A peregrine has been shot dead in the Forest of Dean, luckily not one of the pair at Symonds Yat Rock. However, another local peregrine was found dead near to our Nagshead nature reserve on 2 June. The original Symonds Yat project was designed to help protect the peregrines from egg collectors and illegal persecution and started 25 years ago - what a shame that these things are still going on under our nose!
Looking at the x-rays, it shows that the bird has been shot at reasonably close range with a shotgun. If you have any information about the shooting then please call the police directly on 0845 090 1234 (quoting the incident number 296 of June 2). Alternatively, call the RSPB in confidence on 0845 466 3636.
This is really sad news, I hope they catch someone!