Absolutely, agree entirely, but, even though Buzzards and Red Kites are likely to produce enough fledged young to compensate for low-level poisoning, it is surely, at least on a local level, still a significant limiting factor. Until such time as the Red Kites begin to breed (fingers crossed for this year, I would assume that the pairs that failed last year will be that bit wiser, and some new pairs may also at least attempt to breed), they are still very vulnerable to poisoning, of course (though, in the long run, second-generation rodenticides could cause far more problems for this species in particular). As you say, the eagles, especially Golden, would always have low productivity, even under ideal conditions, and will always be vulnerable to even low levels of poisoning.
Any time I meet people and mention Buzzards, I point out that they eat such popular creatures as rats, rabbits and young crows taken from the nest...they're practically the farmers' friend! If even a handful of people gain a greater appreciation of the benign nature of these mysterious birds that are becoming more and more familiar down here, then that would be great.
Regards,
Harry
