Appeal after bird of prey found dead

A dead bird of prey discovered by a member of the public in Dumfries and Galloway may have been poisoned.

The red kite was found in the Durham Hill Lane area of Kirkpatrick Durham, Castle Douglas, on 20 January.

Police say that an examination indicated the bird had been poisoned and inquiries are under way into its death.

Constable Alan Steel, specialist wildlife crime officer, said: “Due to the inherent scavenging nature of red kites, they are particularly vulnerable to the illegal use of poisonous bait.”

HIGHLANDS