PRESS RELEASE

2001/06

 

December 27, 2001

 

GO GENTLY WITH OILED SEA BIRDS

 

There is almost nothing more distressing, when on a brisk beach walk on a winter’s day, than to come across oiled sea birds.

 

While major oil spills are, thankfully, still rare, the shores around Britain suffer from chronic low level oil pollution. When winter storms occur, patches of oil can appear where they are likely to catch out diving birds such as the razorbill, Atlantic puffin, the common guillemot and northern gannet.

 

The effects of oil are already well known – it affects the birds’ waterproofing, leading to hypothermia, drowning, emaciation and toxic effects following ingestion as they try to preen the offending substance from their feathers.

 

But while the immediate reaction may be to try to rush to the birds’ rescue, the Wildlife Information Network (WIN) says that people should be aware of what to do and how to do it.

 

“If only one or two oiled birds are seen, it may be possible for walkers to take action themselves. But if more than a few birds are affected, it is important that specialists in the RSPCA, SSPCA and the Environment Agency are alerted as this may be indicative of a larger-scale spill with serious environmental impact,” says WIN chief executive Suzanne Boardman. She also advises that, before taking their own action, untrained bird handlers should prepare themselves with towels and a strong cardboard, plastic or wooden box such as a cat transporter.

 

If on shore, the birds should be approached from the water side, to reduce the risk of them escaping back into the sea. The easiest way for two people to work is for one to distract the bird from the front while the other throws a towel over the bird, carefully grabbing it just behind the head to control the head and bill. Immediately after the head is held, wrap the body and wings in the towel and grasp the bird under one arm, always retaining control of the head. This method will also reduce the risk of coming into direct contact with the oil, which can be a severe skin irritant. Attempting to catch the birds while they are still on the water is likely to be extremely difficult and frustrating. Expert advice from personnel experienced in the handling of these species should be sought if members of the public are unsure of the appropriate action and if risk is involved.

 

“The natural reaction of a captured bird is to spear at the eyes of its captor,” warns Mrs Boardman, “so the use of eye protection is recommended when dealing with some species including gannets. Others, such as cormorants and puffins, can give a crushing and twisting bite with the bill. Sharp claws can also cause significant scratches to handlers. All these injuries can be severe and should be avoided.”

 

But WIN advises against taping the bill closed as a protection from personal injury or to prevent the bird preening and ingesting oil. “Some species have internal nostrils only, so taping the bill shut will prevent them breathing,” Mrs Boardman adds. “In addition, regurgitation of food or fluids may lead to choking if the bill is taped closed.”

 

Birds should be transported in a prepared well-ventilated carrier – never in a plastic bag --  with a soft, non-slip floor (layered newspapers, another towel or a rubber car mat). They must be taken to an expert centre as soon as possible, for rehydration and stabilisation before they can be cleaned, assessed, and prepared for release.

 

“Under no circumstances should rescuers attempt to clean the birds themselves by any means at all,” Mrs Boardman says. “Specialist knowledge and facilities are required to select the correct washing procedures and oiled bird care and the best-intentioned intervention of untrained amateurs can have a disastrous effect.”

 

Detailed information on the first aid and care of oiled sea birds and all other British mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibia is now available on the WILDPro CD-ROM – UK Wildlife First Aid and Care. For further information contact the Wildlife Information Network, www.wildlifeinformation.org.

 

 

ends

 

For further information, please contact Lindy Margach of Woodcote Communications, telephone 020 8660 4168.

 

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS

 

1.       The Wildlife Information Network was set up 10 years ago by Yorkshire-born Suzanne Boardman, then a veterinarian at London Zoo who was receiving requests for information and technical support from all corners of the globe. The information existed, but was fragmented and, in emerging countries, very difficult to obtain. WIN was inaugurated as a paper network of newsletters and collated information. It became a registered charity (No. 1048059) in 1995.