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Birds have been shot, nests destroyed and chicks stolen in one of the worst years for crimes against birds of prey, according to the RSPB.

The charity’s 20th annual Birdcrime report reveals 2009 was another shocking year, with 499 reported incidents in the UK – the second worst in the past decade.  :o

There were 19 incidents reported in Lancashire, making it the fifth worst area in England. Reports for the county, including the Forest of Bowland area, say peregrine falcon nests being targeted, a buzzard being shot and chicks disappearing.

The RSPB has not released details of specific areas for fear of future attacks.

However, in June, three peregrine falcons were killed in the Forest of Bowland, believed to have been shot dead, in an attack called “shocking and disgraceful” by PC Duncan Thomas, wildlife officer for Lancashire Constabulary.

The iconic birds of prey can achieve speeds of up to 124mph when plunging from the sky after prey, making them the fastest creatures on the planet.

There are currently around 1,400 breeding pairs in the UK.

In May, two eagles’ eggs, worth £2,000 each, were stolen from a Preston bird sanctuary.

And in October 2008, a young peregrine was found shot and injured in Grindleton Quarry, Clitheroe.

Hen harriers can also be found in the county. Between 2002 and 2008, the comparatively tiny area of Bowland, accounted for over two-thirds of all the 127 hen harrier breeding attempts recorded by Natural England.

Penalties for killing a bird of prey include fines of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison or both.

Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s conservation director, says: “Wildlife crimes are an abhorrent feature of our countryside. And for the sake of eagles, kites, harriers, buzzards, falcons and ospreys, we have to take more action.

“Over time, egg collecting has diminished, but the killing of birds of prey is as big threat today as it was two decades ago.”

In 2009, the government announced that bird of prey persecution was one of the top wildlife crime priorities but, in view of the current spending review, the RSPB is concerned that resources to tackle wildlife crime will be seen as a soft option.

The RSPB says it wants to see a commitment from the government to tackling these crimes as well as long-term funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit and a full wildlife crime review in England.

Conflict with land managed for the shooting of game birds remains the main problem for birds of prey, particularly the upland grouse-shooting estates in northern England and Scotland.

Some gamekeepers on grouse moors and pheasant shooting estates target birds of prey because they eat game birds kept for commercial and private shooting.

The main birds of prey affected are golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, hen harrier, goshawk, peregrine and red kite.

The RSPB believes new legislation is needed to make the managers and employers of those committing the crimes legally accountable.

Options such as vicarious liability, which holds people accountable for crimes committed by their staff, and removing the shooting rights for individuals and errant estates need to be considered.

The RSPB says this would provide a significant deterrent without imposing a burden on legitimate shooting interests.

Nationally, reported incidents included 384 shooting, trapping and poisoning allegations.

Cumbria tops the 2009 UK league of shame jointly with North Yorkshire, with 27 incidents against birds of prey.

In Cheshire, there were six reported incidents, four in Greater Manchester and three in Merseyside.

Dr Avery says: “Earlier this year, the former Wildlife Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, was one of more than 210,000 people to sign a pledge to protect birds of prey.

“This is a powerful voice and we will not rest until their cries have been heard by government.”

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/features_2_1844/who_preys_on_these_beautiful_birds_1_1650634 (http://www.lep.co.uk/news/features_2_1844/who_preys_on_these_beautiful_birds_1_1650634)

 :snarl:   Where's the justice for these creatures?   :crying: