The Illegal Persecution of Birds of Prey

By Understanding Falconry Legislation and Licensing in the UK
Comments 35
25 Sep 2026

The Illegal Persecution of Birds of Prey

Legal Protection Isn't Always Enough

Britain's birds of prey are among our most spectacular wild creatures, and every one of our native raptor species is protected by law. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to kill, injure, or take any wild bird, to damage or destroy an active nest, or to disturb certain schedule 1 species at their nest sites. Yet despite these protections, persecution continues. Each year, buzzards, red kites, hen harriers, peregrines, goshawks, and others are shot, poisoned, trapped, and their nests destroyed. As falconers and bird of prey enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to know the signs and to report what we find.

Why Persecution Still Happens

Persecution rarely happens for no reason, and understanding the motives helps us recognise incidents when we encounter them. Some of the most common drivers include:

Game shooting interests — raptors are sometimes illegally killed on shooting estates because they are wrongly believed to reduce gamebird numbers. Hen harriers and peregrines are particularly targeted on driven grouse moors.
Pigeon racing and poultry keeping — peregrines and sparrowhawks are sometimes killed by those who see them as a threat to racing pigeons or backyard flocks.
Illegal taking for falconry — wild goshawks, peregrines, and occasionally other species are still taken from the wild, particularly eggs and chicks.
Egg collecting — though much reduced, a small number of obsessives still raid nests.
Ignorance and fear — some incidents stem from mistaken beliefs about raptors taking livestock or pets.

Recognising the Signs

Persecution is often deliberately concealed, but there are tell-tale signs to look for when you are out in the field:

Dead birds with no obvious cause. A raptor found dead, especially near a game shoot, a pigeon loft, or on moorland, may have been poisoned or shot. Look for no visible injury, or for small puncture wounds.
Poisoned baits. These are often dead pigeons, rabbits, or eggs laced with substances such as carbofuran, alphachloralose, or mevinphos. Never handle them. Note the location and call the police.
Pole traps. A spring trap mounted on top of a pole, often baited, is illegal and designed to catch raptors. These are sometimes found on shooting estates.
Misused cage traps. Larsen traps and similar cages are legal for certain corvids, but they are sometimes used illegally to catch raptors, or the call bird is treated cruelly.
Disturbed or destroyed nests. A nest that has been climbed to, with broken eggs or dead chicks below, or a tree felled at the wrong time of year.
Birds with injuries. A raptor with a broken wing, a gunshot wound, or a leg caught in a trap needs immediate help from a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.
Persecution hotspots. Certain moorland areas, particularly in northern England and Scotland, have long histories of raptor persecution. Be especially alert in these areas.

What to Do If You Find Something

Your actions in the first few minutes can make the difference between a prosecution and a missed opportunity. Follow these steps:

Do not touch anything. Poisoned baits and carcasses are hazardous, and you may destroy evidence. Keep children and dogs away.
If a crime is in progress, call 999. Give as much detail as you can: location, description of people, vehicles, and what is happening.
For non-emergencies, call 101 and ask for the wildlife crime officer. Every police force in the UK has one, though they may not be on duty at all times.
Take photographs and notes. Note the date, time, grid reference, and what you saw. Photographs of the scene, from a safe distance, can be valuable.
Report to the relevant conservation body. The RSPB runs an investigations team, and the National Wildlife Crime Unit collates intelligence. In Scotland, the relevant statutory nature conservation body can also be contacted.
If you find an injured bird, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or vet immediately. Do not attempt to handle a raptor unless you are trained and equipped to do so.

The Law and Your Role

Wildlife crime is not victimless. The illegal killing of raptors affects the conservation status of vulnerable species and undermines legitimate field sports and falconry. As falconers, we are ambassadors for birds of prey. We should be careful not to be associated with persecution, and we should be quick to report it. The penalties for wildlife crime can include unlimited fines and imprisonment, and the Wildlife and Countryside Act also allows for the forfeiture of vehicles and equipment used in the offence.

Being vigilant and reporting incidents is one of the most practical things you can do. If you are out on the moor, in a wood, or on a crag, keep your eyes open. If something looks wrong, report it. The authorities can only act on the information they receive.

Conservation

Essential Equipment for the New Falconer

Understanding terrain, wind, and cover improves hunting success. Learn to read fields, hedgerows, and woodland edges for your hawk.

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5 Comments

Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply
- John Abraham says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
  
  I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
  Reply
  - Robert Sonnysays Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am
    
    I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
    Reply
Robert Sonny says Jul 21, 2024 at 10:00am

I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system
Reply

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