Newswatch - Limerick Leader -Bird's eye view of Moyross as falcons set to swoop

Bird's eye view of Moyross as falcons set to swoop

By Petula Martyn and Jude Meaney
Limerick Leader

THREE peregrine falcons will record a bird's eye view of Moyross as a part of an art project commissioned by the new Watchhouse Cross Library.
The aim of the project is to capture on film an alternative view of Moyross from the image often portrayed in the media. The specially trained falcons, with small cameras attached to their heads, will glide over the northside estate, recording footage for a documentary.

Artist Sean Lynch told the Limerick Leader the film will act as an historical record when the regeneration of Moyross is completed. "When journalists go to Moyross, they go to the back and photos are taken of derelict houses," he said, "whereas a bird has no preconceived ideas and will simply document the geography of the area from the sky.

"It will also act an historical record when the regeneration is completed so it won't just be a one-off ."

BBC wildlife cameraman Jonathan Wade, who has worked with David Attenborough, and bird handler Lloyd Buck will play major roles in this unique initiative.

"Normally filming of this nature takes place in the glens of Scotland," Sean, a Listowel man, explained. "These birds fly around 100 miles per hour and when they swoop towards their prey they can reach speeds of 250 miles per hour.

"A small camera will be put on the birds' heads so you will literally get a bird's eye view," he added. "I'm looking forward to it; it should be great fun."

Filming in Moyross depends heavily on the weather but it is hoped work will begin at the end of March or in early April.

The full article contains 280 words and appears in Limerick Leader City Edition newspaper.

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