BUZZARDS and a kestrel are among the birds of prey that have been illegally killed in East Yorkshire.
Figures released by the RSPB have revealed two buzzards were shot, one was poisoned and a kestrel was shot last year in the East Riding.
However, the UK's largest nature conservation charity believes many more incidents could be going undetected and unreported.
Howard Jones, an RSPB investigations' officer, said: "I do think the figures are just the tip of the iceberg in the countryside.
"The members of the public are our eyes and ears and need to get in touch with either us, or the police if they suspect or see the illegal persecution of our native birds."
Mr Jones investigated a case when a male and female buzzard were found dead in a ditch on the outskirts of Sproatley last year.
Mr Jones said: "It was wholly barbaric. It was outrageous and a total disregard to the law."
The RSPB is challenging leaders in the shooting community to take action to stop the killing.
Martin Harper, the RSPB's conservation director, said: "Illegal persecution has tarnished the beauty of our uplands for decades and continues to do so to this day.
"The RSPB challenges members of the shooting community to acknowledge that illegal persecution is a problem within the industry and that a change of attitude is needed in order to make a serious and effective effort to finally consign bird of prey persecution to the history books."
The number of bird of prey deaths was revealed as part of the Birdcrime 2013 report, which marks four years since more than 230,000 people signed an RSPB pledge, which was handed to the Government, asking for action to put an end to bird of prey persecution.
Last year nationally, hen harriers, marsh harriers, peregrines, a golden eagle and a white-tailed eagle were among those killed.
Mr Harper said: "Awareness of illegal persecution is increasing.
"This year, we have seen people taking to the streets to demonstrate against the killing of these birds, and hundreds of people joined rallies in northern England in support of Hen Harrier Day.
"This shows that public desire for the return of our cherished birds of prey populations is at an all-time high and we will continue our efforts to highlight this to the
shooting community and Defra."
The RSPB says it is doing more than ever to help birds of prey.
This includes satellite tracking of threatened species, protecting their nests, monitoring, research, and raising awareness among the public of the problems faced by these birds, while working with others to stop persecution.
Mr Harper said: "We will also continue our efforts to work
with any organisations that
represent the shooting community and who actively oppose the illegal persecution of birds of prey.
"Effective leadership is needed to end illegal persecution, but there is little evidence in Birdcrime 2013 to build public confidence that this is happening."
Humberside Police warned residents they could face imprisonment.
A spokesman said: "Under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild birds.
"If anyone is identified as being responsible for killing a wild bird they can face fines or imprisonment."
