Sadly we are seeing a lot of dead birds washing in along the East Lothian coast. Investigations are ongoing as to the cause.
Rangers and Seasonal Rangers are fully trained in the safe uplift and disposal of carcasses, but the numbers and geographical spread, combined with the time consuming practicalities of safe uplift, mean that effort is concentrated on the busiest beaches.
When out and about you can do your bit to help:
- do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds
- do not feed wild waterfowl
- do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
- if you find a live but ailing bird, call the SSPCA 03000 999 999
If you find:
- 1 or more dead bird of prey, gull, swan, goose or duck in the same place
- 5 or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same place
You should report them online: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds as well as to ourselves: ranger@eastlothian.gov.uk.