As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Thursday 28 March 2013

How video’s eagle eye helps protect rare birds from egg thieves


Published on Saturday 23 March 2013 00:01
VIDEO surveillance and satellite tracking are being used to tackle rogue egg hunters who are preying on some of Britain’s rarest species of birds in Yorkshire.

Police and enforcement officers from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have been sharing intelligence after evidence emerged that offenders are travelling from across the country to raid the nests of birds in the region.

Many egg hunters are also embroiled in other criminal activity, including drug dealing, to help finance their time-consuming searches for the nests of rare birds which often involve travelling long distances across the country.

North Yorkshire, which is home to species including red kites, peregrine falcons and ospreys, is one of the worst blackspots in the country for offences, according to the charity.

RSPB officials say they are employing increasingly sophisticated technology to hunt down egg collectors who are continuing to flout tougher laws, with jail terms of up to six months for offenders. Video surveillance is being used to monitor nests, while satellite tracking devices fitted to birds are helping to trace their movements to nesting sites.

An RSPB spokesman said: “While many of these species are showing signs of recovery, they do remain threatened and egg collectors are a very real problem.

“We do have close links with police and we are increasingly turning to new technology to help monitor birds’ nests. Offenders are continuing to operate across the country, but Yorkshire is a particular concern because of the number of species which live there and we are having to remain especially vigilant in the region.”

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority confirmed yesterday that efforts are underway to protect a pair of peregrine falcons which attract thousands of visitors every year to Malham Cove. Peregrines started nesting at the cove 20 years ago and have since raised more than 40 offspring.

Read more: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/general-news/how-video-s-eagle-eye-helps-protect-rare-birds-from-egg-thieves-1-5524739

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