BIRDS of prey in the North-East are the targets of “systematic and relentless” persecution, it was claimed yesterday.
A report published by the RSPB today (brands Northumberland as a blackspot in England for crimes against wild birds.
Out of 13 bird crime incidents in the county last year, 11 were against birds of prey, says the RSPB, who point out that this is likely to be the “tip of the iceberg” because of the often remote terrain meant that incidents would not come to light.
There were five bird of prey incidents in County Durham, nine in Cumbria, and one in Tyne and Wear. Birds which are suffering include hen harriers, peregrine falcons, buzzards, goshawks and kestrels.
Concern at the level of persecution in the region has prompted the RSPB to create a new post of North-East investigations officer, which has been filled by James Leonard.
He said: “The main priority is the illegal and systematic persecution of birds of prey. The more you dig, the more you find and it is just shocking.
“You would think that 25 years of legal protection for these birds would have made a difference but there is still relentless persecution of these magnificent birds.
“We have had a lot of intelligence coming in and it really shows how severe is this persecution. It is going on unabated.”
Mr Leonard said there were “huge blocks” of land in Northumberland and the North Pennines, mainly upland areas used by game bird interests, where birds of prey were not allowed to live or breed.
“There are black holes across these areas. If a bird has a hooked beak it is treated as vermin.” He said that the public response to events like the successful 24-hour guard on a single hen harrier nest in Northumberland and the re-introduction of red kites had been “amazing”.
But he said: “Everyone should have the right to see these fantastic bird species but a minority of people are continuing to flout the law and are depriving people of this right.”
RSPB regional spokesman David Hirst said that some incidents involved banned poisons. “These can also be a danger for people and their pets. It is a total disgrace and a real blot on the northern landscape that this sort of thing goes on.”
The RSPB’s Birdcrime 2006 report details 1,109 reported incidents relating to wild birds in the UK, more than a 50% increase on the previous year.
Martin Gillibrand, secretary of the Moorland Association, said: “Persecution shouldn’t happen. It is unnecessary and we don’t condone it. But persecution is a drum the RSPB keep banging and it is easy to allege these things. If a bird disappears it is said to be persecution but there can be a host of other reasonable explanations.”
Angus Collingwood–Cameron, North-East director of the Country Land and Business Association, said: “While I cannot condone illegal behaviour by any sector of society, I do think that some people can sometimes be too quick to point the finger of suspicion at gamekeepers whenever a bird of prey is found dead. In this day and age, these custodians of the countryside carry out their jobs under public scrutiny, and scientific studies regularly prove the environmental benefits that result from their work.”
Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay said: “Northumbria Police work closely with other agencies to reduce the number of crimes against wild birds and will continue to do so.”
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Incidents
Incidents from the RSPB report for last year in include:
Barn owl poisoned by Difenicoum.
Disabled peregrine taken to vets where shot was found in legs.
Two dead buzzards found laid side by side.
Hen harrier seen flying over hill, four shots heard, bird not seen again.
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Wildlife officer goes in reshuffle
PC Paul Henery, who was one of the country’s first full-time wildlife officers and served in the post for 13 years, is still with the force. An RSPB spokesman said: “We are sorry to lose PC Henery. It is disappointing an officer with his knowledge and expertise has been lost to the network.”
Northumbria Police Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay said: “Northumbria now has part-time wildlife officers in each area command. The headquarters-based role is now one of co-ordination rather than enforcement and is more appropriate to become a civilianised post.”
James Leonard, RSPB regional investigations officer, said: “PC Henery was one of the best wildlife officers in the country. The civilian role will not carry any police powers and there is not now going to be a full-time wildlife officer.”
