News : Nov 2013

Scottish hen harrier population suffers 20% population decline between 2004 – 2010

28 November 2013

A new scientific publication has documented a 20% decline in the Scottish hen harrier population over a six-year period. A national survey was carried out in 2010 and the results indicate an estimated population of 505 territorial pairs. The previous national survey was conducted in 2004 and estimated 633 territorial pairs. The paper’s authors suggest that the decreases may be related to habitat change and illegal persecution.

Hayhow, D.B., Eaton, M.A., Bladwell, S., Etheridge, B., Ewing, S.R., Ruddock, M., Saunders, R., Sharpe, C., Sim, I.M.W. and Stevenson, A. (2013). The status of the Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus, in the UK and Isle of Man in 2010. Bird Study, Volume 60, Issue 4.

The full paper is available for free download here

SNH consultation on 2013 Core Areas of Wild Land Map

25 November 2013

SNH is inviting public opinion on the development of the 2013 Core Areas of Wild Land Map. A draft version of this map, which identifies areas of wild land character which are significant in a national context, has been prepared by SNH to help inform planning policy in these areas. SNH’s definition of wild land includes habitats and wildlife; the Scottish Raptor Study Group will be preparing a consultation response in relation to important areas for raptors and their prey. For further information about the public consultation, including how to take part, please click here.

Petition calls for Golden Eagle to be named Scotland’s national bird

18 November 2013

It’s hailed as an icon of wild Scotland, used on company logos, place names and ancient burial sites, and recently voted the nation’s favourite animal, now a new campaign is aiming to see the golden eagle named as the country’s national bird.

Fronted by wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan, RSPB Scotland has submitted a petition urging ministers to formally designate the species as a national symbol, placing it alongside the lion rampant, saltire and Scottish thistle as emblems of the country.

There are currently just 431 pairs of golden eagles in the whole of Scotland. Owing to centuries of persecution, this most charismatic of birds has been almost entirely confined to the more remote areas of the country, such as the mountains and glens of the west coast and on the western isles, with numbers held at artificially low levels and many territories vacant.

Its restricted range and tendency to favour the more remote and dramatic areas has made it become a coveted sight for any visitor who appreciates Scotland’s magnificent wildlife spectacles.

But now the nature conservation charity is pressing for the adoption of the golden eagle as Scotland’s national bird, helping to raise its profile, turn around its fortunes and see it return once again to its former range thus increasing the chances of a sighting for visitors and local people.

Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan added: “The thrill of seeing a golden eagle soaring over a Scottish hillside is an unbeatable experience. For me they symbolise the wildest parts of Scotland and there is no other contender for Scotland’s national bird. Spending my childhood on Mull meant I grew up with eagles. I’ve been lucky enough to see hundreds since and each one is special. But golden eagles could and should be more common. Scots and visitors to Scotland shouldn’t hope that an eagle sighting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; they should expect to see them regularly. That is why I’m backing the RSPB’s campaign to make Scotland’s national bird, the golden eagle.”

Stuart Housden, Director of RSPB Scotland, said: “The majestic sight of a golden eagle soaring effortlessly above the treetops, or along a dramatic cliff edge never fails to impress, so much so that this spectacular species was recently named Scotland’s favourite animal following a public vote. It is a stirring symbol of strength and pride, qualities well befitting to a modern Scotland and its people. 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland – a period where the Scottish Government is celebrating our most impressive natural heritage. What better legacy can we provide for this initiative than to officially designate the eagle as Scotland’s national bird and join together for its future conservation? It would formally recognise the place this species has unofficially occupied in our culture for many centuries, and show our commitment and desire to protect and conserve it, and our wider national heritage, for generations to come.”

To show support or find out more please visit here

Satellite-tracking study reveals new insights into golden eagle dispersal behaviour

15 November 2013

A new paper has just been published that reveals new insights into the dispersal behaviour of young golden eagles in Scotland. The study examined satellite tag data from 24 young golden eagles, tagged between 2007-2010 in 20 different home ranges. The results show that the majority of these eagles stayed in their parents’ territory for some considerable time after fledging, even though they made short, temporary excursions (up to 44km) before eventually dispersing for good. The authors suggest that these temporary excursions may help the young birds to decide when they should ‘properly’ leave and where might be the best place to go when they do leave. The study forms part of a PhD being undertaken by North East Raptor Study Group member Ewan Weston. 

Weston, E.D., Whitfield, D.P., Travis, J.M.J. and Lambin, X. (2013). When do young birds disperse? Tests from studies of golden eagles in Scotland. BMC Ecology 13: 42. 

The full paper is available to download here.

Aberdeenshire is the UK’s 2nd worst area for reported raptor crime in 2012

13 November 2013

The RSPB has published its annual report on bird crime in the UK for 2012. The country’s worst area for crimes against birds of prey is North Yorkshire where 34 incidents were reported. Aberdeenshire is the second worst area with 31 reported raptor crimes. The RSPB’s press release can be read here and the report can be downloaded here.

Records of day-time-calling Tawny Owls wanted for research project

12 November 2013

Researchers have been collecting information about day-time-calling Tawny Owls across the UK and are now making a final appeal for information as their survey will close on 28th February 2014. They are particularly interested in receiving records from Scotland. For further details of the survey and who to contact if you can help, please click here.

Mountain hare culling on Scottish sporting estates is a ‘national scandal’ says leading ecologist

A leading upland ecologist has warned of ‘massive declines’ of mountain hares on grouse moors around Deeside and claims it is a ‘national scandal’. In an article published in the Sunday Herald, Dr Adam Watson, who is also a founding member of the North East Raptor Study Group, says in some areas the hares have been completely wiped out and blames SNH for failing to protect the species under European law. His claims are supported by other members of the Scottish Raptor Study Group, as well as by the RSPB. Landowners insist that the mountain hare population is ‘stable and robust’. However, SNH has admitted that there might have been localised extinctions but is unable to accurately assess the status of the national mountain hare population due to surveying difficulties. To read the article please click here.

Red Kite monitoring scheme reveals breeding success in 2013

7 November 2013

Red kite conservation efforts began in earnest in 1989 when the RSPB and SNH initiated a reintroduction project to restore this native species to its former range. Those efforts continue although now the focus is firmly on monitoring the species’ fortunes in the face of continuing persecution. This monitoring effort is undertaken largely by the RSPB and members of the Scottish Raptor Study Group, with almost complete coverage of the entire red kite population in Scotland.

The results of the 2013 red kite breeding season have now been tallied and show that the kites are doing well with a total of 252 known territorial pairs. Of these, 180 pairs bred successfully in 2013 and between them they produced 335+ fledglings. The regional breakdown is as follows:

Northern Scotland: 49 successful pairs, 105 fledged. 
Central Scotland: 52 successful pairs, 96+ fledged.
Dumfries & Galloway: 63 successful pairs, 91+ fledged.
Aberdeen: 16 successful pairs, 43 fledged.

2013 was also an important year for two public red kite viewing facilities (Argaty Red Kites near Doune and the Galloway Red Kite Trail near Castle Douglas) as they celebrated their tenth annniversaries. More info here.

Latest Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme Report (2012) now available for download

5 November 2013

The 2012 Report of the Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme has just been published and is available for download from our website.

The award-winning Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme was established in 2002 to improve partnership working between organisations involved in raptor monitoring in Scotland. There are currently eight partners in the scheme: Scottish Raptor Study Group, RSPB Scotland, British Trust for Ornithology, Scottish Natural Heritage, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Rare Breeding Birds Panel, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and Forestry Commission Scotland.

These annual reports provide an unprecedented picture of raptor population trends across Scotland and are essential to help researchers, government officials etc to monitor the conservation status of our birds of prey.

To download the 2012 report please click here.

Golden eagle voted Scotland’s ‘favourite’ wild animal and yet still threatened by illegal persecution

1 November 2013

The magnificent golden eagle has been voted Scotland’s favourite wild animal in a poll that saw it competing against other iconic species such as the otter, red squirrel, red deer and harbour seal. Over 12,000 votes were cast and the golden eagle was a clear winner, securing over 4,000 votes in comparison to the second-placed red squirrel with over 2,000 votes. Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse commented that although Scotland holds the UK’s entire golden eagle breeding population, recent incidents have shown that the species still faces considerable threats in some parts of the country. Long-term and on-going research by SRSG members and others shows that golden eagles are still routinely poisoned, trapped or shot on driven grouse moors in central, esatern and southern Scotland. BBC news here.