Peregrine falcon illegally killed near Stirling

A peregrine falcon similar to this one was found dead in the quarry. Picture: TSPL

POLICE have launched an investigation into the death of a peregrine falcon which was found in a quarry after being killed illegally.

Raptor workers found the four-year-old bird in Cambusbarron Quarry near Stirling while they were carrying out monitoring work.

Police Scotland are working with the Scottish Raptor Study Group and the RSPB to try and establish the circumstances of the bird’s death.

Pc Malcolm O’May, Forth Valley division’s wildlife crime officer, said: “Police Scotland takes the persecution of these magnificent birds of prey very seriously and we will be doing all we can to identify the person responsible for this crime.

“We will be working with the local community and our partners in RSPB, but I would ask anyone who has been in the Cambusbarron Quarry over the last few months to get in touch with us, you may hold crucial information that will assist in catching those responsible.”

The bird was found on April 15.

In northern Scotland, police are investigating the deaths of 20 birds of prey found dead within a two-mile area in the past month.

The total includes 14 red kites and six buzzards, all discovered near the Conon Bridge area in Ross-shire.

Tests have revealed that 12 of the birds had been poisoned.

Ian Thomson, head of investigations at RSPB Scotland, said: “At a time when there has been almost universal condemnation of the killing of numerous protected red kites and buzzards on the Black Isle, the deliberate killing of this peregrine, and numerous other recent cases around Scotland, shows that the illegal persecution of our raptors continues to be widespread and often systematic, with birds being targeted in the same areas year after year.”