89 incidents of birds of prey illegally killed in Northern Ireland since 2009

Concern has been expressed after it emerged there have been 89 confirmed incidents in Northern Ireland of birds of prey being illegally killed since 2009.

The figures were contained in the Birdcrime report – which found that 1,344 birds of prey were illegally killed in the UK between 2009-2023, with crimes continuing to emerge.

These criminal acts target threatened species including white-tailed eagles, hen harriers and red kites.

In Northern Ireland, there were 89 confirmed incidents – and no successful prosecutions.

RSPB NI said there is a significant impact on species that are already struggling, including red kites which vanished entirely from Northern Ireland due to illegal persecution 200 years ago and were re-introduced in 2008.

The charity said in April, a red kite had to be euthanised after being shot in Co Down, sustaining injuries that were beyond repair. She is believed to be the 18th red kite killed since the re-introduction.

In County Antrim in 2023, two young white-tailed eagles – a species also wiped out in the UK by persecution last century – were found poisoned on a grouse moor.

Meanwhile, since 2009, at least 64 birds of prey have been victims of confirmed poisoning incidents. These cases often involve baits laced with pesticides being deliberately placed in the countryside.

RSPB NI is calling for stronger pesticide legislation and greater resourcing for the PSNI to stop bird of prey persecution which are protected by law under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

Dean Jones, RSPB investigations officer for Northern Ireland, said not enough is being done to tackle the issue.

“Wildlife crime, which includes raptor persecution, is a blight on the Northern Irish countryside,” he said.

“Persecution of our birds of prey, particularly the poisoning of birds, is not only having population scale consequences on species, but also has serious health and safety implications for the people of Northern Ireland.

“Currently, there is not enough being done to tackle this issue and wildlife crime as a whole. We must unite to demand greater resources for the PSNI, advocate for stronger legislation, and enhance partnerships. Only together can we put an end to this assault on our native wildlife.”

RSPB NI is also calling for revised legislation in Northern Ireland to ban the possession of pesticides routinely used in the illegal targeting of protected wildlife.

If you notice a dead or injured bird of prey in suspicious circumstances, call the police on 101 and fill in the RSPB’s online reporting form: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wild-bird-crime-report-form/

If you have information about anyone killing birds of prey which you wish to report anonymously, call the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.

To read the Birdcrime report online visit: rspb.org.uk/Birdcrime