Further to yesterday’s breaking news (here) that wildfowl collector Barry Nicolle had pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife crimes relating to the illegal poisoning of red kites in south west Scotland, Police Scotland has issued the following statement:
Man convicted of killing 15 birds, including five red kites, in Dumfries & Galloway Area
A 67-year-old man has been convicted of killing raptors and other wild birds in the Stewarty area of Dumfries and Galloway between 2019 and 2020.
Barry Nicolle admitted numerous charges at Dumfries Sheriff Court today (Wednesday, 5 April, 2023). He is due to be sentenced on Friday, 19 May, 2023.
The charges related to the reckless use of illegal poison resulting in the deaths of 15 birds, including five red kites. They were recovered within a mile radius of Nicolle’s address, some just a few hundred yards from his property.
Robust policing work in conjunction with forensic science found these birds had not died naturally and had in fact been poisoned with banned substances, including Aldicarb and Bendiocarb.
Wildlife Officer, Police Constable John Cowan, said: “Extensive policing work involving a number of partners, along with forensic science, enabled us to build a case against Nicolle who had been killing protected birds over a number of years.
“Not only was there a risk to the rural environment, but also to members of the public handling poisoned birds some of which were found near a primary school.
“Police Scotland and the partners we work with treat all types of wildlife crime very seriously and this conviction is a strong message that those who poison wild and protected birds will be robustly investigated.
“I would also like to thank the public who provided information that assisted our enquiries. This is vital to our work in combatting wildlife crime.
“I would encourage anyone who comes across a protected dead bird or animal to report it to us. Likewise if you have information about wildlife crime please get in touch via 101.”
ENDS
UPDATE 19th May 2023: Monumentally inadequate sentence for Barry Nicolle, serial red kite poisoner in Dumfries & Galloway (here).
Raptor Persecution UK 
This is sad because there has been a programme of reintroducing Red Kite into this area. As far as I am aware there are no shooting estates round there, so this must be one sick and twisted individual acting for reasons of his own. Congratulations to Police Scotland for brining this case to court. I just hope the sentence is appropriate.
He breeds ducks, and that’s his sick reason for killing birds of prey. He lives up the lane from me. I found one of the dead Red Kites, it was very upsetting.
It will be interesting indeed to see what the sentencing for this is given the number of offences, the poisons used and the fact that the culprit is not part of the game industry.
Yes I await sentencing with interest and bated breath!!!!
What does a ‘wildfowl collector’ actually do, please?
Keeps a collection of live, captive-bred ducks and geese.
There are many people who breed wildfowl as a hobby. Most are dedicated people who are extremely knowledgable about their stock. Captive breeding programmes for endangered species is often done by private individuals working in collaboration with recognised scientific programmes. Even those not involved in conservation indirectly contribute to an awareness of waterfowl and habitat. They share a passion for the wonderful world around us.
It’s so very disappointing to see a man with his background and a large number of friends associated with the birding collective be so xxxxx in his behaviour. He is, however, thankfully the exception and not the rule in my opinion. As Paul said, it will be interesting indeed, to see the sentence his crimes attract given he is not associated with the game indfustry — but where he accessed these specific poisons might create a little doubt in the minds of some, given his skills in the area of xxxxx. Hopefully the answer to this might emerge in court papers.
How can anyone who claims to be interested in birds and wildlife actively destroy them? Predators are part of the world ….grow up….
In some people’s minds, some birds “are more equal than others”.
So, 67 years old – so a lenghtyish custodial sentence is unlikely. And unless he’s a very, very well off pensioner a thumping fine is also unlikely. Probably pled guilty as he had no expensive KC paid for by who knows who – 100 hours community service then and a £250 fine (on the easy installment plan). Of course he’s only pleaded guilty for the killing of 15 or so various birds and not xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx – as for the poison in his possession – well it seems pretty easily obtained as readers of this blog are very well aware.
So glad he got caught senseless act of cruelty slow deaf for birds hope he does time and xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx
Red Kites are generally scavengers, they probably wouldn’t take a goose or duck anyway? What a waste!
which is why they are so easy to poison