The RSPCA is not ruling out foul play after the discovery of the decapitated body of a swan at Lincoln Lake, off Croft Lane, Standlake.
Concrete blocks and metal had also been thrown on to the swan's nest, just two feet away.
RSPCA officer Dennis Lovell said today: "If this swan was killed by somebody, we need to hear from witnesses as she would have suffered considerable pain.
"However, if she was killed by an animal, we still need to find out who is responsible for damaging the nest."
Destroying a wild bird's nest can incur a prison sentence and fine up to £5,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
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