A pretty little thing it is quite small and delicate and currently sporting its winter plumage (which will change to a mottled orange and brown in the summer). It arrived with small bloody wounds situated near both its 'shoulder' areas- this can sometimes be indicative of it having flown into something.
With some cage rest and a ready supply of mealworms to eat, the Turnstone was soon looking brighter. A short course of medication to ward off any infection caused by its injuries, and a wash to remove dried blood from its wings, soon saw the wader in optimum health.
Washing smaller birds can sometimes be trickier, I think, than washing large Swans and Geese. It is a much fiddlier process and requires a balance between being thorough, but with a gentle touch!
His feathers are now looking fab and he is ready for release!
By Lynsey Cale
Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery
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