The national enforcement campaign to protect our nesting wild birds is underway for 2025.

The taking of wild bird eggs is a serious crime which threatens bird populations across the UK and internationally.  However, this activity remains an illicit hobby for some determined individuals. Whole clutches of eggs can be taken from some of the UK’s rarest birds and stored in secret collections.

In 2024, Operation PULKA dismantled a transnational egg trading network and highlighted the harm caused by this illegal activity.  In the region of 20,000 eggs were seized in coordinated warrants from nominals throughout the UK.  High value collections were also seized in Australia and Norway. 

Police forces and partner agencies will be working hard this nesting season to protect wild birds from criminals.  Information from the public is a vital part of identifying suspicious activity and catching criminals.  

Detective Inspector Mark Harrison from the UK NWCU says: “At this time of year one of my favourite things to do, is stand outside in the morning with a brew and listen to the birds singing as the breeding season gets underway. 

But for some people this is when they are plotting, planning, visiting areas and checking for nests, getting their cameras, drones and climbing equipment ready. They may have to prepare a hide in their vehicle or check incubators are working correctly. For them this is a busy time of year.  Their interest in birds is far removed from mine.

At the end of 2024 my team led operation Pulka and worked with police forces across the UK to execute warrants at numerous addresses during which thousands of bird’s eggs were seized. This highlighted that egg collecting is still a threat to our wildlife. Add to this the threats to birds at this time of year from criminals wanting to take wild birds and launder them into the pet and falconry trades, criminals who want to kill certain birds due to some conflict with their hobby or business. Even overly keen bird photographers can disturb nesting birds and commit offences.

Operation EASTER is one of the NWCUs longest standing operations for the protection of wild birds at this crucial time of year. We will help to co-ordinate the policing response, ensuring dedicated Police Wildlife Crime Officers receive up to date intelligence, operational support and access to specialist investigators from the NWCU. With the help of our partners and the public we can make a difference.

We need the public and people who spend time out and about in our countryside to be our eyes and ears. To be aware of this criminality and to take the time to report anything suspicious or any information about this criminal activity to the police”.

If you have any information on egg and chick thieves, or those who disturb rare nesting birds without a license, you should contact your local police by dialling 101 – ask to speak to a wildlife crime officer if possible. Get a description/photo and vehicle registration if safe to do so. Nesting will be in full swing in April so please contact the police if you see anyone acting suspiciously around nesting birds.

Information can also be passed in confidence to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.

Download the Operation Easter poster.