Ocean Sentry
(From news.com.au)- The killers of four West Coast sea birds at risk of extinction are yet to be identified, four days after the last dead bird was found. Two white-bellied sea eagles and one juvenile Australian osprey have been found dead or dying in the past month, while a fourth bird is also reported to have been killed.
Injuries to the sea eagles suggest they had been shot and the osprey, found on Friday at Searcy Bay near Streaky Bay, also has wounds consistent with being shot.
An autopsy is being conducted at Adelaide Zoo this week.
Conservationists and local residents believe the birds have been targeted by angry locals who are against the work of one environment group to protect the birds, which are easily disturbed by human activity in their habitat.
Friends of Sceale Bay has been vocal in the community to prevent building development and recreational water users from encroaching on the birds’ environment.
Local resident Jeff Schmucker said there was unrest among many residents of Streaky Bay over the actions of Friends of Sceale Bay.
“These birds are at the mercy of anybody who so chooses.”
Environment and Conservation Minister Jay Weatherill has urged anyone with information about the suspected shootings to come forward.
“This is a sickening attack on our magnificent sea birds, which are endangered species,” he said.
(By CARA JENKIN)
