Tests showed the dead birds were not buzzards. Photo: David Dixon CC-BY-SA-2.0

Police have closed their investigation into a reported wildlife crime in Aberdeenshire after tests showed six dead birds were not buzzards.

Police Scotland appealed for the public’s help following the discovery of the remains of the birds in the Fordoun area of Strathmore last week.

But a spokesperson for the force said today examination of the bodies had revealed they were not birds of prey.

The spokesperson said: “Following close liaison with partner agencies officers can now confirm the birds were not raptors or a protected species.”

The birds were discovered in a field about a mile north-west of Fordoun on the unclassified road between the village and Auchenblae about 3.30pm on Wednesday 1 October. Police said they understood they had been there for several weeks.

The spokesperson added: “Wildlife crime is a priority for Police Scotland and within Aberdeenshire and Moray Division we take such reports very seriously and were grateful to be notified of the incident.

“However enquiries will now be drawn to a close.”