3 Ospreys shot in UK

RSPB offers £1,000 reward to find osprey killer
November 2010: The RSPB has offered a £1,000 reward for information in connection with the shooting of an osprey leading to the conviction. The juvenile bird, which had been tagged in Sweden in June was found near a fish farm at Hundon Manor, Caister in North Lincolnshire on October 2. Veterinary analysis shows that it had been shot twice with a shotgun.

SHOOTING VICTIM: The third osprey to be killed illegally in the UK this autumn.

This is the third confirmed shooting of an osprey this autumn in the UK: the first was discovered in Sussex in September when a similar reward was offered. Another bird, missing part of its wing, was seen in flight over Spurn Point in East Yorkshire in October.

The osprey became extinct in Britain between 1916 and 1954 because of illegal persecution. The seriousness of this crime has prompted the RSPB to offer the £1,000 reward, asking members of the public with information to come forward.

'National disgrace'
Mark Thomas, RSPB investigations officer, said: ‘The shooting and subsequent death of this bird is sickening. Not only is it an amazing species but the fact it was born in Sweden and was passing through the UK on migration makes the killing a national disgrace.'

The bird was one of three chicks hatched from a nest in Spjutholmen, Sweden in June 2010 and during its short life had crossed the North Sea and was well on course to undertake its first migration to Africa.

Wildlife Crime Officer for Lincolnshire Police, Nigel Lound said: ‘We know this bird was ringed in Sweden and was only 86 days old. These birds are extremely rare and it is terrible that one has been shot in Lincolnshire. We need anyone who has any information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.'

Birds of prey have suffered from persecution for many years and the RSPB's recently published report Birdcrime highlighted the continuing problem. During 2009 there were eight reported offences against birds of prey in Lincolnshire including incidents of shooting, trapping and poisoning.

Anyone with information should contact Lincolnshire Police on 01522 558684 or RSPB Investigations on 01767 680551.