RSPB condemns killing of River Lea coots

Coot chicks and their monther, like the ones pictured here, were stoned to death on the River Lea near Millfields Park. Photograph: Joost J. Bakker

Hackney residents are being asked to help catch those responsible for stoning to death a nest of coot chicks and their mother last week.

The nest and family were destroyed on the River Lea adjoining the highly popular Millfields Park, off Leabridge Road. The park is regularly used by cyclists, dog walkers, joggers and families.

“This incident has shocked and dismayed local park users and residents,” said RSPB London spokesman Tim Webb. “It’s a park I know well and use with my family as we live nearby. A lot of effort has gone in to improving it over the past five years and this vile act is just so completely removed from the ethos and pride shown by all those who’ve contributed to that improvement, that it seems wholly alien.”

Coots are common water birds, black in colour with a distinctive white beak and shield above the beak, which earns it the title of ‘bald’. Like all wild birds in England and Wales, they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Anyone found guilty of intentionally killing, injuring or taking wild birds, or even damaging or disturbing them or their eggs on their nests can be prosecuted. The offence carries a maximum six months imprisonment and fines of £5,000 per offence.

“In the case of the coots,” added Tim. “Those responsible could potentially be jailed and fined for each chick and bird killed, so the fine could mount up to a considerable sum. These incidents, and the recent destruction of some swans eggs further down the river near Leabank Square, are repugnant criminal acts. I’d urge all park and river-path users to help us stamp out this barbaric behaviour”.

The incident has been recorded by the RSPB’s Investigations Unit and anyone with information should contact Hackney Police or can submit reports to the RSPB via the online reporting form.