Wildlife rescued after Freshfield beach oil spill kills two birds

Jan 3 2012 by Janine Yaqoob, Formby Times

AN INVESTIGATION is underway after oil washed up on Freshfield beach killing two birds and contaminating more than 50 others.

Pockets of the pollutant were discovered on the shoreline by walkers just off Fisherman’s Path, who described the substance as tar-like with a oily sheen.

A badly-oiled guillemot bird was found the same day and was rushed to vets for emergency treatment.

The discovery on Wednesday, December 21 sparked a swift operation coordinated by Sefton Council’s Coast and Countryside Department to clear the beach and rescue any affected wildlife.

Merseyside Police Wildlife Liaison Officers and RSPCA members helped rescue more than 50 oiled birds from the toxic substance.

Two birds, a common scooter and a guillemot, died as a result of the spillage.

Birds rescued from the oil included black headed gulls, black backed gulls, herring gulls and sanderlings.

Last weekend Sefton council put up notices advising those who came across oiled wildlife to contact the Coast and Countryside Service or the RSPCA.

The circumstances surrounding the spill remain a mystery