Dead peregrine falcon in Coleford quarry was poisoned

[Donna]

A peregrine falcon found dead in a Gloucestershire quarry had been poisoned, tests have revealed.

The female bird was discovered in the quarry in Coleford by a member of the public in June, and an officer from the RSPB abseiled down to recover it.

Toxicology tests were carried out by Natural England under the government's Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme.

It is not known whether a chick also found dead in the nest was poisoned or starved to death after its mother died.


Birds of prey are a protected species which means it is illegal to harm or kill them.

A joint investigation has been launched by the RSPB, police and Natural England.

The offender, if caught and convicted, could be sentenced to up to six months in prison and fined up to £5,000. (That's it)?

It is thought that peregrines may be illegally killed as a result of concerns about predation of game birds or racing pigeons.

Last year, at another site near Coleford, a peregrine was found shot dead.

Jon Palfrey, rural and environmental crime officer for Gloucestershire Police, said: "We don't know why whoever did this would want to harm the bird and the incident is being thoroughly investigated.

"We'd also like to continue to encourage local residents to report any information they have about anyone harming these, or any other, birds of prey."

17 September 2010

( This all because of the racing pigeons) Kill many birds of prey to save a racing pigeon?? Give me a BREAK!!!) I actually feel sick  right now.

[MAK]

    Are you freakin' kidding me!?    Come on people!!!

[jeanne]

i can't even write what I am thinking and feeling, I am so incensed

[falconsforever129]

How could anyone kill one of these beautiful birds??? And even worse it had a little one who needed it's mother.....It makes me so mad to think of these innocents being poisoned especially the precious baby...I think there is nothing more lovely than a baby peregrine falcon with those big wondering sad eyes.

[Shaky]

When are they going to ban pigeon racing? Isn't there a more ridiculous sport that these morons could engage in? How about jumping-off-a-tall-building racing? Whoever gets to the bottom first wins.

[MAK]

 

[Bird Crazy]

I like your idea Shaky I think they should be allowed help in this race too like lead weights tied to their ankles.

[Donna]

When are they going to ban pigeon racing? Isn't there a more ridiculous sport that these morons could engage in? How about jumping-off-a-tall-building racing? Whoever gets to the bottom first wins.

  Good idea Shaky.