Third Common Buzzard shot in Essex in 2020

Raptor Persecution UK reports that a Common Buzzard is believed to have been shot in early December in Essex – the third known shooting of the species in the county in 2020.

Details are unclear at present but the buzzard is thought to have been shot overnight between 1 and 2 December with "what is believed to be a shotgun". There isn't any information about whether the bird is alive or dead.

No fewer than three Common Buzzards were shot in Essex in 2020 (Steve Nesbitt).

The offence is believed to have taken place on farmland near Blind Lane, Billericay. The police crime reference number is 42/1995748/20 – please contact the police on 101 if you have information that can assist this criminal investigation.

This is the third buzzard to be reported shot in Essex in 2020 – one was found in June and another in September. A Eurasian Hobby was also shot in the county in August last year.