Pheasants cause bird of prey rise

Pheasants are not indigenous to Jersey

An ecologist has said the island's bird of prey population has increased because of the number of pheasants found in Jersey.

Pheasants are not indigenous and according to Mike Freeman were introduced on to the island about five to seven years ago.

States Ecologist Mr Freeman said: "There's certainly been more marsh harriers, buzzards and peregrines."

But some people feel the birds are a nuisance because they eat local crops.

Peck potatoes

Although the birds are relatively new to Jersey's wildlife Mr Freeman said: "They're accepted as part of the Jersey landscape."

But a few islanders believe the birds are a problem especially on farmland and although they eat insects, berries and seeds they are also partial to the island's potato crop.

The birds have been known to peck into early potatoes leaving them to go green and become inedible.

Mr Freeman said he had no idea how many birds there were on the island or exactly where they came from.

But he added the number of birds of prey is rising.

"Ten years ago the commonest bird in Jersey was a kestrel," he said.

"It's good for islanders to see more of these types of birds."