Monday, December 31, 2007

Black Throat Disaster



Also today some very shocking news!! I found the 1st winter Black Throated Diver injured on the side of the road next to the harbour slipway with a fractured skull, broken right wing and a fish hook attached to its breast with fishing tackle leading from the hook up to a tangled mess around its bill, but the bird was still alive. Apparently it was seen flying in to a lamp post head first and then falling on to the road by a passer by, I managed to put the bird in to a cardboard box whilst I called the local wildlife rescue officer - Jim Ward to come and take a look at it.

Whilst waiting for Jim the RSPCA turned up (called by the passer by) to which I passed on the bird. Once Jim arrived he took a look at the Diver but it was just a case of putting the poor bird down, the RSPCA took the bird away for a second opinion at there local HQ and that was the last I saw of this magnificent species. The Diver had been in the harbour since early November giving great views and good photographic opportunities (check out my posts of this bird).

5 comments:

East Ayton Birding said...

The Snow Bunting flock showed well when I was there Steve, but the light was, yet again, really poor - didn't see any Lapland Buntings mixed in.

Shame about the diver - first one in years to winter in the harbour, and it dies because someone has possibly discarded (or had snagged) a fishing line.

darrell j prest said...

such a shame about the diver,but well done for trying to save it(and the passerby)

all the best for the new year

darrell

Steve Race said...

Thanks for the comments guys, all the best for the New Year, it all starts again tomorrow, hope 2008 brings plenty of MEGA's our way.

Steve

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Very sorry to here of the sad demise of the Black Throated Diver, it did not have a very nice end.

I did not get to see it, even though it was present quite some time. Christmas shopping and dark weather has a lot to answer for!

Even yesterday driving past the harbour having been to see the Desert Wheatear I was tempted but it was too dark and too late.

Enjoyed your pictures of the bird.

Went to Top Hill Low on Sunday and there is still a flock of thousands of Lapwings behind the reserve plus 40+ Curlews.

Mike Randall

Steve Race said...

A shame you did not get to see the Black Throated Diver Mike, yes, it was a sad way to go for this bird.

My last visit to Top Hill Low I noticed a large number of Lapwings, a great sight to see. I like your shots of the Desert Wheatear, its amazing how long that bird has stuck around.

Steve