THE death toll in what is believed to be Scotland’s worst poisoning incident involving birds of prey rose to 13 yesterday.
The RSPB said last night it was “devastating news” that 13 protected red kites and buzzards had been found dead in a small area of land near Conon Bridge in Ross-shire.
The charity is considering offering a substantial reward to help catch those responsible for what it described as a “shocking” and “appalling” crime.
The carcases of nine red kites and four buzzards were found within a two-mile-square area south-east of the village, including sites at Conon Brae, Balavil, Leanaig and Alcaig.
Post-mortem examinations on the raptors are ongoing but police said poison had already been detected in six of the birds.
Officers would not reveal which toxin was involved but said it had acted quickly on the birds – indicating they had ingested it close to where they died.
A major investigation was launched this week after six birds of prey – five red kites and one buzzard – were found dead.
But following an appeal to the public to look out for dead birds, a further four red kites and three buzzards were discovered.
Highlands and islands divisional police commander Chief Superintendent Julian Innes said: “Each bird will be examined by a vet to understand how it died but initial tests indicate they were poisoned.
“Now we have to establish where that came from and is there any criminality linked to that.
“Given the fact that we recovered the birds in close proximity, it would tend to suggest whatever they have eaten has acted quickly.”
Officers warned anyone who finds a dead bird or animal in the area not to touch it amid fears that the poison could be harmful to humans or pets. The location should be noted and the police informed.
A spokesman said: “Under no circumstances should anyone touch or attempt to recover any dead animal.”
The RSPB’s head of species and land management, Duncan Orr-Ewing, said: “This is devastating news and confirms our worst fears. This appalling incident highlights the very real threat illegal poisoning poses to fantastic species like red kites.
“The vulnerable Black Isle population in particular has been hit repeatedly by deaths caused by illegal poison.
“The Chilterns population in southern England is nearly 10 times bigger, yet both projects started at the same time in 1989, with the same number of birds released into the wild.
“That is a shocking indictment on the behaviour of some in this part of rural Scotland. We urge anyone with information relating to this incident to contact Police Scotland so the perpetrators can be identified and brought to justice.”
SNP MSP Dave Thompson, who represents Skye, Lochalsh and Badenoch, said: “This is appalling news. These are beautiful creatures. I visited the Tollie Red Kite Centre and I feel for the folk there since possibly birds that they know and love are now victims of this senseless crime.
“These birds represent a natural treasure that, along with so many other natural treasures, make Scotland the beautiful place it is.
“They are also part of the reason why people want to come and see Scotland for themselves, so they also are part of our natural economy.
“I cannot urge enough that the police and other relevant authorities do everything in their power to catch these moronic criminals.”
Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg said: “The discovery of some many birds in one area is unprecedented and alarming.
“Police Scotland deserve as much help as possible as they try to deal with the situation, so we continue to encourage people to help them if they know anything.
“The indiscriminate use of poison is unacceptable and condemned by the association.”