Golden eagle poisoned in West Scotland

RSPB Scotland Head of Investigations Bob Elliot is pictured holding the dead Golden eagle found in Glen Orchy. Photo credit RSPB Scotland.

June 2009. Strathclyde Police officers have carried out an extensive search of Beinn Udlaidh in the Glen Orchy area of Argyll following the discovery of a dead golden eagle. The dead bird of prey was spotted by walkers on Sunday 7 June on the slopes of Beinn Udlaidh and they reported the incident to the RSPB, who in turn alerted Strathclyde Police.

Biologists and Chemists from the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, a division of the Scottish Government in Edinburgh, examined the carcass and confirmed that the eagle had died from poisoning caused by toxic insecticide.

Police enquiry
As a result, police officers from the Oban Community Policing Team along with specialist wildlife officers from Strathclyde, Lothian and Borders and Central Scotland Police, and the National Wildlife Crime Unit were assisted by the RSPB, the Scottish SPCA and pesticide experts from the Scottish Government to carry out an extensive search of Beinn Udlaidh and the surrounding area.

Following the operation on Wednesday 17 June 2009, which included searches of premises in the Glen Orchy and Bridge of Orchy areas, police are now following a positive line of enquiry.

Constable Stevie McAleer, Wildlife Crime Officer for North Argyll, who co-ordinated the operation, is asking members of the public to be vigilant. He said: "I would urge any members of the public who may come across a dead bird or carcass to alert the police to the discovery. I would advise people not to touch the bird or the surrounding area. If possible, and if safe to do so, branches or grass should be thrown over the carcass to avoid it being seen and eaten by other animals or birds."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oban Police Office on 01631 510500. Alternatively CRIMESTOPPERS can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

Bob Elliot, Head of Investigations with RSPB Scotland said: "As ever, we're shocked and saddened that there are still people out there placing poisoned baits in the countryside, which often result in the deaths of some of our magnificent birds of prey. This area doesn't have a recent track record of wildlife crime, which is even more worrying in a way. It's likely that this bird was part of a breeding pair in Argyll, so the crime may have affected the chances of survival of young birds in the nest too.

Golden eagle population held back by illegal persecution
"SNH's recently published golden eagle framework report showed that this iconic bird is being held back in parts of the country due to illegal persecution, which simply shouldn't happen in the 21st century."