The following statement has appeared on the British Trust for Ornithology’s website:
Following recent discussion in the media on Defra’s proposals regarding Buzzards and Pheasants, Andy Clements comments on the BTO’s position.
“Alongside RSPB, Raptor Study Groups, GWCT & a range of other stakeholders, BTO has attended two meetings at Defra in a scientific advisory capacity.
BTO has not tendered for the work and we have declined an invitation to be part of the Project Advisory Group. We have also indicated we no longer wish to be part of the ongoing stakeholder group.
If Defra ask us for specific independent scientific advice, for example up to date population estimates for Buzzard, we would provide that advice as normal.”
Andy Clements, BTO Director
Well done, BTO!
Raptor Persecution UK 
As a dedicated BTO member of almost half a century I have never felt prouder of the organisation. The BTO was no doubt the professional scientific body the ‘antis’ were counting on to give their hair-brained scheme credence. This response surely sends a clear message to DEFRA, the SGA, Richard Bentyon, David Cameron and his self-proclaimed ‘greenest government ever’ (do they really believe people still believe that boast and will still vote for them?) and above all to the arrogant moorland overlords and their lapdogs who think that the Law doesn’t apply to them. Oh, and I nearly forgot to include Songbird Survival – the odious anti-bird of prey
mobs version of the underworld! Let them have no doubts – we are on their case.
I too am a longstanding BTO member and wholeheartedly welcome the Trust’s stance.
Surprisingly there is nothing about this on Songbird Survivals website. Even they must be having difficulty trying to sell this one to their members. Whilst there is no doubting the fact buzzards take the odd fledgling songbird, they are opportunist hunters, they also take many more fledgling Corvids. Young magpies seem to be a particular favourite around here. Sparrowhawks also get Robbed of prey items by Buzzards and in some instances even get killed on prey. These interactions have forced Sparrowhawks to alter their hunting strategies in the same way Songbirds altered their feeding habits to avoid Sparrowhawk attacks, In recent online discussions with pigeon fanciers it was even mentioned by some that since the appearance of Buzzards in some localities predation by Sparrowhawks at lofts had reduced. It isn’t safe for a Sparrowhawk to be out in the open on a large prey item in Buzzard territory. the impact of these interactions with buzzards reduces population densities and size in Sparrowhawks and some Corvid Species.