Dead swan found shot in head at nature reserve

Mute swans, like all wild birds, are legally protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act

A dead swan has been found shot in the head at a popular beauty spot.

Members of the public found the female bird last week on the East Chevington nature reserve in Druridge Bay, Northumberland.

The grisly discovery was then reported to staff at the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre, who said the swan had been 16 years old when it was killed.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) called the death "senseless" and "terrible".

Hatched in 2009, the mute swan had a numbered metal ring attached to its leg in February 2011 for scientific monitoring purposes.

This meant it was possible to check its history.

And, although there is no record of where the bird was born, three other records show it living on the River Wansbeck in June 2011, July 2012, and August 2013.

The Hauxley team also suspect the swan had been a resident at East Chevington for some time.

NWT said, like all wild birds, swans were protected by the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to harm them.

The charity stressed the killing of birds, or any other wildlife, would not be tolerated and would lead to "severe legal consequences" for those responsible.

NWT's Alex Lister added: "It's terrible that a swan that had reached such a ripe old age should have their life ended in such a senseless way.

"As a wildlife charity it is our job to protect and conserve wildlife and we are furious that this has happened at all, let alone in what's meant to be a safe and tranquil place to enjoy nature."