Injured seagull photographed with arrow embedded in head in Elgin

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."

Source

Probe after birds of prey found

Police suspect the buzzard and red kites were victims of criminal activity

POLICE are investigating the deaths of birds of prey after six bodies were found over the last week.

Five red kites and a buzzard were found at various locations in Conon Bridge and Muir of Ord and officers suspect they were unlawfully killed.

Enquiries are being carried out into the deaths, which were reported between the 17th and 24th March.

DI Scott McDonald, who is leading the investigation, said at this time it was unclear as to what caused the deaths.

"Given all the circumstances and the close proximity of them being found we must assume at this stage some form of criminality," he added.

"I would ask anyone who has been working on the land or using the area for recreational purposes to contact us if they have seen anything suspicious that may be linked to this incident."

If anyone finds any further dead birds in the area they are asked to make a note of its location and inform the police and not to touch or attempt to recover any dead bird.

Anyone who has any information about the incident can contact Police on 101.

http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/News/Probe-after-birds-of-prey-found-25032014.htm