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.

Saturday 19 April 2014

Row over raptor persecution claim

By David MillerBBC Scotland environment correspondent

Landowners have reacted angrily to claims the persecution of birds of prey on Scotland's grouse moors has returned to levels last seen in the Victorian era.

The allegation was made by Duncan Orr Ewing, one of the most senior figures at RSPB Scotland.

The landowners' organisation, Scottish Land and Estates, said the RSPB was increasingly resorting to "wild and misleading accusations".

Mr Orr Ewing has defended his claims.

Douglas McAdam, the chief executive of Scottish Land and Estates, told BBC Scotland News: "For Mr Orr Ewing to suggest that wildlife crime is returning to Victorian levels is both irresponsible and untrue. He ought to know better.

"Official statistics in recent years have seen, overall, a downward trend in raptor persecution - even at some points demonstrating record low levels of poisoning incidents.

"It is very disappointing that the RSPB, with whom we would like to work constructively, stoop to making such wild and misleading accusations."

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