Birds of prey are targets
BIRDS of prey are being illegally shot, poisoned or trapped in their dozens each year.
The RSPB’s annual bird crime report found there were 108 confirmed incidents of bird of prey persecution in the UK in 2021.
A total of 91 birds of prey were affected, including 50 buzzards, 16 red kites, seven peregrines and three goshawks, as well as a golden eagle.
Beccy Speight, RSPB chief executive, said: “The evidence shows that the illegal persecution of birds of prey – which is linked to gamebird shooting – is holding back the recovery of some key species.”