The Highland nests of goshawks and buzzards have been trashed, leaving no sign of either the adults or most of the fledgling birds successfully born there.
Wildlife crime police officers say the evidence, in Moy Forest at Tomatin south of Inverness, suggests that the nests were tampered with over a period of weeks.
A total of four buzzard nests were abandoned last month. (MAY)
A further nest site containing breeding goshawks has also failed with adult birds appearing to have abandoned the nest without reason.
The forest is managed by Forestry Enterprise Scotland (FES) which has also been monitoring the nests.
The police are working closely with other agencies to investigate the disturbances and disappearances.
Wildlife crime officer Inspector Mike Middlehurst said: “Raptor persecution is an ongoing issue for the Highlands and we need the public to come forward and work with us to try and eradicate this blight.
“We’ve worked to increase public confidence in reporting wildlife offences – which has resulted in increased reporting.
“In this case, a partner agency has a clearly documented history of birds being at this location.
“I appeal to the public to come forward with information which may assist us in detection of wildlife crime which either relates to this incident or any other.”
A total of eight breeding buzzards and a pair of goshawks are missing.
The birds are not thought to have been tagged.
The nests may have been targeted by egg or chick thieves although three chicks were found dead in one of the buzzard nests.
The mature birds are thought to have come to harm because searches have failed to identify them in the area and theft is considered unlikely.
Police are to conduct door to door inquiries in the area as part of their inquiry.
Giles Brockman, FES environment manager, said: “I’m really disappointed to see this case of deliberate persecution on the national forest estate.”
Senior wildlife crime officer Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Scott added: “We’re committed to combatting this type of crime, working closely with partners nationally and locally to tackle the persecution of Scotland’s iconic birds of prey.
“We’ll continue to use the latest available investigative techniques and tools to pursue those who commit raptor crime.”
Police are not aware of any similar incidents in the area but are carrying out a “comprehensive trawl of information.”
Anyone who can help is urged to call the force on 101 or, anonymously, through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
