After an unsuccessful attempt to release the Irish sea eagle recovered from the Aberdeenshire coast yesterday at RSPB’s Loch of Strathbeg reserve, the bird has now been taken to SSPCA’s national centre for further rehabilitation. Despite having recovered at the vets from his ordeal last week, it became apparent when he was released that there were still some issues that needed to be addressed. The bird was unable to take off, and after recapturing him, we realised that his feathers were still coated with a kind of “grease” that was clearly affecting his ability to fly.
The bird is now spending a few days with the fantastic team at the SSPCA centre where he will receive “spa treatment” (a bath in fairy liquid or similar) to attempt to get this substance off his feathers. Hopefully after week or so of drying off and much preening, he will be looking fabulous and ready to face the crowds again!