Airgun vandals who took potshots at feeders at an Angus wildlife reserve may force tighter controls at the popular facility.
The weekend incident has caused outrage among regular visitors to Balgavies Loch, near Forfar after airgun pellets and discarded pizza was found in the hide at the small reserve.
Having found fame as the home of Angus’s most prolific pair of breeding ospreys, Balgavies has a strong following of fans who enjoy the circular walk around the loch — taking in part of the old Angus railway line — and online enthusiasts who post their wildlife pictures taken there.
News of the airgun incident prompted a furious reaction and it’s thought it may have happened during daylight hours at the weekend.
Although feeders were damaged by those responsible, there was no evidence of wildlife being harmed.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity at the reserve is being urged to contact police.
SWT north east reserves manager, Rab Potter said: “Anti-social behaviour is thankfully rare at Balgavies Loch wildlife reserve but if there are more incidents like this one we will have to consider locking the hide at night.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that the actions of a few irresponsible individuals could spoil things for the majority of responsible visitors who come to the reserve to experience nature and watch wildlife.”
Since it became the setting for the birth of the first recorded Angus osprey chick in 2012, the Angus facility has grown in popularity among those keen to catch a glimpse of the impressive raptors.
This summer, the resident pair managed to raise a brood of four chicks.
However, Balgavies has not escaped problems of anti-social behaviour and other unwelcome incidents, including illegal fishing and people taking inflatables onto the loch.
Police were alerted following the incident but after investigating the evening flight said there would be no criminal proceedings.
The Virgin balloon flights pilot said he had “no idea” the osprey nest was there.
