Rare birds still persecuted in Devon

With the breeding season well underway we are now getting into the period where in previous years there have been incidents of raptor persecution at their breeding sites. Although some people think this does not happen in Devon, unfortunately it still does. The rather grim picture below shows a poisoned Peregrine on top of the poison-laced pigeon that killed it. The loss of this adult resulted in the young starving to death in the nest on this occasion.

Poisoned Peregrine – Devon – © Mark Darlaston

Reporting suspected persecution

If a poisoning incident such as this is suspected, you should not touch anything but report it to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme on Freephone 0800 321 600, where the lead agency is Natural England.

Useful information on what to do if you witness or suspect any wildlife crime can also be found at www.defra.gov.uk. In brief, the police should be contacted, either on 999 in urgent situations (i.e. you witness an incident actually taking place), or in non-urgent cases on 08452 777444. When reporting incidents to the police, always ask for a log number (this shows that the police have recorded and allocated a reference number to the incident and enables easier communication should further contact be needed). Also ask if you can speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer.

Please also report bird related incidents to the RSPB or ring RSPB Investigations on 01767 680551. Also see the RSPB Birds of Prey – Help Stop the Killing Now campaign.

Caution urged in submission of news about rare breeding birds

DBWPS / RSPB would also urge caution when submitting news of rare or scarce breeding birds to websites, blogs, magazines etc, unless you know the site is wardened or clearly not at risk. Not only is there the possibility of direct persecution of the adults, but the eggs or young of some species are still taken illegally. If in doubt whether a breeding site has protection measures in place, do not post or submit any specific location information.

If you are fortunate enough to discover a rare breeding species, please submit that record to DBWPS, in confidence, through the Rare Breeding Bird Recorder or County Recorder, or inform the RSPB.

Devon Birds has, for many years, adhered to a policy on the publication of data relating to rare breeding birds, which can be viewed here.

Mark Darlaston (Rare Breeding Bird Recorder)
Mike Langman (County Bird Recorder)
Julia Harris (Assistant County Recorder)