THERE are fears for the wellbeing of the city's beloved peregrine falcon Bobbin after her partner and chicks were found poisoned.

Bird lovers are anxiously awaiting a sighting of Bobbin, born named by Worcester News reader Robert Floyd, of Barbourne, after her partner was found dead in a quarry in Clee Hill, Shropshire.

Bobbin was one of four chicks born in 2009 and was the only one who returned for the winter to nest in Worcester.

Dave Grubb, who runs the Peregrine Falcons in Worcester Facebook page, said: "We've known of her nesting location some 25 miles north west of Worcester for three years now thanks to Pete who has kept us informed of her progress.

"This has never been disclosed as with all other rural sites for the bird’s protection, even more important here as the site has a recent history of persecution.

"Sadly our fears for their safety became reality in early June when the male was found dead below the nest.

"With no obvious signs of shooting or other injuries he was sent to Natural England for a toxicology report, this took some time the result was returned as we thought - poisoned by the pesticide diazinon.

"Both chicks were also dead in the nest, most likely poisoned too.

"We still don't know if Bobbin survived, of course we all hope she has, a female was spotted flying around above the site shortly after the dead male was found but we don't have an ID.

"If she had retuned to Worcester there is also a good chance our new resident pair may have driven her off - only time will tell."

A volunteer for Shropshire Peregrine Group, which kept an eye on the location, found the dead adult male on June 15 at the base of the breeding cliff.

The body was recovered by the RSPB and passed to Natural England in order that toxicology tests could be arranged.

These have since confirmed the bird was poisoned by diazinon, the same poison as in previous incidents in 2010 and 2011.

Peregrines are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and anyone convicted of killing these birds could receive up to six months in prison and/or a fine.

The RSPB and the SPG have offered a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the conviction of anyone involved in this incident.Male peregrine falcon poisoned

John Turner, of the SPG said: "This is yet another tragic incident at this site.

"The female parent also disappeared and we are concerned she may have also been poisoned.

"The situation was made even worse as the two chicks in the nest also died with the loss of the parents."

Constable Julian Ward, wildlife crime officer for West Mercia Police, said: "There have been previous incidents in this area and the illegal use of poison poses a risk to wildlife and to people.

"We believe somebody in the local community will have information about who is involved and we would urge them to contact police."

Information can be reported to West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 649S of the 15/06/2015 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mr Grubb has asked anyone who spots Bobbin to message him privately on the Facebook page.