mo4ch:>'Surge' in illegal bird of prey killings since lockdown | Mo4ch News

'Surge' in illegal bird of prey killings since lockdownBy Claire MarshallEnvironment and Rural Affairs Correspondent 15 May 2020 Image copyrightScience Photo LibraryImage captionRed kites are among the raptors being targetedThe wildlife charity the RSPB says it has been "overrun" by reports of birds of prey being illegally killed since the lockdown started six weeks ago.Species of raptors (birds of prey) that had been targeted include hen harriers, peregrine falcons, red kites, goshawks, buzzards and a barn owl.The wildlife charity described the crimes as "orchestrated".It said the "vast majority" had connections with shooting estates, or land managed for shooting.Some raptors are known to feed on pheasant and grouse chicks. The head of the RSPB's investigations unit, Mark Thomas, told the BBC it was like "the Wild West" out in the countryside. He said people who wanted to kill birds of prey had been "emboldened" by the absenc…