Scotland has 625 pairs of peregrine falcons

Wildlife groups have urged the public to be their eyes and ears in efforts to protect Scotland's birds of prey.

The plea came at the launch of the fifth year of Operation Falcon, run by Grampian Police and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The scheme involves close surveillance of hen harrier and peregrine falcon nests through until chicks fledge at the end of summer.

It is being carried out in the north east of Scotland with assistance from six local estates.

Paul Timms, SNH's operational manager, said: "Scotland's birds of prey are a major asset to the country.

These birds are still being illegally persecuted by disturbance, accidental or deliberate, by poisoning and by egg thefts Paul Timms, SNH

"Tourists visit our wild areas to get a glimpse of these birds and their aerial acrobatics.

"Even so, in 2003 these birds are still being illegally persecuted by disturbance, accidental or deliberate, by poisoning and by egg thefts."

Grampian Police Chief Inspector Albert Donald emphasised his force's committment to prosecuting wildlife criminals.

"The powers granted through the recent Criminal Justice Act mean that courts can now jail offenders for up to six months and fine them up to �5,000," he said.

The practical work of Operation Falcon is carried out by volunteers from the North East Raptor Study Group, licensed experts who monitor and protect the nests in the scheme.

The group's Jon Hardey said: "It's a lot of hard work for our volunteers but well worth it when the young birds fly the nest."

Over the first four years of the operation, 23 peregrine falcons and 26 hen harriers fledged on the estates involved.