On 18th October 2007 we carried a news item on this topic and there has been considerable discussion since. Despite this, the Minister for the Environment, Michael Russell, has announced a proposed trial of live trapping of Sparrowhawks at pigeon lofts and their relocation. In SRSGs opinion this trial represents a step backwards in terms of the governmental framework on wildlife conservation. SRSGs have written to the Minister seeking the legal basis for the trial under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, as amended by the European Birds Directive particularly as it is the Sparrowhawk that is the wild bird, not the racing pigeon. SRSGs have also expressed concern regarding the timing of the trial - for 6 weeks commencing 1st March 2008. This is right at the start of the Sparrowhawk breeding season when birds are in courtship and display - although the Minister has previously stated that the trial would not take place during the breeding season. SRSGs has asked for a meeting with the Minister to discuss all the issues involved.

It is ironic that hard on the heels of an Irish ban on poisons on baits that news comes through that two White-tails in the Irish reintroduction appear to have been poisoned. The Gardai launched an investigation after the birds, a young male and female were found near the body of a sheep in Kerry. Both corpses were located by radio tracking. Project Manager Allan Mee said that he believed the people of Kerry and the people of Ireland will simply not accept these Eagles being driven to extinction, through poisoning, once again. For full details see http://independent.ie/national-news/mystery-of-poisoned-eagles-1293999.html

Organised by Dumfries & Galloway RSG, the annual Conference held at Perth Ice Rink was a tremendous success with a maximum attendance. The Derek Ratcliffe Memorial Lecture was delivered by Professor Ian Newton and the image shows Ian receiving a gift from Chris Rollie, the main Chairman for the day. Ian's presentation was on findings from his long-term study of Sparrowhawks in the Borders. Further presentations included Gordon Riddle on Kestrels, Mick Marquiss on Osprey feeding, Geoff Sheppard on Barn Owls in Wigtownshire, George Smith on pit tags on Peregrines and George Christie on the reintroduction of Red Kites to D & G. Rowena Langston spoke on sensitivity mapping for windfarm sites, Mark Eaton outlined the forthcoming Merlin survey and Des Thompson explained the new Langholm Moor project. Our February annual conference comes at the right time to inspire all the members to get back into their fieldwork, and congratulations are due to all those who contributed and organised what was a highly successful event.

On 9th January we carried a story of the Scottish Government cutting the single farm payment of a Borders farmer for failing to protect wildlife from illegal poisonings. The Government now include an advisory leaflet in relation to single farm payment and cross compliance. This points out to farmers and landowners their responsibilities regarding the environment, public, animal and plant health, and animal welfare. There are specific Statutory Management Requirements which relate to illegal poisoning and the conservation of wild birds, as well as restrictions on the use of plant protection products and the possession of pesticides. SRSGs welcome this Scottish Government initiative.

The Irish Golden Eagle Trust Ltd (see links) has just published its Spring issue of Irish Eagle News which provides full details of the 2007 breeding season. There are now five known territories and eggs were laid in two nests in 2007 with one chick fledging, the first in Ireland for 100 years. Although there has been widespread support for the project it is believed that at least two birds have been lost to persecution and shooting and poisoning are the two key threats to the survival of Golden Eagles in Ireland. The poisoning of Hooded Crows and Magpies with alphachloralose was still legal in the Republic of Ireland under strict conditions that have been largely ignored in recent years. Various Steering Groups from the current reintroductions of Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and Red Kite have been lobbying for change in the current legislation. As the Eagle News went to press it was announced that the Irish Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has made changes to the poisoning regulations - poison meat baits are now prohibited completely in the Republic of Ireland from January 1st 2008. For further information see www.goldeneagle.ie

Three gamekeepers on the Snilesworth Estate near Northallerton have pleaded guilty to a range of charges relating to the use of cage traps containing live pigeons to take birds of prey. The head keeper James Shuttlewood (shown in the image) was fined a total of £250 + costs. The estate is part of a network managed by shooting agent Mark Osborne - coincidentally Osborne also manages the shootings on the Glenogil Estate in Angus where the White-tailed Eagle was shot (see our report of 3.12.07). For full information on this incident see http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/investigations/archive/2008/02/12/Covert-surveillance-pays-off-with-successful-prosecutions.aspx

Much has already been written about the proposals by AMEC for a massive windfarm on the Lewis Peatlands, and needs little repetition here. In an unususal step, the Scottish Government has advised the developers that they have 21 days to respond to why Ministers should not reject the scheme. It would certainly appear that a major lobbying effort is being made on behalf of pro-windfarm interests. This development will have a major impact on raptors, including Golden and White-tailed Eagles as well as other important breeding populations of waders and divers. It should be noted that SNH as well as RSPB and most other conservation bodies have objected to the scheme - as have the majority of the local community. This is therefore a final opportunity to make your views known to the Scottish Government and to the First Minister Alex Salmond at Alex.Salmond.msp@scottish.parliament.uk., & FirstMinister@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.