Well I've had a response. Unsatisfactory doesn't even begin to describe it - here it is in full: they have managed to completely ignore every point I made, while attempting to argue that it was a balanced report! Has anyone else had a response to their complaints?

Thanks for your e-mail regarding the midday news on the BBC's News channel
broadcast on 27 July. Please accept my apologies for the slight delay in
replying.

I understand you were disappointed with the coverage of a new report
released by the RSPB on the increase in the death of endangered birds.

Though the day's coverage of the report didn't include an interview with a
spokesperson for a body such as The British Association for Shooting &
Conservation, the RSPB spokesman who was interviewed did say that "estates
which manage grouse are unfortunately shooting trapping and poisoning birds
like golden eagles." But he went on to explain that there were law abiding
gamekeepers - and they needed to stand up and be counted.

Also, to add balance to the coverage the BBC reporter, Angus Crawford did
put it to the RSPB that "people who are doing this (shooting birds of prey)
are claiming that it's damaging their sport and their way of life."

BBC News feels it would have been interesting to interview a game keeper,
or indeed a representative from BASC to get their point of view on the
topic. But they don't accept that it was absolutely necessary to balance
the piece or indeed the BBC's overall coverage. It's entirely possible that
when the story is covered in the future that it will include input from a
representative of one of the main shooting bodies who will elaborate on the
detail you feel was needed to add balance.

I trust this explains the coverage of the RSPB report in more detail.
Nevertheless, please be assured that your correspondence has been
registered and thanks again for taking the time to contact the BBC.

Yours Sincerely

Andrew Martin
Divisional Advisor
BBC Complaints