Young Gull with an Injured Wing

On Monday I picked up a young Western Gull from Animal Services. He had been caught in fishing line strung over a city dump. The fishing line was put up to to keep out birds. He was found dangling by one wing.

His Federal USFWS band, #1136-01911, allowed us to identify him. He had been with us last year, as a baby gull. We picked him up from Monterey SPCA on July 13, 2009. He was had been abandoned and weighed 465 grams. He did very well in our care, grew into a beautiful juvenile, passed his flight test, and weighed 1155 grams when we released him on August 21, 2009 at the Berkeley Marina.

Each year about 15 - 20 birds get caught in fishing line at this dump, and few survive. It must be a terrifying, painful death.

This young gull is bright, alert and has attitude! He bit three of us at International Bird Rescue Research Center. That's normal for a healthy gull: they do not like to be handled! We care about him, and every effort will be made by our dedicated staff and volunteers at IBRRC to help heal. Sadly, if he cannot fly again, he cannot be released, and he will be euthanized.

I would like to add that the officers at Animal Services are also upset about the fishing line. They have cut down so many birds, and it makes them very sad. They must be hoisted up on some kind of lift to reach the birds entangled in the fishing line. They are very gentle, but its usually too late.

The Western Gull is a federally protected species, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. The MBTA was born in an era when people adorned their hats with egret feathers, and signed their letters with pelican-quill pens. This act assures the protection of a healthy environment for people, fish and wildlife, and helps Americans conserve and enjoy our living treasures.

And yes. I will work on getting the fishing line removed. Birds either do not see or do not associate fishing line with danger. It was certainly a poor choice.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Western
• gull
• nature
• wildlife

[CelebratingWildlife]

He was released near Golden Gate bridge on March 16, 2010. His parting gift was two well-placed bites to our Assistant Wildlife Manager, as she gently put him in a carrier to be transported to his release site!

[CelebratingWildlife]

I'm pleased to report that our young gull is doing very well! He can easily get up to the side of the pools without taking the stairs. And he's flying. The EO of International Bird Rescue Research Center met staff at the city dump today (March 12). He offered a good, costworthy solution: hang reflective mylar strips from the fishing line. Birds will see the mylar and avoid the line. We all got soaked in the rain, but it was worth it! Hopefully no more birds will get entangled.

[CelebratingWildlife]

Thanks for your comment. When one sees these birds up close, people begin to understand. I have written to the City Council and Mayor, via email, and have heard back from one council member. He's concerned about the fishing line, too, and didn't know about it until he received my email.

[waywardmuse]

Poor little guy. I know many people out there think gulls are pests. Very sad. Thank you so much for saving this little fellow and for all your dedication and hard work!