Unusual shopper

The stormy weather has caused chaos all over Britain over recent months; even Stapeley Grange was hit a couple of weeks ago leaving us with no power for two days, which proved interesting in the hospital.  As well as the seals and otters that have been brought into Stapeley, the recent high winds has also resulted in a number of birds being blown off course that have left them in difficulties and that has meant they have had to come in.

One such casualty was a Razorbill found limping along Llandudno High Street; struggling and clearly out of place it was in need of our help.  An RSPCA Inspector collected the sea bird from its 'shopping trip' on the high street and transferred it into Stapeley so that it could be checked for any injuries which may be causing it's lameness.  The pain was probably sustained from crash landing in the high winds but on initial examination, the legs did not reveal any wound or obvious injury.

The Razorbill was placed on a course of painkillers and over the space few days has begun to shown some improvement. Although it currently still needs to be assist fed sprats the bird has also begun to put on weight which is very encouraging.  I can't wait to see this rarely seen seabird recover and return to its natural coastal cliff surroundings.

By Michelle Bite

East Coast Storm Seal appeal: To donate Text Seal02 £3 or £5 to 70070

Take a look at our seals: http://bit.ly/1kouicu

  

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery

Senseless shooting

Crows, along with other corvids and waterfowl, are often sadly admitted into the hospital as a result of senseless shootings.  Regrettably it can sometimes take time for such injuries to be noticed by members of the public before they are brought in; crows are very resilient and can survive on the ground for some time before they are noticed and picked up.

A crow was admitted this week with a dropped wing and was subsequently x-rayed by the veterinary team. The xray revealed an air gun pellet embedded in its neck!  It was very lucky to have survived and to have been spotted and picked up so quickly, thus enabling the team to act on this new evidence.

The pellet was removed and the bandage applied around the dropped wing in a figure of eight around the body which would offer more support.  This will be removed in a few days for a re-check to see if the wing positioning is correct.  The crow is currently on a course of painkillers and is eating well.

 

I will never be able to comprehend why someone would want to cause such harm and suffering to such a beautiful and intelligent bird.

By Michelle Bite

East Coast Storm Seal appeal: To donate Text Seal02 £3 or £5 to 70070

Take a look at our seals: http://bit.ly/1kouicu

  

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery