On the 20th April the Shelter had a call to collect a Gull near the Chouet Lanfill site. ACO Geoff George attended to find the bird covered in some sort of pink building filler. The poor bird had it all over its body and feathers. She was in a field near the site with her wing stuck to her body and unable to fly. Geoff managed to catch her and she was brought to the Shelter for some immediate first aid.
On arriving at the Shelter ACO Geoff George and Senior Care Assistant Yvonne Chauvel got to work cleaning the cement like material from the bird. After trying to use a number of implements they found that the best tool was a flea comb which they used methodically to clean each of the birds feathers.
Due to all of the extra attachments to her feathers the staff at the Shelter fondly named the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) Lady Ga-Ga.
Lady Ga-Ga had a ring on her leg and we reported this to Paul Veron who monitor Gull movements and he was able to tell her a little of her story.
20/5/11 She was rung at Chouet Landfill
7/6/11 Sighting at Chouet Landfill Beach
10/6/11 Sighting at Chouet Landfill Beach
9/11/11 Sighting in Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, Portugal
15/3/12 Sighting at Chouet Landfill Beach
17/3/12 Sighting at Chouet Landfill Beach
23/3/12 Sighting at Chouet Landfill Beach
14/4/12 Sighting at Chouet Beach
16/4/12 Sighting at Chouet Beach
20/4/12 Rescued and taking in to the Shelter
26/4/12 After a week of TLC and rehabilitation in our pools to ensure her feathers were waterproof the bird was released back to the wild.
It is lovely to know the adventures of the wildlife released back to their natural habitat and to know that Lady Ga-Ga spent some of the winter in Portugal is both interesting and wonderful to understand how far these birds travel from our shores.
The Shelter is very grateful to Paul for keeping records on these birds as it is invaluable and if you wish to see his website please go to http://guernseygulls.blogspot.com/
If you spot a Gull with a ring please email the details to Paul [email protected]
Geoff George said ‘It makes the job all worth while when we are able to rescue and release an animal back into the wild.’ ‘It’s fantastic to see that there are people monitoring these birds as they are on the endangered list.’ ‘We are looking forward hearing about her adventures and we are all trying to guess where she may head after her trauma.’
The Shelter relies on your support as we receive no State aid and every penny counts. Thank you for your support.
To make a donation please click here
Do you support the GSPCA? Well why not share it buy displaying one of our car stickers now on sale. For only £1 you can show your support and spread the word. It will also mean that in an emergency you will have our number at hand to call as it is printed on the stickers. Without your support, donations and legacies we couldn't care for the thousands of animals that come through the Shelter every year. Please support and show that you care buy displaying one of our car stickers. On sale at the reception desk at the Shelter or call 01481 257261 to buy one over the phone (postage costs apply). If you donate on our fundraising page a minimum of £2 and place in the reference box your address and that you would like a car sticker we will post one out to you.
If you shop in Waitrose Rohais store during April please support the GSPCA with your green tokens as we are one of the nominated charities.
Fancy raising some funds for the Shelter? On the 29th April there is a sponsored walk being held, for more details -
Summer Fayre and Dog Show – Saturday 7th July 2012 - for more details
If you would like to donate online to help cats like Deacon you can do so by going to our fundraising page -
If you would like to become a member or donate monthly please -
To find out how to knit a mouse for a homeless cat -
Telephone - 01481 257261
To make a donation please click here
Thank you.
Post new comment