A much-loved bird of prey has been shot and killed in the Cradlehall area of Inverness, prompting a joint appeal from Police Scotland and RSPB Scotland.
The male Sparrowhawk was discovered on 6 March by a concerned member of the public who contacted the RSPB.
An RSPB Investigations Officer, working with Police Scotland, collected the body the following day and arranged for a post-mortem.
Examination revealed a shotgun pellet embedded in the bird’s chest, confirming the cause of death.
It is believed the Sparrowhawk may have flown some distance after being shot, eventually dying from a combination of starvation and infection.
The shooting has been described as cruel and completely unnecessary, with the bird suffering a slow and painful death.
Sparrowhawks are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Those caught harming or killing such birds face unlimited fines or even imprisonment.
Ian Thomson, Head of Investigations at RSPB Scotland, condemned the act as both disturbing and tragic.
He described Sparrowhawks as a familiar sight in parks and gardens, and important indicators of ecosystem health.
The bird’s bright yellow eyes and swift, stealthy hunting style make it a favourite among local bird watchers.
Mr Thomson added that few individuals have access to shotguns, and fewer still would deliberately target protected birds.
Police are urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward immediately.
Meanwhile, local experts from the Inverness Urban Sparrowhawk Project have spoken of their devastation.
Thomas Plant, Bea Ayling and Shona Rüesch have been studying local Sparrowhawks since 2020.
Their research includes nest monitoring and colour-ringing, aimed at understanding threats to the birds.
The trio said the bird killed may well have been one they were tracking this season.
Support for their work comes from the Highland Raptor Study Group, which works to conserve birds of prey across the region.
The incident has reignited calls for stronger protection and better enforcement of wildlife laws.
Wildlife crime continues to threaten Scotland’s most iconic species, despite legal safeguards.
The RSPB urges anyone who finds a dead or injured bird of prey in suspicious circumstances to report it at once.
You can contact Police Scotland on 101 using the reference CR/0132125/25.
Alternatively, complete the RSPB’s wild bird crime form online to provide information anonymously.
If you notice a dead or injured bird of prey in suspicious circumstances, call Police Scotland on 101 and fill in the RSPB’s online reporting form: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/wild-bird-crime-report-form/
Every piece of information, no matter how small, could help stop more crimes like this in future.
This death is a brutal reminder of the dangers birds of prey still face.
The fight to protect them is far from over.
