| Police Scotland is carrying out investigations into the suspicious failure of two peregrine falcon nests in the area around Dalveen in Dumfries and Galloway. Sometime between 21 April and 20 May 2016 the two nests, which were being monitored by members of the Dumfries and Galloway Raptor Study Group, were abandoned by the peregrines in what is being alleged as suspicious activity.
Constable Alan Steel at Sanquhar said “we have received a report from a member of the Raptor Study Group in relation to the alleged suspicious failure of two nests which has resulted in eggs being left in the nests not being incubated. At this stage we are working with partners in the Group and with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in gathering evidence in order to better understand what has happened here. The fact that two nests have failed in this way does seem very unnatural and we cannot discount that this is a criminal act. Whilst both sites are remote in the Queensberry Estate we do want to hear from anyone who may have any information which might help us with this enquiry. Callers should use the 101 number to contact police at Sanquhar.
Chris Rollie, RSPB Scotland Area Manager said “Female peregrines have apparently disappeared at both sites, and not for the first time in this area. In other parts of the region, peregrines seem to be having a good year and are perhaps benefitting from the good weather of late. Sadly, this is not the case at Dalveen.”
|
