A group of Perthshire estates have appealed for help in tracking down a golden eagle after its satellite tag stopped transmitting.
Farmers, gamekeepers, shepherds and local residents have joined forces to look for the bird in the Strathbraan area in addition to a search undertaken by police.
The eagle’s tag last transmitted on May 18. It was believed to have been roosting in the area around Loch Tay.
The estate where the last signal was recorded has cooperated fully with the police inquiry.
Tim Baynes, moorland director at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Local estates have been actively involved in efforts to find the golden eagle which had been roosting in the area and was seen in the vicinity around mid-May.
“We have been told that eagles were seen shortly after the last ping from the satellite tag was recorded and eagles were frequently seen thereafter, but it is not possible to establish if one of them is the tagged eagle while they are flying around.
“Farmers, gamekeepers, shepherds and local people have been looking out to see if they can find any trace of this bird.”
Raptors are a common sight in the area, particularly buzzards, but also hen harriers and golden eagles.
Mr Baynes added: “It is important to all of us that we establish what has happened to this young bird.
“We realise that when a tag stops transmitting there will be speculation as to whether it has died or has been killed.
“However, as searches have found nothing and eagles were recorded flying in the area shortly after the tag stopped transmitting and thereafter, this bird could well be still flying around with a malfunctioning tag.
“What we know at this stage is a tag stopped working and we are appealing for anyone who may have any information to contact Police Scotland.”
If you have any information, call 101.
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