Police have appealed for information after a red kite was poisoned in Aberdeenshire.
The dead bird of prey was spotted by a member of the public at Morven Hill, near Dinnet, on June 30.
Police said that following inquiries it has been established that the bird was poisoned.
Poisoning a bird or animal is not only cruel and callous, but it can harm other wildlife as well as members of the public
Red kites are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to kill, injure, or take them, or to damage their nests, eggs or young.
Wild crime liaison officer Constable Ann Ashman said: “Poisoning a bird or animal is not only cruel and callous, but it can harm other wildlife as well as members of the public.
“The use of poison in a public area is extremely dangerous and poses a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with it.
“Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. We would urge the public not to handle any dead animals they may find.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information about the poisoning of these birds to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 2910 of June 30 2026, or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.