The English Channel serves as a habitat for various seabirds, including migratory species.
Gannets, cormorants, guillemots, and razorbills are among the most frequently rescued seabirds. They often require care due to pollution, entanglement, or starvation.
While incidents of birds covered in oil are less common nowadays, they still occur. The types of oil found on these birds range from thick, sticky crude oil to thin engine and heating oils. It is more usual to find birds with patches of thick black oil, as lighter oils like heating oil tend to evaporate quickly. Birds have also been found coated in other greasy substances.
Increasingly, emaciated seabirds are found washed ashore. By the time these birds reach the beach, their condition is often critical. Such emaciation typically results from stormy weather, which hinders the birds’ ability to track and follow adequate fish stocks.
It’s surprising how quickly these birds can sprint; when scared, they dart back into the sea for safety. Capturing these birds is not recommended unless you have experience. Do not walk straight towards them to avoid them running back into the water. Try to keep dogs and other walkers at a distance.
Ensure WRAS is called as soon as possible for advice and rescue.
It is important that oiled casualties receive internal medication rather than external cleaning and washing so please do not take such a bird home and start washing them. Similarly any such birds with injuries or emaciation will need veterinary medication and support. None of these conditions can be solved purely by washing and feeding.
Seabirds generally benefit from being kept with others of their kind so please do not try to look after a sea bird yourself. Contact East Sussex WRAS or your local veterinary centre for help and advice.
It is important that seabirds are fully waterproof before release. Inappropriate feeding and bathing can create waterproofing issues.
Birds caught on piers, groynes, or buoys can be challenging to rescue. For safety reasons, please refrain from attempting a rescue on your own. It’s crucial to prevent the bird from being released with trailing netting or line, as this may result in the bird getting entangled again or disappearing, risking its survival. Contact WRAS for professional assistance.
If you come cross a seabird with hooks embedded in the skin in any position. Please avoid, where possible removing such hooks. Do not pull on any line going down their throats as this can cause internal injuries. Seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.
