Fears for birds of prey after poisonings rise

A campaign has been launched to monitor the country’s birds of prey amid fears that large numbers are being accidentally poisoned by infected rats and mice.

Birds such as Kestrels, Long-eared owls, Barnowls, Red Kites, and Buzzards are all now being monitored by Birdwatch Ireland for signs of poisoning.

It is thought the birds are victims of ‘second generation’ poisoning after eating rats and mice as part of their daily diet.