The authorities found five protected birds dead near a lake, ...

The authorities found five protected birds dead near a lake, and traces found indicate that they had been shot.  A hunting cartridge was found nearby. A veterinary examination showed that one of the protected birds had been hit by pellets, suffering severe head and wing injuries. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation.   The police determined that, on the day the incident, four people were in the area. Three weapons were seized for ballistic examination, but the individuals involved have not yet been identified.