The shotgun pellets have not yet been confirmed as the cause of death
A peregrine falcon that had been living on a nature reserve in Cambridge for many years has died. The peregrine falcon, who had been living at the Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits, was found in Cambridge and was too sick to fly.
The bird was taken to a vet and examined. It was decided that the bird would have to be euthanised, as she had a very low rate of survival.
The death of the bird is currently being investigated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The examination had revealed the bird had been hit with shotgun pellets in the past, although this has not been confirmed as the cause of death.
The bird had raised many chicks in the area and was 17 years old, which is an advanced age for a peregrine. The peregrine falcon had been spotted by thousands of visitors over the years.
Matt Jackson, Wildlife Trust BCN Director of Conservation, said: “This bird made her home on the chalk quarry face at Cherry Hinton for many years and was much loved by local residents, bird watchers, staff and volunteers. It is very sad news.
“We will await the outcome of the National Wildlife Crime Unit investigation before commenting on what happened to her, but we do know that wild birds of prey are still at risk of persecution and despite hundreds of wildlife crimes being reported each year only a handful end up in court.
“We will protect this site and the wildlife it is home to as best we can, and hope that the habitat remains healthy enough for another peregrine to take up residence in the future. To help us achieve this we would like to remind all visitors to respect the reserve, keep dogs on a lead at all times, stick to paths and do not pick wildflowers.”
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