FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Press release from RSPB (30 April 2020) Red kite vanishes in suspicious circumstances Durham Police, the RSPB, the North Pennines AONB Partnership and Friends of Red Kites are appealing for information following the disappearance of a red kite in County Durham. The young bird was fitted with a satellite tag at Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Wea3EK via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB (30 April 2020) Red kite vanishes in suspicious circumstances Durham Police, the RSPB, the North Pennines AONB Partnership and Friends of Red Kites are appealing for information following the disappearance of a red kite in County Durham. The young bird was fitted with a satellite tag at Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Wea3EK

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (GWCT) reputation took another nosedive yesterday when it launched an extraordinary (and unsubstantiated) attack on Bradford Council. Video footage had emerged on Twitter of a tractor being used to cut heather on Baildon Moor at a critical time for ground-nesting birds. The moor is owned by Bradford Council. GWCT […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2SfhnyP

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s (GWCT) reputation took another nosedive yesterday when it launched an extraordinary (and unsubstantiated) attack on Bradford Council. Video footage had emerged on Twitter of a tractor being used to cut heather on Baildon Moor at a critical time for ground-nesting birds. The moor is owned by Bradford Council. GWCT […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2SfhnyP via IFTTT

Last summer a local community got together to investigate the feasibility of buying part of Langholm Moor, to turn it from a knackered grouse moor into a nature reserve for the benefit of everyone, after the Duke of Buccleuch announced his intention to sell (see here and here). A crowdfunder was launched to help pay […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2zsleC9 via IFTTT

Last summer a local community got together to investigate the feasibility of buying part of Langholm Moor, to turn it from a knackered grouse moor into a nature reserve for the benefit of everyone, after the Duke of Buccleuch announced his intention to sell (see here and here). A crowdfunder was launched to help pay […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2zsleC9

The trapping and killing of wildlife to increase the number of gamebirds available for shooting parties is a daily routine for many gamekeepers. It is legal to kill some species (e.g. stoats, weasels, foxes, crows) as long as certain conditions are met and it is illegal to kill other species (e.g. most birds including raptors, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2zqBkMD via IFTTT

The trapping and killing of wildlife to increase the number of gamebirds available for shooting parties is a daily routine for many gamekeepers. It is legal to kill some species (e.g. stoats, weasels, foxes, crows) as long as certain conditions are met and it is illegal to kill other species (e.g. most birds including raptors, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2zqBkMD

When Wild Justice announced last week that it was launching a new fund to support police officers investigating the illegal persecution of birds of prey in the UK (see here), not everybody welcomed the initiative. That was hardly a surprise. Criticism was fully expected from those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3cEMFa8 via IFTTT

When Wild Justice announced last week that it was launching a new fund to support police officers investigating the illegal persecution of birds of prey in the UK (see here), not everybody welcomed the initiative. That was hardly a surprise. Criticism was fully expected from those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3cEMFa8

Following last week’s announcement of Wild Justice’s raptor forensic fund, which aims to provide financial assistance to support police officers investigating the illegal persecution of raptors in the UK (see here), the fund has been boosted by further contributions. The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has made a substantial donation of £1,000 to support the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Vwja4H via IFTTT

Following last week’s announcement of Wild Justice’s raptor forensic fund, which aims to provide financial assistance to support police officers investigating the illegal persecution of raptors in the UK (see here), the fund has been boosted by further contributions. The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has made a substantial donation of £1,000 to support the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Vwja4H

Three red kites have been found dead on land managed for pheasant shooting in Wales. On Sunday (19 April 2020) two corpses were found by a member of the public and photographed but then ‘disappeared’ before they could be collected. A third corpse was found by TV presenter Iolo Williams and an x-ray confirmed it […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aun823

Three red kites have been found dead on land managed for pheasant shooting in Wales. On Sunday (19 April 2020) two corpses were found by a member of the public and photographed but then ‘disappeared’ before they could be collected. A third corpse was found by TV presenter Iolo Williams and an x-ray confirmed it […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aun823 via IFTTT

Wild Justice has launched a new fund to help support the police investigate wildlife crime. Specifically, the fund is being made available to police forces across the UK to support forensic analyses in cases relating to the illegal persecution of birds of prey. Enforced police budget cuts and lack of resources can sometimes preclude the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3cp4FVQ via IFTTT

Wild Justice has launched a new fund to help support the police investigate wildlife crime. Specifically, the fund is being made available to police forces across the UK to support forensic analyses in cases relating to the illegal persecution of birds of prey. Enforced police budget cuts and lack of resources can sometimes preclude the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3cp4FVQ

Conservationists are deeply concerned about the safety of birds of prey, particularly on grouse moors, during the Coronavirus lockdown as many nest sites will be unmonitored for the first time in almost two decades. In an article on The Ferret website yesterday Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) communications secretary Logan Steele is quoted: “SRSG is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3abddOr

Conservationists are deeply concerned about the safety of birds of prey, particularly on grouse moors, during the Coronavirus lockdown as many nest sites will be unmonitored for the first time in almost two decades. In an article on The Ferret website yesterday Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG) communications secretary Logan Steele is quoted: “SRSG is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3abddOr via IFTTT

West Yorkshire Police press release (15 April 2020) [Red kite: photographer unknown] APPEAL TO PUBLIC AFTER RED KITE SHOT & KILLED IN LEEDS Police are appealing for information after a protected bird of prey was shot and killed in Leeds. The red kite was found by a walker on the evening of Friday, April 10, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3bc6chD via IFTTT

West Yorkshire Police press release (15 April 2020) [Red kite: photographer unknown] APPEAL TO PUBLIC AFTER RED KITE SHOT & KILLED IN LEEDS Police are appealing for information after a protected bird of prey was shot and killed in Leeds. The red kite was found by a walker on the evening of Friday, April 10, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3bc6chD

For those of you not on social media who may have missed this… Wildlife rehabilitation expert Jean Thorpe has worked her magic again and, after just under two weeks of superb care and attention, has been able to successfully release the buzzard that had been found with shotgun injuries near Shipton, North Yorkshire on 29 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3a9Djl1 via IFTTT

For those of you not on social media who may have missed this… Wildlife rehabilitation expert Jean Thorpe has worked her magic again and, after just under two weeks of superb care and attention, has been able to successfully release the buzzard that had been found with shotgun injuries near Shipton, North Yorkshire on 29 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3a9Djl1

North Yorkshire Police press release (8 April 2020) FIREARMS LICENSING ADVICE IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS RULES North Yorkshire Police revoked the shotgun certificates of two men who were found to be shooting on land in a rural area near Ripon on the afternoon of Sunday 5 April 2020. When officers attended, they established that the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2V5FjGw

North Yorkshire Police press release (8 April 2020) FIREARMS LICENSING ADVICE IN RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS RULES North Yorkshire Police revoked the shotgun certificates of two men who were found to be shooting on land in a rural area near Ripon on the afternoon of Sunday 5 April 2020. When officers attended, they established that the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2V5FjGw via IFTTT

Two raptor fieldworkers who’ve been monitoring the plight of hen harriers and other raptor species in the Bowland AONB for decades have been recognised for their dedication and commitment. The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has awarded Bill Hesketh and Bill Murphy (fondly known to many as ‘the two Bills’) certificates of merit for their […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2VnkxBh via IFTTT

Two raptor fieldworkers who’ve been monitoring the plight of hen harriers and other raptor species in the Bowland AONB for decades have been recognised for their dedication and commitment. The Northern England Raptor Forum (NERF) has awarded Bill Hesketh and Bill Murphy (fondly known to many as ‘the two Bills’) certificates of merit for their […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2VnkxBh

Yesterday afternoon (Friday 10 April 2020) a local ecologist in the Scottish Borders posted this on social media: This incident has been reported to the police, who are apparently visiting today. Let’s hope the fire wasn’t deliberately lit, just four days after muirburn was banned across Scotland. from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Xq3rp6 via IFTTT

Yesterday afternoon (Friday 10 April 2020) a local ecologist in the Scottish Borders posted this on social media: This incident has been reported to the police, who are apparently visiting today. Let’s hope the fire wasn’t deliberately lit, just four days after muirburn was banned across Scotland. RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Xq3rp6

Police Scotland press release: Man charged with wildlife crimes in Stewartry Police Scotland can confirm that a 64-year-old man has been charged with a number of wildlife crime offences in the Stewartry area of Dumfries and Galloway. Extensive investigations have been ongoing into the deaths of upwards of 20 birds of prey and other wild […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3bYWsYi via IFTTT

Police Scotland press release: Man charged with wildlife crimes in Stewartry Police Scotland can confirm that a 64-year-old man has been charged with a number of wildlife crime offences in the Stewartry area of Dumfries and Galloway. Extensive investigations have been ongoing into the deaths of upwards of 20 birds of prey and other wild […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3bYWsYi

Press release from the Scottish SPCA (8th April 2020) Scottish SPCA appeals to trap and snare operators to fulfil welfare obligation The Scottish SPCA has appealed for those who operate traps and snares to fulfil their legal welfare obligation of not causing unnecessary suffering to the animals caught in them. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2y49d4Y

Press release from the Scottish SPCA (8th April 2020) Scottish SPCA appeals to trap and snare operators to fulfil welfare obligation The Scottish SPCA has appealed for those who operate traps and snares to fulfil their legal welfare obligation of not causing unnecessary suffering to the animals caught in them. Scotland’s animal welfare charity is […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2y49d4Y via IFTTT

The buzzard that was found shot near Shipton in North Yorkshire on 29 March 2020 (see yesterday’s blog, here) is now in the care of wildlife rehabber extraordinaire Jean Thorpe. Jean’s no stranger to having to rehabilitate birds of prey – she lives in the county that has a consistent record of hosting more annual […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2VdrepE

The buzzard that was found shot near Shipton in North Yorkshire on 29 March 2020 (see yesterday’s blog, here) is now in the care of wildlife rehabber extraordinaire Jean Thorpe. Jean’s no stranger to having to rehabilitate birds of prey – she lives in the county that has a consistent record of hosting more annual […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2VdrepE via IFTTT

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a shot buzzard found injured on 29 March 2020. North Yorkshire Police press release (8 April 2020): Appeal for information after buzzard found shot near Shipton, York. Injured buzzard x-rayed and found to contain pieces of shot [Photos via North Yorkshire Police] North Yorkshire […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34jwjAQ via IFTTT

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information following the discovery of a shot buzzard found injured on 29 March 2020. North Yorkshire Police press release (8 April 2020): Appeal for information after buzzard found shot near Shipton, York. Injured buzzard x-rayed and found to contain pieces of shot [Photos via North Yorkshire Police] North Yorkshire […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34jwjAQ

Yesterday we blogged about how the landowners’ lobby group, Scottish Land & Estates, had told its members it intended to write a letter of complaint to Environment Cab Sec Roseanna Cunningham about the “disproportionate and unnecessary” temporary ban on setting grouse moors alight during a time of national crisis (see here). Mr Carbo has provided […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2XljhBu

Yesterday we blogged about how the landowners’ lobby group, Scottish Land & Estates, had told its members it intended to write a letter of complaint to Environment Cab Sec Roseanna Cunningham about the “disproportionate and unnecessary” temporary ban on setting grouse moors alight during a time of national crisis (see here). Mr Carbo has provided […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2XljhBu via IFTTT

You couldn’t make this stuff up. On 25th March 2020, the landowners’ lobby group, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) urged its members to use voluntary restraint and stop setting fire to grouse moors, to ensure ‘there was no chance for additional strain on public services’ (i.e. the fire and rescue service, if a so-called ‘controlled’ […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2x1VyLX via IFTTT

You couldn’t make this stuff up. On 25th March 2020, the landowners’ lobby group, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) urged its members to use voluntary restraint and stop setting fire to grouse moors, to ensure ‘there was no chance for additional strain on public services’ (i.e. the fire and rescue service, if a so-called ‘controlled’ […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2x1VyLX

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, agreed by the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday, has today received royal assent and thus as of tomorrow (Tuesday 7th April 2020) becomes enacted. This emergency legislation (Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020) incorporated an amendment from Scottish Greens MSP Andy Wightman leading to an immediate halt to all muirburn across Scotland, including on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2JIFilB

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, agreed by the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday, has today received royal assent and thus as of tomorrow (Tuesday 7th April 2020) becomes enacted. This emergency legislation (Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020) incorporated an amendment from Scottish Greens MSP Andy Wightman leading to an immediate halt to all muirburn across Scotland, including on […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JIFilB via IFTTT

The Guardian has published an Observer article (see here) claiming that ‘grouse shoots scrapped as heather burning is banned on moors’. Unfortunately the headline is quite misleading. The article relates to some land in the north of England owned by three landowners (Yorkshire Water, United Utilities and National Trust) but there’s no evidence that grouse […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2V257SW

The Guardian has published an Observer article (see here) claiming that ‘grouse shoots scrapped as heather burning is banned on moors’. Unfortunately the headline is quite misleading. The article relates to some land in the north of England owned by three landowners (Yorkshire Water, United Utilities and National Trust) but there’s no evidence that grouse […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2V257SW via IFTTT

The grouse-shooting industry continues to stamp its feet and wail about Andy Wightman’s success at persuading the majority of legislators to introduce an immediate (but temporary) ban on muirburn across Scotland last night (see here). [Muirburn on a Highland grouse moor in April 2017, photo by one of our blog readers] Today the British Association […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3dPjMJK

The grouse-shooting industry continues to stamp its feet and wail about Andy Wightman’s success at persuading the majority of legislators to introduce an immediate (but temporary) ban on muirburn across Scotland last night (see here). [Muirburn on a Highland grouse moor in April 2017, photo by one of our blog readers] Today the British Association […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3dPjMJK via IFTTT

Andy Wightman’s success at getting ‘Amendment 53’ approved in the Scottish Parliament last night, leading to the immediate (but temporary) ban on muirburn across Scotland (see here), has caused some within the grouse shooting world to, how shall we call it, lose their shit. The vitriol and personal abuse being aimed at Andy on social […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/39zuMrq

Andy Wightman’s success at getting ‘Amendment 53’ approved in the Scottish Parliament last night, leading to the immediate (but temporary) ban on muirburn across Scotland (see here), has caused some within the grouse shooting world to, how shall we call it, lose their shit. The vitriol and personal abuse being aimed at Andy on social […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/39zuMrq via IFTTT

Further to this afternoon’s post (here) outlining Andy Wightman’s proposal to seek a temporary legislative ban on muirburn in Scotland for the duration of the Coronavirus lockdown – he was successful! After welcoming Scottish Land and Estate’s call for a voluntary halt to setting the moors alight, Andy pointed out that some landowners had ignored […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JyCmYx via IFTTT

Further to this afternoon’s post (here) outlining Andy Wightman’s proposal to seek a temporary legislative ban on muirburn in Scotland for the duration of the Coronavirus lockdown – he was successful! After welcoming Scottish Land and Estate’s call for a voluntary halt to setting the moors alight, Andy pointed out that some landowners had ignored […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2JyCmYx

Further to the news that grouse moor burning has continued across Scotland (see here and here) despite calls for restraint and in total defiance of the current public health crisis, Scottish Green’s MSP Andy Wightman is seeking a legislative ban on all muirburn as part of the emergency laws going through the Scottish Parliament today. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2WWXOyt via IFTTT

Further to the news that grouse moor burning has continued across Scotland (see here and here) despite calls for restraint and in total defiance of the current public health crisis, Scottish Green’s MSP Andy Wightman is seeking a legislative ban on all muirburn as part of the emergency laws going through the Scottish Parliament today. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2WWXOyt

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has issued its new General Licences today, which mostly focus on permitting the killing of some bird species under some circumstances, but there’s also a new General Licence (#14) with new rules on how stoats can be killed. We blogged about the (then forthcoming) new General Licences for birds back in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2JwzQ56 via IFTTT

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has issued its new General Licences today, which mostly focus on permitting the killing of some bird species under some circumstances, but there’s also a new General Licence (#14) with new rules on how stoats can be killed. We blogged about the (then forthcoming) new General Licences for birds back in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2JwzQ56