For those of You that can read and understand German, here a link to an article in a newspaper, dealing with the problem of dying eagles from lead poisoning:

http://www.berlinonline.de/berliner-zeit...0318/index.html

Lead poisoning from rifle bullets containing lead is the main reason of death (33%) with eagles in northern Germany ! In this article You can read that a forensic expert from the University of Rostock examined the stomach contents of eagles that have been found dead. He could show that they died from lead poisoning and that tiny rifle bullet fragments were the source of lead, not shotgun pellets. He could even tell the brand of the bullet due to the mixture of the lead alloy.

Another statement from RWS, one of the bigger makers of ammo in Germany:

http://www.rws-munition.de/de/stuff/bleifrei.htm

They emphasize that the ballistic advantages of rifle bullets containing lead as well as lead shot are superior to all alternatives but they offer lead free rifle bullets and steel shot in order to help saving the eagles.

Kalunga