How can Badenoch farmers protect their lambs from protected raptors?
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A long-standing Badenoch farming family have told of their despair at seeing their lambs being picked off by a sea eagle and being virtually helpless to save them
They have apologised to their neighbours for the early morning blast of their gas gun - but explained that that was their only resort to stop the theft of their livestock by their unwanted visitor.
Lucy Grant, who farms at Gaskbeg by Laggan with husband Ewan, said: “We are aware that this is a considerable noise inconvenience to people in the vicinity.
“But much to our despair and anxiety a sea eagle attacked and killed two lambs with Ewan just managing to stop another kill taking place in front of his eyes on his early lambing round.
“We cannot begin to imagine the pain, suffering and unparalleled trauma these lambs went through as they were carried away in the talons of this bird to be eaten alive.
“We have since learned and understood that a pair of these birds are presently nesting in Glenshiro with chicks that are just about to hatch.
“In the days and weeks to come they will be hunting at an even increased level to feed their young, so this could potentially be up to three lambs per day.”
The couple said the anguish is all the worse for knowing that the sea eagles are doing so with the full protection of the law.
Mr Grant recalled his horror at the sight of a full-size white-tailed eagle on a fence near a field of ewes who were “crying out”
“It was laden,” he told the Strathy. “It had already had its breakfast and it just eased itself off the fence and gradually flew off.
We cannot begin to imagine the pain, suffering and unparalleled trauma these lambs went through as they were carried away in the talons of this bird to be eaten alive.
“I spent the next hour just combing that field for either the remains of lambs or the signs of bird attack or just looking for another reason why these ewes had lambs missing.”
He appealed: “We would respectfully request any supporters to lobby both NatureScot, the RSPB and any other elected representatives, to ask why this apex predator is being actively encouraged by these agencies and bodies and rolled out across the country.
“Is there any end point to the multiplication and numbers at the expense of other species such as an iconic golden eagle?
“That’s not to mention the unprecedented welfare impact on domestic livestock in our farms and crofts.
“In these times of national budgetary constraints there is also very pertinent questions about use of taxpayers money.”
A NatureScot spokeswoman told the Strathy: “We and the Scottish Government recognise that white-tailed eagles can cause economic impacts to farms and crofts in some locations.
“We are committed to provide continued support to farmers and crofters through the Sea Eagle Management Scheme, especially for those suffering the greatest impacts.
“The scheme provides bespoke support for farmers, including farm visits to investigate sea eagle activity, advice on mitigation measures, including the loan of equipment where appropriate, and recommendations for longer-term support.
“Mr and Mrs Grant have been in touch with us, and our Sea Eagle Management Scheme staff have arranged to loan the farm some scaring equipment.
“They are visiting the farm today to gather more information and to provide additional advice.
“We expect more interest in the scheme as sea eagles increase in number and move to new areas, and we encourage farmers and crofters to come to us for advice and support.”
A Cairngorms National Park Authority spokesperson said: “NatureScot run a dedicated Sea Eagle Management Scheme to support livestock farmers and crofters who experience sea eagle predation impacts.
“As soon as we were aware of a potential issue, the park authority got in touch with Gaskbeg Farm and offered our advice and support in relation to the scheme.”
