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.
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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.
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.
Aw...At least she had warmth & food & refuge before she went...I'm sorry...
ReplyDeleteHave 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.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the chest injury was caused by hitting rocks. It's sad though.
Ah Joe, how sad! least you tried!!
ReplyDelete