Wildlife experts hope falcons will breed at the nature reserve
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The RSPB has expressed anger and outrage after a rare bird was shot dead in East Yorkshire.
The peregrine falcon, a protected species, was found dead in a field near a nature reserve at Bempton Cliffs.
Humberside Police has also condemned the shooting and said such an offence is punishable by up to six months in prison or a £5,000 fine.
A survey in 2002 revealed there were a total of 1,400 breeding pairs of falcons across the country.
Act of destruction
An RSPB spokesman said he was angry such a spectacular and exciting bird had died in this way.
Bempton Cliffs warden Trevor Charlton said: "Sadly, it would appear yet another rare bird of prey has been killed by a criminal act of destruction.
"We were hopeful peregrine falcons might once again colonise the cliffs at our reserve and the death of a female bird is a set-back."
He asked anyone who had information about the shooting to contact the police.
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