FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Police Scotland has issued a statement about the discovery of an illegal gin trap found set near Nairn in the Highlands: ILLEGAL GIN TRAP FOUND NEAR NAIRN (30 Nov 2018) Police in Nairn have issued a warning about the use of illegal traps following the discovery of one set near the town. The illegal gin […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/30/illegal-gin-trap-found-set-near-nairn-highlands/

Police Scotland has issued a statement about the discovery of an illegal gin trap found set near Nairn in the Highlands: ILLEGAL GIN TRAP FOUND NEAR NAIRN (30 Nov 2018) Police in Nairn have issued a warning about the use of illegal traps following the discovery of one set near the town. The illegal gin […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2rfffJy via IFTTT

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after the discovery of yet another shot & killed red kite in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The latest in a long line of victims, this red kite was found dead on 25th October 2018 near to Wath. [X-ray of the shot red kite showing […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/30/yet-another-red-kite-shot-killed-in-north-yorkshires-nidderdale-aonb/

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after the discovery of yet another shot & killed red kite in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The latest in a long line of victims, this red kite was found dead on 25th October 2018 near to Wath. [X-ray of the shot red kite showing […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2FQA08w via IFTTT

Earlier this month the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and the Forestry Commission announced a proposal to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to the Isle of Wight (see here). [Photo by Marcin Nawrocki] The National Farmers Union has been having its say about the proposal (see here). Now’s your chance to have your say. A very short online […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/30/proposed-reintroduction-of-white-tailed-eagles-to-isle-of-wight-have-your-say/

Earlier this month the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and the Forestry Commission announced a proposal to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to the Isle of Wight (see here). [Photo by Marcin Nawrocki] The National Farmers Union has been having its say about the proposal (see here). Now’s your chance to have your say. A very short online […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2DSln1R via IFTTT

Daniel Lingham, 65, was sentenced today at Norwich Magistrates Court after earlier pleading guilty to five charges relating to the unlawful possession of over 5,000 eggs including 75 listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (species given the highest level of protection) including Marsh harrier. [Daniel Lingham, photo by Norfolk Police] Lingham was […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/serial-egg-thief-daniel-lingham-receives-custodial-sentence/

Daniel Lingham, 65, was sentenced today at Norwich Magistrates Court after earlier pleading guilty to five charges relating to the unlawful possession of over 5,000 eggs including 75 listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (species given the highest level of protection) including Marsh harrier. [Daniel Lingham, photo by Norfolk Police] Lingham was […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Aup2zF via IFTTT

Here we go again. Just last week we saw the British Association of Shooting & Conservation (BASC) claim that “the values and standards of the UK shooting community…is driven by strong ethics and respect for quarry“. The evidence continues to suggest otherwise. These pictures, sent to us by a blog reader, show approx 30 shot […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/27/pheasants-shot-dumped-near-duns-scottish-borders/

Here we go again. Just last week we saw the British Association of Shooting & Conservation (BASC) claim that “the values and standards of the UK shooting community…is driven by strong ethics and respect for quarry“. The evidence continues to suggest otherwise. These pictures, sent to us by a blog reader, show approx 30 shot […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2TOXPRc via IFTTT

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). We’ve blogged recently about the areas where hen harriers Margot and Stelmaria ‘disappeared’ in the Cairngorms National Park (see here and here). Today we’re looking at the area where hen harrier […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/26/hen-harrier-heather-disappeared-on-grouse-moor-in-strathbraan-raven-cull-area/

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). We’ve blogged recently about the areas where hen harriers Margot and Stelmaria ‘disappeared’ in the Cairngorms National Park (see here and here). Today we’re looking at the area where hen harrier […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2DIDuqU via IFTTT

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). We then highlighted how two of those four missing hen harriers (Margot & Stelmaria) had ‘disappeared’ inside the Cairngorms National Park (see here). [RPUK map showing approximate last known locations of hen […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/23/from-which-grouse-shooting-estate-did-hen-harrier-stelmaria-disappear/

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). We then highlighted how two of those four missing hen harriers (Margot & Stelmaria) had ‘disappeared’ inside the Cairngorms National Park (see here). [RPUK map showing approximate last known locations of hen […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2POpSS9 via IFTTT

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). Yesterday we highlighted how two of those four missing hen harriers (Margot & Stelmaria) had ‘disappeared’ inside the Cairngorms National Park (see here). Today we’re going to take a closer look […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/22/did-hen-harrier-margot-disappear-on-a-royal-grouse-moor/

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). Yesterday we highlighted how two of those four missing hen harriers (Margot & Stelmaria) had ‘disappeared’ inside the Cairngorms National Park (see here). Today we’re going to take a closer look […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2qYNNzx via IFTTT

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). [RPUK map showing approximate last known locations of four satellite-tagged hen harriers] We said at the time that we’d be coming back to this subject as we were interested in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/21/two-of-the-four-missing-satellite-tagged-hen-harriers-disappeared-on-grouse-moors-in-cairngorms-national-park/

Earlier this month RSPB Scotland announced that four of this year’s satellite-tagged hen harriers had ‘disappeared’ in suspicious circumstances on Scottish grouse moors (see here). [RPUK map showing approximate last known locations of four satellite-tagged hen harriers] We said at the time that we’d be coming back to this subject as we were interested in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Acezsw via IFTTT

The picture often painted by the grouse shooting industry is one of community harmony – a rural idyll where local residents are deliriously enthralled by the activities of the local grouse moor managers and thankful for the boost that grouse shooting brings to the local economy, without which the local community would apparently collapse. Sounds […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/21/local-community-raises-concerns-about-grouse-moor-management-in-national-park/

The picture often painted by the grouse shooting industry is one of community harmony – a rural idyll where local residents are deliriously enthralled by the activities of the local grouse moor managers and thankful for the boost that grouse shooting brings to the local economy, without which the local community would apparently collapse. Sounds […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2FvJ0zL via IFTTT

The long-awaited trial of Edradynate Estate’s now former Head Gamekeeper began today at Perth Sheriff Court. David Campbell, 69, denies that between 14 and 16 April 2017 at Edradynate Estate he maliciously damaged game crops by spraying them with an unknown substance which caused them to rot and perish. At the time of the alleged […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/trial-begins-for-now-ex-head-gamekeeper-of-edradynate-estate/

The long-awaited trial of Edradynate Estate’s now former Head Gamekeeper began today at Perth Sheriff Court. David Campbell, 69, denies that between 14 and 16 April 2017 at Edradynate Estate he maliciously damaged game crops by spraying them with an unknown substance which caused them to rot and perish. At the time of the alleged […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QWISdI via IFTTT

The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) annual conference took place on Saturday with a record number of 170 attendees. NERF comprises ten regional study groups (Bowland Raptor Study Group, Calderdale RSG, Cheshire RSG, Durham Upland Bird Study Group, Manchester Raptor Group, Northumbria Ringing Group, North York Moors Upland Bird (Merlin) Study Group, Peak District Raptor […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2BgGKZ9 via IFTTT

The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) annual conference took place on Saturday with a record number of 170 attendees. NERF comprises ten regional study groups (Bowland Raptor Study Group, Calderdale RSG, Cheshire RSG, Durham Upland Bird Study Group, Manchester Raptor Group, Northumbria Ringing Group, North York Moors Upland Bird (Merlin) Study Group, Peak District Raptor […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/19/raptor-persecution-highlighted-at-nerf-annual-conference/

Andy Wightman MSP (Scottish Green Party) has lodged the following parliamentary motion commending the Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform: It’ll be interesting to see which MSPs sign up to support this, or perhaps more interesting to see which ones don’t. They can’t say they don’t know about it as earlier this week a great […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/parliamentary-motion-commends-revive-the-coalition-for-grouse-moor-reform/

Andy Wightman MSP (Scottish Green Party) has lodged the following parliamentary motion commending the Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform: It’ll be interesting to see which MSPs sign up to support this, or perhaps more interesting to see which ones don’t. They can’t say they don’t know about it as earlier this week a great […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Pt7uOO via IFTTT

We can expect significant changes in the way raptor persecution is tackled in England & Wales, if Police Supt Nick Lyall has his way. Nick is the new Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), which is tasked with the ‘delivery’ of action against the raptor killers (in Scotland the ‘delivery’ group is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/14/time-for-new-approach-to-tackling-raptor-persecution-in-england-wales/

We can expect significant changes in the way raptor persecution is tackled in England & Wales, if Police Supt Nick Lyall has his way. Nick is the new Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), which is tasked with the ‘delivery’ of action against the raptor killers (in Scotland the ‘delivery’ group is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2B5sVwg via IFTTT

RSPB press release (12/11/18): A rare Hen Harrier has suddenly disappeared in North Yorkshire, triggering an investigation by the police and the RSPB. This is the ninth bird to disappear in suspicious circumstances in the last 12 weeks. The bird, named Arthur, hatched from a nest in the Peak District this summer. This was the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PS7Ptr via IFTTT

RSPB press release (12/11/18): A rare Hen Harrier has suddenly disappeared in North Yorkshire, triggering an investigation by the police and the RSPB. This is the ninth bird to disappear in suspicious circumstances in the last 12 weeks. The bird, named Arthur, hatched from a nest in the Peak District this summer. This was the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/satellite-tagged-hen-harrier-arthur-disappears-near-grouse-moor-in-north-york-moors-national-park/

In November last year we blogged about some second-hand information we’d received that the Moorland Association (the grouse moor owners’ lobby group in England) was interested in obtaining licences from Natural England for the lethal control of Marsh harriers (see here). The issue was alleged to have been raised by Amanda Anderson (Director, Moorland Association) […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/12/licences-to-kill-marsh-harriers-on-grouse-moors-an-update/

In November last year we blogged about some second-hand information we’d received that the Moorland Association (the grouse moor owners’ lobby group in England) was interested in obtaining licences from Natural England for the lethal control of Marsh harriers (see here). The issue was alleged to have been raised by Amanda Anderson (Director, Moorland Association) […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2DjBHZ0 via IFTTT

This buzzard was found today at Skipwith in North Yorkshire, with horrific injuries caused by a shotgun. According to Jean Thorpe (raptor rehabilitator extraordinaire) the buzzard was found alive but with a broken shoulder and humerus. She thinks its injuries were so severe it would not have been able to fly from the location where […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QtNzLL via IFTTT

This buzzard was found today at Skipwith in North Yorkshire, with horrific injuries caused by a shotgun. According to Jean Thorpe (raptor rehabilitator extraordinaire) the buzzard was found alive but with a broken shoulder and humerus. She thinks its injuries were so severe it would not have been able to fly from the location where […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/10/buzzard-found-in-north-yorkshire-with-horrific-injuries-from-shotgun/

You’ll remember Timothy Cowin. He’s the gamekeeper who was convicted this summer for the illegal killing of two short-eared owls on the Whernside Estate in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (see here). Cowin’s criminal activities were captured on camera by the RSPB Investigations Team, whose extraordinary footage also included a chase across the moor, his […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2z3ao2d via IFTTT

You’ll remember Timothy Cowin. He’s the gamekeeper who was convicted this summer for the illegal killing of two short-eared owls on the Whernside Estate in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (see here). Cowin’s criminal activities were captured on camera by the RSPB Investigations Team, whose extraordinary footage also included a chase across the moor, his […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/10/has-this-convicted-gamekeeper-had-his-shotgun-firearms-certs-revoked-yet/

Last week we blogged about the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s (SGA) feeble attempt to undermine and discredit the findings of the damning Golden Eagle Satellite Tag Review by commissioning an opinion from a lawyer who, as far as we can tell, has no scientific expertise or qualifications (see here). This is the Golden Eagle Satellite Tag […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/09/scottish-government-dismisses-sgas-attempt-to-discredit-golden-eagle-satellite-tag-review/

Last week we blogged about the Scottish Gamekeepers Association’s (SGA) feeble attempt to undermine and discredit the findings of the damning Golden Eagle Satellite Tag Review by commissioning an opinion from a lawyer who, as far as we can tell, has no scientific expertise or qualifications (see here). This is the Golden Eagle Satellite Tag […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2OyQSzJ via IFTTT

Yesterday was the UK’s first Rural Crime Day – a national initiative organised by the National Police Chief’s Council with a series of police-led events throughout the country to help tackle rural crime, e.g. see here. As part of this ‘day of action’, the following was posted on the official twitter account of the Scottish […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2SVVR0C via IFTTT

Yesterday was the UK’s first Rural Crime Day – a national initiative organised by the National Police Chief’s Council with a series of police-led events throughout the country to help tackle rural crime, e.g. see here. As part of this ‘day of action’, the following was posted on the official twitter account of the Scottish […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/09/we-need-action-not-trite-sound-bites-on-social-media/

Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform, was formally launched in Edinburgh on Tuesday evening and what a fantastic reception it received! The Revive coalition is an unusual alliance of campaigners, scientists and policy advocates from the fields of social justice, conservation, animal welfare and environmental protection, coming together to present the case for the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/08/great-reception-for-launch-of-revive-the-coalition-for-grouse-moor-reform/

Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform, was formally launched in Edinburgh on Tuesday evening and what a fantastic reception it received! The Revive coalition is an unusual alliance of campaigners, scientists and policy advocates from the fields of social justice, conservation, animal welfare and environmental protection, coming together to present the case for the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2RIjnwN via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB Scotland (6 Nov 2018): Four rare hen harriers disappear on Scottish grouse moors: RSPB Scotland appeals for information RSPB Scotland is appealing for information following the suspicious disappearance of four satellite tagged hen harriers over the last 10 weeks. All of the birds were tagged at various nest sites, three this […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/06/four-more-satellite-tagged-hen-harriers-disappear-on-scottish-grouse-moors/

Press release from RSPB Scotland (6 Nov 2018): Four rare hen harriers disappear on Scottish grouse moors: RSPB Scotland appeals for information RSPB Scotland is appealing for information following the suspicious disappearance of four satellite tagged hen harriers over the last 10 weeks. All of the birds were tagged at various nest sites, three this […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QrObSs via IFTTT

The newly-formed Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform will be launched tomorrow evening in Edinburgh. As a build up to the event, two coalition members have published opinion pieces today on why grouse moor reform is needed: Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland has a guest blog on Mark Avery’s blog […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/revive-the-coalition-for-grouse-moor-reform-why-its-needed/

The newly-formed Revive Coalition for grouse moor reform will be launched tomorrow evening in Edinburgh. As a build up to the event, two coalition members have published opinion pieces today on why grouse moor reform is needed: Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland has a guest blog on Mark Avery’s blog […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PJdG4c via IFTTT

A new scientific peer-reviewed paper, authored by a group of highly-respected award-winning ecologists, commends the “exemplary” and “thorough” scientific approach of the golden eagle satellite tag review. The paper has just been accepted for publication but due to publishing restrictions we’re unable to publish it here (although we’ve read it in full). When it finally […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/04/golden-eagle-satellite-tag-review-exemplary-and-thorough/

A new scientific peer-reviewed paper, authored by a group of highly-respected award-winning ecologists, commends the “exemplary” and “thorough” scientific approach of the golden eagle satellite tag review. The paper has just been accepted for publication but due to publishing restrictions we’re unable to publish it here (although we’ve read it in full). When it finally […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2F3s17I via IFTTT

From the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation: White-tailed Eagles were once widespread along the whole of the South Coast of England, from Cornwall to Kent, before being driven to extinction by relentless persecution that began in the Middle Ages. The last pair bred on Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight in 1780. Many parts of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://raptorpersecutionscotland.wordpress.com/2018/11/01/proposal-to-reintroduce-white-tailed-eagles-to-isle-of-wight/

From the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation: White-tailed Eagles were once widespread along the whole of the South Coast of England, from Cornwall to Kent, before being driven to extinction by relentless persecution that began in the Middle Ages. The last pair bred on Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight in 1780. Many parts of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Pu8KQT via IFTTT