News (2010)

The number of oiled seabirds admitted for treatment during the year has been much less than in previous years.  Hopefully this is due to a reduction in the amount of oil spilt at sea.

There were a number of young birds in need of help during the summer, amongst these were two young auks - a razorbill and a young guillemot, both of these birds were in need of assistance within a couple of months of fledging and at at time when they would normally have still been with a parent.    The razorbill had been found on a busy main road outside of a Tesco store in Teignmouth, S.Devon.     It had been observed by a passerby who realised it was in danger and rescued it.    This little bird was named Gordon by its rescuer - so named as it was taken home in a Gordon's gin box which had been provided by the Tesco Store. The young guillemot was found totally exhausted on the main beach in Teignmouth.  They were company for one another during their 3 weeks of recuperation and released together.

Another couple which we named (affectionately) the 'odd couple' were an abandoned shell duckling and a mallard duckling.   The shell duck arrived first, having been found wandering alone on a local beach, and the mallard had been handed in to another rescue centre after it too had been found on its own.    They were from late broods and were life savers for one another as lone ducklings will usually die, or just as bad, become imprinted on their human helpers, these two were inseparable during their time in care.   They were released together and at various times during the first day of their release they were observed, still together, foraging along with various other water birds, and getting used to their life in the wild.   No doubt over a period of time they would find their own kind.

Photo  - John Morton

Our stand at the Exe Estuary 'Exe-travaganza' was held at Dawlish Warren, under the direction of the Exe Estuary Partnership, of which this Trust is a member.    It was a windy day and there were times when we had to hold tight to the ropes holding the awning in place, however, the sun shone brightly and we were visited by a good number of people, many of whom knew of our work, but others who did not took away leaflets, and also offered help in time of emergency.  

We are pleased to report that a new intensive care facility has been added during the year.   The new building will increase our capacity and, because of its construction, provide greater comfort for inmates and helpers.  

2010 was a relatively quiet year as far as oiled seabirds were concerned, however we remain constantly on alert to help victims of oil pollution as that is our prime function.