In 2009 a white-tailed eagle, two golden eagles, four red kites, and 21 buzzards were confirmed by the Scottish Government as being victims of illegal poisoning. Baits laced with highly toxic and illegal poisons continued to be deliberately laid out in the open in Scotland’s countryside. A red kite was shot and a further four buzzards were confirmed as shot or trapped. Peregrines and hen harriers nesting on driven grouse moors again “disappeared” in circumstances that suggested deliberate human interference.
Continue reading The illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland in 2009
Today we have received a copy of the 2008 report on the illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland during 2008. You can download the report in PDF format from the link at the bottom of this article.
We are obliged to the RSPB in Scotland for this report, and for permission to publish it here. If you think that this report is bad, we are informed that ’2009 is grim’.
We note that the RSPB thank the Scottish Police forces amongst others for their efforts in combating wildlife crime. Would that we could do the same for the Lancashire Police for their efforts – but we can’t – they’re part of the problem!
Continue reading The illegal killing of birds of prey in Scotland in 2008
I’ve just seen a copy of a letter from Natural England to the North West Raptor Group – and it beggars belief!
There are some things you need to know about me first. I set this site up initially for the benefit of the North West Raptor Group, for reporting on raptor persecution in the Bowland area. In the months since its inception, it has attracted interest from a much wider area, together with reports of raptor persecution elsewhere in the UK.
Continue reading Natural England – have they lost the plot?
by John S.Armitage – out of retirement
Part 1
At the risk of the following article seeming more than a little self orientated I thought that I’d better try and explain why I’ve submitted it. The facts presented speak for themselves, the sentiment behind it is a different matter. An evaluation of the efforts, from a variety of people, over the last decade show that these are not producing the desired results as far as raptor protection in Bowland is concerned. This is in no way criticising all the hard work that has been put in, but we have to face facts! It’s true that holding the line, short term gains, and a consolidation of success in some parts has been enjoyed, but elsewhere the situation is not improving, a fact we must all? recognize and not allow ourselves to accept otherwise. I’m not suggesting that I have a single solution, far from it, but what I do have is time. Time that I’m more than willing to offer, to lend weight to overstretched efforts to bring about permanent change. I’m utterly disgusted by the current situation, it’s immoral and, in this day and age, it can’t be allowed to continue!!
Continue reading Hen Harriers…..A Plea for Urgent Action!
I remember some years ago an incident in which somebody I knew made allegations of improper behaviour against a police officer. Athough this person was a ‘thoroughly bad lot’, the police dealt with the complaint promptly and in a professionally manner. The officer was cleared of all allegations - and rightly so – but procedures were rigorously followed.
Continue reading Let’s persecute the conservationists – Part 2
Strathclyde Police probe launched over poisoned Golden Eagle.
We have just received information from Scotland that once again a Golden Eagle has been found poisoned, this time in Argyll.
The dead Eagle was found by hill walkers on the slopes of Beinn Udlaidh in the Glen Orchy area on 7 June. The walkers alerted the RSPB who then called in police.
It is significant in Scotland the police appear to be working to different priorities, taking very seriously any illegal persecution of their native wildlife, just as important taking firm action against those responsible.
Continue reading Golden Eagle Poisoned in Scotland
Thursday 18 June – today field workers visited one of the last peregrine territories in the Forest of Bowland still containing un-fledged young. The site established on a steep sandstone cliff is located in one of Bowland’s more remote moorland locations and is owned by United Utilities. The site when first examined in the spring contained 4 eggs. On today’s visit both parents were calling above the site as we approached the nesting cliff almost 300 m. away. Using binoculars we could see 3 large well feathered chicks perched on the edge of the nesting ledge almost ready to fledge. It was therefore decided after capturing several record images to proceed no further.
Continue reading Historic Bowland nesting site ready to fledge it’s 3 young
Once again, we learn that the police in the Bowland area are using a law designed to deter off-road cars and bikes from causing a nuisance in the countryside for a purpose it was never intended for. Please read this item from the Lancaster and District Birdwatching Society web site relaying information from the Police Wildlife Unit.
The police claim there is no public vehicular access up the Dunsop valley, that cars must be left in Dunsop Bridge, and those wishing to visit the Eagle Owls must walk from there – a mere 5Km each way!
Continue reading Police use off-road nuisance law to block public road
Let me tell you a tale. ‘When I were a lad’, I had respect for the law – mainly in the shape of the village bobby. The one in my village only had one eye, so if you were up to no good, it was best to keep on the right side of him – or maybe it was the left - I can’t remember, it was a long time ago.
Anyhow, the principle was: coppers good – uphold the law. Criminals bad – deserve all they get.
Later on in life I found that it wasn’t that clear-cut. For example, at a murder trial I watched policeman after policeman attest under oath they had lost their notebooks with the details of their (allegedly) botched investigation into my sister-in-law’s death. This didn’t go down at all well with the police who were pulling out all the stops to prosecute the accused. I’m sure many of you reading this will have had at least second-hand experience of bad policing though, so let’s move on. Continue reading Let’s persecute the conservationists – Part 1
Two more pigeons have been found staked out at the same location as detailed in our article of May 13th 09. The first pigeon was found by a passer-by and released. Then two days later, another pigeon was found, again at the same location, staked out. Now it’s got full police attention, and this time they are investigating the matter in a forceful manner.
You can read the press release at the BBC. Continue reading Attempt to Poison a Nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons – update 06.06.09
In 2009 a white-tailed eagle, two golden eagles, four red kites, and 21 buzzards were confirmed by the Scottish Government as being victims of illegal poisoning. Baits laced with highly toxic and illegal poisons continued to be deliberately laid out in the open in Scotland’s countryside. A red kite was shot and a further four buzzards were confirmed as shot or trapped. Peregrines and hen harriers nesting on driven grouse moors again “disappeared” in circumstances that suggested deliberate human interference.
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