Dolly you reminded me of this
Probably the most endangered raptor in the UK, only in the odd place like Hoy and Uist do a few pairs survive unmolested.Their habitat is moorland - and their diet mainly small/ young birds. On a moor managed for Grouse, which most moors in the Uk are, they will eat grouse chicks. Gamekeepers kill them in various ways, but the law is weak and amassing evidence is very difficult. Despite the fact they pass through the Peak (should be prime habitat) every spring only one pair have nested successfully in twenty years.8a.twitch
In 2012 while Wildlife Minister Richard Benyon refused a request from other MPs that possession of carbofuran, a deadly poison used to kill raptors that is banned in Canada and the European Union, should be made a criminal offence. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas was quoted as saying: "The minister's shocking refusal to outlaw the possession of a poison used only by rogue gamekeepers to illegally kill birds of prey would be inexplicable were it not for his own cosy links to the shooting lobby."
Agreed. I represented the BMC at a meeting between grouse moor owners and conservationists. The shooters viewpoint was that the law was wrong because harrier predation would affect their profits. Given the current minister for the environment I suspect they feel untouchable currently.QuoteIn 2012 while Wildlife Minister Richard Benyon refused a request from other MPs that possession of carbofuran, a deadly poison used to kill raptors that is banned in Canada and the European Union, should be made a criminal offence. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas was quoted as saying: "The minister's shocking refusal to outlaw the possession of a poison used only by rogue gamekeepers to illegally kill birds of prey would be inexplicable were it not for his own cosy links to the shooting lobby."
I also agree, but am a bit wary about going on grouse moors when there's potential for shoots occurring. "Oh look, I bagged a prole too! Hurrah!"
just got back from a cracking trip geologising around Orkney