FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

Yesterday evening Chris Packham was in conversation with Alison Johnstone MSP of the Scottish Greens, talking about the future of driven grouse shooting in Scotland. This took place as part of the joint e-action campaign by Wild Justice, RSPB and Hen Harrier Action to encourage UK voters to contact their elected representatives principally about tackling […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QEeUNe

Yesterday evening Chris Packham was in conversation with Alison Johnstone MSP of the Scottish Greens, talking about the future of driven grouse shooting in Scotland. This took place as part of the joint e-action campaign by Wild Justice, RSPB and Hen Harrier Action to encourage UK voters to contact their elected representatives principally about tackling […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QEeUNe via IFTTT

Brilliant news! The e-action campaign to urge politicians across the UK to take action on grouse moor reform has passed the 100,000 mark! This campaign was launched just three weeks ago on Hen Harrier Day by Wild Justice, RSPB and Hen Harrier Action and the response from the general public has been phenomenal. Massive thanks […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2YHIIN9 via IFTTT

Brilliant news! The e-action campaign to urge politicians across the UK to take action on grouse moor reform has passed the 100,000 mark! This campaign was launched just three weeks ago on Hen Harrier Day by Wild Justice, RSPB and Hen Harrier Action and the response from the general public has been phenomenal. Massive thanks […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2YHIIN9

A lamb has been euthanised after being found in the North York Moors National Park with an illegally-set spring-trap attached to its leg. The lamb was discovered on 8th August 2020 and was seen by a vet, who reported a nasty bone infection tracking up the lamb’s leg from the trap injury. A decision was […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3lmiGZH

A lamb has been euthanised after being found in the North York Moors National Park with an illegally-set spring-trap attached to its leg. The lamb was discovered on 8th August 2020 and was seen by a vet, who reported a nasty bone infection tracking up the lamb’s leg from the trap injury. A decision was […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3lmiGZH via IFTTT

Back in November 2019, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire following ‘clear evidence from Police Scotland that wildlife crimes had been committed on this estate’ (see here, here, here, here, and here). Those alleged offences included the ‘illegal killing of a short-eared owl, two buzzards and three hen harriers’ that […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2FRHg4l

Back in November 2019, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) imposed a three-year General Licence restriction on Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire following ‘clear evidence from Police Scotland that wildlife crimes had been committed on this estate’ (see here, here, here, here, and here). Those alleged offences included the ‘illegal killing of a short-eared owl, two buzzards and three hen harriers’ that […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2FRHg4l via IFTTT

North Yorkshire Police press statement (24 August 2020) Police urge vigilance after sparrowhawk shows symptoms of poisoning Police are warning residents near Kirkbymoorside after a bird of prey died in circumstances that could suggest poisoning A very unwell sparrowhawk was found by members of the public in woodland, just off Gillamoor Bank, close to Gillamoor […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34uE8py

North Yorkshire Police press statement (24 August 2020) Police urge vigilance after sparrowhawk shows symptoms of poisoning Police are warning residents near Kirkbymoorside after a bird of prey died in circumstances that could suggest poisoning A very unwell sparrowhawk was found by members of the public in woodland, just off Gillamoor Bank, close to Gillamoor […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34uE8py via IFTTT

Protection for mountain hares, slaughtered in their thousands on Scottish grouse moors (an estimated 26,000 each year), looks to be a long way off. This is despite scientific evidence revealing catastrophic declines, despite the species’ unfavourable conservation status and despite the Scottish Parliament voting in June for full protection under the proposed Animals and Wildlife […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QmRsE8

Protection for mountain hares, slaughtered in their thousands on Scottish grouse moors (an estimated 26,000 each year), looks to be a long way off. This is despite scientific evidence revealing catastrophic declines, despite the species’ unfavourable conservation status and despite the Scottish Parliament voting in June for full protection under the proposed Animals and Wildlife […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QmRsE8 via IFTTT

Chris Packham continues his series of chats on raptor persecution and grouse moor mismanagement, this time talking with Caroline Lucas MP tonight at 8pm. You can watch live on Chris’s twitter channel (@chrisgpackham) or on Facebook:  https://ift.tt/3dw71DL The recording will be available immediately afterwards on both channels. You don’t need to have an account to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QhlKbp

Chris Packham continues his series of chats on raptor persecution and grouse moor mismanagement, this time talking with Caroline Lucas MP tonight at 8pm. You can watch live on Chris’s twitter channel (@chrisgpackham) or on Facebook:  https://ift.tt/3dw71DL The recording will be available immediately afterwards on both channels. You don’t need to have an account to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QhlKbp via IFTTT

Last week two new reports were published that suggested up to a quarter of a million animals are killed in traps and snares on Scottish grouse moors every year (see here). Commissioned and published by the League Against Cruel Sports (Scotland) as part of the Revive coalition for grouse moor reform, the grouse shooting industry […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34poICF via IFTTT

Last week two new reports were published that suggested up to a quarter of a million animals are killed in traps and snares on Scottish grouse moors every year (see here). Commissioned and published by the League Against Cruel Sports (Scotland) as part of the Revive coalition for grouse moor reform, the grouse shooting industry […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34poICF

Scottish Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham will not be standing for re-election as an MSP at the spring 2021 election. This decision was formally announced this morning, although it has been anticipated for some time. [Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham with a golden eagle. She famously commissioned a review on the fate of satellite-tagged golden […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3laPjta

Scottish Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham will not be standing for re-election as an MSP at the spring 2021 election. This decision was formally announced this morning, although it has been anticipated for some time. [Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham with a golden eagle. She famously commissioned a review on the fate of satellite-tagged golden […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3laPjta via IFTTT

West Yorkshire Police’s Wildlife & Rural Team (Leeds) attended an incident in Bradley Park, Huddersfield where someone had attacked a kestrel with a baseball bat. The date and time of the incident is not given in this police tweet posted yesterday but police are appealing for witnesses who haven’t already come forward to please do […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31ihPkD via IFTTT

West Yorkshire Police’s Wildlife & Rural Team (Leeds) attended an incident in Bradley Park, Huddersfield where someone had attacked a kestrel with a baseball bat. The date and time of the incident is not given in this police tweet posted yesterday but police are appealing for witnesses who haven’t already come forward to please do […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31ihPkD

Wild Justice, the RSPB and Hen Harrier Action launched an e-action at this year’s virtual Hen Harrier Day, urging elected politicians to act on raptor persecution and environmental damage caused by intensive grouse moor management. So far, over 59,000 e-actions have been sent. If you haven’t yet signed up, you can do it HERE. As […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31htJeI

Wild Justice, the RSPB and Hen Harrier Action launched an e-action at this year’s virtual Hen Harrier Day, urging elected politicians to act on raptor persecution and environmental damage caused by intensive grouse moor management. So far, over 59,000 e-actions have been sent. If you haven’t yet signed up, you can do it HERE. As […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31htJeI via IFTTT

Regular blog readers will already know about the Langholm Initiative’s crowdfunding campaign to try and raise the money to buy an old grouse moor from Buccleuch’s massive estate and transform it into a species-rich nature reserve to benefit local people, nature conservation and tourism (e.g. see here, here, here, here, here here and here). This week the project has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aM6AnR

Regular blog readers will already know about the Langholm Initiative’s crowdfunding campaign to try and raise the money to buy an old grouse moor from Buccleuch’s massive estate and transform it into a species-rich nature reserve to benefit local people, nature conservation and tourism (e.g. see here, here, here, here, here here and here). This week the project has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aM6AnR via IFTTT

In April, during lockdown, two dogs became violently ill on a dog walk near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire. One of them survived but sadly the other one (Molly) did not. [Molly, photo by Chloe Ambler] In August, North Yorkshire Police confirmed (here) that Molly had died after ingesting what has widely become known […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2QeGUH2

In April, during lockdown, two dogs became violently ill on a dog walk near Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire. One of them survived but sadly the other one (Molly) did not. [Molly, photo by Chloe Ambler] In August, North Yorkshire Police confirmed (here) that Molly had died after ingesting what has widely become known […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2QeGUH2 via IFTTT

North Yorkshire has the unenviable reputation for being the worst English county for bird of prey persecution and it’s maintained this status for years. So how about this for a statement from local residents opposed to the ongoing criminality: This raptor mural was painted by Nicky & Simon Johnston who live in the village of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3iVW407 via IFTTT

North Yorkshire has the unenviable reputation for being the worst English county for bird of prey persecution and it’s maintained this status for years. So how about this for a statement from local residents opposed to the ongoing criminality: This raptor mural was painted by Nicky & Simon Johnston who live in the village of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3iVW407

This is deeply unpleasant stuff from BASC. Posted on the BASC website last week: Targeted and abusive, aimed at a young woman at the start of her conservation career, who would never in a million years consider herself a ‘celebrity’. Megan’s ‘crime’? First, writing an accurate post on social media about the environmental damage caused […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aCtu0I

This is deeply unpleasant stuff from BASC. Posted on the BASC website last week: Targeted and abusive, aimed at a young woman at the start of her conservation career, who would never in a million years consider herself a ‘celebrity’. Megan’s ‘crime’? First, writing an accurate post on social media about the environmental damage caused […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aCtu0I via IFTTT

To coincide with the opening of the grouse-shooting season this year, BASC, the British Association for Shooting (and conservation, ahem) paid for front page adverts in some prominent newspapers, promoting the so-called ‘benefits’ of driven grouse shooting. BASC staff members were quite pleased with themselves, self-congratulating on social media. Duncan Thomas, BASC’s in-resident raptor persecution […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kVINGB

To coincide with the opening of the grouse-shooting season this year, BASC, the British Association for Shooting (and conservation, ahem) paid for front page adverts in some prominent newspapers, promoting the so-called ‘benefits’ of driven grouse shooting. BASC staff members were quite pleased with themselves, self-congratulating on social media. Duncan Thomas, BASC’s in-resident raptor persecution […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kVINGB via IFTTT

Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team have been in touch to say they’ve had reports of a Hobby being shot and unfortunately not surviving its injuries. This is believed to have happened between 14th-15th August (last Friday – Saturday) at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Blue House Farm Nature Reserve at North Fambridge. The incident number is #42/127418 […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/318Q9yJ

Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team have been in touch to say they’ve had reports of a Hobby being shot and unfortunately not surviving its injuries. This is believed to have happened between 14th-15th August (last Friday – Saturday) at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Blue House Farm Nature Reserve at North Fambridge. The incident number is #42/127418 […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/318Q9yJ via IFTTT

Following the recent news of a young white-tailed eagle being found dead on a grouse moor in the Cairngorms National Park, killed after ingesting a banned poison (see here), here is some some more positive news for the future of this iconic species. Press release from Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation (18th August 2020) Successful second […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/34dHGw2

Following the recent news of a young white-tailed eagle being found dead on a grouse moor in the Cairngorms National Park, killed after ingesting a banned poison (see here), here is some some more positive news for the future of this iconic species. Press release from Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation (18th August 2020) Successful second […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/34dHGw2 via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago the three members of Wild Justice (Chris Packham, Mark Avery, Ruth Tingay) were interviewed by Jimmi Hill, the founder of the charity Raptor Aid. It was a wide-ranging interview including questions about the origins of Wild Justice, ‘hidden agendas’, BBC impartiality, the different roles of the Wild Justice directors, hen […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kUhbS9

A couple of weeks ago the three members of Wild Justice (Chris Packham, Mark Avery, Ruth Tingay) were interviewed by Jimmi Hill, the founder of the charity Raptor Aid. It was a wide-ranging interview including questions about the origins of Wild Justice, ‘hidden agendas’, BBC impartiality, the different roles of the Wild Justice directors, hen […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kUhbS9 via IFTTT

Last year, a nine-year-old boy called Freddie Blackman was so upset about the suspicious disappearance of two satellite-tagged golden eagles (Adam & Charlie) that vanished on a grouse moor in Strathbraan (see here) that he, and many others, wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urging her and her Government to do more to protect Scotland’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kPyRhT

Last year, a nine-year-old boy called Freddie Blackman was so upset about the suspicious disappearance of two satellite-tagged golden eagles (Adam & Charlie) that vanished on a grouse moor in Strathbraan (see here) that he, and many others, wrote to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urging her and her Government to do more to protect Scotland’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kPyRhT via IFTTT

A critically-injured peregrine has been euthanised after an x-ray revealed a shotgun pellet lodged in its wing, causing a catastrophic break. [All photographs from Vale Wildlife Hospital] The wounded bird was taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire today. There are no further details yet about where this illegally-shot peregrine was picked up. Anyone […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/344sJfD via IFTTT

A critically-injured peregrine has been euthanised after an x-ray revealed a shotgun pellet lodged in its wing. [All photographs from Vale Wildlife Hospital] The wounded bird was taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire today. There are no further details yet about where this illegally-shot peregrine was picked up. Anyone with information please contact […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/344sJfD

In June it was reported that Kildrummy Estate in Aberdeenshire had been sold to an American couple with a track record in supporting environmental and animal welfare projects (see here). Kildrummy Estate is infamous because its gamekeeper became the UK’s first (and so far, only gamekeeper) to receive a custodial sentence for raptor persecution in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2DX7F06

In June it was reported that Kildrummy Estate in Aberdeenshire had been sold to an American couple with a track record in supporting environmental and animal welfare projects (see here). Kildrummy Estate is infamous because its gamekeeper became the UK’s first (and so far, only gamekeeper) to receive a custodial sentence for raptor persecution in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2DX7F06 via IFTTT

There’s a very interesting article in The Times today, debunking the picture often painted by the grouse shooting industry of moorland 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, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kRfoO2 via IFTTT

There’s a very interesting article in The Times today, debunking the picture often painted by the grouse shooting industry of moorland 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, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kRfoO2

Earlier this week we blogged about the suspicious disappearance of Tom, a golden eagle we’d been satellite-tracking since last year with Chris Packham and who vanished in to thin air, along with his fully-functioning satellite tag, with his last known location being on a driven grouse moor in Strathbraan, a well-known raptor persecution hotspot (see […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3iz1cqS

Earlier this week we blogged about the suspicious disappearance of Tom, a golden eagle we’d been satellite-tracking since last year with Chris Packham and who vanished in to thin air, along with his fully-functioning satellite tag, with his last known location being on a driven grouse moor in Strathbraan, a well-known raptor persecution hotspot (see […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3iz1cqS via IFTTT

There was an interesting opinion piece in The Herald on 12th August, written by Mark Smith who was scathing both about grouse shooters (‘that rare and rather sad creature’) and the Scottish Government’s ‘lack of urgency’ in its failure to respond to the Werritty Review. It’s well worth a read (here). Meanwhile, further to First […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3gXXhTZ via IFTTT

There was an interesting opinion piece in The Herald on 12th August, written by Mark Smith who was scathing both about grouse shooters (‘that rare and rather sad creature’) and the Scottish Government’s ‘lack of urgency’ in its failure to respond to the Werritty Review. It’s well worth a read (here). Meanwhile, further to First […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3gXXhTZ

Graeme Bandeira is the cartoonist at The Yorkshire Post. This morning he tweeted the following: “Birds of Prey persecution. Finally able to get my talons into a cartoon to highlight this barbaric behaviour and something I feel very strongly about. Birds are being culled in large numbers and NOTHING is done. Absolutely NOTHING. It has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PQCmWW via IFTTT

Graeme Bandeira is the cartoonist at The Yorkshire Post. This morning he tweeted the following: “Birds of Prey persecution. Finally able to get my talons into a cartoon to highlight this barbaric behaviour and something I feel very strongly about. Birds are being culled in large numbers and NOTHING is done. Absolutely NOTHING. It has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PQCmWW

Press release from League Against Cruel Sports (Scotland), 13th August 2020 Shocking new statistics show up to 260,000 animals killed each year on Scottish shooting estates to increase the number of grouse to be shot for ‘sport’ Charity publishes ‘Calculating Cruelty’, a field study of Scotland’s hidden shame 57,000 killing devices deployed each day in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3izw9eq

Press release from League Against Cruel Sports (Scotland), 13th August 2020 Shocking new statistics show up to 260,000 animals killed each year on Scottish shooting estates to increase the number of grouse to be shot for ‘sport’ Charity publishes ‘Calculating Cruelty’, a field study of Scotland’s hidden shame 57,000 killing devices deployed each day in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3izw9eq via IFTTT

Further to the First Minister’s statement in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (see here) in response to Alison Johnstone’s question about when will the Scottish Government finally take action against those who continue to kill birds of prey on grouse moors, the Environment Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has this afternoon issued a statement, as follows: Let’s […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31Sjrkt via IFTTT

Further to the First Minister’s statement in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (see here) in response to Alison Johnstone’s question about when will the Scottish Government finally take action against those who continue to kill birds of prey on grouse moors, the Environment Cabinet Secretary Rosanna Cunningham has this afternoon issued a statement, as follows: Let’s […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31Sjrkt

The Scottish Greens are doing a fantastic amount to hold the Scottish Government to account on wildlife conservation issues. Yesterday, Alison Johnstone MSP put Nicola Sturgeon on the spot during First Minister’s Questions. Click on this link to hear Alison ask Nicola Sturgeon “When she will finally act to end raptor persecution in Scotland?” The […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33XsenU via IFTTT

The Scottish Greens are doing a fantastic amount to hold the Scottish Government to account on wildlife conservation issues. Yesterday, Alison Johnstone MSP put Nicola Sturgeon on the spot during First Minister’s Questions. Click on this link to hear Alison ask Nicola Sturgeon “When she will finally act to end raptor persecution in Scotland?” The […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33XsenU

Press release from Scottish Greens, 12 August 2020 GROUSE SEASON MUST BE THE LAST SEEN IN SCOTLAND The driven grouse shooting season which begins today must be the last seen in Scotland, the Scottish Greens have said. The cruel Victorian hobby, enjoyed by very few people, was the subject of a two-year review led by […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aj9G2v

Press release from Scottish Greens, 12 August 2020 GROUSE SEASON MUST BE THE LAST SEEN IN SCOTLAND The driven grouse shooting season which begins today must be the last seen in Scotland, the Scottish Greens have said. The cruel Victorian hobby, enjoyed by very few people, was the subject of a two-year review led by […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aj9G2v via IFTTT

The British Association for Shooting & Conservation (ahem) went on a massive propaganda offensive yesterday, to coincide with the opening of the grouse-shooting season. Ross Ewing, the publicity bloke at BASC Scotland hilariously tweeted, ‘The private investment going in to the upkeep of Scotland’s moors is magnanimous and glorious in equal measure‘. Understandably, his sentiment […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2DRjPYn

The British Association for Shooting & Conservation (ahem) went on a massive propaganda offensive yesterday, to coincide with the opening of the grouse-shooting season. Ross Ewing, the publicity bloke at BASC Scotland hilariously tweeted, ‘The private investment going in to the upkeep of Scotland’s moors is magnanimous and glorious in equal measure‘. Understandably, his sentiment […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2DRjPYn via IFTTT

This is a powerful, must-watch video. Claire Smith, currently a Senior Conservation Officer with RSPB Scotland, was previously employed by the East Scotland Sea Eagle Project between 2007-2011 when these birds were being reintroduced from Norway. Here she explains the devastating personal impact of having to deal with the continued illegal killing of these eagles […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PRfJSd via IFTTT

This is a powerful, must-watch video. Claire Smith, currently a Senior Conservation Officer with RSPB Scotland, was previously employed by the East Scotland Sea Eagle Project between 2007-2011 when these birds were being reintroduced from Norway. Here she explains the devastating personal impact of having to deal with the continued illegal killing of these eagles […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PRfJSd

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a peregrine was found shot in Bingley yesterday (11th August 2020) according to an article in the Telegraph & Argus. The injured bird was found by members of the public at Bingley Three Rise locks yesterday afternoon. It didn’t survive its injuries, which a vet has described […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3kCkbm7 via IFTTT

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a peregrine was found shot in Bingley yesterday (11th August 2020) according to an article in the Telegraph & Argus. The injured bird was found by members of the public at Bingley Three Rise locks yesterday afternoon. It didn’t survive its injuries, which a vet has described […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3kCkbm7

Last month we blogged that at least 42 hen harriers were ‘missing’ in suspicious circumstances or had been confirmed killed since 2018 (see here). Today the list is updated to 43 hen harriers, ‘missing’ or confirmed killed since 2018. Here’s the blog we’ll publish every time this list is updated: It’s getting to that time […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3aetu6T

Last month we blogged that at least 42 hen harriers were ‘missing’ in suspicious circumstances or had been confirmed killed since 2018 (see here). Today the list is updated to 43 hen harriers, ‘missing’ or confirmed killed since 2018. Here’s the blog we’ll publish every time this list is updated: It’s getting to that time […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3aetu6T via IFTTT

In 2017, Raptor Persecution UK teamed with Chris Packham to start a project fitting satellite tags to young golden eagles in Scotland, as part of a wider conservation research initiative in to golden eagle ecology, which began back in 2004 (see here for more info). Since then, each year our team of licensed experts has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33Kwoz2 via IFTTT

In 2017, Raptor Persecution UK teamed with Chris Packham to start a project fitting satellite tags to young golden eagles in Scotland, as part of a wider conservation research initiative in to golden eagle ecology, which began back in 2004 (see here for more info). Since then, each year our team of licensed experts has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33Kwoz2

Last Friday investigative journalist Rob Edwards published an article in The Ferret on two new police investigations into alleged raptor persecution on the Leadhills Estate, an infamous grouse moor in South Lanarkshire. The first investigation centres on the suspicious disappearance of yet another satellite-tagged hen harrier, this one named ‘Silver’, who was nesting on Leadhills Estate […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3is91OO via IFTTT

Last Friday investigative journalist Rob Edwards published an article in The Ferret on two new police investigations into alleged raptor persecution on the Leadhills Estate, an infamous grouse moor in South Lanarkshire. The first investigation centres on the suspicious disappearance of yet another satellite-tagged hen harrier, this one named ‘Silver’, who was nesting on Leadhills Estate […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3is91OO

Last week we blogged about the 4th peregrine confirmed to have been illegally poisoned with banned toxins in the Channel Islands (see here). [Two of the four poisoned peregrines, along with the pigeon that had been laced with poisons and used as bait. Photo via Alderney Bird Observatory] It was reported that a 5th (unidentified) […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2XLn0HT via IFTTT

Last week we blogged about the 4th peregrine confirmed to have been illegally poisoned with banned toxins in the Channel Islands (see here). [Two of the four poisoned peregrines, along with the pigeon that had been laced with poisons and used as bait. Photo via Alderney Bird Observatory] It was reported that a 5th (unidentified) […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2XLn0HT

Hen Harrier Day (online) is well underway and you can watch it live, right now, on the Hen Harrier Day YouTube channel. Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin will be back at 16.30hrs to co-present the finale. All of today’s online material will be available for viewing on this channel at any time. WATCH HERE Meanwhile, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2DQ8SWo via IFTTT

Hen Harrier Day (online) is well underway and you can watch it live, right now, on the Hen Harrier Day YouTube channel. Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin will be back at 16.30hrs to co-present the finale. All of today’s online material will be available for viewing on this channel at any time. WATCH HERE Meanwhile, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2DQ8SWo

It’s Hen Harrier Day this Saturday (8th August 2020) and this year it’s going online. Although we’ll miss the physical annual gathering at venues up and down the country, this year there’s actually far more scope to reach a huge audience, many of whom may previously have been unaware of the scandalous mismanagement of the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31o80Ri via IFTTT

It’s Hen Harrier Day this Saturday (8th August 2020) and this year it’s going online. Although we’ll miss the physical annual gathering at venues up and down the country, this year there’s actually far more scope to reach a huge audience, many of whom may previously have been unaware of the scandalous mismanagement of the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31o80Ri

Last October a new pro-grouse shooting group lurched on to the scene in the form of an ‘aggressively chanting’ mob outside a Harrogate theatre. They were there to protest against Chris Packham (who was appearing at the theatre that night), who they claimed, amongst other things, was ‘destroying moorland communities’ and they threatened to enter […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3gzWM2a

Last October a new pro-grouse shooting group lurched on to the scene in the form of an ‘aggressively chanting’ mob outside a Harrogate theatre. They were there to protest against Chris Packham (who was appearing at the theatre that night), who they claimed, amongst other things, was ‘destroying moorland communities’ and they threatened to enter […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3gzWM2a via IFTTT

Further to last week’s news that a young white-tailed eagle has been found dead on a grouse moor in the Cairngorms National Park, having been poisoned with a banned toxin (see here and here), and the Scottish Government’s woefully inadequate response (see here), Chris Packham has sent a video message to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3gxjhoC via IFTTT

Further to last week’s news that a young white-tailed eagle has been found dead on a grouse moor in the Cairngorms National Park, having been poisoned with a banned toxin (see here and here), and the Scottish Government’s woefully inadequate response (see here), Chris Packham has sent a video message to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3gxjhoC

The season for killing mountain hares in Scotland opened on Saturday (1st August) despite a recent Parliamentary vote to provide more protection for this species. In this particular case, greater protection (i.e. those who want to kill mountain hares will need to apply for a licence) will not be available until the Scottish Government has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PoXzHg

The season for killing mountain hares in Scotland opened on Saturday (1st August) despite a recent Parliamentary vote to provide more protection for this species. In this particular case, greater protection (i.e. those who want to kill mountain hares will need to apply for a licence) will not be available until the Scottish Government has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PoXzHg via IFTTT

RSPB press release (4 August 2020) Another red kite vanishes in suspicious circumstances in problem area Two red kites and one hen harrier – one of England’s rarest breeding birds – have vanished suddenly and unexpectedly in the same area of the North Pennines AONB since last October. The birds, all of which are protected […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PmSJue

RSPB press release (4 August 2020) Another red kite vanishes in suspicious circumstances in problem area Two red kites and one hen harrier – one of England’s rarest breeding birds – have vanished suddenly and unexpectedly in the same area of the North Pennines AONB since last October. The birds, all of which are protected […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PmSJue via IFTTT

Some brilliant news! Wild Justice has been granted permission for a judicial review of the Welsh General Licences. This case has been on the go for some time, interrupted like everything else by Covid19, but is now back on track. For further details about what the legal challenge is all about please read the Wild […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2ECnSaT via IFTTT

Some brilliant news! Wild Justice has been granted permission for a judicial review of the Welsh General Licences. This case has been on the go for some time, interrupted like everything else by Covid19, but is now back on track. For further details about what the legal challenge is all about please read the Wild […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2ECnSaT

In March 2020, just after the start of lockdown, Derbyshire Constabulary reported the suspected poisoning of a kestrel and a buzzard, both found dead next to the remains of a pigeon at Ault Hucknall near Chesterfield (see here). [Photo via Derbyshire Constabulary] Samples were sent for toxicology analysis and last week the police received the […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/31s2soX

In March 2020, just after the start of lockdown, Derbyshire Constabulary reported the suspected poisoning of a kestrel and a buzzard, both found dead next to the remains of a pigeon at Ault Hucknall near Chesterfield (see here). [Photo via Derbyshire Constabulary] Samples were sent for toxicology analysis and last week the police received the […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/31s2soX via IFTTT

There have been a number of raptor poisoning cases in the news recently, including the illegal killing of a white-tailed eagle found on a grouse moor inside the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland (here), the mass poisoning of 23 buzzards in a field in Co Cork, Ireland (here), the poisoning of four peregrines on Guernsey […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3fjUS4A via IFTTT

There have been a number of raptor poisoning cases in the news recently, including the illegal killing of a white-tailed eagle found on a grouse moor inside the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland (here), the mass poisoning of 23 buzzards in a field in Co Cork, Ireland (here), the poisoning of four peregrines on Guernsey […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3fjUS4A

In May 2020 news emerged that 23 buzzards had been killed in a single incident in Co Cork after ingesting the banned pesticide Carbofuran (see here). [One of the poisoned buzzards. Photo via Irish Raptor Study Group] As if that news wasn’t shocking enough, it also emerged that the mass poisoning had been discovered in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2PjsyEG

In May 2020 news emerged that 23 buzzards had been killed in a single incident in Co Cork after ingesting the banned pesticide Carbofuran (see here). [One of the poisoned buzzards. Photo via Irish Raptor Study Group] As if that news wasn’t shocking enough, it also emerged that the mass poisoning had been discovered in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2PjsyEG via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago Police on the island of Guernsey appealed for information (see here) after at least three peregrines had been found poisoned with ‘an unusual cocktail of banned pesticides’ in the previous 14 months and a fourth peregrine, found dead in June 2020, had been submitted for toxicology analysis which was delayed […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3glD4qO via IFTTT

A couple of weeks ago Police on the island of Guernsey appealed for information (see here) after at least three peregrines had been found poisoned with ‘an unusual cocktail of banned pesticides’ in the previous 14 months and a fourth peregrine, found dead in June 2020, had been submitted for toxicology analysis which was delayed […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3glD4qO

In April during lockdown, two pet dogs became ill during a walk in Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. One of them (Molly) subsequently died and the vet suspected poisoning. [Molly (left) and Poppy, photo via North Yorkshire Police] Samples were submitted for toxicology, although analysis was delayed due to Covid19. Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police issued a […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/317h9xs via IFTTT

In April during lockdown, two pet dogs became ill during a walk in Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. One of them (Molly) subsequently died and the vet suspected poisoning. [Molly (left) and Poppy, photo via North Yorkshire Police] Samples were submitted for toxicology, although analysis was delayed due to Covid19. Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police issued a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/317h9xs

Today marks the start of the open season for killing mountain hares in Scotland. You may have thought that the Scottish Parliament recently voted to protect this species, bringing an end to the scenes of horrific mass slaughter on Scottish grouse moors and only allowing future killing to take place under licence in certain circumstances. […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/33cjz0l via IFTTT

Today marks the start of the open season for killing mountain hares in Scotland. You may have thought that the Scottish Parliament recently voted to protect this species, bringing an end to the scenes of horrific mass slaughter on Scottish grouse moors and only allowing future killing to take place under licence in certain circumstances. […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/33cjz0l