In 2019, the JSPCA worked alongside Ports of Jersey to build a safe and secure area for the rehabilitation of birds of prey.
In early September last year Ports of Jersey went down to the JSPCA to discuss the project and how they could assist.
Shortly after, the “wonky shed” – an old storage space that had become unsafe to use – was demolished. Ports of Jersey then laid down concrete and a new shed was built – insulated with suitable and cost-effective materials.
“The last piece of the puzzle was the electricity supply to the Raptor Unit. Having electricity was an important requirement for us as we needed to be able to plug in necessary equipment to assist the birds with their rehabilitation, along with providing our staff with lighting during the winter months,” the JSPCA explained.
Pictured: The home for birds in need of rehabilitation.
The Raptor Unit was finished on 22 January and welcomed its first resident on 24 January – a barn owl.
On arrival, the bird was very flat and cold, so was placed on a heat mat for 20 minutes.
“It is important to give injured wildlife time to warm up and settle after coming into us. These animals aren’t used to being handled, being placed in a box or in car,” the JSPCA team said.
Another success story was the kestrel that arrived on 25 June with a fractured left wing.
Pictured: A kestrel using the Raptor Unit.
Bandaged and prescribed pain relief, the bird started its rehabilitation in the Raptor Unit. The bandage was replaced every few days and gentle physio was provided to ensure the mobility of the wing wasn’t lost during this time. In just under three weeks, the kestrel was ready to move onto the final step in the rehabilitation programme, the aviary.
According to the JSPCA, the kestrel recovered fully and was released into the wild a week later.
They added: “The raptor Unit is the perfect place for a bird of prey like this kestrel to rehabilitate from an injury like a wing fracture. It keeps the bird contained, safe and secure in a quiet area away from other animals.”
Since the unit has opened, it has helped nearly 20 birds of prey in their recovery: six barn owls, six buzzards and seven kestrels.
Pictured top: The first bird to use the Raptor Unit – a barn owl.