Help stop attack on our birds of prey, say police
CAMPAIGN TO SAVE RED KITES FROM DEATH UNDER WAY
THE fate of birds of prey from a North East colony has been highlighted as a police campaign against persecution gets under way.
Operation Owl is a national campaign in which the public are being asked to help combat the shooting, trapping or poisoning of birds by reporting incidents to their local police force.
Launch events were held by police, the RSPB and Friends of Red Kites at Kielder Waterside and Haggerston, near Berwick in Northumberland.
The Northern Kites Project was responsible for the reintroduction of 94 young red kites in Gateshead’s Lower Derwent Valley between 2004 and 2009.
In 2006 red kites began to breed in the region for the first time after an absence of over 170 years, and the volunteer group Friends of Red Kites (FoRK) was set up.
“Fifteen years later, the red kites are faring well in the core area but threats, like persecution, are preventing them from expanding their range,” said FoRK spokesman Harold Dobson.
“As mainly scavengers, the red kites are no risk to anyone or anything. However, since 2010, seven red kites have been found poisoned or shot near the Derwent Gorge and surrounding area.
“Sadly, there will have been many more undetected casualties.” Northumbria Police wildlife officer PC Lee Davison said: “We need to educate people about the risks and consequences of killing birds of prey. It is a criminal offence and the public can help us root out those responsible by sharing information or reporting crimes.
“Birds like peregrines, red kites and hen harriers are deliberately shot, trapped and poisoned in our countryside. The more information available to law enforcement through reporting, the greater chance we have of prosecuting offenders. “If you notice anything suspicious, like a dead or injured bird of prey or a trap, then call officers immediately. Be sure to take photos where possible and remember not to interfere with what could be a potential crime scene. “Together we can help put an end to the illegal killing of birds of prey.” Like all raptors, red kites are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to deliberately kill or injure a wild bird.
■ Visit www.operationowl.com
We need to educate people about the risks and consequences of killing birds of prey
PC Lee Davison