First Oiled Bird Following Storm Austen Admitted to the GSPCA
The GSPCA has admitted its first oiled seabird following the recent severe weather brought by Storm Austen, with concerns that more casualties could be found around the island in the coming days.
The guillemot was rescued near the Cup and Saucer yesterday morning by GSPCA GSPCA Maintenance Manager and Animal Collection Officer Kevin Beausire and is currently receiving specialist care at the GSPCA.
Following periods of stormy weather, the charity is often called to assist seabirds affected by oil contamination. Rough sea conditions can stir up oil residues and pollutants from the seabed, bringing them to the surface where feeding and resting seabirds can become coated.
Once oil contaminates a bird's feathers, it destroys the waterproofing and insulating properties that are essential for survival. Affected birds can quickly become weak as they struggle to swim, dive and fly in search of food. Many birds also ingest oil when attempting to clean their feathers, leading to poisoning and further health complications.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"Sadly, after periods of severe weather we often start to receive reports of oiled seabirds around our coastline. This guillemot is the first we have admitted following Storm Austen, but experience tells us there may well be more birds affected over the coming days.
"Oil contamination can have devastating consequences for seabirds. Not only does it affect their ability to keep warm and find food, but the birds often ingest the oil while preening, which can cause serious illness and even death.
"We would ask islanders to keep an eye out for any seabirds that appear distressed, struggling to move, or have visible oil on their feathers. If you do spot an oiled bird, please contact the GSPCA immediately on 257261. Please do not attempt to catch the bird yourself, as this can sometimes frighten it back into the sea and make rescue much more difficult.
"Our team is prepared to respond and provide the specialist care these birds need. We are also extremely grateful to everyone who supports our work, which allows us to help wildlife 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
“Lesley as the bird is called will need weeks of care and we have all our fingers and toes crossed.”
“After a weekend of much damage at the GSPCA we continue with the repairs and we are so thankful to all that supported us over such a challenging time.”
The GSPCA's ongoing redevelopment through the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal includes a purpose-designed oiled bird treatment room within the new Wildlife Hospital. The dedicated facility will significantly improve the charity's ability to care for oiled wildlife and respond to environmental incidents affecting seabirds around Guernsey.
Anyone wishing to support the GSPCA's rescue and rehabilitation work can make a donation via Giving.gg:
https://giving.gg/charities/1/guernsey-society-for-the-prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-gspca
Supporters can also learn more about and contribute towards the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal and the new Wildlife Hospital at:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
Anyone who discovers an oiled bird or other wildlife casualty is asked to contact the GSPCA on 257261 as soon as possible. The charity is expecting that further weather-related wildlife rescues may occur in the days ahead and is encouraging the public to report any concerns promptly.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- World Animal Month October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog11/11 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat2/12 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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