Chris Packham reported to police for sniffing wild goshawk chicks live on TV

Hampshire police are looking into the matter

Packham was seen sniffing a chick on TV in order to experience its “characteristic scent or perfume” after the birds had been involved in a series of scientific tests.

That saw the presenter reported to police who will reportedly look at whether the BBC had a license to disturb the rare animals.

The man who complained to the police told The Telegraph: "I watched the programme and was struck by the way Mr Packham was handling and sniffing the birds.

"These birds are Schedule 1 protected and it is a crime to ‘intentionally or recklessly disturb at, on or near an active nest’."

Packham has insisted he has done nothing wrong. “Raptor persecution is illegal yet every year a huge number of goshawks are killed by gamekeepers … not by scientists or people in the media," he has said.

"All three of these birds fledged the nest – let’s hope they survive.”

Removing goshawks from their nests for scientific research is allowed.

The Times further reported that the BBC believes Packham was helping measure, weigh and ring, while acting under supervision.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "We received a report on July 2 relating to an alleged offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is currently being reviewed by our Countrywatch team."

The BBC has said The One Show had permission to film and and "followed all protocols around filming wildlife.”

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