the nest during this time. Newly fledged birds are quite clumsy and unskilled in the air, but they become fairly proficient at flying within a week of fledging (Watson 1977). Once independent of the parent birds, juveniles would disperse away from the breeding territory. Although no detailed breakdown of flight heights were recorded during the studies, the majority of sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys involved hunting birds flying below 10m in height (Fennessy 2016, Rathlus Ecology 2014 & 2015a). Between March and July 2016, the majority of Hen Harrier flying activity recorded within the Silverbirch Study Area (87.2%) was below 30 m in height, i.e. below the proposed minimum rotor height (Table 4.9). Similarly, within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm boundary, nearly all of Hen Harrier flying activity between March and July 2016 (97.2%), was also recorded below 30 m in height (Table 4.10). Peak activity between 30m and 150m, which includes the likely Cork Ecology 40 August 2016

41 rotor-swept zone, was recorded in April and May, which are the peak months for soaring activity related to display behaviour.based on the Hen Harrier flight heights recorded on the surveys, and studies from elsewhere (Whitfield & Madders 2006a & b, Madden & Porter 2007), the risk of adult Hen Harriers colliding with the proposed turbines is considered to be low. However, the collision risk for juvenile birds from a nest within 500 m of a turbine could potentially be much higher during the two to three week post-fledging period. No recently fledged juveniles were recorded within the proposed Wind Farm boundary during the two three week post-fledging period in Based on the above, the potential collision risk impacts on Hen Harriers using the area, as a result of the proposed Silverbirch Windfarm, are considered Slight to Moderate Long-term Negative Impacts. Site avoidance by foraging harriers (habitat loss/displacement) It was considered that the size of the foraging area available to hunting Hen Harriers in the area could potentially be reduced following turbine construction, if hunting birds avoided or partially avoided the wind farm areas. Avoidance of the wind farm area is also known as displacement, and can also be considered as habitat loss. The change in habitat/habitat loss as a result of the proposed development is not considered significant. Similiar habitat types as those present within the proposed site, are abundant in the in the greater area. Although the degree of avoidance shown by Hen Harriers following construction of a wind farm is not well documented, total avoidance of the proposed wind farm site is not thought likely. Findings of at least eight studies of Hen Harrier displacement effects in the USA and continental Europe, using several study designs, were included in a review of wind farm impacts on Hen Harriers. The review found that only one study documented good evidence of displacement and concluded that although further studies are highly desirable, if displacement of foraging occurs then it will likely be limited to within 100 m of wind turbines, if it occurs at all. The review concluded that foraging Hen Harriers have a low sensitivity to disturbance at operational wind farms (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). A study of breeding birds around 12 upland wind farms in the UK found that Hen Harriers showed significant turbine avoidance out to at least 250 m from the turbines (Pearce Higgins et al 2009). However, a study at a wind farm site in County Galway found that Hen Harriers continued to hunt over the area following construction of the wind farm, often passing within 50 m of turbines. The study concluded that in some cases at least, Hen Harriers may not be displaced from wind farms (Madden & Porter 2007). In addition, Hen Harriers have been seen hunting within 100 m of operating turbines at existing wind farms in County Kerry and Cork (C. Barton - pers. obs.). Cork Ecology 41 August 2016

42 Based on the surveys, the proposed site is used as a foraging area by Hen Harriers during the breeding season, although activity is likely to vary between years. Although no detailed foraging durations were recorded, the majority of sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys between 2013 and 2015 involved hunting birds (Fenessy 2016, Rathlus Ecology 2014 & 2015a). Similarly between March and July 2016, the majority of Hen Harrier sightings within the proposed Wind Farm boundary (70.7%), involved hunting birds (Table 4.8). Based on these observations, and studies from elsewhere (Whitfield & Madders 2006b, Madden & Porter 2007), it is anticipated that Hen Harriers will continue to hunt within the proposed sites following the construction of the wind farm, although it is possible that there may be some degree of turbine avoidance shown by hunting birds. Therefore displacement impacts on hen harriers, as a result of the proposed Silverbirch Windfarm (construction phase/operational phase), are considered to be Impercetible to Slight Long-term Negative Impacts. Disturbance to prey availability A study in Northern Ireland showed that three species, (Meadow Pipit, Skylark and Starling) made up 74 % of Hen Harrier diet (Scott 2005). All three of these species were recorded within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm site during the breeding bird surveys, and both Meadow Pipit and Skylark were frequently recorded breeding within the proposed Wind Farm on breeding bird surveys in April and May 2016 (Section 4.5). Hen Harrier diet is likely to differ somewhat to the Northern Ireland study, as voles, which are absent from Northern Ireland, are also present in the area (Hayden and Harrington 2000). Based on evidence from other projects, and by following recommended mitigation methods (Section 8), there is not likely to be significant disturbance to prey species during turbine construction. Prey species such as Meadow Pipit and Skylark have been seen breeding within an operational wind farm in County Cork (C. Barton pers obs). Direct disturbance of nesting birds Although no evidence of breeding Hen Harriers was recorded within the proposed site or within a 5km hinterland on surveys between 2013 and 2015, surveys in April 2016 confirmed the presence of one territorial pair of Hen Harriers outside the wind farm areas, within 700m of the nearest proposed turbine (Section 4.1). This pair successfully raised two juveniles during the 2016 breeding season. This area has supported nesting pairs of Hen Harriers in the past. No Hen Harrier pairs were found within the Stacks to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills & Mt. Eagle SPA within 2 km of the proposed turbines on April 2016 surveys. A study of breeding birds around 12 upland wind farms in the UK predicted that the breeding density of Hen Harriers within 500 m of turbines could reduce by 52.5% (-1.2 to 74.2 Confidence Intervals of 95 %) (Pearce Higgins et al 2009). However, this research does not match findings Cork Ecology 42 August 2016

43 reported in a review of the impacts of wind farms on Hen Harriers, where preliminary results from Scotland and Northern Ireland indicated that birds will nest m from turbines (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). A recent study in Ireland investigating Hen Harrier breeding success in relation to distance from wind turbines recorded no significant differences in breeding success as a result of turbine proximity. Although lower nest success rates and productivity were observed within 1 km of operating wind turbines, these results were not statistically significant (Fernández-Bellon et al. 2015). Following the precautionary principle, it is possible that any Hen Harriers breeding within 500 m of the nearest proposed turbine could be disturbed by construction of a wind farm within the proposed site. It is likely that any Hen Harriers breeding within 300 m of the nearest proposed turbine would be disturbed by construction phase of a wind farm within the proposed sites. Overall, disturbance to any nesting Hen Harriers from construction noise/activities are considered to be Slight to Moderate Temporary Negative Impacts. Mitigation measures are outlined in section Other Breeding birds Construction phase Impacts on breeding birds within the proposed site during construction are likely to result from a combination of direct habitat loss and disturbance. Some direct habitat loss will occur through the construction of the turbines, associated electricity cables, access tracks, Substation buildings, met masts, borrow pits and repositories and construction compounds. Disturbance from construction noise is likely to have a short-term negative impact on birds in the immediate area of the site works. Mitigation measures to minimise habitat loss and disturbance during construction are outlined in section 8. Operation phase During the operational phase, there may be disturbance to breeding birds within the wind farm site by either the presence of or noise from the turbines, although this is likely to decrease over time with habituation (Crockford 1992). Studies have shown that farmland birds do not appear to avoid operational wind farms (e.g. Devereux et al 2008). There is a potential risk of birds colliding with turbines at wind farms. However, studies to date indicate that the potential impact of this collision risk is not likely to cause a threat to local bird Cork Ecology 43 August 2016

44 populations, except under exceptional circumstances (Percival 2000, Percival 2005). Collision risks to birds using the area are considered Imperceptible to Slight Long-term Impacts. Mitigation measures to minimise habitat loss and disturbance during the operational phase are outlined in section 8. Access roads Impacts on breeding birds along the route of the access roads are likely to result from a combination of direct habitat loss and disturbance during construction. Direct habitat loss will be minimised by upgrading existing access tracks, where possible. Disturbance from construction activitiesis likely to have a slight to moderate temporary negative impact on birds in the immediate area of the site works. Mitigation measures are outlined in section Impacts on birds of conservation concern As outlined previously, from a species conservation viewpoint, the most significant impact arising from the proposed development would be the loss of individuals of a rare species. This section assesses the likely impacts on Annex I species or BWI Red-listed species recorded during surveys. Hen Harrier Listed on Annex I of EU Birds Directive, and currently Amber-listed by BWI (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). See sections 5.1 and 6.1 for potential and predicted impacts on Hen Harriers. Peregrine There were two sightings of Peregrine at the Lisheen site in June Peregrine was not recorded on surveys in 2014, 2015, or between March and May of Peregrine is currently Green-listed by Birdwatch Ireland (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Based on the survey results, Peregrine does not occur regularly in the vicinity of the proposed development. There were no records of breeding or wintering Peregrine in Squares R10 and W19 in the breeding atlas (Balmer et al 2013). Based on the limited number of sightings and the lack of breeding records in the vicinity, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Peregrines. Golden Plover Golden Plover were recorded in low numbers in late winter and early spring in 2013 and 2014, and also in March As well as being on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, Golden Plover is Cork Ecology 44 August 2016

45 Red-listed by Birdwatch Ireland (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). These birds would be passing through the area on migration to their breeding grounds in the north and west of Britain and Ireland, and northern Europe. There are no breeding records of Golden Plover for the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). Based on the low numbers of birds recorded on surveys, the limited period over which they were present and the lack of breeding records in the vicinity, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Golden Plover. Short-eared Owl Short-eared Owls were recorded occasionally on surveys between 2014 and May 2016 in the Barna Bog area in winter and spring. Based on these observations, it is concluded that low numbers of Short-eared Owls use the Barna Bog area in winter and spring, however, there was no evidence of them breeding in the vicinity, based on project fieldwork to date. There are also no breeding or winter records of Short-eared Owl for the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding and winter bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). There were no known breeding records of Short-eared Owl in Ireland in 2014 or 2015 (Newton 2015). As well as being on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, Short-eared Owl is currently Amber-listed by Birdwatch Ireland (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). Although there is some anecdotal evidence that Short-eared Owls may be displaced from favoured hunting areas due to the presence of wind turbines (Kingston Whig-Standard 2013), Short-eared Owls have been seen hunting within an operating wind farm in County Cork (C Barton pers obs). Based on the low numbers of birds recorded in the non-breeding season on surveys between 2013 and 2016, and the lack of breeding records in the vicinity, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Short-eared Owl. Woodcock Woodcock are currently Red-listed by Birdwatch Ireland, as a breeding species (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). However, surveys only recorded Woodcock in the vicinity of the proposed site in winter (Rathlus Ecology 2015b), when large numbers move into Britain and Ireland from the continent (Balmer et al 2013). Woodcock were not recorded in the vicinity on surveys in the breeding season, and there are no breeding records of Woodcock for the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). Based on the low numbers of birds recorded on winter surveys, and the lack of breeding records in the vicinity, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Woodcock. Barn Owl Cork Ecology 45 August 2016

46 Barn Owls were recorded occasionally in the vicinity of the Barna site during the winter roost watches (Section 4.3). There is a known Barn Owl nest site outside the proposed Barna wind farm site that was considered likely to be active in both 2013 and 2014 (Fennessy 2016 and Rathlus Ecology 2014). This breeding site is approximately 500m from the nearest proposed turbine. Monitoring in the UK indicates that there is no evidence that wind turbines have a significant impact on Barn Owls in the UK. Barn Owls have been recorded breeding successfully within 750 metres of a wind farm comprising 16 turbines. Barn Owls have also been recorded breeding successfully over three years within 35m of a smaller domestic turbine. This is predominantly due to the low level of flight activity of Barn Owls, typically below 3-4 metres in height. Based on available evidence, the Barn Owl Trust takes the view that, overall, the level of threat posed to Barn Owls by wind turbines in Britain is relatively very low (Barn Owl Trust 2015). Based on the distance between the known breeding site and nearest planned turbine (500m) and the likely very low collision risk to Barn Owls from operating wind turbines, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Barn Owl. Meadow Pipit Meadow Pipits were recorded as commonly breeding within the proposed development in all four years of surveys. Meadow Pipit is currently BWI Red-listed due to a short-term population decline, however, recent data from the Countryside Bird Survey (CBS) indicate that the population has been in recovery since 2011 (Crowe et al., 2014). Species such as Meadow Pipit have been seen breeding within an operational wind farm in County Cork (C. Barton pers obs). Based on this, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Meadow Pipit. Yellowhammer A male Yellowhammer was recorded singing in the southwest of the Lisheen site in May 2014, although there were no subsequent sightings. Yellowhammer is currently BWI Red-listed due to a decline in the breeding population of at least 50% between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). There were no breeding records of Yellowhammer in the two 10 km grid squares (Squares R10 and W19) containing the proposed development in the breeding bird atlases (Balmer et al 2013). Yellowhammers are strongly associated with cereal farming, and it is thought given the habitats in the vicinity of the proposed development that it is not suitable breeding habitat for Yellowhammer. Based on this, it was concluded that the proposed development will not have any significant impacts on Yellowhammer. Cork Ecology 46 August 2016

47 Red Grouse Red Grouse was not recorded at either the Barna site or the Lisheen site during dusk surveys between mid-march and early April 2014 (Rathlus Ecology 2014). There were also no incidental sightings recorded on other vantage point surveys, walkover surveys or winter roost surveys between 2013 and However it is considered likely that Red Grouse are still present in low numbers in the Barna Bog area. Old Red Grouse pellets were recorded on the edge of the old Bórd na Móna lands at Barna during an initial scoping visit in early April 2013 (Fennessey 2016). In addition, a Red Grouse was heard calling at the eastern end of Barna Bog in February 2016 (Rathlus Ecology 2016). Red Grouse is currently Red-listed by BWI as the breeding population in Ireland has declined by more than 50 % between 1980 and 2013 (Colhoun & Cummins 2013). A study of breeding birds around 12 upland wind farms in the UK found no evidence of disturbance to Red Grouse from operating wind farms (Pearce Higgins et al 2009), and the species is not listed as being sensitive to wind farms by Birdlife International (Langston and Pullan 2003). Red Grouse have been seen within operating wind farms in Co. Kerry and Cork (C Barton pers. obs). However, Red Grouse are sensitive to habitat fragmentation and over-grazing. A study of Red Grouse habitat in Connemara found that the percentage of heather cover was the most important factor in determining the presence of Red Grouse (Finnerty et al 2007). It is considered that the proposed Silverbirch development will have Imperceptible to Slight Longterm Impacts on Red Grouse. Mitigation measures for reducing disturbance to possible Red Grouse habitat are given in section 8. 7 Cumulative Impact Assessment Consideration of the cumulative effects of plans and projects is a key component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Habitats Regulations also require an assessment of the in-combination effects of plans or projects on features of European sites i.e. the interest features of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). 7.1 Other wind energy developments There are currently six operating wind farms within a 20 kilometre radius of the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm site (Refer to Figure ): Munster Joinery (2 turbines) 2.4 km south-east; Cork Ecology 47 August 2016

48 Mount Eagle Wind Farm (8 turbines) 7 km north-west Glentanemacelligot Wind Farm (6 turbines) 8 km north-east Taurbeg Wind Farm (11 turbines) 11 km north-east Knockacummer Wind Farm (29 turbines) 12 km north-east Coomacheo Wind Farm (26 turbines) 14 km south-east In addition, there are a further four consented wind farm projects that are not yet operational, within a 20 kilometre radius: Scart Wind Farm (18 turbines) 600m west Cordal Wind Farm (28 turbines) 3 km north-west; Coolegrean Wind Farm (7 turbines) 8.5 km north Glentanemacelligot II Wind Farm (5 turbines) 8 km north-east 7.2 Other non-wind energy developments The assessment of cumulative impacts in the EIS focusses on wind farms. The majority of other planning applications in the vicinity of the study area are related to one-off rural housing and agriculture-related structures. 7.3 Bird mortality due to collisions with turbines Multiple wind farm developments can have a cumulative impact of collision mortality, depending on the scale and distance between projects and also the bird species that occur in an area. The key question is whether any combined bird mortality will have a significant effect on populations of species of conservation concern. Species that do not fly regularly at turbine height (e.g. Red Grouse and many small passerines) are unlikely to be affected at an individual project or at a cumulative level. Species that could potentially be significantly affected are those which have a large foraging range, and where the numbers of individuals in a local population are of conservation concern (e.g. raptors or species of wildfowl). The amount of Hen Harrier activity recorded within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm site on surveys between 2013 and 2016 was very low, compared to the total amount of survey effort (see Section 4.2). Cork Ecology 48 August 2016

49 Although no detailed breakdown of flight heights were recorded during the studies, the majority of sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys involved hunting birds flying below 10m in height (Fennessy 2016, Rathlus Ecology 2014 & 2015a). Between March and July 2016, the majority of Hen Harrier flying activity recorded within the Silverbirch Study Area (87.2%) was below 30 m in height, i.e. below the proposed minimum rotor height (Table 4.9). Similarly, within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm boundary, nearly all of Hen Harrier flying activity between March and July 2016 (97.2%), was recorded below 30 m in height (Table 4.10). Peak activity between 30m and 150m, which includes the likely rotor-swept zone, was recorded in April and May, which are the peak months for soaring activity related to display behaviour. The observed sightings of other Annex I species (Peregrine, Short-eared Owl and Golden Plover) within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm site were very low and, in the case of Golden Plover, were limited to the non-breeding season. No breeding or territorial behaviour was recorded during the Peregrine and Short-eared Owl sightings in the breeding season, indicating that these individuals were not breeding in the vicinity. Based on these observations, it was concluded that any potential impacts arising from collision with turbines would not significantly increase natural population mortality rates. Similarly, it was concluded that the predicted low collision impacts arising from the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm development would not add to any cumulative impacts from other wind farm developments in the vicinity. The scale of these other projects and the distance between these projects and the proposed site are also considered likely to limit the potential of cumulative collision impacts on birds. Overall, it is concluded that there will be no significant cumulative impacts with any of the six existing wind farms and four consented wind farms within 20 km of the proposed development, mainly due to the distance between the differing development sites, and the low level of predicted impacts for the proposed development. 8 Mitigation or Remedial Measures Mortality due to collisions with turbines The turbine layout has been revised from the original proposed layout, removing three turbines from the Barna Bog area to avoid disturbance of the traditional Hen Harrier winter roost in the vicinity. Any cables associated with the wind farm will be located below ground. Cork Ecology 49 August 2016

50 Site avoidance and habitat loss Construction of access roads and areas of hard standing will be kept to a minimum to reduce habitat loss as much as possible. Direct habitat loss will be minimised by upgrading existing access tracks, where possible. Depositing of excavated material on top of existing areas of heather or bog will be minimised. Disturbance to breeding birds Construction work for the turbines and access roads will be carried out outside the main bird breeding season (March to August) as much as possible. Where construction work is required in the breeding season, a survey for Hen Harrier nests within 500 m of planned activities will be conducted by a suitably experienced ecologist, in April, prior to any construction work being carried out. If a Hen Harrier nest is discovered within 500m of planned construction work, heavy duty construction activities within 500m from the nest site will be excluded during the Hen Harrier breeding season (April to August). Hen Harrier activity at any such nest will also be monitored throughout the breeding season. Off-road vehicle activity will be avoided or minimised. Habitat disturbance to birds will be limited by controlling the movement of plant/vechicles during the construction and operational phases of the proposed windfarm. Plant/vehicles will not encroach onto habitats beyond the proposed development footprint and, with the exception of maintenance works on the site drainage and settlement ponds, will not enter the surrounding bogland habitat. Unless the site qualifies for an exemption under the Acts, and such is agreed with the NPWS, removal of hedgerows and trees should be conducted outside of the restricted period (March 1st to 31st of August), to prevent disturbance to breeding birds. The provisions of the Wildlife Acts in relation to Section 40 including the relevant exemptions may be accessed through the NPWS website at Site maintenance visits should be minimised and unnecessary onsite human activity should also be minimised, especially between April and August. Cork Ecology 50 August 2016

51 9 Monitoring 9.1 Pre-construction monitoring Where construction work is required in the breeding season, a survey for Hen Harrier nests within 500 m of planned activities will be conducted by a suitably experienced ecologist, in April, prior to any construction work being carried out. If a nest is located within 500m of planned construction activities, a 500 m exclusion zone would be set up around the nest site, with no heavy duty construction activity within this exclusion zone while the nest is active. Monitoring would be conducted throughout the breeding season to determine the status of the breeding attempt. 9.2 Post-construction monitoring Current information on the effects of Wind Farms on Hen Harrier activity in Ireland is limited. There have been few studies conducted investigating this, and very few results published (e.g. Madden & Porter 2007). A review of impacts of Wind Farms on Hen Harriers was based on information from Scotland and Northern Ireland (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). The Wind Energy Planning Guidelines (2006) state that effective monitoring is necessary to provide evidence of compliance with environmental conditions, such as wildlife considerations. They also state that a monitoring programme would be particularly relevant in the initial operating period of the development, within the first two years, possibly with provision for further monitoring. Recent survey methods produced by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) recommend that to take account of both short-term and long-term effects on bird populations, post-construction monitoring should be conducted over at least 15 years after the wind farm becomes operational. Monitoring should be conducted in years 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15 of the life of a wind farm (SNH 2009). Based on the above, monitoring of Hen Harrier activity during the breeding season and of other breeding birds should be conducted for at least two breeding seasons following construction, with a review at the end of each breeding season. In addition, monitoring of the Hen Harrier winter roost on Barna Bog should also be conducted between October and March for two winter seasons following construction. Likely outputs from annual monitoring would be: Impacts of turbines on breeding and hunting Hen Harriers; Impacts of turbines on fledged juveniles; Assessment of the level of site avoidance, if any; Cork Ecology 51 August 2016

52 Impacts of turbines on other breeding species; Monitoring of numbers of Hen Harriers using the traditional winter roost site on Barna Bog Results of post-construction monitoring of breeding birds within the wind farm site should be published, in accordance with best practice. Cork Ecology 52 August 2016

53 10 Conclusions Based on fieldwork between 2013 and 2016 and other published information, it was concluded that the proposed development: is unlikely to result in mortality of adult Hen Harriers through collision, due to their typically low flight height. Although no detailed breakdown of flight heights were recorded during the studies, the majority of sightings of Hen Harriers observed on surveys involved hunting birds flying below 10m in height (Fennessy 2016, Rathlus Ecology 2014 & 2015a). Almost all Hen Harrier flying activity (97.2%) within the proposed Silverbirch Wind Farm boundary between March and July 2016, was recorded below 30 m in height. Similarly, the majority of Hen Harrier flying activity (87.2%) within the Silverbirch Study Area between March and July 2016, was recorded below 30 m in height. Evidence from other wind farms indicates that Hen Harriers do not appear to be susceptible to colliding with turbine blades and that collision mortality should rarely be a serious concern (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). is unlikely to have a significant impact on the populations of prey species for Hen Harriers and other birds of prey such as Short-eared Owls, as any disturbance effects arising from construction of the wind farm are likely to be short-term. The degree of habitat loss is not thought likely to result in a significant reduction in populations of these prey species. is unlikely to significantly reduce the amount of available foraging habitat for Hen Harriers during the breeding season. Based on the surveys, the proposed site is used as a foraging area by Hen Harriers during the breeding season, although activity is likely to vary between years. A recent review concluded that foraging Hen Harriers have a low sensitivity to disturbance at operational wind farms (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). Hen Harriers have been seen hunting close to operating turbines at existing wind farms in Ireland. is unlikely to cause direct displacement of breeding Hen Harriers in the area, given that there was no evidence of Hen Harrier breeding attempts recorded within the boundary of the proposed development between 2013 and 2016 (Fennessy 2016, Rathlus Ecology 2014 & 2015a). Surveys in April 2016 confirmed the presence of one territorial pair of Hen Harriers outside the proposed Wind Farm site, approximately 700m from the nearest proposed turbine. This pair successfully raised two juveniles in the 2016 season. There is evidence from Cork Ecology 53 August 2016

54 Scotland and Northern Ireland that Hen Harriers will nest within 200 to 300m of turbines (Whitfield & Madders 2006b). is unlikely to impact on other terrestrial bird species breeding within the proposed development sites, as any disturbance effects arising from construction of the wind farm are likely to be short-term. The degree of habitat loss is not thought likely to result in a significant reduction in breeding populations of these species. A post-construction monitoring and assessment programme of the impact of the development on Hen Harriers and other breeding birds within the site is recommended. This should be agreed with NPWS prior to survey work commencing. Post-construction monitoring of nesting pairs of Hen Harriers within 2 km of the development should be conducted in years 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15 of the life of the wind farm to take account of both short-term and long-term effects on bird populations (SNH 2009). Cork Ecology 54 August 2016

55 11 References Balmer, D.E., Gillings, S., Caffrey, B.J., Swann, R.L., Downie, I.S. and Fuller, R.J. (2013). Bird Atlas : the breeding and wintering birds of Britain and Ireland. BTO Books, Thetford, UK. Barn Owl Trust Online information about Barn Owls and Wind Turbines Barton, C., Pollock, C., Norriss, D.W., Nagle, T, Oliver, G.A. & Newton, S The second national survey of breeding Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Ireland Irish Birds Vol. 8, No. 1. Colhoun, K. and Cummins, S. (2013). Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland Irish Birds 9(4): Crockford, N.J A Review of the Possible Impacts of Wind Farms on Birds and Other Wildlife. JNCC Report, No.27. Crowe, O, Coombes, R.H., O Sulliavn, O, Tierney, T.D., Walsh, A.J. and O Halloran, J. (2014). Countryside Bird Survey Report , BirdWatch Ireland, Wicklow. Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government Wind Energy Planning Guidelines. Devereux, C.L., Denny, M.J.H. & Whittingham, M.J Minimal effects of wind turbines on the distribution of wintering farmland birds. Journal of Applied Ecology, 45, Fernández-Bellon, D., Irwin, S, Wilson, M. & O Halloran, J Reproductive output of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in relation to wind turbine proximity. Irish Birds; Vol. 10, Number 2. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Fennessy, G Breeding Season Bird Surveys at a proposed Wind Farm site in East Kerry Barna & Lisheen. A report for Silverbirch Renewables Ltd. Finnerty, E.J., Dunne, J. & McMahon, B.J Evaluation of Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus habitat in the Connemara National Park. Irish Birds; Vol. 8, Number 2. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Galvin, P. (2001). Birdwatch Ireland policy on windfarms. BWI Policy Gibbons, D. W., Reid, J. B., & Chapman, R. A. (1993). The new atlas of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland: T. & A.D. Poyser, London. Cork Ecology 55 August 2016

56 Hayden, T. & Harrington, R Exploring Irish Mammals. Dúchas The Heritage Service, Dublin. Irish Raptor Study Group Birds of Prey and Owls in Ireland - Restoration. Kingston Whig-Standard Short-eared owls disappearing from island online article available at: Langston, R.H.W. & Pullan, J.D Windfarms and Birds: An analysis of the effects of windfarms on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site selection issues. RSPB/Birdlife International Report. Strasbourg, France. Madden, B., Hunt, J. & Norriss, D The 2002 survey of the Peregrine Falco peregrinus breeding population in the Republic of Ireland. Irish Birds, Vol. 8, Number 4. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Madden, B. & Porter, B Do wind turbines displace Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus from foraging habitat? Preliminary results of a case study at the Derrybrien Wind Farm, County Galway. Irish Birds; Vol. 8, Number 2. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Madders, M The effects of forestry on hen harriers Circus cyaneus. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Glasgow. Madders, M Habitat selection and foraging success of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in west Scotland. Bird Study 47: Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterström, D., & Grant, P. J Collins Bird Guide. Harper Collins, London. NPWS Unpublished methodology agreed between National Parks & Wildlife Service, Birdwatch Ireland and the Irish Raptor Study Group for Hen Harrier monitoring. NPWS (National Parks & Wildlife Service) Stack s To Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills And Mount Eagle SPA Site Synopsis. Newton, S., Donaghy, A., Allen, D., & Gibbons, D Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. Irish Birds; Vol. 6, Number 3. BirdWatch Ireland, Dublin. Newton, S Rare Breeding Birds in Ireland in 2014 and Irish Birds; Vol. 10, Number 2. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Cork Ecology 56 August 2016

57 Pearce-Higgins, J.W, Stephen, L., Langston, R.H.W., Bainbridge, I.P. & Bullman, R The distribution of breeding birds around upland wind farms. Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 46, Issue 4. Percival, S.M Birds and Wind Turbines in Britain. British Wildlife 12: Percival, S.M Birds and windfarms: what are the real issues? British Birds 98: Percival, S.M Predicting the effects of wind farms on birds in the UK: The development of an objective assessment method. In: de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E. & Ferrer, M. (Eds.) Birds and Wind Farms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation. Quercus. Rathlus Ecology Interim Ornithology Report For Barna and Lisheen Proposed Windfarms, Co. Kerry. A report for Saorgus Energy Ltd. Rathlus Ecology. 2015a. Ornithology Report on Breeding Birds For Barna, Ballinahulla and Lisheen Proposed Windfarms, Co. Kerry. A report for Saorgus Energy Ltd. Rathlus Ecology. 2015b. Winter Ornithology Report For Barna Proposed Windfarm, Co. Kerry. A report for Saorgus Energy Ltd. Rathlus Ecology. 2015c. Winter Ornithology Report For Ballinahulla Proposed Windfarm, Co. Kerry. A report for Saorgus Energy Ltd. Ruddock, M. & Dunlop, B.J., O Toole, L., Mee, A., Nagle, T Republic of Ireland National Hen Harrier Survey Irish Wildlife Manual, No. 59. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dublin, Ireland. Ruddock, M., Mee, A., Lusby, J., Nagle, A., O Neill, S. & O Toole, L. (2016). The 2015 National Survey of Breeding Hen Harrier in Ireland. Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 93. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland. SACWG (Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group) Estimating the Red Grouse Population on The Long Mynd Report available online at: Scott, D The diet of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus in Northern Ireland Irish Birds; Vol. 7, Number 4. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Scott., D. & McHaffie, P Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus killed at windfarm site in County Antrim. Irish Birds; Vol. 8, Number 3. BirdWatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow. Cork Ecology 57 August 2016

58 Sharrock, J. T. R. (1976). The atlas of breeding birds in Britain and Ireland. T. & A.D. Poyser, London. SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) revised Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities (Guidance note). Scottish Natural Heritage, Edinburgh, Scotland. SNH (Scottish Natural Heritage) Survey Methods for use in assessment of the impacts of proposed onshore wind farms on bird communities. Consultation Draft. SNH Guidance on Methods for Monitoring Bird Populations at Onshore Wind Farms. SNH Recommended bird survey methods to inform impact assessment of onshore wind farms Svensson, L., & Grant, P.J Collins Bird Guide. Harper Collins Publishers Ltd. Watson, D The Hen Harrier. T & A.D. Poyser, Berkhamsted. Whilde A Threatened Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, and Fish in Ireland. Irish Red Data Book 2: Vertebrates. HMSO, Belfast. Whitfield, D.P. & Madders M. 2006a. Flight height in the hen harrier Circus cyaneus and its incorporation in wind turbine collision risk modelling. Natural Research Information Note 2. Natural Research Ltd, Banchory, UK. Whitfield, D.P. & Madders M. 2006b. A review of the impacts of wind farms on hen harriers Circus cyaneus and an estimation of collision avoidance rates. Natural Research Information Note 1 (revised). Natural Research Ltd, Banchory, UK. Cork Ecology 58 August 2016

59 Appendix A NPWS Site Synopses Cork Ecology 59 August 2016

60 Stack s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA Site Code: The Stack s to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle SPA is a very large site centred on the borders between the counties of Cork, Kerry and Limerick. The site is skirted by the towns of Newcastle West, Ballydesmond, Castleisland, Tralee and Abbeyfeale. The mountain peaks included in the site are not notably high or indeed pronounced, the highest being at Knockfeha (451 m). Other mountains included are Mount Eagle, Knockanefune, Garraunbaun, Taur, Rock Hill, Knockacummer, Mullaghamuish, Knight s Mt, Ballincollig Hill, Beennageeha Mt, Sugar Hill, Knockanimpuba and Knockathea, amongst others. Many rivers rise within the site, notably the Blackwater, Owentaraglin, Owenkeal, Glenlara, Feale, Clydagh, Allaghaun, Allow, Oolagh, Galey and Smerlagh. The site consists of a variety of upland habitats, though almost half is afforested. The coniferous forests include first and second rotation plantations, with both pre-thicket and post-thicket stands present. Substantial areas of clear-fell are also present at any one time. The principal tree species present are Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta). A substantial part (28%) of the site is unplanted blanket bog and heath, with both wet and dry heath present. The vegetation of these habitats is characterised by such species as Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Hare s-tail Cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum), Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus) and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea). The remainder of the site is mostly rough grassland that is used for hill farming. This varies in composition and includes some wet areas with rushes (Juncus spp.) and some areas subject to scrub encroachment. The site is a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the E.U. Birds Directive, of special conservation interest for Hen Harrier. This SPA is a stronghold for Hen Harrier and supports the largest concentration of the species in the country. A survey in 2005 resulted in 40 confirmed and 5 possible breeding pairs, which represents over 29% of the national total. A similar number of pairs had been recorded in the period. The mix of forestry and open areas provides optimum habitat conditions for this rare bird, which is listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive. The early stages of new and second-rotation conifer plantations are the most frequently used nesting sites, though some pairs may still nest in tall heather of unplanted bogs and heath. Hen Harriers will forage up to c. 5 km from the nest site, utilising open bog and moorland, young conifer plantations and hill farmland that is not too rank. Birds will often forage in openings and gaps within forests. In Ireland, small birds and small mammals appear to be the most frequently taken prey. Short-eared Owl, also listed on Annex I of the E.U. Birds Directive and very rare in Ireland, has been known to breed within the site. Nesting certainly occurred in the late 1970s and birds have Cork Ecology 60 August 2016

61 been recorded intermittently since. The owls are considered to favour this site due to the presence of Bank Voles, a favoured prey item. Merlin, a further E.U. Birds Directive Annex I species, also breeds but the size of the population is not known. Red Grouse is found on some of the unplanted areas of bog and heath this is a species that has declined in Ireland and is now Red-listed. The main threat to the long-term survival of Hen Harriers within the site is further afforestation, which would reduce and fragment the area of foraging habitat, resulting in possible reductions in breeding density and productivity. The site has a number of wind farm developments but it is not yet known if these have any adverse impacts on the Hen Harriers. Overall, the site provides excellent nesting and foraging habitat for breeding Hen Harrier, and is considered to be among the top two sites in the country for the species Mount Eagle Bogs NHA Site Code: Mount Eagle Bogs NHA consists of four areas of blanket bog adjacent to Mount Eagle, 9 km east of Castleisland on the Kerry/Cork county boundary. The site is situated in the townlands of Cordal East, Coom, Glanowen, Knockauncurragh, Cappaphaudeen and Glenlahan. It includes the summits of Croaghane (Mount Eagle), Knockfeha and Knockanefune. Forestry plantations adjoin all four areas with the remaining site boundaries marked by roads, streams and active turbary. The site ranges in altitude between 210 m and 451 m. Bedrock geology consists of coal measures. The most western area of bog, at Cordal East, consists of a large expanse of intact bog on a plateau. There is a distinct dome present and features intermediate between raised bog and blanket bog are evident. The vegetation is characterised by Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), which although quite short still dominate the vegetation. Other species present include Hare s-tail Cottongrass (Eriophorium vaginatum), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea) and Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) with occasional Bog-myrtle (Myrica gale) and Deergrass (Scirpus cespitosus). Bog mosses (Sphagnum subnitens and S capillifolium) hummocks have 40% cover. Lousewort (Pedicularis sylvatica) is quite common with occasional Tormentil (Potentilla erecta). White Beaked-sedge (Rhynchospora alba) occurs in hollows with Bog Asphodel. The moss Campylopus introflexus and the lichen Cladonia portentosa are also present. There are some dried out hummocks of moss Racomitrium lanuginosum, but overall the site is quite wet and in places quaking. The vegetation has a low growth form, which may be related to exposure as it appears to be little grazed. Cork Ecology 61 August 2016

62 The summit of Mount Eagle supports a small intact blanket bog on deep peat. The bog slopes steeply to the west, but neither bare peat nor erosion channels are present. The blanket bog is quite uniform with no pools or flushes and the vegetation is dominated by Ling Heather and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia careulea) with Hare s- tail Cottongrass, Cross-leaved Heath, Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and hummocks and lawns of bog mosses (Sphagnum capillifolium and S. papillosum). Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Bog Asphodel and the moss Racomitrium lanuginosum are also present. This area is surrounded by forestry and appears ungrazed; mature Ling Heather bushes occur, overgrowing the moss Hypnum jutlandicum. At Glanowen on the summit of Knockfeha there is a plateau blanket bog dominated by Purple Moor-grass, Crossed-leaved Heath, Hare s-tail Cottongrass and Ling Heather on peat over 1 m deep. Bog moss cover is good (up to 50% in places) with Sphagnum capillifolium and some large hummocks (30 cm) of S. subnitens. There are natural drainage channels vegetated with Deergrass and cottongrasses with no evidence of peat erosion. Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) occurs occasionally. Despite drainage the bog is still very wet here with extensive bog moss cover and large hummocks. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) occurs on fence-banks. Towards the summit Racomitrium lanuginosum becomes more common along with Devil s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) and Ling Heather which reaches 15 cm in height. Bog moss cover reaches 50-80% with Sphagnum tenellum, S. subnitens and S. capillifolium. Some hummocks are 30 cm high and over 1 m wide. The most easterly area is a long stretch of bog along a narrow ridge, bordered by forestry on the slopes. The bog is dominated by Purple Moor-grass with Ling Heather and Crossed-leaved Heath. Bog Asphodel, Deergrass and Hare s-tail Cottongrass are also present. Bog moss cover is good at 30%. There has been some damage due to drainage in preparation for forestry, but this area remains unplanted and may have been too exposed to plant. The presence of a wind gauge here indicates the potential for windfarm development is being investigated. Mount Eagle is part of an extensive upland complex that extends from the Stacks Mountains in Kerry to the Mullaghareirk Mountains in Cork and Limerick. This upland complex supports extensive areas of blanket bog, much of which has been afforested in recent years. The upland complex is an important stronghold for the Hen Harrier population in Ireland. Red Grouse and Irish Hare also occur on the site. All three species are listed in the Red Data Book. Landuses on the site include forestry, peat-cutting and agriculture. Activities associated with these landuses include sheep grazing, burning and drainage. There are numerous quad tracks and a wind gauge present on the site. Extensive forestry plantations adjoin the site and all these activities have resulted in habitat loss and damage to the hydrological condition of the site. Mount Eagle Bogs NHA is a site of considerable conservation significance consisting of upland blanket bog. Blanket bog habitat is a globally scarce resource. It is largely confined to coastal regions at temperate latitudes with cool, wet, oceanic climates. Cork Ecology 62 August 2016

63 North-west Europe contains some of the best-developed areas of blanket bog in the world. The most extensive areas are found in Ireland and Britain. Upland blanket bogs, due to their exposure to severe climatic conditions at high elevations, are particularly vulnerable to erosion by human activities and extensive areas are currently undergoing active erosion due mainly to overgrazing. The current area of intact upland blanket bog in Ireland represents only a fraction of the original resource, due to the combined impacts of afforestation and overgrazing, and intact examples are therefore extremely valuable for nature conservation. Their long-term survival requires sensitive management. The site also supports important populations of three Red Data Book species Hen Harrier, Red Grouse and Irish Hare Cork Ecology 63 August 2016

64 Appendix B 2013 Survey dates, weather & sightings summary Cork Ecology 64 August 2016

65 Table B1 Hinterland survey dates and weather in April and July 2013 (from Fennessy 2016) Date Survey type Observers Time Weather 29/4/ km Hinterland survey GF 30/4/ km Hinterland survey DAR 9/7/ km Hinterland survey GF 19/7/ km Hinterland survey GF Showers, Cloud 6-8/8, Wind F4, Good visibility Dry, Cloud 3/8, Wind F2, Good visibility Dry & Warm, Cloud 0/8, Wind F2, Good visibility Dry & Warm, Cloud 2/8, Wind F1-2, Good visibility GF Gavin Fennessy; DAR David Rees Table B2 Vantage point survey dates and weather at Barna and Lisheen sites between April and August 2013 (from Fennessy 2016) Date Survey type Observers Time Weather 5/04/ /04/ /05/ /06/ /07/ /08/2013 Scoping Visit - identify VP locations etc. Vantage Point Surveys at Barna & Lisheen Vantage Point Surveys at Barna & Lisheen Vantage Point Surveys at Barna & Lisheen Vantage Point Surveys at Barna & Lisheen Vantage Point Surveys at Barna GF & KMK GF, KMK, MON & DAR GF, KMK, MON & DAR GF, KMK, MON & DAR GF, KMK, MON & DAR GF Dry & Sunny, Cloud 2/8, Wind F2, Good visibility Mostly dry, brief shower at 11:30, Wind F3-4, Cloud 8/8, Moderate- Good visibility Dry, Cloud 8/8, Wind F2-3, Good visibility Dry, Cloud 8/8, Wind F1-2, Good visibility Dry and initially overcast, turning brighter, Cloud 5-8/8, Wind F2-3, Good visibility Initially showery but then turning sunny and dry, Wind F1-3, Cloud 2-8/8, Good visibility GF Gavin Fennessy; KMK Katherine Kelleher; MON Michelle O Neill; DAR David Rees Cork Ecology 65 August 2016

66 Figure B1. Vantage points used at Barna Study Area in 2013 (from Fennessy 2016) Figure B2. Vantage points used at Lisheen Study Area in 2013 (from Fennessy 2016) Cork Ecology 66 August 2016

67 Table B3 Summary of Hen Harrier sightings at Barna and Lisheen sites between April and August 2013 (from Fennessy 2016) VP Observer Year Month Date Sighting Height Duration Time of sighting Age Sex Activity Habitat No of Strikes No of Kills Inside/outside no. (metres) (secs) Wind Farm Barna 2013 April 28/04/2013 B Ringtail Hunting < Out Barna 2013 April 28/04/2013 B Male Hunting <10 25 Out Barna 2013 April 28/04/2013 B Male Hunting < In Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Imm? Male Soaring >25 60 Out Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Imm? Male Soaring >25 60 In Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Imm? Male Soaring >25 20 Out Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Ad Male Flying 30 In Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Ringtail Hunting < Out Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Male Flying 60 Out Barna 2013 May 29/05/2013 B Male Flying 10 Out Barna 2013 June 24/06/2013 B Male Hunting < Out Barna 2013 June 24/06/2013 B Male Hunting < In Barna 2013 June 24/06/2013 B Male Hunting < Out Barna 2013 July 30/07/2013 B Male Hunting < Out Barna 2013 Aug 31/08/2013 B Ringtail Flying >50 80 Out Barna 2013 Aug 31/08/2013 B Male Hunting < Out Lisheen 2013 May 29/05/2013 L Imm Male Hunting < In Lisheen 2013 May 29/05/2013 L Male Flying 420 In Lisheen 2013 May 29/05/2013 L Male Hunting < In Lisheen 2013 June 24/06/2013 L Male Hunting < Out Lisheen 2013 June 24/06/2013 L Imm Male Flying 40 In Lisheen 2013 June 24/06/2013 L Male Flying 5 In Cork Ecology 67 June 2016

68 Appendix C 2014 Survey dates, weather & sightings summary Cork Ecology 68 June 2016

69 Table C1. Vantage point survey dates and weather at Barna and Lisheen sites between April and July 2014 (from Rathlus Ecology 2014) Date Survey type Observers Time Weather 11/03/ /03/ /03/ /04/2014 Lisheen Dusk survey (Red Grouse & Hen Harrier roost) Barna Bog Dusk survey (Red Grouse & Hen Harrier roost) Lisheen Dusk survey (Red Grouse & Hen Harrier roost) Barna Bog Dusk survey (Red Grouse & Hen Harrier roost) 05/04/2014 VP Survey at Barna JM 06/04/2014 VP Survey at Lisheen RB 28/04/2014 VP Survey at Barna JM 29/04/2014 VP Survey at Lisheen RB 09/05/2014 VP Survey at Barna JM 28/05/2014 VP Survey at Lisheen RB 24/06/2014 VP Survey at Barna JM 26/06/2014 VP Survey at Lisheen RB 05/07/2014 VP Survey at Barna RB JM John Meade; RB Ray Browne Bright, clear breezy, good visibility, W wind 12km/h, 10 Bright, clear, visibility very good, W wind 18km/h, 8 Bright, clear breezy, good visibility, NW wind 18km/h, 10 Bright, clear breezy, good visibility, E wind 19km/h, 9 Scattered clouds with sunny intervals, E wind 16km/h, 9 Scattered clouds with sunny intervals, E wind 16km/h, 9 Scattered clouds with sunny intervals, S wind 16km/h, 16 Scattered clouds with sunny intervals, SW wind 10km/h, 13 Sunny intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind 10km/h SW, Visibility 30km, 17 Sunny with partial cloud, Wind 8km/h S, visibility 30km, 14 Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind SE 8km/h, Visibility 30km, 17 Mostly Cloudy, Wind SW 10km/h, visibility 30km, 20 Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind S 8km/h, visibility 30km, 20 Cork Ecology 69 June 2016

70 Table C2 Summary of Hen Harrier sightings at Barna and Lisheen sites between April and July 2014 (from Rathlus Ecology 2015b) VP Observer Year Month Date Sighting Height Duration Time of sighting Age Sex Activity Habitat No of Strikes No of Kills Inside/outside no. (metres) (secs) Wind Farm Barna JM 2014 April 05/04/ Male Flying <10 5 Outside Barna JM 2014 April 05/04/ Female Flying Outside Barna JM 2014 April 05/04/ Female Hunting <10 5 Outside Lisheen RB 2014 May 28/05/ Male Hunting <10 8 Inside Lisheen RB 2014 May 28/05/ Male Flying >10 15 Inside Lisheen RB 2014 May 28/05/ Male Soaring >10? Inside Barna RB 2014 July 05/07/ Male Flying <10 8 Outside Barna JM 2014 July 05/07/ Male Hunting <10 13 Outside Barna JM 2014 July 05/07/ Male Flying >10 9 Outside Cork Ecology 70 June 2016

71 Table C3. Dates, watch durations and weather conditions for winter roost surveys at the Barna roost site between November 2014 and March 2015 (from Rathlus Ecology 2015b) Date Survey times Duration Weather conditions 07/11/ hrs Scattered clouds with sunny intervals, Wind 12km/h NW, 9 o C 26/11/ hrs Partly cloudy, Wind 18km/h E, 5 o C 12/12/ hrs Cloudy, Cold, Wind 10km/h E, 3 o C 22/12/ hrs Bright, clear, visibility good, very cold, Wind 14km/h W, 5 C 20/01/ hrs Cloudy with sunny intervals, Wind 18km/h W, 5 o C 30/01/ hrs Sunny with cloudy intervals, Wind 14km/h NW, 3 o C 10/02/ hrs Bright, cold, good visibility, E Wind 15km/h E, 3 C 27/02/ hrs Bright, clear, cool, dry, good visibility, Wind 8km/h, 4 C; 04/03/ hrs Snow showers with sunny intervals, snow on ground, Wind 20km/h NW, 2 o C 16/03/ hrs Dry, calm, cold good visibility, Wind 2km/h NE, 2 o C Cork Ecology 71 June 2016

72 Appendix D 2015 Survey dates, weather & sightings summary Cork Ecology 72 June 2016

73 Table D1 Vantage point survey dates and weather at Barna, Lisheen and Ballinahulla sites between April and July 2015 (from Rathlus Ecology 2015a) Barna Date Survey Observer Time Duration Weather 10/04/2015* VP RB hours Bright, sunny, cloudy later, excellent visibility, SW wind 10km/h, 13 29/4/2015* VP RB hours Sunny, partly cloudy, Wind E 8km/h, visibility 30km, 10 18/6/2015* VP RB hours Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind NW 12km/h, visibility 30km, 14 30/07/2015 VP RB hours Overcast, light showers, sunny spells Wind NW 12km/h, visibility 30km, 15 Lisheen 17/04/2015 VP RB 20/05/2015 VP RB 30/06/2015 VP RB 29/07/2015 VP RB JM John Meade; RB Ray Browne hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours Bright, sunny, partly cloudy, breezy at times, excellent visibility, E wind 14km/h, 8 Overcast, few sunny spells, Wind W 12km/h, visibility 30km, 13 Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind S 9km/h, visibility 30km, 17 Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind NW 12km/h, visibility 30km, 13 *Additional dusk roost watches also conducted Cork Ecology 73 June 2016

74 Table D1 (continued) Date Survey Observer Time Duration Weather Ballinahulla 07/04/2015 VP JM 17/04/2015 VP JM 23/04/2015 VP JM 07/05/2015 VP JM 14/05/2015 VP JM 28/05/2015 VP JM 10/06/2015 VP JM 18/06/2015 VP JM 26/06/2015 VP JM hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours 6 hours Bright, sunny, still, excellent visibility, E wind 2km/h, 10 Bright, sunny, partly cloudy, breezy at times, excellent visibility, E wind 16km/h, 7 Bright, sunny, partly cloudy, excellent visibility, E wind 12km/h, 14 Partly cloudy, excellent visibility, heavy showers, S wind 9km/h, 13 Bright, sunny, partly cloudy, excellent visibility, light showers, SW wind 12km/h, 15 Bright, sunny, partly cloudy, breezy, excellent visibility, NW wind 18km/h, 10 Sunny with occasional scattered clouds, Wind W 8km/h, visibility 30km, 17 Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind NW 12km/h, visibility 30km, 16 6 hours Mostly Cloudy, Wind SW 10km/h, visibility 30km, 20 08/07/2015 VP JM 15/07/2015 VP JM 20/07/2015 VP JM JM John Meade; RB Ray Browne hours 6 hours 6 hours Sunny Intervals with occasional scattered clouds, Wind S 8km/h, visibility 30km, 20 Sunny, warm with scattered clouds, Wind NE 10km/h, visibility 30km, 18 Sunny, warm with scattered clouds, Wind SW 20km/h, visibility 30km, 16 *Additional dusk roost watches also conducted Cork Ecology 74 June 2016

75 Figure D1. Vantage points used in 2015 (from Rathlus Ecology 2015a) Cork Ecology 75 June 2016