Gary The Goose

Had a visit from the Police whilst Feeding the river birds the other day. I was informed about an injured Pink Footed Goose which has been seen in the Harbour for about a week or more.

Was asked to check it out and see what could be done, perhaps with the involvement of the Scottish SPCA.
I made a visit to the harbour and sure enough there was Gary the goose (Policeman called him that ). He was very wary and headed for the water when approached. I took a few photos of him and looked for signs of injury, He appears to have a damaged left wing with some missing flight feathers, otherwise OK. 

Most likely shot and injured by one of the coastal cowboy wildfowlers. 

After contacting the SSPCA, they realised that catching him would be very difficult as he can run and swim well, and also able to hide under the pontoons.

The Trust has taken on the task of caring for him by providing grain feed, as the harbour has little or no food to sustain him in the long term. If he has no broken wing bones and only needs to regrow some new flight feathers, then it is possible he will make a full recovery - given time. 

The Trust and SSPCA will be keeping a close watch on his welfare, and would ask people to give him a wide berth and avoid throwing bread to him,  this would only scare him and attract crows and gulls,  he would not eat bread in any case. He is very much a wild goose and rightly wary of people.

Trust The Trust

This month marks the 6th year since the founding of The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust. During this time the Trust has acquired 182 members, many from the Town and throughout the Country, even some from abroad. While many take our river water birds for granted, the Trust has diligently fostered their welfare and wellbeing every single day. Over £18,000 has been raised and spent on their care during this time. Sadly, no financial help has ever been offered by the local River Community Council or Highland Council towards the birds, or Trusts endeavours. 

The Trust has put Nairn wildlife on the Map as a local tourist attraction.

Annual Membership costs £20 for a family and can be assured that every penny goes to the welfare of the birds. All trustees are voluntary unpaid positions. Trust constitution extract below.

The purpose /objects: of the Trust shall be the Advancement, of welfare, health and protection of the River Nairn Swans, waterfowl and waterbirds within the Tidal reaches of the River Nairn. This includes their nesting Island site, associated riverbanks, environment and habitat, for the good of the community and future generations in perpetuity. The trust shall be non political.

Trust The Trust.