Journey’s end as red kite is found poisoned

December 2011. Police are appealing for information after one of North Scotland's most adventurous red kites was found poisoned in East Ayrshire. 

Shortly after fledging on the Black Isle this summer, the young bird surprised RSPB Scotland staff by immediately flying two hundred miles in just a few days. A satellite transmitter fitted to its back, made it possible to trace the young bird's journey down the west coast of Scotland.

However, staff became concerned in September when transmissions showed that the bird had remained in the same place near Muirkirk for several days.

North Lowther Hills
It was later discovered dead close to the Muirkirk and North Lowther Hills Special Protection Area (SPA), an area of moorland that receives special legal protection because of its breeding bird of prey population.

Subsequent tests by the SASA government laboratory showed it had been poisoned by a banned pesticide.

RSPB Scotland Investigations Officer Ian Thomson said "The poisoning of this red kite is just the latest incident of bird of prey persecution in and around the SPA, particularly involving hen harriers and peregrines. The populations of hen harrier in particular are declining alarmingly in this area. Only a few years ago there were 21 pairs of hen harriers in the SPA; now we are down to a mere handful".

Enquiries by the police are continuing. Anyone with further information regarding this incident is urged to contact Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 2000, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.