 The dead red kite, with the tag visible on its left wing |
Two birds of prey found dead on a shooting estate were killed by poison, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The RSPB says tests on a rare red kite and a buzzard revealed that they were killed illegally by the pesticide carbofuran.
The red kite had been tagged as a chick and was being tracked.
It was found in remote woodland near Cromdale in Strathspey by RSPB staff. They say no charges will be brought.
Carbofuran is a powerful insecticide which was once used to protect crops and is dangerous to any living creature.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which comes into effect this spring will make its possession illegal.
RSPB spokesman Dave Dick said: "If it were not for the use of radio tracking technology this bird would have lain poisoned at the top of a tree un-noticed.
"Due to their helpful habit of leaning up dead carcasses of animals they become easy victims for people who wish to poison them."
One-Minute World News 
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