Poisoned Gull

Ichabod Crane

I was walking my dog in the Curragh this afternoon and found this dead gull.
The first picture shows the bird as it was found.I took several other photos in the hope that someone may be able to identify the species.It was in perfect condition - it had not been predated nor had it been shot - so I'm assuming it's a classic case of poisoning,but I'm not sure?It looks for all intents and purposes as if it's just dropped from the sky!The sheep farmers here in the Curragh bait meat and bones with poison around lambing time each year to rid the area of foxes.

Ulmus

Kittiwake. Blown in by storms, may not be poisoned.

OpenYourEyes

More importantly, if you know of someone/somewhere using poisoned meat or bones, report it to the NPWS and the Gardai - and I'd try and email someone 'higher up' in the NPWS too. It's very illegal and very dangerous.

Ichabod Crane

Ulmus wrote: »

Kittiwake. Blown in by storms, may not be poisoned.

Identifying Gull species would not be a strong point of mine to be honest.
I did have a look at an image of a Kittiwake,but it had yellow-coloured legs so I discounted that.As you can see this bird has black claws and legs - does this mean it's a young Kittiwake?

Ulmus

Common Gull has yellow legs. Kittiwake's are black. I'm not an expert either.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/families/gulls.aspx

Ichabod Crane

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

More importantly, if you know of someone/somewhere using poisoned meat or bones, report it to the NPWS and the Gardai - and I'd try and email someone 'higher up' in the NPWS too. It's very illegal and very dangerous.

This has been an ongoing problem in the Curragh for years now.Several dogs were poisoned last year - I was speaking to a chap only this Saturday,who lost one of his beloved German Shepherds to such poisoning late last year.It's been reported many times to the 'authorities',but it seems it's falling on deaf ears!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

If you have direct evidence rather than anecdotal evidence NPWS will certainly act on it.

Capercaille

It's an adult winter Kittiwake. Kittiwake are a strictly pelagic species. If it is inland it would starve and die.

Ichabod Crane

Zane Muscular Tv wrote: »

If you have direct evidence rather than anecdotal evidence NPWS will certainly act on it.

I will contact the NPWS tomorrow.Do you think it would be necessary to retrieve the bird in case they wish to test it for suspected poisoning?

Capercaille wrote: »

It's an adult winter Kittiwake. Kittiwake are a strictly pelagic species. If it is inland it would starve and die.

I've no reason to doubt what you say but the bird looked in pretty good shape(it didn't look emaciated).

Capercaille

Ichabod Crane wrote: »

I will contact the NPWS tomorrow.Do you think it would be necessary to retrieve the bird in case they wish to test it for suspected poisoning?



I've no reason to doubt what you say but the bird looked in pretty good shape(it didn't look emaciated).

An easy way to tell if bird was emaciated would be to feel the keel (breastbone). If the bird was emaciated the keel would be very prominent.

If the NPWS were to test for poisoning they would need the bird. They would need at least the stomach contents of the bird.

Ichabod Crane

I contacted NPWS headquarters this morning and have left a message with the Ornithologist who is presently at a conference.I've also emailed the local NPWS Conservation Officer and hopefully we'll get a response soon.

I retrieved the bird this morning and examined it as Capercaille had suggested and yes,the keel did appear to be somewhat prominent,so it could be that the bird did indeed perish from starvation.It's now in my freezer and if 'her indoors' finds it I'm going to be shot!

dodderangler

Ichabod Crane wrote: »

I contacted NPWS headquarters this morning and have left a message with the Ornithologist who is presently at a conference.I've also emailed the local NPWS Conservation Officer and hopefully we'll get a response soon.

I retrieved the bird this morning and examined it as Capercaille had suggested and yes,the keel did appear to be somewhat prominent,so it could be that the bird did indeed perish from starvation.It's now in my freezer and if 'her indoors' finds it I'm going to be shot!

It's terrible when a man can't keep animals in the freezer isn't it
I know how ya feel. I have frozen chicks and pike bait in mine with odd rabbit or two thrown in. She does hit the roof over it