Egg thieves target rare birds

It comes as the annual invasion of birdwatchers is expected, with the nesting season getting under way.

Strathclyde Police are launching this year's Operation Easter on Mull, the eighth year they have run the programme.

The island is a magnet for egg thieves due to its large population of eagles, particularly the white-tailed sea eagle - currently the rarest eagle in the UK.

Sea eagles are especially vulnerable because of their rarity David Dick, RSPB

And police say the islanders of Mull will play a huge part in tracking down the ever-growing number of criminals who specifically target rare birds eggs.

Constable Finlay Christine, project co-ordinator, based on Mull, said: "The response from islanders has been tremendous.

"Everyone is getting right behind the project and giving it their full support."

The scheme is run in partnership with Strathclyde Police's wildlife liaison officers, Forest Enterprise and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Island volunteers

Constable Christine added: "We have invested time and resources into combating this menace, and over the years we have secured a number of successful prosecutions."

More than 120 islanders have volunteered to take part in the wildlife project, placed at nesting sites around the island to alert police to any suspicious activity.

David Dick, senior investigation officer for the RSPB, said egg thieves have no regard for the serious damage caused by their actions.

Eagle eggs

"Sea eagles are especially vulnerable because of their rarity, and we congratulate the local people and Strathclyde Police for their continued efforts to ensure that future generations will still enjoy these spectacular birds in the fabulous setting of Mull," said Mr Dick.

Operation Easter on Mull is an extension of an ongoing nationwide campaign, set up by Tayside Police, in tackling wildlife crime.

The initiative on Mull runs for five weeks until 20 April.