Man charged with theft of peregrine falcon eggs

A man is facing charges related to two animal offenses following an alleged incident involving the theft of peregrine falcon eggs from a quarry in Derbyshire.

 

Christopher Wheeldon, aged 34, stands accused of disturbing the nesting site of a wild bird and unlawfully taking the eggs of a wild bird. The purported incident occurred at Bolsover Moor quarry around 4:20 pm on April 23.

 

Derbyshire Police have confirmed that Wheeldon, residing at Lime Grove, Darley Dale, Matlock, will appear before North East Derbyshire & Dales Magistrates Court in Chesterfield on October 16.

 

In the United Kingdom, peregrine falcons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. They hold the distinction of being the largest falcon species in the country, as recognized by the Wildlife Trusts. Consequently, it is a criminal offense to deliberately capture, harm, or kill a peregrine falcon, or to tamper with, damage, or destroy its nest, eggs, or offspring.

 

Furthermore, intentionally or recklessly disturbing these birds in close proximity to their nests during the breeding season is also illegal.

 

Peregrine falcons are renowned for their nesting preferences, often selecting coastal cliff edges or rocky outcrops to evade potential predators. In recent years, these magnificent birds have extended their nesting locations to urban sites, including Derby Cathedral and the BT Tower in Birmingham, as they expand their presence inland.

 

These majestic creatures are celebrated for their remarkable speed, ranking among the fastest animals globally. When diving from great heights to capture prey, a maneuver referred to as "stooping," peregrine falcons can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.

 

The Johnson Partnership

Derby Crime Solicitors 

 

01332 370 473