Bird of prey shot dead illegally in Aberdeenshire

A bird of prey has been shot dead illegally in Aberdeenshire, prompting a police appeal.

An injured goshawk was found by a member of the public on November 8 in the Whiterashes area.

It was recovered with the assistance of the Wild Arc Wildlife Rescue Centre, and plans were made to take it to a vet.

However, the bird died before it arrived.

An examination later found that the bird had been shot.

The raptor species is similar to a buzzard, with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) warned that the birds “are still persecuted and their nests are frequently robbed”.

The species was previously extinct in the UK but a breeding population has been re-established. The goshawk typically preys on smaller species of birds – such as crows and pigeons – as well as rabbits.

Constable Ann Ashman, of the Wildlife Crime Unit, said: “Goshawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is illegal to kill any protected species.

“Our inquiries are ongoing and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact us. Your information could be vital in establishing what has happened.

“If you were in the Whiterashes area that day and saw anything suspicious – or have any information about shooting activity in the area – please contact us.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1942 of November 8.”