Gamekeepers have said the actions of conservationists who led a demonstration near Crieff may have put endangered birds of prey at risk.
Around 70 people gathered at Glen Turret Reservoir to show support for hen harriers.
Lobby groups believe some of the birds are being killed on grouse moors because they feed on wild red grouse and their chicks.
However, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said the timing of the demonstration was significant as it comes just days before the start of grouse shooting season.
A spokesman said the estate near the protest has successfully fledged hen harrier chicks on its moor this year.
He said he hoped that the demonstration did not disturb the young birds which are just beginning to hunt independently.
“It was great to see people that share the same interest as ourselves in hen harrier conservation. The future definitely lies in cooperation between land managers who produce birds such as hen harriers and those who wish to see and enjoy them.”
He added: “We regularly have harriers here on our grouse moors and we are lucky to have had successes this year, despite the weather.
“Naturally, our concern is for the birds because we have had nests of differing species abandoned due to members of the public or photographers visiting the nests.
“We have restricted the activities of the estate around the nests so the birds get the best chance they can to grow and hunt in peace.
“Obviously, the gamekeepers will be checking the area to make sure the young birds are fine, but we are hopeful everything has gone off well.”
The demonstration, which was part of the nationwide Hen Harrier Day, was coordinated by the Tayside Raptor Study Group, the Scottish Ornithologists Club and the Birders Against Wildlife Crime.
A spokeswoman for the organisers said: “We are delighted that the estate is so concerned about the welfare of its hen harriers, and hope that in future years more than just single pairs will be able to breed successfully there.
“There is certainly sufficient habitat for at least four of five pairs.
“We hope that numbers like these will breed successfully in future years.”
She added: “Sunday’s event was about raising awareness of the plight of a bird that has declined by 20%, according to the results from the most recent national survey, and is missing from most of the moors of southern and eastern Scotland.
“The hen harrier population will not be able to recover until the widespread intolerance, and even persecution, of these birds ends.
“If the Glen Turret estate is genuinely concerned for the welfare of its harriers we look forward to working with them again as we have in the past.”