A peregrine falcon. Photo: Mike Baird

Police are appealing for help to find the person who shot a protected bird of prey in the Highlands.

The peregrine falcon had to be put down by a vet after sustaining shotgun injuries which left it with a broken leg.

The injuries left the bird unable to hunt and it had, according to a Grampian Police spokesperson, lost a considerable amount of body weight.

It was found by a walker in woodland at the Pass of Ballater on 27 April.

The bird was taken to a local falconer before being taken to a specialist avian vet who, following x-ray examination, was able to confirm that the bird had been shot using a shotgun with the pellets causing a serious fracture to the bird’s right leg.

The force’s wildlife crime officer Dave MacKinnon says: “I am appealing for anyone, particularly in the upper Deeside area, who may have information as to who is responsible for shooting this protected bird.

The bird that was shot near Ballater

“It is an absolute disgrace that anyone thinks they have justification for shooting a rare and specially protected bird.

“There are a few known peregrine nest sites in the Ballater area. These birds like to nest on cliffs hence the reason for them choosing to try to live and breed in upper Deeside.

“This latest incident of raptor persecution in Grampian clearly indicates that some people are still prepared to break the law risking a custodial sentence, the reputation of their employers, their livelihoods and their right to possess firearms.”

Bob Elliot, head of investigations at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Scotland said: “Peregrines are spectacular birds of prey and incredible top predators, but despite being protected are extremely vulnerable to human activities including continued shooting, trapping and having their chicks illegally stolen from nests.

“The peregrine is a valuable indicator species of the health of the environment, but once its population is forced into artificial decline, it takes many years to recover.

“This peregrine may have been part of a territorial pair breeding in the area and shot close to a nest. We would reiterate that anyone with information regarding the shooting of this bird to get in touch with Grampian Police immediately.”

Grampian Police can be contacted on 0845 600 5 700. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.