East Berkshire, England - A Sikh community group in south England, has added it weight to the outrage at the recent poisoning of Scotland’s rarest and most prestigious species of bird. Members of the Sikh Community Action Network, based in Slough just outside west London, have added a reward of £350 to information on the recent poisoning of a Golden Eagle in Scotland.
The victim bird was a 10 year old female partner in the only known breeding pair of golden eagles in the UK. A poisoned bait was found in their long established nest site. The couple had raised a chick earlier this year. The RSPB said: “illegal persecution of birds of prey continues to be a shameful fact of life in parts of Scotland in the 21st Century, and unfortunately the evidence shows that there is a correlation between the location of grouse moors and the incidence of raptor poisoning.” RSPB Scotland is now offering a reward of £1,000 for information. "Now, after nine or 10 years together, the Borders have lost its only breeding pair of golden eagles.
Atma Singh, a member of SCAN, is a passionate follower of falcons and birds of prey. "As Sikhs, we are taught that respecting and caring for animals is of fundamental importance. This story especially drew our interest due to the fact that the bird killed was half of the only breeding pair in that area and so the person responsible for this crime has caused immense damage to Britain's natural heritage.” Deeply moved by this callous killing, Atma Singh has recommended fellow Sikhs to take a positive interest in bird life and their protection from callous acts like this.
Inspired by the tradition of eagles and falcons associated with the Sikh Gurus in the 17th century, Atma Singh is researching information about the place of these majestic wild birds in Sikh heritage. He learnt about the poisoning of one of Scotland’s rarest wild birds through the International Falconry Forum, an online forum with over 6000 members worldwide.
Atma Singh is keen to encourage Sikhs to follow the tradition of the historic Sikh Gurus, who had wild birds as close companions. “Guru Gobind Singh Jee, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, is still to this day depicted in portraits with white Gyrfalcon perched upon His wrist. Therefore, Sikhs have naturally always had a profound respect for and special affinity with birds of prey".
The Sikh Community Action Network is encouraging Sikh residents in Scotland to work with the RSPB and police to support wild bird life in Scotland.
