We should protect birds, not harm them

　　
　　Hunting ban to protect bird numbers during snap


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A hunting ban has been ordered in Ireland to protect more than a dozen wild birds amid fears they are sitting ducks in the cold snap.
The shooting season for waterfowl has been shut down as feeding grounds in ponds, lakes and marshes have been frozen for weeks.
Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe, director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said the game birds depend on the wetlands to survive.
"These birds depend on lakes, ponds, reed beds and marshy ground to find food, shelter and refuge, but these are now frozen and have been since mid December," he said.
The temporary ban, which will be reviewed by Friday January 15, is to protect more than a dozen wild ducks, migratory birds like Canada Goose and waders, including the woodcock.
Pheasant, red-legged partridge or pigeons have not been so lucky, with hunters free to shoot them.
Alan Lauder, BirdWatch Ireland head of conservation, said: "Reducing hunting pressure will allow wetland birds to conserve their energy resources. We would also advise others in the countryside to take extra care to avoid any disturbance of wetland birds while the freeze continues."
Des Crofton, director of National Association of Regional Game Councils, said: "The Association supports and welcomes this measure as in current conditions it is necessary and beneficial."
Shooting has also been restricted in Northern Ireland and Scotland after weeks of freezing conditions.
The NPWS said a similar measure was put in place early in 1982 during a prolonged cold spell.