POLICE are investigating after a buzzard was left with a broken wing after being shot. 

A member of the public found the injured bird in a field between Copford Green and Hardy Green. 

It was taken to Colchester Owl Rescue, a charity which aids in the recover of birds of prey.

But when vets examined the bird they found it had been shot with pellets normally used for hunting larger birds.

Katrina Myers, of the Colchester Owl Rescue, said: “We have seen some horrible injuries over the years, I am really shocked, but this doesn’t surprise me.

Gazette: It was only on closer inspection that Katrina realised the bird had been shot with what appeared to be a shot used for larger birds of prey It was only on closer inspection that Katrina realised the bird had been shot with what appeared to be a shot used for larger birds of prey (Image: Colchester Owl Rescue)

"This is the second time we have had a buzzard that has been shot, with the other case happening a few years ago.

“After the X-rays I needed to find out what happened to the bird. I have a friend who is knowledgeable on arms, I asked him to have a look.

“The pellets were not a normal shot, they are of a larger shot used for bigger animals. We are currently unsure if it is accidental or on purpose.

Gazette: The bird is showing some signs of improvement however, it is still not eatingThe bird is showing some signs of improvement however, it is still not eating (Image: Colchester Owl Rescue)

“My friend did not think it was from a pheasant shot, it seemed different, they were larger.”

Katrina has been running the Colchester Owl Rescue charity for 23 years, and has a wealth of experience.

She said it may be a long journey for the bird to recover. 

 “The bird is still injured, it’s still not feeding," she said. "Normally they are quick to feed during their recovery. It is too early to tell if there are other issues.

“We are currently not sure if the shot caused the broken wing or if it was done by road accident.”

Speaking on her practice, Katrina said: “Nobody knows I’m here until they need me.

“It’s lovely to see the birds recover and go back out, our main aim is to see them go out into the wild.

“We come across all different types of birds come into our care, you can see horrendous injuries and you think there’s no way they will recover, but nature surprises you.”

Essex Police is aware and monitoring the situation, the bird remains in Katrina’s care.