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Sea eagles blamed for lamb deaths Sea eagles blamed for lamb deaths
(about 4 hours later)
Scottish farmers in the north-west Highlands claim sea eagles, which have been reintroduced to the area, have killed more than 200 lambs.Scottish farmers in the north-west Highlands claim sea eagles, which have been reintroduced to the area, have killed more than 200 lambs.
The birds were released back into the wild at a secret location by the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage.The birds were released back into the wild at a secret location by the RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage.
Crofters in Gairloch claim the two conservation groups are not taking their concerns seriously enough.Crofters in Gairloch claim the two conservation groups are not taking their concerns seriously enough.
The RSPB examined one nest but said it was unlikely the birds were responsiblefor all the deaths. The RSPB examined one nest but said it was unlikely the birds were responsible for all the deaths.
Although sea eagles have taken several lambs in the past, the farmers say this year's death toll is much worse.Although sea eagles have taken several lambs in the past, the farmers say this year's death toll is much worse.
'Sheep's graveyard''Sheep's graveyard'
A batch of 15 white tailed sea eagles were released in August. A batch of 15 white tailed sea eagles were released in August and William Fraser, chairman of Gairloch and Poolewe branch of the Crofting Foundation, believes these birds are directly to blame for the rise.
The BBC's Anna Hill said: "Carcases of lambs have been examined by vets and were found to have talon damage and injuries caused by being dropped from a height. Speaking to Radio 4's Farming Today, he said: "This year has been particularly bad. The crofters know how many lambs they put out after lambing season and one woman has lost 50% of her animals.
"One farmer witnessed sea eagles taking lambs from their field and flying off with them. "She actually saw a sea eagle lifting a lamb from her field and flying off with it.
"Another crofter described going close to a sea eagle's nest and finding what he described as a sheep's graveyard." "We've had lambs that have had their necks sliced, they then can't lift them and are found going round in circles".
Carcases of lambs have reportedly been examined by vets and found to have talon damage and injuries caused by being dropped from a height.
Another crofter described going close to a sea eagle's nest and finding what he described as a sheep's graveyard.
The farmers want help to deal with the situation but say not much has been forthcoming.The farmers want help to deal with the situation but say not much has been forthcoming.
Mr Fraser said: "We have been keeping lambs here for generations and if this is not sorted out, this could be the end.
"We feel they put the birds here without our consent and without asking our advice."
The RSPB examined one nest in the area which contained the remains of four lambs.The RSPB examined one nest in the area which contained the remains of four lambs.
InvestigationInvestigation
But it pointed out there are only three breeding pairs of sea eagle in the Gairloch area, and it would be highly unlikely the birds were responsible for the loss of all of the lambs.But it pointed out there are only three breeding pairs of sea eagle in the Gairloch area, and it would be highly unlikely the birds were responsible for the loss of all of the lambs.
A spokesman for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) told the Times it will investigate each case thoroughly and it will find solutions for those farmers affected.A spokesman for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) told the Times it will investigate each case thoroughly and it will find solutions for those farmers affected.
An SNH spokesman told the Scotsman:: "We are aware of these concerns and very surprised at the numbers being talked about. There is no doubt that they will take lambs, but usually dead or weak ones, and we've never heard of it being done on this scale." An SNH spokesman told the Scotsman: "We are aware of these concerns and very surprised at the numbers being talked about. There is no doubt that they will take lambs, but usually dead or weak ones, and we've never heard of it being done on this scale."
A public meeting on the issue is due to take place on September 29.
The 15 birds of prey which were initially released were collected as chicks from nests in Norway and raised in special aviaries.The 15 birds of prey which were initially released were collected as chicks from nests in Norway and raised in special aviaries.
They were radio tagged so their progress could be tracked.They were radio tagged so their progress could be tracked.
They were released as part of a five-year partnership project between RSPB Scotland, SNH and the Forestry Commission.They were released as part of a five-year partnership project between RSPB Scotland, SNH and the Forestry Commission.
Up to 20 young birds from Norway will be released each year for the next three years.Up to 20 young birds from Norway will be released each year for the next three years.