Birds Of Prey - Bad News

[Milvus]

Report here re a mass poising of raptors in Scotland. This is a farming area so possible reasons are unclear.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/apr/03/scottish-birtd-of-prey-colony-mass-poisonings

[2sp_]

It is terrible, the whole area is talking about it and everyone is horrified it's happened here.

Before we go blaming farmers, it's worth mentioning that local farmers and landowners have donated £12K to the reward fund.

Let's hope those responsible are caught soon.

[Milvus]

Good point 2SP. As I understand it, they stepped in pretty quickly to up the reward. Let's hope they catch the person soon

[carrust]

I read it on birdguides. I'll lay odds it will be gamekeepers who are the culprits. Although pigeon fanciers have been known to kill birds of prey.

[Tilly2]

This is a report from April 3rd. I thought it might have happened again.

[Milvus]

Thanks Tilly2, I had only just caught this. Didn't notice the date.
Not gamekeepers in this case Carrust, this is a farming area. There aren't any shoots

[2sp_]

Just one of the theories I've heard - possibly someone trying to dispose of illegally held poison has dumped it somewhere stupid and the birds (or their prey) have managed to get hold of it.

[2sp_]

Here's a more up to date report.

http://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/News/SNH-condemn-shocking-red-kite-deaths-11042014.htm

[carrust]

They usually put it in a carcase....I don't think it was an accident

[2sp_]

Carrust, it just seems to be on such a large scale though. We do get the odd bird found to be poisoned from time to time, but never like this.

[2sp_]

I can't believe another one has been found -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-27064627

This is sickening.

[Milvus]

Let's hope that is the last