Phelps and the fishing line

 Phelps looking pretty sorry for himself in March 2013 with fishing tackle dangling from beak. 

A couple of weeks ago, the oldest of the 2012 birds, ringed Red-Yellow-Blue and known as Phelps (because of his love of water)  managed to get some fishing line and tackle snared around his beak.   He quickly seemed to go down-hill, and although able to feed (just) he was unable to preen and was starting to look very tatty.  We are very happy to report that luckily - after approximately 2 weeks - he managed to get rid of it himself and is now looking splendid once again. 

About the author

Damon’s role is to act as the hub of the project - making sure everyone involved knows what is going on and that it is all running smoothly. He is also responsible for project community awareness work in Somerset, construction of the release enclosure, and running the post release monitoring work in Somerset.  Damon works alongside the RSPB reserve teams in Somerset.