A GOLDEN eagle which was part of a project to boost numbers in the south of Scotland has been found dead.

The female bird, known as Sula or B50, was discovered on Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday (February 11).

There were “no obvious signs of injuries” and the eagle is being tested for avian flu.

Dr Cat Barlow said the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project was “really sad” to confirm the death.

READ MORE: Man who sparked 'large-scale firearms incident' in Borders jailed for 12 months

“The corpse had no obvious signs of injuries and is currently being tested for avian flu and other possible indicators, as is routine in such situations,” she said. “We will comment again further when her cause of death has been confirmed.”

Dr Barlow said anyone who spots a distressed, injured or dead bird should leave it alone and report it to the relevant authority.

The golden eagle project was praised last year for taking the local population of the iconic bird in the region to the highest number recorded since the early 19th century.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.20pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023, officers received a report that a golden eagle had been found dead in the Mennock area of Sanquhar.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."