TYPICAL RESCUE MISSIONS
BABY GULLS FALLING FROM THE NEST
The vast majority of call-outs involve rescuing baby seagulls that have fallen from a roof. Being on the ground makes it very challenging for their parents to feed them and protect them. They are vulnerable and susceptible to in danger of being hurt by other predators and pets - not to mention traffic - and simply cannot fend for themselves. Our role is to remove them from such danger.
DEHYDRATION
During this year's very hot summer we were regularly being asked to rescue dehydrated baby gulls. With little food and no water to keep them functioning it was essential we got them back to our shelter to care for them There is no greater site than seeing them lapping up the water in our bird baths.
SEAGULLS IN NEED OF SOME TLC
It is common to find birds with less serious injuries received when falling from high. . We have nurtured dozens of seagulls with short-term and non life threatening injuries this summer - housing them overnight in our bespoke pens and providing a safe open space for them to wander during the day. They are very durable little characters and with plenty of TLC, food and water - and the company of other baby seagulls - they often make a fantastic recovery before flying off. This is perhaps the most rewarding part of what we do.
TRAPPED BIRDS
There is nothing worse than seeing a bird trapped in rooftop netting or caught up in fishing wire. During the last few months we have been called out to over a dozen situations where the seagull has been caught in a child's football net, a clothes line, fishing net and hooks or in netting installed on shop roofs. Very often the trauma and horrific injuries sustained when trying to free themselves has resulted in a desperately sad end but with the help of the local vets we have also been able to save many.
INJURED SEAGULLS
The worst part of this 'job' is having to attend call-outs for injured baby gulls and adult seagulls where the injuries sustained being too severe for remedial action unfortunately. These injuries are often the result of being hit by cars or attacks by another animal / bird. In such circumstances we endeavour to keep suffering to an absolute minimum.
A SPECIAL THANKYOU
to the local Fire Brigade who have been magnificent. Always arriving within 10 minutes and on each occasion they have treated the seagulls with the utmost respect.