Invercauld Estate game wardens contacted police after they found a dead crow along with several broken eggs.
Officers attended and removed the bird and eggshells.
The shell of the egg and the matter have been tested and have tested positive for pesticide. Officers are awaiting toxicology results on the crow.
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Police are asking anyone who has seen anything suspicious to contact them.
Officer Hannah Corbett said: “We take wildlife crime very seriously and a number of lines of inquiry are being pursued. However, I would like to appeal to the local community for any information they may have on this matter.
“Did you see anything suspicious? Have you heard anyone talking about this? Any little bit of information could be significant in the investigation of the crow’s cruel and callous death. Please contact us.”
Anyone with information can call the police. Scotland via 101, citing incident number 1307 of May 12, 2023.