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Storm Clodagh wreaks havoc on
wildlife
02.12.15
BIRD and wildlife
sanctuaries are reporting a high number of
casualties following storms and flooding across
Ireland at the weekend.
Swans, falcons, seagulls and wood pigeons were among
the birds and fowl brought down by storm Clodagh
which wreaked havoc across the country.
Seal pups separated from their parents in strong
seas have also been reported among the injured.
"We have had many calls for advice from all over the
country from Dublin to Cork, Connemara to Roscommon
for our winged wildlife, injured by the stormy
conditions," said Mary Joyce-Glynn of Galway and
Claddagh Swan Rescue.
"Many gulls have been injured as result of the
strong gusts particularly the black headed gulls as
they are small and light." |
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A grey seal pup washed up after Storm
Clodagh. |
Ms Joyce-Glynn said the
affected wildlife have suffered a variety of
injuries including severe shock, fractured limbs and
wings after being blown off course into traffic and
other objects.
A swan was also blown into a man’s back garden in
Mountbellew, Co Galway, but was luckily uninjured
and was later set free by the homeowner in a nearby
lake.
Meanwhile, Ms Joyce-Glynn said a seal pup was washed
up yesterday (Tues) at Salthill and is now in the
care of Seal Rescue Ireland.
"The winds are still quite strong here in Galway so
we would expect more casualties in the days ahead,"
she added.
Another rescue centre fears this winter could be
particularly harsh for Irish wildlife.
Animal Magic Wildlife is currently treating a number
of storm casualties at its Co Limerick sanctuary
including black-headed gulls, a kestrel and wood
pigeon.
"With the strong winds and incessant rain we are
having, we are going to have a busy winter this
year.
"(We) had a call out (Saturday) night from Kilrush
in County Clare - an adult male kestrel with a
broken wing.
"It is very worrying that the adults who are well
experienced are struggling. It makes us wonder how
this year's youngsters are going to cope," the
sanctuary told its Facebook followers. |
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