'Refined mineral oils' blamed for bird contamination - If you see any around the Bailiwick please let the GSPCA know
Submitted by GSPCA on 13:53, 4th Feb, 2013 |
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On Thursday of last week the start of what has turned out to be over a hundred sea birds being affected by what is blamed to be refined mineral oils.
From Cornwall to Sussex much of the English South Coast has been affected and the GSPCA are asking walkers and those using the coast line to be vigilant in case any birds or wildlife are in need of help.
Many organisations have been involved from the Environment Agency to the RSPCA in the UK. In fact the RSPCA have already rescued over 100 birds which have been taken to their Wildlife Hospital West Hatch in Somerset.
With a wide variety of sea birds wintering along the English Channel and many Guillemots already found deceased or heavily contaminated if you see any birds affected in the Bailiwick please do let us know at the GSPCA on 01481 257261 as soon as possible.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'We haven't had any reports as yet but it is likely to be a few days from the first incident in the UK before we see any in our waters, but there is a good possibility and we want to be ready for if and when this happens.'
'We rehabilitate many birds every year affected by oils and other substances such as Adele the Grebe to Olive the Kestrel who were two of the success stories last year.'
'If anyone sees any sick or injured animals or birds we are on call 24 hours 7 days a week but we want those out on the coast to please be extra vigilant over the next week or so and to take care if you are walking a dog along the tide line.'
The GSPCA have worked closely with the RSPCA on such occasions in the past such as the Sea Empress disaster in 1996 when 100 Common Scoters were flown over to Guernsey from West Hatch to help lighten their work load with the 1000's of birds they had in their care.
If you find you kind a bird affected then here is a little advice -
Do not risk your safety by looking for or picking up birds from dangerous locations. Be aware of the tides and weather conditions.
If you do find an oiled bird and it is safe to pick it up, ensure that you are wearing gloves because the oil could be hazardous to your health. The birds may also try to peck you, so keep them away from your face.
Collected birds should be placed on their own in cardboard boxes with newspaper or a towel. DO NOT use hay or straw. The boxes should have ventilation holes.
Please do not attempt to wash or feed the bird yourself - leave that to the Shelter staff and volunteers who have the correct training and facilities.
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To see the story of Jethou Bumblebee the grey seal pup please check out this short video from start to finish on how staff rescued him with a lot of help.
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