£10k reward for shot Peregrine information

A reward of £10,000 is being offered for anyone who can provide information about a Peregrine Falcon that was shot in the Peak District.

The bird – an adult female – was found injured at Hey Clough, off the A628 Woodhead Pass, near Crowden, on 4 April. It was taken to a veterinary practice, where it was confirmed it had been shot and it was eventually euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.

The RSPB and the Peak District National Park Authority have offered the reward for anyone who helped secure a conviction.

An X-ray showed shotgun pellets in the bird (RSPB).

Shotgun pellets found

The RSPB said X-rays showed shotgun pellets lodged in the elbow and shoulder of the bird's left wing. A post-mortem examination also revealed a puncture wound in the bird's chest caused by shotgun pellets.

The examination concluded the falcon was shot at or near the location it was found, as the injuries it sustained would have prevented it from flying.

Raptor persecution

Phil Mulligan, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: "It's deeply concerning to see a species as iconic as the Peregrine shot within our National Park, and so much more distressing during the crucial breeding season for many of our birds of prey.

"This is therefore not just the loss of a single bird of prey, but impacting on a potential further generation when every one of these charismatic raptors counts."

Chris Wilkinson, of the Derbyshire Police Rural Crime Team, added: "It is a sad fact that bird of prey crime is still prevalent in Derbyshire."

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch with the police.