On the first day of November the GSPCA received a very unusual rescue bird who had been found in the road in the south west of Guernsey.
An injured young short-eared owl was found in the road and brought into the care of the GSPCA.
Thankfully the bird had only minor injuries and after a few days of cage rest and a check over from the vet she was rung for identification purposes and released today.
Short-eared owls can only be found in certain parts of the UK and there are sightings of a few birds here in Guernsey.
Yvonne Chauvel Senior Animal Care Assistant said "When the young owl arrived we had to look closely to identify her and it was wonderful to learn we were helping a short-eared owl as they are on the amber list and you don't see many here in Guernsey."
"We called her Hedwig and after a few days rest and a check by the vet she was passed as fit and ready to get back where she belongs."
"We have helped hand rear a kestrel, a barn owl and many other birds this year but this is the first time we've seen a young female short-eared owl at the GSPCA."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “We are so lucky to have a team at the GSPCA that can care for and rescue amazing birds like this amazing short-eared owl.”
“With over 3000 animals and birds 'Hedwig' is one of many that we help at the GSPCA every year.”
"We are always appealing for those wanting to support our work and your donation can make a real difference to birds like Hedwig and the many others that we help."
For advice on what to do if you find injured wildlife please call 01481 257261 or please click here.
Short-eared owl facts -
Short-eared owls are medium sized owls with mottled brown bodies, pale under-wings and yellow eyes. They are commonly seen hunting during the day.
In winter, there is an influx of continental birds into the UK (from Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland) to northern, eastern, and parts of central southern England, especially around the coast. They are of European conservation concern and so are an Amber List species.
Their Latin name is Asio flammeus and they are from the family Owls (Strigidae).
In the UK they breed primarily in Northern England and Scotland, but are seen more widely in winter. In the UK short-eared owls are best looked for in winter on coastal marshes and wetlands. However, birdwatchers must be careful to avoid disturbance at communal roost sites.
They eat small mammals, especially voles. and their population is estimated to be in the UK breeding between 620 and 2,180 pairs and in the UK wintering between 5,000 and 50,000 birds.
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If you would like to fund raise or help the GSPCA please contact the GSPCA on 01481 257261 or email [email protected]
Help us to continue to keep them safe!
Thankfully the incidents of animals being injured by fireworks & bonfires in Guernsey are few and far between; but we mustn’t get too complacent. Below are some basic guidelines that will enable you to help all of our furry and feathered friends to stay calm and safe on and around Bonfire night.
To notify us of your event please email the team at the GSPCA and we can add your firework display to our calendar. Please let us know the location, date and times it is planned for and also if it is public or a private event.
To help please cut and paste the following and input the details -
Location of event:Date of firework event:Time planned to start:Time planned to end:Is the event public or private:Any other helpful details:
Thank you for helping us help pet owners in Guernsey.
GSPCA Firework Advice
Fireworks are exciting and pretty to look at and it is fun to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang, but for our furry and feathered friends this time of year can be a nightmare. Many animals domestic and wild suffer needlessly every year.
The GSPCA would like to urge everyone follow our animal friendly firework code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.
Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
Walk your dog during the day.
As soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
Go to an organised display if you can. If you are having a private firework display then build you bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns.
Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building.
Don’t take your dog to a firework display. If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you try an Appeasing Pheromone such as ADAPTIL or Feliway diffusers or may discuss the use of sedatives; depending on your pet’s needs.
Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.
Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.
Note: ADAPTIL and Feliway products are on sale at the Shelter and have proven to be very effective in calming anxious pets. You should purchase the product as soon as you can for maximum effectiveness on and around Fireworks night. The GSPCA is keen to help owners reduce their pet’s anxieties and now offers these products for almost 50% less than other outlets.
Here is some additional information and videos to help you through the next few weeks with your dog and cat:
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
Sell out tours at the GSPCA and plans for 2016http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/sell-out-tours-gspca-and-plans-2016
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By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
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