Discovery of oiled birds 'makes a mockery of our biosphere status'

Manx Wild Bird Aid say it's a recurring problem in Peel

The discovery of oiled herring gulls in Peel 'makes a mockery of our biosphere status and gives a terrible impression of our island’s attitude towards wildlife'.

That's the message from a local charity which has so far caught 13 birds in the area of the Food Park, near the quayside.

Manx Wild Bird Aid says it has been receiving reports of the gulls for the past three weeks, and that the substance smells like fish oil.

It says oiled birds are a recurring problem in the western town and are imploring people to act to protect the environment there.

In a post on social media, the charity said: "We’ve caught 13 so far, but many more are partially oiled and still able to fly.

"We can’t catch them, but the oil will kill most of them sooner or later.

"Oiled birds are unable to keep warm, and when they go into the water, they start getting waterlogged and become hypothermic or can even sink and drown.

"The gulls’ chicks will have lost a parent - probably some have lost two parents and will starve to death.

"Oiled birds are a recurring problem in Peel. In 2022 we even collected an oiled peregrine falcon from the same area.

"The authorities have never been able to find the source of the oil - hopefully this year will be different.

"We should be ashamed that this is happening to birds year after year, and nothing is ever done.

"It makes a mockery of our biosphere status and gives a terrible impression of our island’s attitude towards wildlife."