Rodenticide restrictions are welcome news for raptors

Barn Owl (Cameron Sharp)

​High levels of rat poison in birds of prey and owls have led to a significant tightening of rules for use of second-generation rodenticides (SGARs). The products are no longer available to buy for use in outdoor locations unless connected to a building. Almost 90% of Barn Owls and more than two-thirds of Kestrels tested were exposed to at least one of the poisons, and in the case of Kestrel there is evidence that the rodenticide bromadiolone has contributed to the species’ decline in Britain.

The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use has warned that failing to follow instructions on the label is illegal and that even a product with an old label must not be used in open areas. There is a use up period to the end of 2024, and then their use in open areas will be banned. From January 2026, all farmers must be certified in order to buy professional rodenticides.

Strong winds last week brought two Cory’s Shearwaters past Bardsey, on the northern edge of a movement that pushed several thousand birds into the Southwestern Approaches in sight of land, and doubtless many more beyond the range of telescopes. A Little Gull was at Porthmadog’s Llyn Bach, Arctic Skuas off Porth Ysgaden and the third Caspian Gull of the summer in the region was at Gronant on Sunday with two Yellow-legged Gulls. Mediterranean Gulls are also dispersing from the southeast, with counts of 13 at Traeth Dulas and over 40 at Pen-y-chain near Pwllheli, including birds ringed at colonies in Germany and France.

Hooded Crows, originating from Ireland, were at Newborough and on a bird table near South Stack. A Green Woodpecker, now rare on Anglesey, was heard near Mynydd Bodafon and more than 100 Little Egrets roosted at Cei Ballast in the Glaslyn estuary.

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