Investigation launched after rare hen harrier bird shot in Kerry

An investigation has been launched into the shooting of one of the country's rarest birds of prey in Co Kerry.

The hen harrier is a protected species under the Wildlife Act and it is an offence to kill them.

The bird that was shot dead was called Heather - she had been satellite-tagged as part of a tracking project.

Her movements were followed online by thousands of people worldwide over the last three years.

Dr Barry O'Donoghue from the National Parks and Wildlife Service is liaising with gardaí to try and find the culprit.

"Whoever has done this is an absolute minority," he said.

"The majority of people out there in the local rural areas are actually in favour of these birds.

"I'm from a farming background myself and I know in the local area that the people are very much looking after the hen harrier and they want to maintain the habitats for the birds.

"Hopefully we might get some information arising out of this to determine who is behind it."