Hen Harrier on Scattery Island
Hen Harriers on Scattery Island - Stan Nugent of Waxwing Wildlife Productions Ltd, based in Ennis, Co. Clare, Did you know that one of Ireland's rarest and protected birds of prey, the 'Hen Harrier' are resident to Scattery Island! It's believed that this beautiful bird has suffered a 50% decline in population in the last 40 years. It's wonderful to have such a safe environment for them on Scattery Island to nest and they're a great addition to the range of birds that make their home on Scattery! Hen Harriers, a protected species, have been nesting successfully on Scattery Island for the last few years. The island\u2019s scrub growth is not their usual habitat, but as ground-nesting birds, the absence of land-based predators makes the island a safe space for them. In early summer they can be seen in a wonderful arial display known as \u201csky-dancing\u201d. Stan Nugent is studying for an MA in Film Production & Direction at The John Huston School of Film, N.U.I.G. He is 53 years old and married with three sons. He lives in Ennis, Co. Clare in the west of Ireland. This MA is his first academic undertaking in film. However, he has been producing videos on nature and the environment for over ten years.