News

Two hen harrier chicks rescued after mother shot dead in the Muirkirk area of East Ayrshire

Two hen harrier chicks have been taken in to care by the SSPCA after their mother was found shot dead close to the nest in the Muirkirk area of East Ayrshire. The dead female was found by a Raptor Study Group member in a routine monitoring visit. Efforts are being made to find a suitable foster nest for the two chicks. The police have launched an investigation into the killing. There has long been concern about hen harrier persecution in Muirkirk, an area designated with special protection status due to its importance for breeding hen harriers. The Scottish Raptor Study Group remains deeply concerned about the failure of successive governments to protect these and other upland raptor species across large swathes of the country.

Coordinated ‘hunt’ and subsequent shooting of a hen harrier in Cairngorms National Park

A male hen harrier was shot on moorland in the Cairngorms National Park last year, after a three-hour coordinated ‘hunt’ by men with shotguns, according to the RSPB. Two witnesses reported the incident to the police and an investigation was launched. Unfortunately, the investigation failed to find sufficient evidence to bring a prosecution. Full story here.

Gamekeeper accused of shooting, bludgeoning and stamping on a buzzard in Dumfries

A 24-year old gamekeeper from Dumfries is facing trial after accusations that he shot a buzzard, hit it with a rock and then stamped on it. The alleged offences are thought to have taken place in Sunnybrae, Dumfries in April. William Dick of Whitehill Cottages, Kirkmahoe, Dumfries has denied the charges. Full story here.

Long-eared owl chick rescued in Perthshire

A long-eared owl chick found with an injured wing has been rescued in Perthshire. The five-week old owlet is now recovering at the SSPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre and it is hoped he can be released back to the wild after a period of veterinary rehabilitation. Full story here.

Tweed Valley osprey chicks ‘succumb to cold’

The Tweed Valley Osprey Project has suffered a setback after all three chicks in a monitored nest site died. It is thought they succumbed to the cold after the adult female disappeared for three days. Full story here.

Police confirm Ross-shire poisoning was result of “illegally-held poisonous substance”

The following statement has been issued by Police Scotland:

Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division are seeking to reassure the public that enquiries are still ongoing into a wildlife crime investigation regarding the death of birds of prey in the Ross-shire area.

The 22 birds (sixteen red kites and six buzzards) were located in the Conon Bridge area and following analysis of the birds’ remains, fifteen have been confirmed as having digested an illegally-held poisonous substance (twelve red kites and three buzzards). Post mortem examinations and toxicology work continues into all the birds seized.

Police Scotland is continuing to work in close collaboration with partner agencies. Landowners and farmers in the local area are also continuing to assist police with their ongoing enquiries.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about the incident and would encourage them to contact Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

New e-petition to ban driven grouse shooting in England

A new e-petition has been launched to gather signatures in support of a ban on driven grouse shooting in England. An explanation of the need for this petition has been provided by its creator, Dr Mark Avery, the former Conservation Director of the RSPB:

“Intensive management of upland areas for the ‘sport’ of grouse shooting has led to the near-extinction of the protected Hen Harrier in England, as well as increased risk of flooding, discolouration of drinking water, degradation of peatbogs and impacts on other wildlife.

Grouse shooting interests have persecuted the Hen Harrier to such an extent that, despite full legal protection for the last 60 years, it is almost extinct as a breeding species in England (2 pairs nested in 2013) despite there being habitat available for 300+ pairs. The investigation of wildlife crimes against such protected species is time-consuming, difficult to prosecute, and ties up valuable police resources.

Grouse shooters have failed to put their own house in order, despite decades of discussion, and government has proved incapable of influencing this powerful lobby group.

The time has now come for the public to call ‘Enough!’ and require the next government to ban driven grouse shooting in England”.

Many SRSG members will be supporting this petition because hen harriers don’t recognise political boundaries – Scottish hen harriers will die on English grouse moors and vice versa.

If you’d like to sign this petition, please see here.

White-tailed eagle killed at Scottish wind farm

A young white-tailed eagle has been killed at a wind farm in Clackmannanshire. The bird, known as ‘Red T’, was released in east Scotland in 2011 as part of the reintroduction programme. His body was discovered at Burnfoot Hill wind farm in February this year. A post-mortem has concluded the ‘likely cause of death’ was collision with a wind turbine. Full story here and here.

Further delay in trial against Scottish gamekeeper

The trial of a gamekeeper accused of several offences in relation to the taking and killing of raptors has suffered further delay. George Mutch, a gamekeeper from Kildrummy Estate in Aberdeenshire is facing prosecution for offences alleged to have taken place in August 2012. His trial was due to begin on 28th May but has now been adjourned until October. Mr Mutch has denied all the charges.

Eradicating raptor persecution from Scotland: a parliamentary debate

There was a parliamentary debate today, focusing on eradicating raptor persecution from Scotland. It was led by Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse in response to recent high profile incidents including the mass poisoning of 22 raptors at Conon Bridge, Ross-shire. The minister expressed his “anger, revulsion and utter frustration” that these crimes continue to take place in Scotland and said he would consider taking further action if things don’t improve. He also mentioned that the first prosecution under the 2012 vicarious liability legislation (WANE Act) was underway. A full transcipt of the debate can be read here.