WATCH: Urgent ‘app-eel’ for oily seabird

Friday 28 February 2020

An oil-slicked seabird with a penchant for sand eels is relying on islanders’ help so that he can be safely returned to the waves.

The Animals’ Shelter rescued the guillemot from St. Ouen’s Bay last week and they’re now calling upon their supporters’ help to fund a bulk order of sand eels to satisfy the recovering bird’s big appetite.

Following the recent bout of bad weather, the JSPCA say in a post on social media that they’re seeing a rise of sea birds needing their help as a result of oil getting churned up in the water.

This guillemot was rescued last Friday (21 February) and the Shelter noted that “he was exhausted and underweight due to being oiled".

Explaining why the oil affects birds like guillemots so much, the JSPCA said: “When seabirds have oil on their feathers it affects their ability to dive for food and as they preen themselves to remove the oil it results in them ingesting it and becoming ill.”

He is recovering well, with the Shelter reporting that “after being treated and following a specific protocol to wash off the oil, he brightened up immediately and started eating straight away which was good news for us".

Pictured: The guillemot is currently in the Animal Shelter's care.

Whilst he’s getting back to full health, the guillemot is apparently making his way through “an incredible amount” of eels and the Shelter need help to keep filling up his plate.

The JSPCA estimate that he’s going to need about 2000 sand eels before his feathers get waterproof again and he can be returned to the wild.

They’re asking for donations of either money or sand eels (fresh or frozen) to ensure the seabird’s plate is always full whilst in their care.