THE RSPB has expressed its outrage at the discovery of a shot peregrine falcon found near its Bempton Cliffs nature reserve.
The body of the adult peregrine falcon was found dead in a field near Bempton village earlier this week, and post mortem analysis revealed that the bird had been shot.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs warden, Trevor Charlton, said: "Sadly it would appear that
yet another rare bird of prey has been killed by a criminal act of destruction.
"I am shocked by news of this incident and angry that such a spectacular and exciting bird has died in this way.
"We were hopeful that peregrine falcons might once again colonise the cliffs at our Bempton reserve, giving pleasure to thousands of visitors, and the death of a female bird is a real setback."
Peregrine falcons are rare breeding birds and the most recent survey in 2002 gave a total of 1,402 pairs in the UK.
The falcon is the fastest bird in the world and can reach speeds of more than 180kph (112mph) when chasing after prey.
Peregrines continue to suffer regular illegal human persecution.
With recent changes in the law, a person convicted of killing a peregrine falcon could receive a term of imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine up to £5,000.
