Giant birds spotted in midlands that have not been seen in Ireland in over 300 years Reporter: 25 May 2021 The pair of common cranes spotted near Lough Boora recently. The birds are believed to be nesting locally presenting the possibility of breeding here for the first time in 300 years '); '); There was wonderful news last week when it was revealed that a pair of common cranes had been spotted near Lough Boora and had started nesting, presenting the possibility of breeding in Ireland for the first time in three hundred years. It's being theorised that the ongoing regeneration of the midland raised bogs is the reason for this exciting occurrence, because new habitats are being created which are attracting species to the region.