Man tried to sell rare bird eggs

A man has been cautioned by police on Wearside after offering British birds of prey eggs for sale on the internet.

Northumbria Police were contacted by investigators from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Although the eggs proved to be fake and made of resin, police stressed it was still illegal to offer them for sale.

The 40-year-old, from South Hylton, Sunderland, was cautioned after admitting possession with intent to sell endangered species.

Illegal trade

Pc Nick Pearson, wildlife crime officer for Northumbria Police, said: "We want to remind anyone considering collecting birds eggs that they commit an offence if they collect these items, offer them for sale or place an advertisement to gain them.

"This is not a harmless hobby, individuals involved in this illegal trade can be arrested and they face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000."

The eggs offered for sale included golden eagle, peregrine falcon, goshawk, merlin, hen harrier, montagu harrier, osprey and sparrow hawk.