An investigation is underway after a concerned bird watcher found the carcasses of multiple birds of prey.
As previously reported, the number of buzzards in the skies over northern Lincolnshire has increased.
Although this is good news for the once-endangered raptor, three of the birds have recently be found dead in Laceby.
Retired teacher John Stockton, 65, of Kirkstead Crescent, Grimsby, said: “I am extremely pleased we are slowly getting birds of prey back in the region.
“In the Laceby area last year, a pair of buzzards reared a family of four young.
“They were good strong young birds and I spent many hours watching the parents teaching their young to fend for themselves.
“But in October last year I found the carcass of one young buzzard that appeared to have been shot.
“I noticed the parents now only had two young birds with them.
“Then in December I found another carcass – this time of one of the parent birds, which also seemed to have been shot.
“This week I found a decomposed bird which I believe to be one of the young buzzards and there is now only one bird in the Laceby area that I have seen recently.
“The first dead bird I found was near a dead rabbit which had been put in a tree.
“The birds feed on dead animals and I think the rabbit was put in the tree deliberately to draw the buzzards to the area.
“With this going on I would also warn people to look out for rabbit carcasses with any white powder coating them and to keep their dogs away from them because they could be poisoned.
“The days of foolish game keepers who think that any raptor must be eliminated have gone.
“These apparent shootings are a criminal offence and if caught they would have their licence removed.”
An investigation into the deaths of the birds has been started by the RSPB and Humberside Police have been informed.
Investigations co-ordinator Vicky Blair, from the RSPB, added: “The RSPB advises the police on the specifics about the birds.
“We also give advice on the law and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that all birds are protected.
“It is illegal to intentionally kill or injure a bird.
“With cases like this we collect the evidence and then it is up to the police to take it forward.
“There is a serious problem with birds of prey being shot or poisoned. We always take any reports that we are made aware of seriously.
“If anyone believes there is something suspicious and it could be a crime, they can let us know, or alternatively the police.
“We also have a crime reporting form on our website if people would prefer to get in touch with us that way.”
Humberside Police spokeswoman Toni Parker said: “Police were called on Monday, December 26, by the owner of land in Ayelsby, Grimsby, following the discovery of what appeared to be a deceased common buzzard.
“Police notified the RSPB of the incident and have advised the land owner of this.
“Police would encourage anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious to call Humberside Police on 101 quoting log 214 26 December 2012 or to call the RSPB.”
Source: Grimsby Telegraph
