Red kite badly injured in unlawful shooting

Dec 11 2009 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

TAYSIDE Police are appealing for information after a red kite was found shot on the outskirts of Braco last week.

A dog walker discovered the distressed bird flapping around in a burn last Wednesday. He managed to rescue it but subsequent x-rays revealed that there were five shotgun pellets lodged in the kite’s body and one of its wings was broken.

The severely injured bird was taken to the Inglis Veterinary Centre in Dunfermline where its broken wing was repaired and the pellets were removed.

Michael McDonnell, the Argaty Red Kite Officer, who looked after the bird before it was taken to the vets, described the shooting as an “absolute disgrace”. He told the Herald: ‘‘A red kite’s appearance is so unique that it couldn't be mistaken for anything else, so it must have been a deliberate act.”

Red kites have been the subject of one of the longest continuous conservation projects in the world.

Successful reintroduction programmes by the RSPB have meant that the magnificent birds have been brought back from the brink of extinction and Strathearn now boasts a healthy population.

All birds released as part of the programme, and many of the wild-fledged young, are fitted with coloured wing tags so that they can be individually recognised.

The injured kite’s tag showed that it was originally from the area but it was sent to Aberdeen as a chick as part of the re-introduction programme. Mr McDonnel added: “It is fair to say that this is not the ideal homecoming for the youngster - he is very lucky to be alive.’’

Head of Investigations for RSPB Scotland, Bob Elliot, said: ‘‘Landowners and conservationists have collaborated in recent years with much hard work that has helped to re-establish these wonderful birds in our countryside, so this latest shameful wildlife crime is highly regrettable.’’

Alan Stewart, Tayside Police Wildlife Crime Officer, is urging anyone who has information that could assist police with their enquiries to get in touch. He said: ‘‘A red kite is very distinctive with its large slim body and forked tail and is almost impossible to confuse with other birds such as a crow, pheasant or pigeon.”

The recuperating raptor is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA wildlife rescue centre where it will be looked after until a decision can be made on whether it makes a full enough recovery to be returned to the wild.

Anyone with information should contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222; Alan Stewart on (01738) 892650 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.