The number of Corncrakes recorded in Ireland is increasing, with 197 calling males recorded in the country this year.
The Corncrake is a meadow bird that was badly affected by changes in farming practices over the decades which pushed it to the edge of survival in Ireland.
The calling males figures for this year are up 5% on last year when 188 were recorded.
The birds were recorded in five counties this year: Mayo with a population of 62, Galway 23, and Sligo and Kerry recorded one bird each and Donegal recorded 110.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service cites the Corncrake LIFE conservation project as among the reasons for the increase in the bird's population.
The increase has been welcomed by Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan.
