Fisherman’s strangest catch miles from shore...a cockatiel
STRANGER things happen at sea, apparently.
But a fisherman was left stunned when a cockatiel landed on his boat ten miles off the windswept Ayrshire coast.
The fisherman said he was shocked when he was joined by the bird on his vessel off Troon. He gave it some food and water before heading back to shore.
He then took the cockatiel to the Scottish SPCA’s Ayrshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
Staff there named the bird Hei Hei after the rooster which stows away on Moana’s boat in the Disney film of the same name. The charity is appealing for informaway tion as it tries to trace the owner of the cockatiel, which is in good health after its adventure on September 18. Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Sheena MacTaggart said: ‘This was a very unusual rescue. I’ve never been contacted about a bird finding its so far out at sea. Thank goodness the boat was there so the bird found somewhere to rest.
‘He had no obvious injuries, and was given some water and food before being taken to our centre in Ayrshire.
‘We have named him Hei Hei after the bird in the film Moana who stows away on her boat. We thought it was very fitting.
‘Hei Hei does have leg rings but we have been unable to trace his owner.’
She added: ‘If anyone recognises Hei Hei, please contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.’
Cockatiels are among the most popular domestic pet birds in the UK. The birds originate in Australia and were discovered by settlers in the 18th century.
They are one of the smallest members of the cockatoo family, with an average size of around 12 to 14in (30 to 35cm) from head to tail.
Cockatiels can be taught to sing melodies and speak words and phrases.