Birds of prey

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Peregrines persecuted

Deadperegrine

In life, this peregrine was a one of the fastest creatures on the planet, a sight to stir your heart. In death, her body riddled with shot, she is a stark reminder of the threats these magnificent birds still face.

Sadly, she is not the only peregrine to meet an untimely death this year. The RSPB is already dealing with more than 50 reports of peregrines being shot, trapped and poisoned and of their chicks being taken from the nest.

Nor is it just peregrines that suffer. Across the UK, birds of prey are the victims of human persecution.

This is why we have been running a campaign calling for an end to the illegal killing of birds of prey. These crimes are cruel, needless and committed by a selfish minority. We need your support to show the vast majority of people want sights like this to be a thing of the past.

Last modified: 01 July 2009

Spring traps set for peregrines

29 June 2009. Length: 89

After a peregrine crash-landed in a back garden near Litchfield in Staffordshire with its leg caught in a spring trap, RSPB officers launched a search of nearby quarries. In one they uncovered three more traps on a ledge used by peregrines.

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What can I do?

Birds of prey continue to be killed mercilessly, despite the fact that it is illegal and has been for decades. Please add your name to our online pledge and say 'the killing must stop'.