Sick or exsausted Shag on beach

AndyB Dorset · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 09:13 PM

Went for a walk with a friend and their dog along Studland Beach near Poole in Dorset today. He found what we thought was an ill cormorant, but after taking it to Durlston Country Park and talking to a ranger we found out that it was a young shag. We took it to a local animal rescue centre that they knew of and they are hoping to be able to save and release it.
The shag seemed to be ok on the outside, had no obviose injuries or oiling and pecked at the dog when he first nosed it. I'm going to give it a day or two and then contact the rescue centre to see if he survives or not.
Will post news when I have some.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 11:40 PM

Morning Andy,

Sorry to hear about the poor Shag, but nice to hear you took it to a Centre. Recently we had a post on here about another bird that was seemingly unwell on a beach. As far as I can remember it was possibly decided concussion bought about by a bad landing was a possibility... but I really can't remember anything for certain about that post - just a very vague recollection!

Good luck, I hope it's good news

Take care,

Jason

AndyB Dorset · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 07:26 PM

Just a quick post to say that I heard back from the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre this afternoon and unfortunately the poor shag didn't survive. But at least he didn't suffer on the beach and passed away warm and dry.
AndyB

Jason Green · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 07:40 PM

I am sorry Andy - poor shag. Again, well done for helping the bird. Did they give any information about his illness or injury?

RIP shag

Merrow · #5 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 02:25 PM

Oh that's sad, but at least you gave him/her a chance.

AndyB Dorset · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2009, 09:29 PM

Hi all,
The email I got was short and to the point.

"Hello Andy

Unfortunately the shag you brought in yesterday didn't survive. Apparently it had a problem holding its head up and succumbed overnight.

Regards
Margaret Green Animal Rescue"

As I said before he seemed ok on the outside and pecked at the dog when he first nosed him. Also when carrying him, his feet warmed up and you could feel the blood pulsing through them. I guess he was starving as in the nearly 2 miles we carried him along the beach and then about 40 minuets in the car he made no mess at all. This may be normal for a shag, but a pigeon squab I rescued reared used to squirt all the time. The pigeon feathered up and flew around in the garden and then disappeared after a few weeks of being released. A happier story there at least.