The falling populations of many of our songbirds has little to do with birds of prey.

The causes for their decline can range from changes in farming methods, habitat loss and illegal shooting and trapping on their migration routes, to name but a few.

That birds of prey kill and eat other birds and animals is not disputed. That is their role in the scheme of things.

They cannot choose to alter their diet.

They do not kill to shock us, any more than songbirds exist to "give ninety nine per cent of the general public pleasure".

Such sentimental and emotive drivel has no place in discussions about predator/prey relationships!

I would like to point out to Mr/Ms Harwood that I have been a birdwatcher for many years, enjoying the sight and sound of both songbirds and birds of prey.

It must be remembered that the only animal which kills purely and simply for the pleasure of killing is homo sapiens.

Trisha Scott
West Park Terrace
Scarborough