FIRECREST TOURS : Guided Birdwatching & Wildlife Days

A couple of days ago I blogged about a gamekeeper who was due in court this week to face allegations that he was responsible for the alleged poisoning of a buzzard in Suffolk (see here). This prosecution resulted from a multi-agency investigation and raid conducted at premises in January this year involving Suffolk Police, National […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3sQdFwB

A couple of days ago I blogged about a gamekeeper who was due in court this week to face allegations that he was responsible for the alleged poisoning of a buzzard in Suffolk (see here). This prosecution resulted from a multi-agency investigation and raid conducted at premises in January this year involving Suffolk Police, National […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3sQdFwB via IFTTT

Eight more young golden eagles have been released in southern Scotland as part of the project to bolster the tiny remnant breeding population there, which has been suppressed for decades, largely due to illegal persecution (e.g. see here for a recent example). The eight eagles were collected as chicks from nests further north with expertise […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3DnvSq2

Eight more young golden eagles have been released in southern Scotland as part of the project to bolster the tiny remnant breeding population there, which has been suppressed for decades, largely due to illegal persecution (e.g. see here for a recent example). The eight eagles were collected as chicks from nests further north with expertise […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3DnvSq2 via IFTTT

Earlier this month I blogged about a gamekeeper in Nottinghamshire who is facing trial after he pleaded not guilty to the alleged killing of several buzzards (see here). Now there’s another case to report. This time it’s a gamekeeper in Suffolk who is due in court tomorrow in relation to the alleged poisoning of a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3mu6f18

Earlier this month I blogged about a gamekeeper in Nottinghamshire who is facing trial after he pleaded not guilty to the alleged killing of several buzzards (see here). Now there’s another case to report. This time it’s a gamekeeper in Suffolk who is due in court tomorrow in relation to the alleged poisoning of a […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3mu6f18 via IFTTT

Press release from RSPB Wales (24th August 2021) New research sheds light on crimes against birds of prey in Wales The theft of eggs and chicks of birds of prey has almost ceased in Wales, but persecution rates are not declining – according to a new RSPB Cymru review, published today. Crimes against raptors in […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3sHLdwN

Press release from RSPB Wales (24th August 2021) New research sheds light on crimes against birds of prey in Wales The theft of eggs and chicks of birds of prey has almost ceased in Wales, but persecution rates are not declining – according to a new RSPB Cymru review, published today. Crimes against raptors in […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3sHLdwN via IFTTT

The new draft powershare agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens announced on Friday has received a fair bit of media coverage, as you’d expect. So far the general response from the conservation world has been cautiously optimistic (e.g. see RSPB response here) whilst the response from land and estate owners has been nervous […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ke7s9S

The new draft powershare agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens announced on Friday has received a fair bit of media coverage, as you’d expect. So far the general response from the conservation world has been cautiously optimistic (e.g. see RSPB response here) whilst the response from land and estate owners has been nervous […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ke7s9S via IFTTT

Gruesome photographs have emerged this morning of dead wildlife found dumped in a pile in a layby near Harty on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. The person who found the corpses (@neish397) identified them as three kestrels and ten hedgehogs. He posted the photos on Twitter and asked for advice about what to do. He […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2WjHhXe via IFTTT

Gruesome photographs have emerged this morning of dead wildlife found dumped in a pile in a layby near Harty on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. The person who found the corpses (@neish397) identified them as three kestrels and ten hedgehogs. He posted the photos on Twitter and asked for advice about what to do. He […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2WjHhXe

In response to the news that Police Scotland are investigating the deaths of five eagles found dead in the Western Isles earlier this month (see here), Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the grouse moor owners’ lobby group has issued what I’d call a staggeringly disingenuous statement, where the blame for ongoing raptor persecution appears to […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3j6ptaR

In response to the news that Police Scotland are investigating the deaths of five eagles found dead in the Western Isles earlier this month (see here), Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the grouse moor owners’ lobby group has issued what I’d call a staggeringly disingenuous statement, where the blame for ongoing raptor persecution appears to […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3j6ptaR via IFTTT

Police Scotland have opened an investigation on the Western Isles after the discovery of five dead eagles within the space of a week. Two golden eagles and a white-tailed eagle were found dead on the Isle of Harris on 7th August, and another two golden eagles were found dead on the Isle of Lewis on […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/37VIYg3

Police Scotland have opened an investigation on the Western Isles after the discovery of five dead eagles within the space of a week. Two golden eagles and a white-tailed eagle were found dead on the Isle of Harris on 7th August, and another two golden eagles were found dead on the Isle of Lewis on […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/37VIYg3 via IFTTT

Max Wiszniewski, the campaign manager for Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform, had this article published in The National last week, timed to coincide with the opening day of the grouse-shooting season. TODAY marks the opening of the controversial grouse shooting season. But is it still the “glorious twelfth”? Polling has previously shown that seven […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3AMpFC6

Max Wiszniewski, the campaign manager for Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform, had this article published in The National last week, timed to coincide with the opening day of the grouse-shooting season. TODAY marks the opening of the controversial grouse shooting season. But is it still the “glorious twelfth”? Polling has previously shown that seven […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3AMpFC6 via IFTTT

To coincide with the start of the Inglorious 12th (the opening of the grouse shooting season) last week, The Herald ran this piece written by Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland and a founding member of Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform. It’s reproduced in full here: No one knows […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2XnyT9p via IFTTT

To coincide with the start of the Inglorious 12th (the opening of the grouse shooting season) last week, The Herald ran this piece written by Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland and a founding member of Revive, the coalition for grouse moor reform. It’s reproduced in full here: No one knows […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2XnyT9p

The news that police forces in England and Wales will be checking the social media accounts of gun licence applicants is very welcome news, especially as abuse by gamekeepers and other gun holders against conservationists intensifies (e.g. see here, here, here, here, here). According to an article in The Times this weekend, the Westminster Government […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3galGHw via IFTTT

The news that police forces in England and Wales will be checking the social media of gun licence applicants is very welcome news, especially as abuse by gamekeepers and other gun holders against conservationists intensifies (e.g. see here, here, here, here, here). According to an article in The Times this weekend, the Westminster Government will […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3galGHw

Award-winning investigative journalism website The Ferret published an article last week with an account of how raptor conservationists are facing ongoing harassment from gamekeepers and supporters of the grouse-shooting industry. Thanks to journalist Stuart Spray for the invitation to contribute to this piece. It’s reproduced here in full: Conservationists working to protect rare birds of […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3jReEIU

Award-winning investigative journalism website The Ferret published an article last week with an account of how raptor conservationists are facing ongoing harassment from gamekeepers and supporters of the grouse-shooting industry. Thanks to journalist Stuart Spray for the invitation to contribute to this piece. It’s reproduced here in full: Conservationists working to protect rare birds of […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3jReEIU via IFTTT

During this year’s Hen Harrier Day broadcast, Wild Justice launched a new ‘e-action’ allowing members of the public to easily contact their local parliamentary representative and ask for reform in the uplands. How does this e-action work? Well, Wild Justice has written the text of a letter (see below), in this case asking for uplands […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3iNvzNf

During this year’s Hen Harrier Day broadcast, Wild Justice launched a new ‘e-action’ allowing members of the public to easily contact their local parliamentary representative and ask for reform in the uplands. How does this e-action work? Well, Wild Justice has written the text of a letter (see below), in this case asking for uplands […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3iNvzNf via IFTTT

Herefordshire Police led a multi-agency raid on Thursday 12th August following a suspected raptor persecution incident in the south west of the county. The police were joined by staff from Natural England, National Wildlife Crime Unit and RSPB Investigation’s team. Items were seized and enquiries are apparently continuing. [Photos from RSPB] This is at least […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3AMDdgK

A gamekeeper appeared in court on 12th August 2021 accused of the alleged killing of a number of buzzards in Nottinghamshire in January 2021. He was charged after a joint investigation by Nottinghamshire Police and the RSPB’s Investigations Team (see here). The gamekeeper pleaded not guilty so this case will now progress to trial. Trial […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3CNTT9I

Herefordshire Police led a multi-agency raid on Thursday 12th August following a suspected raptor persecution incident in the south west of the county. The police were joined by staff from Natural England, National Wildlife Crime Unit and RSPB Investigation’s team. Items were seized and enquiries are apparently continuing. [Photos from RSPB] This is at least […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3AMDdgK via IFTTT

A gamekeeper appeared in court on 12th August 2021 accused of the alleged killing of a number of buzzards in Nottinghamshire in January 2021. He was charged after a joint investigation by Nottinghamshire Police and the RSPB’s Investigations Team (see here). The gamekeeper pleaded not guilty so this case will now progress to trial. Trial […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3CNTT9I via IFTTT

A gamekeeper is due in court tomorrow (12th August 2021) accused of the alleged killing of a number of buzzards. This prosecution relates to the joint investigation undertaken by Nottinghamshire Police and the RSPB’s Investigations Team in January this year (see here). It’s a good example of what genuine partnership-working can achieve. Tomorrow’s court hearing […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3yGhc2O

A gamekeeper is due in court tomorrow (12th August 2021) accused of the alleged killing of a number of buzzards. This prosecution relates to the joint investigation undertaken by Nottinghamshire Police and the RSPB’s Investigations Team in January this year (see here). It’s a good example of what genuine partnership-working can achieve. Tomorrow’s court hearing […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3yGhc2O via IFTTT

It’s Hen Harrier Day, the 8th year this event has been part of the UK’s conservation scene. Covid restrictions have meant that once again the event has had to move online, but the upside is that this provides more opportunity to reach a wider audience. This year Wild Justice has put together the programme and […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2Vx1EzE

It’s Hen Harrier Day, the 8th year this event has been part of the UK’s conservation scene. Covid restrictions have meant that once again the event has had to move online, but the upside is that this provides more opportunity to reach a wider audience. This year Wild Justice has put together the programme and […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2Vx1EzE via IFTTT

The RSPB is recruiting a conservation scientist for a fixed-term (one year) position to assess the ecological impacts of releasing millions of non-native gamebirds in the UK countryside every year. The exact number of gamebirds that are released in the UK for shooting every year is not known because, incredibly and unlike virtually every other […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3AvxNab

The RSPB is recruiting a conservation scientist for a fixed-term (one year) position to assess the ecological impacts of releasing millions of non-native gamebirds in the UK countryside every year. The exact number of gamebirds that are released in the UK for shooting every year is not known because, incredibly and unlike virtually every other […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3AvxNab via IFTTT

Yesterday, Thames Valley Police (Aylesbury Vale) posted this on Facebook: I haven’t been able to find any follow-up information, e.g. whether the peregrine was x-rayed to confirm/rule out shooting and there isn’t an incident number or an appeal for information on the Thames Valley Police website. Meanwhile, the local press are reporting this as a […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xqvMd5

Yesterday, Thames Valley Police (Aylesbury Vale) posted this on Facebook: I haven’t been able to find any follow-up information, e.g. whether the peregrine was x-rayed to confirm/rule out shooting and there isn’t an incident number or an appeal for information on the Thames Valley Police website. Meanwhile, the local press are reporting this as a […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xqvMd5 via IFTTT

Press release from charity Rewilding Britain (5th August 2021) Nature-impoverished intensively-managed grouse moors cover over three-quarters of a million acres of Britain’s national parks, Rewilding Britain reveals. More than three-quarters of a million acres of Britain’s national parks are covered by intensively-managed grouse moors which leave nature impoverished and contribute to climate breakdown, new research […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/2X1jQCp

Press release from charity Rewilding Britain (5th August 2021) Nature-impoverished intensively-managed grouse moors cover over three-quarters of a million acres of Britain’s national parks, Rewilding Britain reveals. More than three-quarters of a million acres of Britain’s national parks are covered by intensively-managed grouse moors which leave nature impoverished and contribute to climate breakdown, new research […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/2X1jQCp via IFTTT

Press release from Cairngorms National Park Authority (3rd August 2021). My commentary is below that. High tech tags to give insight into lives of golden eagles in Cairngorms National Park Three golden eagle chicks in the Cairngorms National Park have been successfully tagged using the latest innovative technology. Three estates in the Cairngorms National Park […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3xoSqT6

Press release from Cairngorms National Park Authority (3rd August 2021). My commentary is below that. High tech tags to give insight into lives of golden eagles in Cairngorms National Park Three golden eagle chicks in the Cairngorms National Park have been successfully tagged using the latest innovative technology. Three estates in the Cairngorms National Park […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3xoSqT6 via IFTTT

A multi-agency search took place in Shropshire yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation in to the suspected poisoning of a peregrine earlier this year. You may recall the very prompt appeal for information made by West Mercia Police in May (see here) after the corpse of a female peregrine had been found, along with […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3lsr9x8

A multi-agency search took place in Shropshire yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation in to the suspected poisoning of a peregrine earlier this year. You may recall the very prompt appeal for information made by West Mercia Police in May (see here) after the corpse of a female peregrine had been found, along with […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3lsr9x8 via IFTTT

Arjun Amar will be a familiar name to anyone who’s taken more than a passing interest in the illegal persecution of birds of prey in the UK. Arj has published a number of papers linking the illegal persecution of raptors to driven grouse shooting, including the detrimental effects this can have at a population scale, […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3rOduRS

Arjun Amar will be a familiar name to anyone who’s taken more than a passing interest in the illegal persecution of birds of prey in the UK. Arj has published a number of papers linking the illegal persecution of raptors to driven grouse shooting, including the detrimental effects this can have at a population scale, […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3rOduRS via IFTTT

The ‘wall of silence’ maintained by many in the grouse-shooting industry to protect the identities of the raptor killers within their ranks is a well-known phenomenon. It’s been likened to the Mafia’s omertà, the code of silence about criminal activity and a refusal to provide evidence to the police. With news that Prince Harry has […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3ykGvHv

The ‘wall of silence’ maintained by many in the grouse-shooting industry to protect the identities of the raptor killers within their ranks is a well-known phenomenon. It’s been likened to the Mafia’s omertà, the code of silence about criminal activity and a refusal to provide evidence to the police. With news that Prince Harry has […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3ykGvHv via IFTTT

Press release from the Scottish SPCA (2nd August 2021) Peregrine falcon shot near Kirkcaldy We are appealing for information after a peregrine falcon was shot near Kirkcaldy. We were alerted to the incident after the female bird was discovered on farmland at Grange Farm near Kirkcaldy on 25 July. The falcon was unable to fly […] RaptorPersecutionUK https://ift.tt/3fnvZaP

Press release from the Scottish SPCA (2nd August 2021) Peregrine falcon shot near Kirkcaldy We are appealing for information after a peregrine falcon was shot near Kirkcaldy. We were alerted to the incident after the female bird was discovered on farmland at Grange Farm near Kirkcaldy on 25 July. The falcon was unable to fly […] from Raptor Persecution UK https://ift.tt/3fnvZaP via IFTTT