Monday, 19 September 2011

Little Auk Dies - Puffin in fact !

UPDATE : I have just heard from the RSPB that the bird was in fact a young Puffin although the beak and colouring have not yet developed ! This might explain the chest injury if it fell /dived onto rocks - very sad anyway.

Sadly the little Auk found at the carse yesterday died at Midnight. It had an injury to the chest which I only discovered on inspection after it had died. Beneath the feathers was a wet patch which I thought was because it was always laying down on it's chest, there was a small tear in the skin and small hole, maybe caused by another bird or maybe an airgun - who knows. I had phoned my friend and Avian adviser Sue earlier for her advice. She consulted a seabird expert who recommended feeding the bird with sprats until strong enough for release. Sadly all in vain now.







3 comments:

  1. Aw...At least she had warmth & food & refuge before she went...I'm sorry...

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  2. Have just heard from the RSPB that the bird was in fact a young Puffin, although the colouring of the beak and face aren't what they should be.

    Perhaps the chest injury was caused by hitting rocks. It's sad though.

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  3. Ah Joe, how sad! least you tried!!

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