The Northern Ireland Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime (PAW NI) would like to remind everyone to ‘Be Wildlife Crime Aware’ this spring.
Followers of this blog will know that raptor persecution includes the shooting, trapping and poisoning of birds of prey, but did you know that nest disturbance is also a wildlife crime?
Disturbance affects all birds & can lead to nest failure – that’s why Nest Disturbance is a wildlife crime.
In 2023, 22 pairs of Hen Harriers failed to produce young, many due to ongoing disturbance in the pre-settlement phase and throughout the breeding season. Sometimes we are not aware that we are causing disturbance, and interactions near a nest may be brief, but imagine that activity being repeated 100 times a year. That’s what is happening at some nest sites, repeated small disturbances.
Disturbance prevents adult birds from tending to chicks, and calling or mobbing adults can alert nest predators to the location of a nest. Disturbance can also lead to egg and chick destruction through trampling, chilling and over-exposure.
So this spring and summer, have a think about the type of landscape you are in – could there be nesting birds? Keep to the path, keep dogs on a leash & if you hear birds alarming or mobbing move away.
Remember if you see or suspect reckless or intentional nest disturbance, or activities which prevent a nesting birds from using its nest, please report this to PSNI on 101 or via their website at , or you report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you prefer. Say you suspect a wildlife crime and give as much detail as possible for the police to follow up.
Recognise – Record – Report
Hawk-Eyes 