The deaths of two more wedge-tailed eagles near Violet Town has left a property owner fearful that a spate of bird poisoning has resumed in the area.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Wildlife photographer Anita Norris reported the poisoning of three wedge-tailed eagles, including a breeding pair, on her Earlston property in 2017.
Since then, she said she and her husband Gordon had been delighted to see a breeding pair return to their Earlston property.
"Just a few weeks back we were so excited to see a pair return and circle around us for a few days with a young one with them. We were so happy to think a family had returned," Ms Norris said.
However, the couple was distressed to find a dead adult eagle near Kelly's La on Sunday, followed by a second dead adult near Luscombe La on Monday.
"It really is making me feel sick, we love this area so much and to see these majestic birds flying and then to find them dead is disgusting," Ms Norris said.
She said the Department of Agriculture is now testing the carcass of the bird found near Luscombe Rd for signs of poisoning.
Ms Norris said she and her husband moved to Earlston two years ago from Arthurs Creek, after buying the property six years ago.
Ms Norris said the death of her father three weeks ago had heightened the distress of finding the dead eagles.
"He was a real animal lover - and when we saw these eagles return, we thought 'my dad is here'.
"Now this is adding insult to injury. If we see an eagle now, we have the dread it may be poisoned," she said.
She said including the two recent deaths, 11 eagles have now been found dead on the couple's property in four years.
"We're just sickened that this is still going on," Ms Norris said.
Leading Senior Constable Patrick Storer of Violet Town Police confirmed the spate of eagle deaths, including the most recent pair.
"It's been going on for some time," Leading Sen Const Storer said.
"It's really pretty ordinary activity. Any killing of native wildlife is highly illegal," he said.
He said police are assisting the Department of Land, Water and Planning with an investigation into the bird deaths.
The maximum penalty for hunting, taking or destroying protected wildlife is a $8,059.50 fine or six months' imprisonment or both.
Leading Sen Const Storer urged anyone who sees any suspicious activity to contact the 24-hour Police Assistance Line on 131444.
17°C