 Wildlife experts hope falcons will breed at the nature reserve |
The RSPB has expressed anger and outrage after a rare bird was shot dead in East Yorkshire. The peregrine falcon, a protected species, was found dead in a field near a nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs.
Humberside Police has also condemned the shooting and said such an offence is punishable by up to six months in prison or a �5,000 fine.
A survey in 2002 revealed there were a total of 1,400 breeding pairs of falcons across the country.
Act of destruction
An RSPB spokesman said he was angry such a spectacular and exciting bird had died in this way.
Bempton Cliffs warden Trevor Charlton said: "Sadly, it would appear yet another rare bird of prey has been killed by a criminal act of destruction.
"We were hopeful peregrine falcons might once again colonise the cliffs at our reserve and the death of a female bird is a set-back."
He asked anyone who had information about the shooting to contact the police.
Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world and can reach speeds of 112mph when chasing their prey.
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