Local Artists – For the Birds !

Peter Phillips of Louth Nature Trust visited three National Schools in close proximity to the Little Tern Conservation Project, The Haven, Baltray, to talk about the Little Terns Conservation Project. Peter, who works as a zookeeper in the bird house in Dublin Zoo spoke to the Fourth classes in Termonfeckin, Cartown and Callyston National Schools.

With sponsorship from Coca-Cola in Drogheda (Beverage Business Solutions), the children were invited to enter a poster competition on the subject of the little terns, Ireland’s rarest breeding seabird. Áine Walsh of Beverage Business Solutions remarked on the fantastic response from the schools, with some really creative and informative posters.

Patrick Smyth was the winner from Callystown national school, Orlagh McNally led the way for Cartown national school, and Aoife Leech was the winner from Termonfeckin. All entries were however prize-worthy

Prizes were presented to the three winners and Patrick and Orlagh joined Áine Walsh, Peter Philips and Wardens from Louth Nature Trust out at the conservation site in Baltray to see the birds in action. Scopes were set up to get the best views of the birds on the nests.

Beverage Business Solutions are delighted to support Louth Nature Trust, and their Little Tern Conservation Project. This is a very important conservation project within the county. 2010 has been a great year for the little terns, with 91 chicks hatched and a further 5 eggs yet to hatch in the next week. The 24 hour wardening, good weather and weak spring tides have definitely helped the viability of chicks this year. These little chicks should be good and strong for their migration back to Africa at the end of the Summer.

On behalf of Louth Nature Trust, Peter would like to sincerely congratulate Patrick, Orlagh and Aoife, artists and conservationists of the future. Thanks to Termonfeckin, Cartown and Callystown national schools for supporting the art competition, and a big thanks to Beverage Business Solutions for encouraging local conservation and artistic initiatives.