RSPCA rescue of oily birds
The RSPCA says it has had to rescue seabirds which have been found covered in oil on the North East coastline.
The organisation says it started getting calls about birds covered in a black, oily substance on Sunday.
The birds – more than 20 in number now – have been found by members of the public at various locations from Amble, in Northumberland, to Redcar,on Teesside.
RSPCA inspector Jaqui Miller said: “We have been collecting seabirds from several different places up and down the coastline between Amble and Redcar since Sunday, after members of the public spotted them.
“Guillemots, puffins, razorbills and gulls have been affected.
“The first ones to come into us were of a good weight and alert but some of the ones coming in over the past day have been less so and very sadly a couple of them have not made it.
“If you come across a seabird you think is affected, please contact us on 0300 1234 999.
“We are a charity and have limited resources which means our closest officer may be a considerable distance away, but we’ll be there as fast as we can.”
Members of the public are advised not to risk injury by attempting to rescue the birds themselves.
The source of the oily substance has so far not been identified.
“We don’t know what it is, or where it’s coming from, but the birds are covered in it,” said Inspector Miller.
“We’re getting them to local vets, where they are being rehydrated and stabilised, then they are being taken to our closest specialist wildlife centre in Cheshire, RSPCA Stapeley Grange.
“The birds will be cleaned with fairy liquid, which will hopefullyremovetheoilfrom the seabird’s feathers which will mean they can remain waterproofedwhenfinallyreleased. Without waterproofingtheywilldieastheywillbe unable to keep warm.
“We are hoping they can be cleaned up and returned as quick as possible.”