RSPB NI’s east area manager, Claire Barnett, has been part of the project for more than a decade and reflected on her time working as a senior conservation officer when she first heard the returning corncrake calls on the island.
“I remember being out on Rathlin in 2014, walking the fields and hearing the corncrake call as they were becoming re-established,” she said.
“It was a moment of hope, but I never imagined we’d one day be hearing six – it’s incredible.
“This is down to years of hard work by our team, the community and volunteers.
“We’re aiming for ten calling male Corncrakes on Rathlin, and with the right habitat and care, we’re confident we can get there.”