Bird's death leads to warning of pollution event
Wildlife experts have warned of a possible pollution event in Alderney after a bird was poisoned by a toxic substance.
An islander found a razorbill stranded on Longis Beach covered with a clear and sticky substance and reported it to Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT).
Veterinary nurse Kelly Huitson of Alderney Animal Welfare Society said despite immediate treatment, the bird died "most likely due to toxic shock from ingesting the substance as he preened".
The veterinary report of fouling has prompted AWT staff and volunteers to monitor beaches for stranded wildlife and signs of pollution.
Warning: This story contains an image some readers may find upsetting
In 2013 a form of synthetic rubber called polyisobutylenes (PIBs) was discharged into the English Channel and led to the death of thousands of seabirds.
A spokesperson for the AWT said: "Whilst the substance fouling Roy the razorbill has not been identified, it is similar to PIB."
They asked the community to "remain vigilant in case the contaminant is part of a larger pollution event".
Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
Plastic 'risks 8,000 island gannet nests'
Alderney Puffin nests almost trebled since 2005
Seabird deaths 'worst' PIB spill
Call for bird pollutant review
Alderney Animal Welfare Society - Facebook
Alderney Wildlife Trust
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Bird's death leads to warning of pollution event
Wildlife experts have warned of a possible pollution event in Alderney after a bird was poisoned by a toxic substance. An islander found a razorbill stranded on Longis Beach covered with a clear and sticky substance and reported it to Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT). Veterinary nurse Kelly Huitson of Alderney Animal Welfare Society said despite immediate treatment, the bird died "most likely due to toxic shock from ingesting the substance as he preened". The veterinary report of fouling has prompted AWT staff and volunteers to monitor beaches for stranded wildlife and signs of pollution. Warning: This story contains an image some readers may find upsetting In 2013 a form of synthetic rubber called polyisobutylenes (PIBs) was discharged into the English Channel and led to the death of thousands of seabirds. A spokesperson for the AWT said: "Whilst the substance fouling Roy the razorbill has not been identified, it is similar to PIB." They asked the community to "remain vigilant in case the contaminant is part of a larger pollution event". Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Plastic 'risks 8,000 island gannet nests' Alderney Puffin nests almost trebled since 2005 Seabird deaths 'worst' PIB spill Call for bird pollutant review Alderney Animal Welfare Society - Facebook Alderney Wildlife Trust
Yahoo
29-12-2024
- Yahoo
Alderney Puffin nests almost trebled since 2005
The number of Puffin nests in Alderney has almost trebled since the island's wildlife trust starting monitoring the animals in 2005. Alderney Wildlife Trust said the latest Puffin Survey found 330 active nests on Burhou compared to the 120 initially recorded in the first study. The trust released the figures along with other data collected in its annual review. Trust CEO, Roland Gauvain said that while the number of puffin nests was good news, the animals were still vulnerable. The trust completed various surveys throughout 2024. These included recording 6180 moths,16 crab population assessments and 10 beach cleans and litter picks. "2024 has been a year of success as we navigate new ways of working which will have a positive impact on our island for years to come and enables us to deliver our goal of ensuring our Wildlife and Community are thriving, together," said Mr Gauvain. "Thanks go to our members, volunteers and staff for their ongoing support, which enables us to look to a future where we can bring nature closer to residents of all ages through community collaboration." Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Gannet colonies surveyed using drones and AI Scuba diving marine biologists visit Alderney Group warns climate change risks quality of life Alderney Wildlife Trust
Yahoo
10-12-2024
- Yahoo
Water voles return for the first time in 20 years
"Charismatic" water voles have returned to local waterways for the first time in 20 years. The reintroduction, led by the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP), in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society, has seen the mammals re-establish along the Severn Shoreline Levels and Moors, of North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Their population was devastated by non-native American mink, which were brought to the UK for their fur. Ecologist Eric Swithinbank, from the Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT), said the "charismatic" animals are "really important mini ecosystem engineers'. As part of the reintroduction, conservationists have been reviving critical intertidal habitats, wetlands, and peatlands. AWT has been monitoring the voles numbers and it said there is 'a lot of evidence' of the species' return. 'It's coming into winter now and they're likely resting… but there's good evidence with burrows and nibbled crops," Mr Swithinbank added. Reeds and rushes are staple food for the mammals, which they leave at 45° angle, he said. The project is part of the region's broader Severn Shoreline restoration programme and has been supported by a £370,000 grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA). They maintain riverbanks and their burrows are used by other species, including bumble bees for nesting sites, he added. The animals are also a vital food source for predators such as owls, so there are 'lots of reasons to look after them,' he said. Dan Norris, WECA's mayor, said: 'The re-introduction of water voles is a very tangible and accessible project and hopefully one that will open the door for everyone in the west of England to get behind the Local Nature Recovery Strategy." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Water voles brought back to the Lake District Water vole numbers success at national park Pringles tubes help water voles' comeback Avon Wildlife Trust West of England Nature Partnership
