FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Somebody posted a comment yesterday to ask what was happening with the raven cull, so here are a few updates: As far as we are aware, the controversial raven cull continues in Strathbraan. The raven cull has become an international embarrassment for SNH and the Scottish Government – see this excellent blog by Dr Rob […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/30/raven-cull-latest-update/

Somebody posted a comment yesterday to ask what was happening with the raven cull, so here are a few updates: As far as we are aware, the controversial raven cull continues in Strathbraan. The raven cull has become an international embarrassment for SNH and the Scottish Government – see this excellent blog by Dr Rob […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2kyZoly via IFTTT

After several controversial decisions by the Crown Office last year, where prosecutions for alleged raptor persecution were dropped due to the perceived inadmissibility of video evidence (e.g. hen harrier shooting on Cabrach Estate here; setting of illegal pole trap on Brewlands Estate here), there followed a series of blogs written by law academics at Aberdeen […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2xlSZn3 via IFTTT

After several controversial decisions by the Crown Office last year, where prosecutions for alleged raptor persecution were dropped due to the perceived inadmissibility of video evidence (e.g. hen harrier shooting on Cabrach Estate here; setting of illegal pole trap on Brewlands Estate here), there followed a series of blogs written by law academics at Aberdeen […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/29/law-seminar-to-discuss-admissibility-of-video-evidence/

Following Tuesday’s news that three more satellite-tagged hen harriers have ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances (here), the Scottish Gamekeepers Association has issued a statement about the two that vanished in Scotland (one in the Angus Glens and one near Moffat). So according to the SGA, these suspicious disappearances ‘merit further, independent, investigation‘. Note the use of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2IFG0ls via IFTTT

Following Tuesday’s news that three more satellite-tagged hen harriers have ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances (here), the Scottish Gamekeepers Association has issued a statement about the two that vanished in Scotland (one in the Angus Glens and one near Moffat). So according to the SGA, these suspicious disappearances ‘merit further, independent, investigation‘. Note the use of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/24/laughable-statement-from-sga-on-missing-satellite-tagged-hen-harriers/

Earlier this month Claudia Beamish MSP (South Scotland, Labour) lodged a series of Parliamentary questions about the raven cull licence issued by SNH to a consortium of grouse shooting representatives, permitting the mass culling of ravens ‘just to see what happens’. Claudia’s questions have now been answered by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham (or to be […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2IZDDJE via IFTTT

Earlier this month Claudia Beamish MSP (South Scotland, Labour) lodged a series of Parliamentary questions about the raven cull licence issued by SNH to a consortium of grouse shooting representatives, permitting the mass culling of ravens ‘just to see what happens’. Claudia’s questions have now been answered by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham (or to be […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/23/raven-cull-parliamentary-questions-answers/

Earlier this year, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) issued a licence permitting the mass killing of ravens in Strathbraan, Perthshire, on the basis of ‘seeing what happens’. The licence was issued to a consortium calling itself the Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders, on the pretext of protecting waders, but many of us believe it is actually […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2x8xFl2 via IFTTT

Earlier this year, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) issued a licence permitting the mass killing of ravens in Strathbraan, Perthshire, on the basis of ‘seeing what happens’. The licence was issued to a consortium calling itself the Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders, on the pretext of protecting waders, but many of us believe it is actually […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/23/raven-cull-update-scientific-advisory-committee-not-being-asked-to-repeal-licence/

From Powys County Times, 22 May 2018: ABERYSTWYTH: ILLEGAL GIN TRAP LEADS TO DEATH OF RED KITE An RSPCA appeal for information has been launched following the death of a red kite caught by an illegal gin trap. RSPCA Cymru was alerted after the poor bird of prey was found bleeding, and with broken legs, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/23/red-kite-suffers-horrific-injuries-from-illegal-gin-trap/

From Powys County Times, 22 May 2018: ABERYSTWYTH: ILLEGAL GIN TRAP LEADS TO DEATH OF RED KITE An RSPCA appeal for information has been launched following the death of a red kite caught by an illegal gin trap. RSPCA Cymru was alerted after the poor bird of prey was found bleeding, and with broken legs, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2IGyl6o via IFTTT

RSPB press release, 22 May 2018: THREE HEN HARRIERS DISAPPEAR IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following the disappearance of three protected, satellite-tagged hen harriers in Scotland and Cumbria. After monitoring her progress since she fledged last June, a hen harrier named Saorsa suddenly ceased sending transmissions in February 2018 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/22/three-more-satellite-tagged-hen-harriers-disappear-in-suspicious-circumstances/

RSPB press release, 22 May 2018: THREE HEN HARRIERS DISAPPEAR IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Police and the RSPB are appealing for information following the disappearance of three protected, satellite-tagged hen harriers in Scotland and Cumbria. After monitoring her progress since she fledged last June, a hen harrier named Saorsa suddenly ceased sending transmissions in February 2018 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2IAodMl via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB, 21 May 2018: SEVENTH RED KITE PERSECUTED IN NORTH PENNINES ‘PROBLEM AREA’ The RSPB is appealing for information after a protected red kite was found shot in Country Durham. The bird was found alive on 23 April in Derwent Gorge, in the North Pennines AONB, by a member of the public […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/21/red-kite-shot-blinded-in-north-pennines-raptor-persecution-blackspot/

Press release from RSPB, 21 May 2018: SEVENTH RED KITE PERSECUTED IN NORTH PENNINES ‘PROBLEM AREA’ The RSPB is appealing for information after a protected red kite was found shot in Country Durham. The bird was found alive on 23 April in Derwent Gorge, in the North Pennines AONB, by a member of the public […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2kaAEQm via IFTTT

WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION, 18th May 2018 POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER YORKSHIRE RED KITE SHOT IN LEEDS Police are appealing for information after a Yorkshire Red Kite was shot in Leeds. The incident happened on Thursday 10 May when an injured Red Kite was found by two walkers on a footpath just […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/19/police-appeal-after-red-kite-found-shot-on-harewood-estate-yorkshire/

WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION, 18th May 2018 POLICE APPEAL FOR INFORMATION AFTER YORKSHIRE RED KITE SHOT IN LEEDS Police are appealing for information after a Yorkshire Red Kite was shot in Leeds. The incident happened on Thursday 10 May when an injured Red Kite was found by two walkers on a footpath just […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KDnYwQ via IFTTT

An excellent new podcast is now available on the illegal persecution of satellite-tagged eagles in Scotland. Charlie Moores (a producer at LUSH) interviews Ian Thomson (RSPB Scotland Head of Investigations) about the suspicious disappearance of satellite-tagged golden eagles and white-tailed eagles in areas intensively managed for driven grouse shooting, and how the raptor killers’ tactics […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/17/new-podcast-the-illegal-persecution-of-satellite-tagged-eagles-in-scotland/

An excellent new podcast is now available on the illegal persecution of satellite-tagged eagles in Scotland. Charlie Moores (a producer at LUSH) interviews Ian Thomson (RSPB Scotland Head of Investigations) about the suspicious disappearance of satellite-tagged golden eagles and white-tailed eagles in areas intensively managed for driven grouse shooting, and how the raptor killers’ tactics […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2L7du9O via IFTTT

For those of us hoping to see a progressive move away from intensive grouse moor management inside the Cairngorms National Park, we may have a long wait. We’ve just found the following written on the VisitCairngorms website (‘the official website for the Cairngorms National Park’). It’s so bad it could have been written by one […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2k2GLq4 via IFTTT

For those of us hoping to see a progressive move away from intensive grouse moor management inside the Cairngorms National Park, we may have a long wait. We’ve just found the following written on the VisitCairngorms website (‘the official website for the Cairngorms National Park’). It’s so bad it could have been written by one […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/16/good-grief-cairngorms-national-park/

Following last week’s news that a young satellite-tagged sea eagle (Blue T) had ‘disappeared’ on Invercauld Estate, the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s CEO, Grant Moir, has published a statement: The frustration is evident and it’s clear that a great deal of thought has gone in to this statement, which is a huge improvement on previous […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Im5QXt via IFTTT

Following last week’s news that a young satellite-tagged sea eagle (Blue T) had ‘disappeared’ on Invercauld Estate, the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s CEO, Grant Moir, has published a statement: The frustration is evident and it’s clear that a great deal of thought has gone in to this statement, which is a huge improvement on previous […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/15/missing-sea-eagle-blue-t-statement-from-cairngorms-national-park-authority/

Over the weekend, charities OneKind and the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland released the following video footage, filmed on a Scottish grouse moor earlier this year. It shows a ‘stink pit’ (also known as a ‘midden’) which is a pile of rotting animal carcasses (including the corpses of native wildlife and sometimes domestic pets) that are […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/15/stink-pits-the-disgusting-reality-of-21st-century-grouse-moor-management/

Over the weekend, charities OneKind and the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland released the following video footage, filmed on a Scottish grouse moor earlier this year. It shows a ‘stink pit’ (also known as a ‘midden’) which is a pile of rotting animal carcasses (including the corpses of native wildlife and sometimes domestic pets) that are […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2wE7F0B via IFTTT

Criminal proceedings continued on Friday (11 May 2018) against grouse moor gamekeeper Timothy Cowin, who is accused of a series of alleged wildlife crimes, including the shooting of two short-eared owls in April 2017 at Whernside, Cumbria in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is further alleged he was in possession of items (a shotgun and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/case-against-grouse-moor-gamekeeper-timothy-cowin-part-3/

Criminal proceedings continued on Friday (11 May 2018) against grouse moor gamekeeper Timothy Cowin, who is accused of a series of alleged wildlife crimes, including the shooting of two short-eared owls in April 2017 at Whernside, Cumbria in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is further alleged he was in possession of items (a shotgun and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2rFuU4E via IFTTT

For the benefit of those not on social media, last week Chris Packham posted a series of daily tweets under the heading ‘Top 20 raptor crimes’, to highlight the extent of illegal raptor persecution in the UK, how often these crimes go unpunished, and when cases have reached court, how feeble and inadequate the sentences […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/grouse-shooting-industry-insider-lifts-lid-in-interview-with-chris-packham/

For the benefit of those not on social media, last week Chris Packham posted a series of daily tweets under the heading ‘Top 20 raptor crimes’, to highlight the extent of illegal raptor persecution in the UK, how often these crimes go unpunished, and when cases have reached court, how feeble and inadequate the sentences […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2GctALY via IFTTT

A few days ago we blogged about this Parliamentary motion that had been lodged by Alison Johnstone MSP (Lothian, Scottish Greens) raising concerns about the raven cull licence: Motion S5M-11986 That the Parliament expresses concern that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has granted a licence to the Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders, which authorises the killing of 300 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KXMB8q via IFTTT

A few days ago we blogged about this Parliamentary motion that had been lodged by Alison Johnstone MSP (Lothian, Scottish Greens) raising concerns about the raven cull licence: Motion S5M-11986 That the Parliament expresses concern that Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has granted a licence to the Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders, which authorises the killing of 300 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/raven-cull-please-ask-your-msp-to-support-this-parliamentary-motion/

A satellite-tagged white-tailed eagle has ‘disappeared’ on Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms National Park. Apparently it’s last tag signal came from a roost wood close to the River Dee, near to Braemar, on Saturday. [Map showing Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms National Park. Estate boundary sourced from Andy Wightman’s Who Owns Scotland website] There are […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KRjTpt via IFTTT

A satellite-tagged white-tailed eagle has ‘disappeared’ on Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms National Park. Apparently it’s last tag signal came from a roost wood close to the River Dee, near to Braemar, on Saturday. [Map showing Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms National Park. Estate boundary sourced from Andy Wightman’s Who Owns Scotland website] There are […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/10/satellite-tagged-sea-eagle-disappears-on-invercauld-estate-in-cairngorms-national-park/

The Moorland Association’s long-term ability to deny and undermine the proven link between illegal raptor persecution and driven grouse moor management is legendary (see here for just one of many examples). Never far from the headlines, they’ve been churning out the propaganda again, this time during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, broadcast […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KOHE1M via IFTTT

The Moorland Association’s long-term ability to deny and undermine the proven link between illegal raptor persecution and driven grouse moor management is legendary (see here for just one of many examples). Never far from the headlines, they’ve been churning out the propaganda again, this time during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, broadcast […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/moorland-association-giving-false-hope-for-an-end-to-raptor-persecution-in-peak-district-national-park/

Further to yesterday’s blog about a series of Parliamentary questions lodged by Claudia Beamish MSP (Labour, South Scotland) on the raven cull licence (here), another MSP has also raised political concerns. Alison Johnstone MSP (Scottish Greens, Lothian) lodged the following Parliamentary motion on 30 April 2018: Motion S5M-11986 That the Parliament expresses concern that Scottish […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2wrmzHh via IFTTT

Further to yesterday’s blog about a series of Parliamentary questions lodged by Claudia Beamish MSP (Labour, South Scotland) on the raven cull licence (here), another MSP has also raised political concerns. Alison Johnstone MSP (Scottish Greens, Lothian) lodged the following Parliamentary motion on 30 April 2018: Motion S5M-11986 That the Parliament expresses concern that Scottish […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/09/alison-johnstone-msp-lodges-parliamentary-motion-on-raven-cull-licence/

BBC News article (8 May 2018): DOGS AND BUZZARDS DIE AFTER BEING DELIBERATELY POISONED Police in Highland Perthshire are appealing for information after three working dogs and two buzzards were deliberately poisoned. The incidents took place between October 2017 and April this year in and around the Edradynate and Pitnacree Estates area. The poisons used […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/08/three-dogs-two-buzzards-die-after-being-deliberately-poisoned-in-perthshire/

BBC News article (8 May 2018): DOGS AND BUZZARDS DIE AFTER BEING DELIBERATELY POISONED Police in Highland Perthshire are appealing for information after three working dogs and two buzzards were deliberately poisoned. The incidents took place between October 2017 and April this year in and around the Edradynate and Pitnacree Estates area. The poisons used […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2KFQgrb via IFTTT

Public anger continues to grow over SNH’s recent decision to grant a raven cull licence to a bunch of grouse moor owners and gamekeepers (masquerading under the name Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders) ‘just to see what happens’. The petition against the raven cull licence has now reached 134,000 signatures (see here). So far, SNH […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2I5lRky via IFTTT

Public anger continues to grow over SNH’s recent decision to grant a raven cull licence to a bunch of grouse moor owners and gamekeepers (masquerading under the name Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders) ‘just to see what happens’. The petition against the raven cull licence has now reached 134,000 signatures (see here). So far, SNH […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/08/parliamentary-questions-lodged-on-raven-cull-licence/

Every time Scottish Natural Heritage tries to take back control of the narrative surrounding its appalling decision to issue a raven-killing licence to a bunch of grouse moor owners and gamekeepers, ‘just to see what happens’, it digs itself deeper and deeper in to a disastrous PR hole. Just when you thought SNH couldn’t cock […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/lets-have-more-trials-culls-whether-its-about-ravens-or-other-things-says-snh/

Every time Scottish Natural Heritage tries to take back control of the narrative surrounding its appalling decision to issue a raven-killing licence to a bunch of grouse moor owners and gamekeepers, ‘just to see what happens’, it digs itself deeper and deeper in to a disastrous PR hole. Just when you thought SNH couldn’t cock […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Ih6jxv via IFTTT

Since our last blogs revealing the identity of the false flag Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders (predominantly it’s the grouse shooting industry with a few sheep farmers thrown in for good measure – see here, here) who have been given a licence to cull ravens by SNH on the pretence that it will help waders, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Ik9MLs via IFTTT

Since our last blogs revealing the identity of the false flag Strathbraan Community Collaboration for Waders (predominantly it’s the grouse shooting industry with a few sheep farmers thrown in for good measure – see here, here) who have been given a licence to cull ravens by SNH on the pretence that it will help waders, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/raven-cull-next-steps-to-take-as-snh-blunders-on/

RSPB press release (3 May 2018): EGG COLLECTOR RECEIVES SUSPENDED SENTENCE AND FINE FOR OFFENCES AGAINST RARE BIRDS An egg collector, who was previously unknown to police, has pleaded guilty to taking osprey eggs and disturbing rare breeding birds in Devon and Scotland. Today (3 May 2018), Jason North, 49, from Plymouth appeared at Plymouth […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/jason-north-convicted-for-disturbance-egg-theft-from-raptor-nests/

RSPB press release (3 May 2018): EGG COLLECTOR RECEIVES SUSPENDED SENTENCE AND FINE FOR OFFENCES AGAINST RARE BIRDS An egg collector, who was previously unknown to police, has pleaded guilty to taking osprey eggs and disturbing rare breeding birds in Devon and Scotland. Today (3 May 2018), Jason North, 49, from Plymouth appeared at Plymouth […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2HPgSs0 via IFTTT

From BBC News (2 May 2018): RED KITE POISONINGS IN SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND INVESTIGATED A police investigation has started following the discovery of three dead red kites in Dumfries and Galloway. Tests have confirmed that two of the birds were illegally poisoned with examinations ongoing on the third. It takes the number of birds killed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/4th-raptor-poisoning-in-south-scotland-this-year/

From BBC News (2 May 2018): RED KITE POISONINGS IN SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND INVESTIGATED A police investigation has started following the discovery of three dead red kites in Dumfries and Galloway. Tests have confirmed that two of the birds were illegally poisoned with examinations ongoing on the third. It takes the number of birds killed […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2HHU4KM via IFTTT

Press release from North Yorkshire Police (2 May 2018): WILDLIFE POISONING WARNING AFTER RED KITE FOUND DEAD NEAR KNARESBOROUGH Police are appealing for information after receiving confirmation that a red kite, found dead near Knaresborough in December 2017, had been poisoned with a pesticide. The discovery has prompted a warning from North Yorkshire Police – […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/red-kite-found-poisoned-in-north-yorkshire-yes-another-one/

Press release from North Yorkshire Police (2 May 2018): WILDLIFE POISONING WARNING AFTER RED KITE FOUND DEAD NEAR KNARESBOROUGH Police are appealing for information after receiving confirmation that a red kite, found dead near Knaresborough in December 2017, had been poisoned with a pesticide. The discovery has prompted a warning from North Yorkshire Police – […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JMENVo via IFTTT

Following on from yesterday’s blog, where we learned, according to the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, that the raven cull licence “is not about grouse and it’s never been about grouse“, but that approx 75% of the cull area just happens to be managed for driven grouse shooting (see here), we said we had a bit more […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2HEXyOa via IFTTT

Following on from yesterday’s blog, where we learned, according to the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, that the raven cull licence “is not about grouse and it’s never been about grouse“, but that approx 75% of the cull area just happens to be managed for driven grouse shooting (see here), we said we had a bit more […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/01/strathbraan-community-collaboration-for-waders-whos-involved/

Great to see Hen Harrier Species Champion Mairi Gougeon MSP making time in a busy schedule to accompany licensed fieldworkers from Tayside Raptor Study Group on a monitoring visit to a hen harrier breeding location in Perthshire yesterday. It looks like she enjoyed herself! Good for her. Naturally, the news of this visit provoked abusive […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2I4uXkE via IFTTT

Great to see Hen Harrier Species Champion Mairi Gougeon MSP making time in a busy schedule to accompany licensed fieldworkers from Tayside Raptor Study Group on a monitoring visit to a hen harrier breeding location in Perthshire yesterday. It looks like she enjoyed herself! Good for her. Naturally, the news of this visit provoked abusive […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/05/01/species-champion-mairi-gougeon-msp-visits-hen-harriers/