A man has been convicted of killing wild birds, including five red kites, in the Stewartry.
Barry Nicolle from Springholm admitted numerous charges at Dumfries Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
The 67-year-old was convicted of charges related to the reckless use of illegal poison which led to the deaths of five birds, including five red kites, which were found with a mile of his house.
Police work and forensic science led to the discovery the birds had been poisoned with banned substances, Aldicarb and Bendiocarb.
Nicolle will be sentenced on May 19.
Wildlife officer, PConstable John Cowan, said: “Extensive policing work involving a number of partners, along with forensic science, enabled us to build a case against Nicolle who had been killing protected birds over a number of years.
“Not only was there a risk to the rural environment, but also to members of the public handling poisoned birds some of which were found near a primary school.
“Police Scotland and the partners we work with treat all types of wildlife crime very seriously and this conviction is a strong message that those who poison wild and protected birds will be robustly investigated.
“I would encourage anyone who comes across a protected dead bird or animal to report it to us. Likewise if you have information about wildlife crime please get in touch via 101.”
