Police investigate Aberdeenshire bird of prey shooting

Police have launched an investigation after a bird of prey was shot in Aberdeenshire.

The goshawk was found injured by a member of the public near Whiterashes north of Aberdeen on 8 November.

The bird was recovered with the help of the New Arc wildlife rescue centre but died before arriving at a vet.

Police said it was illegal to kill any protected species and asked anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has any information about shooting activity in the area to get in touch.

Known as the “phantoms of the forest”, goshawks are similar to sparrowhawks but much larger, with females appearing as big as buzzards.

The secretive birds of prey, which nest in forests and woods, hunt prey such as pigeons and squirrels.

They are also known to eat game birds on shooting estates.

Constable Ann Ashman, of the Wildlife Crime Unit, said: “Goshawks are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and it is illegal to kill any protected species.

“Our inquiries are ongoing and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.”

She appealed to the public to contact them if they had seen anything in the area.

“Your information could be vital in establishing what has happened,” she said.

“If you were in the Whiterashes area that day and saw anything suspicious, or have any information about shooting activity in the area, please contact us.”