Become an RSPB bird of prey defender

The RSPB has issued a new Birds of Prey Defenders Appeal, which aims protect raptors from being persecuted through donations of as little as £3 per month.

The organisation would like to encourage people to support its work in protecting birds of prey, as several species face ongoing threats from illegal persecution. Multiple incidents have occurred across Britain this year alone, prompting several investigations by the police.

Hen Harriers are among the most heavily persecuted raptor species (Mark Chidwick).

Mark Thomas, head of investigations at the RSPB, said: "This is systematic killing aimed at some of our most magnificent and rarest species. Raptor persecution is illegal, immoral and indefensible. My team exists to try and end this, and ensure birds of prey can fly freely, without the risk of being brutally trapped, poisoned or shot out of the sky."

Despite recent good news regarding the number of Hen Harriers being born in England, including on the United Utilities Estate at Bowland, Lancashire, there has been a continued theme of illegal raptor persecution this year. Recent incidents include the horrific targeted trapping of a male Hen Harrier and the discovery of an individual of the same species that had been shot on a grouse moor in North Yorkshire.

Find out more at: www.rspb.org.uk/join-and-donate/donate/appeals/birds-of-prey-defenders/