Shooting birds of prey

this kestrel above me in the sky jinked to one side on hearing the shutter go on my camera. a natural reaction or one born from persecution from times gone by ?
The kestrel is fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take a kestrel, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents. 
In 2014, the RSPB received 179 reports of the shooting and destruction of raptors, including the shooting of 23 buzzards, nine peregrines, three red kites and a hen harrier. Confirmed victims of poisonings included 23 red kites, nine buzzards and four peregrines. These victims represent the tip of the iceberg – many more will have gone undetected.

who would do such a thing ???