Birds of prey illegally killed in Peak District

Police and the RSPB are appealing for information after two birds of prey were illegally killed in the Peak District
Osprey

A female Osprey collects nesting material at Rutland WaterOsprey

A female Osprey collects nesting material at Rutland Water
Osprey A female Osprey collects nesting material at Rutland Water

A £1,000 reward is now being offered by the RSPB for information leading to a conviction.

On September 09, 2015, a dead osprey was found to the west of Derbyshire Level. A post mortem on the bird revealed that both its legs had been broken, injuries which were consistent with it being caught in a spring trap prior to its death.

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Ospreys are rare visitors to the Peak District and would have been on migration to West Africa.

On September 30, a buzzard was found shot dead close to Hurst Reservoir, only a short distance from where the osprey was found. This follows the shooting of another buzzard in the same area in March 2014.

Sergeant Darren Belfield from Derbyshire police said: “I would appeal to anyone who might have any information as to who may be responsible for these cruel acts to contact the police.

“The continued persecution of birds of prey in the Peak District is totally unacceptable.

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“If you suspect someone of committing any crimes against wildlife, act now.

“Your call will be dealt with in confidence.”

RSPB Investigations Officer Alan Firth said: “Yet again, we are seeing the senseless killing of fantastic birds of prey in the National Park.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimsetoppers on 0800 555 111