RSPB Investigations

Police launch probe after bird of prey illegally shot in Highlands

A joint investigation between Police Scotland and the RSPB has been launched after a Sparrowhawk was found illegally shot in the Highlands

A post-mortem has confirmed that a dead Sparrowhawk found in Inverness last month had been shot with a shotgun.

Have any information? Please contact Police Scotland and the RSPB.

More than 18 months after Welsh Government received a recommendation from NRW to introduce a licensing system, we ask why Welsh Government has said so little about its plans.

Read more here brnw.ch/21wRPJ0

📸 : Pheasant / Ffesant - Ben Andrew

We remember this day well. Two shot owls and a £1,000 fine. Watch how the story unfolded 👇
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-bkVURvGkQ

Though our aims differ, the @wildjustice.bsky.social petition could ignite a key debate on the future of land managed for grouse shooting in England.

Breaking: gamekeeper guilty of poison and trap-related offences, ordered to pay £7,449 in total. Three poisoned birds of prey sparked a police investigation in Lincolnshire. Full story: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
Something has to change – time to license gamebird shooting.

Good news for Peregrines! Thank you to the many RSPB supporters who have campaigned with us to achieve this. www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...

🚨 620,000 wild birds were trapped and killed in Cyprus in autumn 2024!🚨

The latest BirdLife Cyprus report reveals a worrying rise in bird trapping in the Republic of Cyprus. Trapping with nets increased by 76% compared to 2023, mainly due to the unchecked activity of organized trappers.

Red Kite found shot dead near Strathdon in Aberdeenshire Details on the killing have emerged as new statistics show a fall in wildlife crime in Scotland.

Yet again, a protected bird of prey has been shot in an area dominated by intensive gamebird shooting management. We had hoped the new legislation introduced by the Scottish Parliament last year would help, but clearly there are still those motivated to break the law. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

A young Hen Harrier, Red, has disappeared in suspicious circumstances. Police found no trace of the bird.
This latest incident follows a clear pattern of Hen Harriers disappearing on driven grouse moors: it's time to license driven grouse shooting.
More: community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/in...

NEW BLOG: Good news! Thanks to you, we just got closer to ending the injustice of raptor crime and keeping more birds safe in our skies.
RSPB Investigations team is stronger than ever thanks to support: community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/in...

Image of a Dartford Warbler perched on a Gorse bush alongside the wording: Heathland Birds Survey. We need your help to monitor key species. www.bto.org/heathland-birds-survey BTO logo is top right of the image.

1/ 🔊 We need your help to survey Heathland Birds! 🐦 For the first time in two decades we’re asking birders to survey for key species, including Woodlark, Dartford Warbler and Nightjar. Visit our website to sign up. ➡️ www.bto.org/heathland-birds-survey #Ornithology #UKBirding

The key which describes the meaning of each colour is at the top right. Click the drop down menu > the first icon in the list (it wasn't possible to make it permanently visible - hope this helps and apologies for any confusion).

'I felt goosebumps when first red kites arrived' A conservationist has told of the thrill of welcoming a new colony of the birds in a special project.

Twenty years of Red Kites in the northeast www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

What's happening to the UK’s Hen Harriers... it's a question we've been trying to answer, thanks in a big way to satellite tagging. Now, for the first time, you can see what's happened to each of the RSPB's tagged birds going back to 2014 - explore here: community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/in...

Witness appeal after bird shot in Peak District We are appealing for information after a protected bird was reportedly shot in Bradfield, near Sheffield.

A Raven was found shot near Agden Side Road, Bradfield, in the #PeakDistrict. Do you have any information that could help the Police in their investigation?
It is believed the bird was shot between 24-25 August.
Ravens are a protected species - to shoot one is a crime. See below for more:

Commissioner Costas Kadis – end Puffin starvation now! 33 NGOs & the Wind sector ask Costas Kadis in a letter to save Puffins in Scottish and UK waters

🚨Puffins are starving!
We urged Commissioner Costas Kadis to back the sandeel fishing ban in UK & Scottish waters. Sandeels are vanishing, leaving seabirds like Atlantic Puffins without food

The EU is challenging the ban, risking declines & fragile ecosystems
www.birdlife.org/news/2024/12... #birds

A male Hen Harrier soars in the sky

An antidote to Black Friday, today is #GivingTuesday.
The RSPB Investigations team tackles raptor persecution in the field, gathering evidence, working with police, compiling data & exposing these crimes.
It's only possible thanks to you. Thank you. www.rspb.org.uk/donate/help-us-stop-the-killing

Superb Investigations Team get-together @spurnbirdobs.bsky.social last week.
It's a tough job dealing with raptor persecution day in, day out, but these dedicated and passionate people truly make a brighter future for birds of prey seem possible. Great views of Shore Lark too!

📷 Niall Owen

YouTube video by RSPB Time for change: grouse shooting - the case for licensing | RSPB

It is a Time for Change in places like the Dark Peak. Grouse moor licensing can be a win-win solution to what so many are calling for - sustainable land management and more nature in our uplands.
👉 Watch our new film to find out why: youtu.be/risNQF5E9r0