Horizons

Nature enthusiasts will remember the fanfare attached to the arrival of six young golden eagles in Glenveagh National Park in the summer. Brought by plane from Aberdeen in Scotland to Glenveagh National Park, Co Donegal, the six chicks are part of a project to reintroduce the golden eagle to Ireland after about 80 years of absence.

Now, Wings magazine reports that only five of the original six eagles have survived to date. The project team realised there was a problem when their radio-tracking revealed one of the birds was not moving. It was later found to have a seriously damaged tail and was put down. According to the Wings magazine reporter, the remaining five eagles are growing accustomed to living in the wild and have stayed away from the food dumps for up to a week.

The reintroduction of Golden eagles to Ireland is the first scientific attempt to reintroduce a vanished species to Ireland. The project, which will continue for five years, is being watched by conservationists around Europe. It is hoped that 10 to 12 chicks will be brought to Glenveagh each year for the next four years, after which time they are expected to begin breeding themselves.

The Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Association (FIBKA) has secured the hosting of the biannual world conference of beekeepers for 2005. Up to 6,000 delegates from five continents are expected to attend Apimondia in the RDS, Dublin, in September 2005.

Irish beekeepers surmounted stiff opposition from Australia, Indonesia and Argentina to stage the event, according to Philip McCabe, vice president of FIBKA. The final decision was made at this year's Apimondia in Durban, South Africa, which was attended by Irish beekeepers. FIBKA was also awarded third place in an award for website design at this year's Apimondia. Check out their website at www.irishbeekeeping.ie

A reminder for Dublin-based shoppers: Fairtrade products will be on sale today at a Christmas fair in Warrenmount School Hall, Blackpitts, Dublin 8 (just off Clanbrassil St). Visitors to the fair, open from noon to 6 p.m., can buy crafts, Christmas decorations, perfumes, coffee, chocolates and other food items made by third-world producers who are guaranteed safe working conditions and a fair wage. Oxfam shops throughout the country and the Amnesty International shop in Fleet Street, Dublin also stock Fairtrade products.

Possibly the best source for such ethical shopping is The Trade, in Capel Street, Dublin. German-born former Microsoft worker, Jorg Schmidt set up this Fairtrade shop three years ago once he realised there wasn't a dedicated outlet in Dublin. This year, The Trade is selling Fairtrade Christmas hampers (£12). Tel: 01-8786544.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Castle Espie, Comber, Co Down, is inviting children aged five and up to join a mega-messy art workshop today or tomorrow as part of its Christmas activities. The two-hour workshops start at 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. each day and cost £5.75. Local raptor conservationist Don Scott will also bring down his eagle and snowy owls tomorrow afternoon for all to view.

Next weekend, families can join The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Green Santa as he takes no fewer than three strolls around the reserve on Saturday and Sunday at noon, 1.30 p.m. and 3 p.m, cost £4 (which includes a guided walk, gift and food for the ducks). Tel: 04891-874146 or e-mail castleespie@wwt.org.uk for details of all activities.