2010 has started very badly for our wildlife out there. There were long periods of heavy wind and torrential rain during the latter part of the year and then we were hit with the big freeze, the worst winter I every remember. A huge number of garden birds were unable to feed as the ground was frozen, there was nothing to drink, the Raptors were probably surviving on carrion to a degree, hopefully now, we are moving towards better weather in time for the breeding season.
We were out at Loch Gur, watching everyone have a great time, skating on the frozen pond and our first thoughts were, how are the ducks and swans and all the other residents coping. we threw out some food for the birds and were delighted when a couple of swans skated over and started to feed. We should all try and help our native wildlife to come through this extreme weather by regular feeding and watering.
Since that time in January, we have had numerous calualties in to mind, many of them were literally just starving to death, being picked up because they were too weak to fly, or walk. A few weeks of tlc, good food and shelter and many of them will be returned to the wild in the warmer weather.
We are currently caring for two Mute Swans, found within a week of each other, whom we have called Fionnuala and Con, after the Children of Lir. Fionnuala has suffered a form of Frost Bite, to one of her wings and will probably loose part of the wing, she also had frostbite on one of her toes and has lost part of the webbing. Con was very underweight and weak and couldnt even hold up his head, it will take a couple of months just to get his weight back to normal and build up his condition. It looks as though they may pair up as they are beginning to get very attached to one another, we will eventually try and release them together to a safe site, I will put up some pictures of them, as soon as I sort out my camera, I am the worlds worst photographer.
Our Barn Owls, Heidi and Oliver, who used to visit Schools with our Road Show are thinking about starting another family, Oliver is feeding her and becoming very protective. We will let you know as soon as they hatch
Johny, and Lucy, two of the injured Foxes, who we took in last year were successfully released after a long period of recovery. It is always an amazing feeling when they go back home, but always tinged with sadness. We hope that they will be ok and often think about them.
