Scottish Raptor Study Group
Monitoring and conserving Scotland's birds of prey
News - August 2016
Obituary: Richard Evans, naturalist and eagle expert
20 August 2016
The Scottish Raptor Study Group is saddened to learn of the death of Richard Evans, a long-term friend and colleague from RSPB Scotland whose work on white-tailed and golden eagles has done much to further our understanding of these species. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Richard's obituary can be read here.
Satellite-tagged hen harrier goes missing on a grouse moor in the Monadhliath Mountains
18 August 2016
One of this year's young satellite-tagged hen harriers has 'disappeared' on a grouse moor in the Monadhliath Mountains, just a few weeks after fledging. Named Elwood, he fledged from a nest in Banffshire in the first week of July but his satellite tag transmissions ceased abruptly on 3rd August 2016. Further details on the RSPB's Skydancer blog here.
Appeal for information as poisoned buzzard found in Ayrshire
12 August 2016
The SSPCA is appealing for information after the discovery of a poisoned buzzard on farmland between Maybole and Patna in April. Further details here.
Satellite-tagged golden eagles disappearing in the Monadhliath mountains
11 August 2016
Since November 2011, eight golden eagles, all less than three years old, fitted with satellite transmitters have disappeared in the grouse moor dominated Monadhliath mountains, south east of Inverness. The birds were being monitored by RSPB Scotland, the Highland Foundation for Wildlife, Natural Research Ltd and Forestry Commission Scotland. Satellite transmitters are increasingly being used to study the movements of wild birds to gain an understanding of their behaviour and travels following fledging. They are fitted under special licence by a small number of highly accredited individuals and golden eagle experts, most from within the SRSG. Satellites continue to transmit if a transmitter becomes detached from a bird, or if a tagged bird dies naturally allowing recovery of the body. Despite comprehensive searches, after consultation with the Police, of the areas around the last recorded positions of all eight eagles none of the birds or transmitters have been recovered, and no further data has been received from the transmitters. Further details here.
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