Another osprey probably shot

Ukwildlifeo · #1 (**permalink**) 18-05-2011, 08:26 PM

Sad to see another osprey ahs going missing from Rutland

08(97) missing feared shot

Having been up there last year, I have seen all the hard work that has gone into looking reintroducing and looking after these birds, not to mention the amount of revenue it brings into the local area (last years WAB trip alone must have brought in a few £100 to local resturants and campsite) and yet some idiot wants to kill them

RKB · #2 (**permalink**) 18-05-2011, 08:46 PM

What's the evidence that they have been shot though? It's just a guess, and arguably an irresponsible one (we should perhaps reserve our ire for the shooting community when we know they've committed crimes, seeing as conservationists have to work with them to achieve some of their aims).

Some Rutland Ospreys have died due to colliding with wires. Maybe there is a Goshawk or Eagle Owl in the area that is predating them? Maybe there is a natural/innocent hazard that is claiming them (electrocution, tangling with netting at a fish farm, predation).

Birds do die, and not every Osprey lives to 20 like 'Lady'. Breeding is a stressful time and sometimes they do succumb.

Unless the police have other evidence, I don't think it is useful to be pointing the finger - if we cry wolf when we have no evidence then it undermines our case on raptor persecution. Those on the other side could rightly claim that the problem is being exaggerated without any evidence.