WILDLIFE officers have condemned the “senseless” shooting of a bird of prey – the latest in a number of birds shot at a wildlife haven.

The injured kestrel was discovered by a member of the public at High Batts Nature Reserve at North Stainley, near Ripon, on Monday, July 15.

The bird’s wing had been shattered by shotgun pellets and it had to be put down by a vet in Harrogate.

Now police are hoping to catch whoever injured the bird.

In April, a number of dead or dying geese and a swan were discovered by an ecological survey team at Norton Mills Lake – within the same nature reserve.

The Canada and Greylag geese and a mute swan had all been shot with a large calibre rifle.

Police believe separate people were behind the two incidents, as different guns were used, but the findings are still a cause of concern. The lake is one of the most important wildlife sites in the north of England.

North Yorkshire Police Wildlife Officer, PC Gareth Jones appealed for anyone who was in the area over the weekend prior to the bird being found to get in contact with police.

He said: “It beggars belief; kestrels are lovely little birds, they eat small rodents and insects. They’re not a threat to game crops or pigeon fanciers. I can’t understand why anybody would want to take a pot shot.”

Guy Shorrock, from the RSPB, also condemned the shooting. He said: “This charismatic little falcon will be a familiar bird to most people.

“This is a senseless act and we would ask anyone with any information to contact North Yorkshire Police.”

North Yorkshire is one of the UK’s worst areas for crimes against birds of prey. The RSPB said in 2010 there were more incidents recorded in the region than in Scotland, Wales and southern England combined.

According to the charity, nearly 75 per cent of those convicted of bird of prey crimes had ties to game shooting and an interest in removing predators from grouse moors.

It has submitted written evidence to the Commons Environment Audit Committee stating there was a "strong body of scientific evidence" linking raptor persecution with upland moors managed for grouse shooting.

Anyone with information about the shooting of the kestrel should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Gareth Jones or email; gareth.jones@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk