Police investigate after sparrowhawk shot in Devon

17/03/2020

Police have launched an investigation after a Eurasian Sparrowhawk was shot near Plymouth, Devon

A member of the public found the female sparrowhawk with a broken wing in a field near Tamerton Foliot during the morning of Sunday 26 January. An x-ray revealed the bird had been shot. Lead shot was embedded in its left wing and its ulna was fractured. The bird is being cared for but it is not known if it will make a full recovery.

Investigating officer Sergeant Northmore, of the Crownhill Neighbourhood Team, said: "The sparrowhawk appears to be the victim of a cruel and illegal act and may not survive as a result. We are treating this unfortunate incident as a crime under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw or heard anything which could have been related to this incident, or has any information they think could be useful, to contact us."

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Marsh harrier shot near Sculthorpe Moor nature reserve, Norfolk

2 July 2019

A rare bird of prey thought to be part of a breeding pair on a nature reserve has been found shot.

The male marsh harrier was found injured by a dog walker at Sculthorpe Moor, near Fakenham, Norfolk, according to the reserve owner the Hawk and Owl Trust.

The find was reported to staff at the reserve, but when they got to the spot only a few feathers were left.

Since the shooting a male bird breeding on the reserve has not been seen.

The Trust said this year's chicks were at risk because both parents were needed to supply enough food for their offspring.

The Hawk and Owl Trust said it had reported the find, on 21 June, to Norfolk Police as the marsh harrier is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The Trust said "the finder was unable to get to the bird to rescue, but did take a photograph which records the kind of injury that shows the bird had been shot".

Nigel Middleton, Sculthorpe Moor reserve manager, said: "Illegal persecution is such a problem and it's inexcusable. Having it happen on our doorstep has come as a real shock.

"Marsh harriers are the reason that Sculthorpe is a reserve. This is just horrifying.

"If anyone knows anything please let the police know. Let's bring this criminal to justice."

Marsh harrier

lives in marsh and reedbed

length = 52cm; wingspan = 122cm

breeds in Europe, central Asia and north Africa

after nearly disappearing as a breeding species in Britain, it has recovered to about 400 breeding pairs, but still has "endangered" status

eats animals found/caught on the ground

Source: British Trust for Ornithology

Source

Record year for illegally shot birds as poachers target honey buzzards

With 69 birds shot at illegally so far this year, 2018 is turning out to be a record

24 September 2018, 7:01pm 

by Laura Calleja

A honey buzzard retrieved over the weekend by an individual in Siġġiewi is the latest victim of unbridled poaching of protected birds taking place this year.

BirdLife said the honey buzzard was confirmed shot by the government vet, making it the 25th protected bird to be shot this autumn hunting season.

The bird conservation group said it was aware of another honey buzzard that was taken directly to the vet by the police. “If the bird is confirmed shot, the total of known casualties recovered since 1 September will reach 26.”

BirdLife said that there were 69 known incidents of protected birds that were shot in 2018. The figure is higher than those for 2015 and 2016. The organisation is predicting that 2018 could be the worst year since 2013 for the killing of protected birds.

Source  

Protected rare falcon shot in Rugby town centre

JAMES BRYCE Email Published: 12:35 Monday 30 April 2018

A rare and protected bird has been reported as being shot in rugby town centre. Warwickshire Police said it has received a call about a peregrine falcon being shot in the town centre. Sgt Stuart Baker, who is also a wildlife crime officer in Rugby said: "Warwickshire Police take all types of wildlife crime seriously. 

"Peregrine Falcons are rare species protected in law as Schedule 1 birds and are therefore offered additional protection at all times by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

"It is clear from the RSPB investigation into the killing of this bird that at some point in the past, somebody has deliberately shot this bird causing it serious injury. 

"I would encourage anyone with any information to contact us or the RSPB if you have any information in relation to this offence. 

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org."

Read more at: 

Investigation after at least one buzzard found dead in Suffolk woodland

PUBLISHED: 15:11 26 February 2018 | UPDATED: 16:49 26 February 2018

John Grant

Police are investigating the shooting of at least one common buzzard - a legally protected bird of prey - that was found dead in a Suffolk wood.

Two buzzard corpses were reported to Suffolk Constabulary’s wildlife crime team in an incident described by naturalists as “appalling and abhorrent.” The bodies were found in woodland known as Little Carr, “on the edge of a shooting estate” on the banks of the River Dove, near Hoxne, the team’s Sgt Brian Calver said yesterday.

The discovery was reported by “a person with shooting rights”, but when a police officer visited the site only one corpse could be found. It was believed that the birds died in January, he said.

Continued

Rare Bird Shot in Paraparaumu

Monday, 24 April 2017, 4:38 pm
Press Release: Department of Conservation



Rare Bird Shot in Paraparaumu

A New Zealand Falcon/ kārearea has been found shot dead in Nikau Valley, Paraparaumu.

The birds are fully protected by law, and Department of Conservation (DOC) are investigating the killing. Whoever shot the bird may face up to 2 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Simon and Katie Ford were devastated to discover the bird – still warm – in their back paddock in Eucalyptus Way last Thursday.

“We are planting native trees and want to encourage the birds back. We were shocked someone would shoot such a beautiful animal,” said Katie.

“We did hear from neighbours that some teenage boys at our end of the valley have been seen target shooting in the last week. A few people have responded on our valley Facebook page about seeing the bird in the few days prior and are horrified that it has been killed.”

DOC biodiversity ranger David Moss says shooting the falcon is unacceptable, no matter what the circumstances.

“It was a direct hit from a low calibre weapon, such as a .22 and appears to be intentional. For someone to shoot this bird is appalling. Not only is the kārearea a threatened species, it is a symbol of New Zealand and graces our 20-dollar note.” 

 

continued 

Bird of prey persecution "nothing short of disgraceful"

5:30pm 15th June 2016
(Updated 1:32pm 16th June 2016)

Police are describing the shooting of red kites as "totally unacceptable", after another bird was killed in North Yorkshire.

A member of the public found a dead adult red kite at Timble Ings, between Harrogate and Skipton, on Monday.

It was taken to a vet to be examined and X-rayed.

A number of shotgun pellets were found in it, and this appears to have been the cause of death.

In the last two months, six red kites in North Yorkshire have been shot or died in circumstances which suggest poisoning.

The red kite found at Timble Ings will have been killed sometime before it was found, and police are appealing for information to help bring those responsible to justice.

Read on … 

Investigation launched after rare bird of prey shot on Aberdeenshire estate

9 May 2016 by Kieran Beattie

A raptor has been put down after being shot on an Aberdeenshire estate.

The goshawk had come into the care of the north-east wildlife sanctuary New Arc late last month after it had been shot the week before in Strathdon.

At first, the bird – which had been affectionately named Bart – seemed to be in reasonably good health despite its injuries.

But, following an X-ray examination the next day, vets discovered a small metal bullet had become lodged in his chest, and that he had suffered severe damage to its left lung and shoulder.

Vets considered surgery, but deemed the procedure too risky and concluded that putting Bart down would be the more humane option.

Although goshawks are not a critically-endangered species in the UK, their population numbers have plummeted in recent years due to persecution and nest robbing – with only around 280 to 430 breeding pairs left in the wild, according to the RSPB.

Wildlife crime officers are now investigating the incident, which New Arc owner Keith Marley believes to have been a deliberate attempt to take Bart’s life.

Mr Marley said: “The guy who found him and brought Bart in said the bird was shot right in front of him while it was sitting on a dyke.

Continued ...

Illegally shot peregrine falcon discovered in County Durham

The shot peregrine falcon which was found at The Stang forest, on the Teesdale and North Yorkshire border, in August 2015. Picture by the RSPB.

Helen Russell, Reporter (Wear Valley) / Monday 7 December 2015 / 

AN investigation has been launched after an illegally shot peregrine falcon was found in County Durham.

The dead bird was discovered on the south-east edge of Stang Forest, on the outskirts of Teesdale, near the North Yorkshire border, on August 23 by a member of the public, who alerted Durham Police and the RSPB.

The carcass was sent for a post mortem examination, which confirmed that the bird died as a result of being shot.

The bird had suffered severe blood loss and most likely died close to to where it had sustained the gunshot wounds.

It is the third such crime against birds of prey in County Durham this year.

In March, two short-eared owls were found shot dead near Selset reservoir and in June, a shot peregrine was discovered at Castle Lake, in Bishop Middleham.

Howard Jones, RSPB Investigations Officer, said: “This case once again provides a window into the reasons behind the peregrine falcon’s struggle to breed in much of the English uplands.

Continued …

Peregrine falcon shot in Co Wexford

Wednesday 13 August 2014 23.00

An investigation is under way after a peregrine falcon was found shot in Co Wexford.

The falcon had to be euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.

Peregrine falcons are native Irish birds of prey and are accorded the highest possible legal protection under Irish and European law.

The deliberate killing of such birds is a criminal offence.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is seeking help from the public after the bird was found shot at Ballynastraw near Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

An X-ray confirmed that the falcon was shot with shotgun pellets in its wing and leg.

Continued ...

SPCA: Heron shot in Long Island park

Updated 9:37 am, Wednesday, May 14, 2014

VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (AP) — The Nassau County SPCA says it's investigating the shooting of a heron in Hewlett Bay Park.

A witness who was at the park with his family heard what appeared to be gunshots. Then he saw a man holding what looked like a pistol and saw the large bird fall from a tree. He called 911.

SPCA personnel took the bird to Central Veterinary Services in Valley Stream.

The veterinary clinic identified the bird as a yellow-crowned night heron.

The heron has undergone surgery. The SPCA says it is "guardedly hopeful" the bird will recover.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services have been notified.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/SPCA-Protected-heron-shot-in-Long-Island-park-5477113.php

Penalties to increase tenfold for shooting or trapping protected species

“Criminals caught shooting protected birds will find no refuge amongst law-abiding community,” the Government said.

The Government said in a statement today that it “condemns the hideous act of shooting of protected storks that occurred yesterday and has deployed the necessary resources to investigate the incident and to bring perpetrators to justice.”

“In a drive to stamp out illegal targeting of protected species, last October the Government revamped national legislation and doubled applicable penalties for illegal shooting of protected birds.”

“Whilst, as amply documented in the enforcement report published last Saturday, multiple improvements in enforcement occurred over the past few months, the latest incident shows that some rogue individuals are still undeterred from committing such brazen crimes,” said Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes in reaction to the storks’ shooting incident.

“Therefore Government will do whatever is necessary to not only bring perpetrators to justice, but to also eliminate the very possibility of such acts occurring in the future”, Parliamentary Secretary added.

Continued

Hen Harrier shot in County Wexford

Birdwatch Ireland call for a full investigation

November 2012. BirdWatch Ireland is calling for a full investigation after the recent shooting of a Hen Harrier in Co. Wexford, which is a rare and protected bird of prey in Ireland.

Hen Harriers in Ireland are under increasing pressure and the loss of even one individual is a cause of great concern. BirdWatch Ireland acknowledges the work that has been carried out in recent years by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to help ensure the conservation of our Hen Harrier population, however expressed concern in relation to the lack of strategy, resources and enforcement of wildlife crime in Ireland which has meant that incidents such as this have often passed without any formal investigation.

BirdWatch Ireland is calling on An Garda Siochána to launch an immediate investigation with a view to securing a prosecution in this case.

John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland's Raptor Conservation Officer said "Ireland already has legislation in place to protect our birds of prey but for that to be effective we need to see rigorous enforcement of the law. At present Ireland's record of achieving prosecutions leaves something to be desired" John continued "Such illegal persecution of birds of prey, particularly when not addressed by the authorities, impacts on our countryside but also on our international reputation and in turn on the impression gained by potential visitors to our country expecting to see wildlife"

BirdWatch Ireland also re-iterated the appeal from NPWS for birdwatchers who know of winter roosts of Hen Harriers to be very cautious to whom they disclose the locations of these sites to. Alan Lauder, BirdWatch Ireland's CEO added "It is very unfortunate that cases like this mean that we have to keep the location of one of Ireland's most amazing natural spectacles secret - we would like to see a day when members of the public can experience for themselves the magnificent sight of these iconic birds of Ireland's uplands coming together in the winter months. "

Hen harrier
The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) is a species of high conservation concern. Six Special Protected Areas in upland areas have been designated for Hen Harrier in Ireland.

Stable population

A national survey of Hen Harriers was carried out during 2010 with the aims of quantifying the size of the breeding population and examining changes in the national regional and SPA populations since the previous national survey in 2005. An estimated 128 to 172 breeding pairs were recorded within 69 10km squares.
.
The national population appears to be stable since the last national survey, however severe regional declines were recorded, the causes of which remain largely unknown, but are potentially influenced by factors such as habitat change, persecution, development (e.g. windfarms) and various disturbance factors (e.g. peat extraction).

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/hen-harrier-ireland.html

Rare osprey found shot dead by Akhna dam poachers

The illegal shooting of a rare, beautiful and strictly protected Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) this autumn highlighted the plight of Akhna dam, an important wetland that is currently plagued by poachers and illegal bird trappers using shot-guns, mist nets and limesticks. 

BirdLife Cyprus is calling for urgent anti-poaching action to change the Famagusta area wetland from a poachers’ “playground” to the sanctuary for breeding waders and migrating birds that it should be by law. 

Bird watchers have reported an unusually large number of ospreys passing through Akhna dam during September and October, using it as a stopover on their migratory journey from northern Europe, where they breed, to their African wintering grounds. However even this magnificent bird species did not escape the attention of the poachers and one was found shot dead this month. 

Despite the protection status the dam has, there is a serious problem with poaching and illegal bird trapping in the area. The incident of the shot Osprey is not an isolated one but on the contrary, poaching in the Akhna dam has become extensive, Birdlife said. “Furthermore illegal bird trapping with non-selective methods such as mist nets and limesticks has been widespread this autumn, both at Akhna Dam and more widely, contributing to large scale killing of birds, many of them threatened. This equates to an ecological disaster,” it added. 

http://www.cyprus-mail.com/akhna/rare-osprey-found-shot-dead-akhna-dam-poachers/20121031