A man will be questioned by Conservation Services after a bird was killed at the protected Spittal Pond wildlife sanctuary.

The bird, a mallard duck, died after being struck by a stone on January 11 at the Smith’s nature reserve.

The incident, including the person who threw the rock, was photographed by a member of the public.

Pictures of the individual and dead bird were posted online by the Bermuda Audubon Society, with a request for help identifying the man — and the organisation yesterday posted a message of thanks to those who helped, adding: “He has now been identified and Conservation Services will handle the matter from here.” The pictures were subsequently taken down from the organisation’s Facebook page, and the man in question is expected to speak with Conservation Services today.

A member of the group stressed that it was not yet known if the incident had been intentional or had occurred by accident. Spittal Pond, which is a protected wetland habitat, is a major stop-off point for migratory birds and waterfowl, and at least two dozen species are commonly seen there.

The area is popular with birdwatchers and walkers. Mallard ducks, a common sight at the nature reserve, are not a threatened species, but all plants and wildlife within the reserve are protected by law.