Another oiled bird at the GSPCA - What to do if you see any bird affected by oil
Submitted by GSPCA on 20:12, 16th May, 2013 |
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Today the GSPCA received another oiled bird. This time a Gull was rescued from Chouet and brought into the Animal Shelter.
Although it is not thought to be the PIB (polyisobutene) that has killed thousands of see birds along the south coast of England the GSPCA are on high alert in case of any outbreak.
You may remember only a number of weeks ago an oiled bird was found dead in Alderney due to PIB. Here is some simple advice on what to do if you find sea life affected by this or any oiled substance -
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.
The GSPCA receives dozens of birds every year due to a variety of oiled substances but this simple advice can help save those birds in need.
The Gull that has arrived this evening has been fondly named as Shade due to her very dark colour.
Shade will now under go a series of treatments to get her back to health but its a long journey.
Many species of Gulls are now endangered due to falling numbers. We are very lucky in Guernsey to have a local enthusiast who tracks many of the Gulls both born locally and also released from the Shelter and to see the Guernsey Gull Blog Spotplease click here.
Yvonne Chauvel Senior Animal Care Assistant said 'To save an oiled bird is never easy as they arrive very stressed and you never know how long they have been affected for and how much oil they have ingested.'
'Shade is safe and warm now but if anyone comes across any oiled bird we have some simple advice on our website and we can give over the phone just call 01481 257261.'
To see the story of Gillette an oiled Razorbill who is doing very well at the GSPCA and will soon be ready to release please click here.
Also here is the story of the GSPCA and other NGO's calling for a ban on the substance being allowed to be released into the see - please click here for details
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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.
There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.
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The following are events planned for 2013
Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale. Please click here for more details
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