34 birds of prey killed in 2014

A total of 34 birds of prey were shot or poisoned across Ireland last year. The figure is the highest number in four years, a new report reveals.

It shows that the common buzzard was the most frequent casualty followed by the peregrine falcon and the sparrowhawk.

Kestrels, white-tailed sea eagles, red kites and barn owls were also high on the hit list, according to the report from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.