Police probe under way after Red Kite birds of prey poisoned in Co Down
Rescue operation launched to save 'orphaned' eggs
Police are appealing for information after the death of a pair of protected red kite birds through poisoning in Co Down.
It is the latest in a series of incidents involving these types of birds of prey which were re-introduced to Northern Ireland 10 years ago.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said it had been alerted to a male bird in distress, which died a short time later, close to a known nest site in the Katesbridge.
When a RSPB NI project officer arrived at the scene she found a dead female parent bird.
A rescue mission was then launched to save three orphaned eggs found in the nest.
This included attempts to get other birds to adopt the eggs.
There was mixed success with one failed attempt and the other with inconclusive results.
Subsequent toxicology tests on the dead birds revealed that both died from Carbofuran poisoining.
Claire Barnett, RSPB NI Conservation Team Leader, said they were “shocked and saddened by what is the loss of a generation of red kites.”
She added: “With only around 20 breeding pairs in Northern Ireland, our red kite population is particularly vulnerable to persecution.
“Carbofuran is an illegal and deadly poison and should not be used in our countryside. It is such an incredibly dangerous substance.
“We would like to once again make it clear that red kites are mostly scavengers and feed on roadkill and other dead animals they find on their foraging flights. During the breeding season, adults will often hunt young crows, magpies, rats and rabbits. They are no threat to livestock or game.”
PSNI Wildlife Liaison Officer, Emma Meredith, made an urgent appeal for information.
She added: “Incidents such as this give rise to concerns, as poisons are generally very dangerous. We would have serious concerns over any poison but particularly over Carbofuran.
“We are disappointed that we are still dealing with cases involving Carbofuran, an incredibly dangerous substance and one which can kill birds of prey but also a child, family pet or any adult coming into contact with it.
“We would remind the public that if they discover a bird of prey that they suspect has been poisoned or killed in any other suspicious circumstances to leave the bird/s and/or bait in situ and call the PSNI as soon as possible.
“If anyone has information about the use of Carbofuran and/or the death of these protected birds then we would be really keen to hear from them. The person responsible needs to be identified to ensure that no further risk is posed to other wildlife, domestic pets, or even humans.”
Red kites, along with all birds of prey, are protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, as amended by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (NI) Act 2011. Carbofuran is a highly toxic pesticide which has been banned across the EU since 2001 due to its high toxicity towards wildlife and humans