Shot Leadhills hen harrier was third bird to be lost, says RSPB

The female bird was killed at 5.15pm on Friday May 4.

The charity said that an individual, armed with a shotgun and with his face covered, was observed at the scene, but left hurriedly, on a quad bike before the police were able to attend.

RSPB Scotland’s Head of Investigations, Ian Thomson said: “This latest incident shows very clearly how protected birds of prey continue to be treated in some areas of our uplands, particularly where there is intensive grouse moor management.

"The hen harrier is an increasingly rare bird in southern and eastern Scotland, with illegal killing the main driver of this long term decline.

"This incident occurred only a few miles from where a satellite-tagged harrier, known as Annie, was found shot a couple of years ago, and is close to where another tagged bird, Chance, disappeared mysteriously last spring.

"We ask that, if anyone has information about this latest incident at Leadhills, they contact Police Scotland on 101.”

The police issued their appeal for information yesterday.

Ian Thomson continued “The recent decision by the Crown Office to discontinue a court case where there was clear video evidence of the alleged shooting of another hen harrier, has clearly sent out a message to those that wish to kill our protected birds of prey, that they can continue to do so with impunity, knowing that even if their alleged crimes are caught on film, they are unlikely to be called to account. We need this last matter to be addressed by the public authorities as a matter of urgency. ”