A seagull has been photographed with an arrow embedded in its head in Elgin.
The injured bird is said to still be flying around, after it was spotted at the Moray town's Cooper Park on Tuesday.
It was photographed by Lesley Morrison, who told the BBC Scotland news website: "It was normal looking, until it turned around. Then it flew off."
The Scottish SPCA said the incident was "very concerning", and warned it was a criminal offence.
Keen nature photographer Mrs Morrison said: "I have always got the camera just in case.
"It was there for ages walking about, pecking away. Then I saw this sold-looking arrow - it was well-embedded.
"It seemed perfect if it did not have this in its head. It must have missed the important organs."
'Protected by law'
Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Aimee Findlay, appealing for information about the incident, said: "We have received a report of a gull with an arrow through its head in Elgin. The gull is still able to fly so we haven't been able to contain it.
"We are very concerned for its wellbeing and are keen to treat it as soon as possible to prevent infection and further injury and suffering.
"In July, we investigated a report of a gull with an arrow through its body in Ross-shire.
"This is very concerning. We want to make it clear that gulls, like all birds, are protected by law and it is a criminal offence to deliberately injure or kill a gull."
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