Latest News
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Sadly bird flu is now moving on from sea birds, to other species of birds, including geese, ducks and swans,
and the Trust is receiving many calls from the public spotting sick birds. There is no treatment available and sick birds will often die
within a day of showing symptoms. We cannot rescue or accept sick birds at the Centre as this would compromise those birds already in
our care and could lead to the Centre being forced to shut down.
Our advice, painful as it is to give, is to leave the bird and let nature take its course. Do not touch a dead bird or let a dog near it. The
local Council is responsible for collecting them in a controlled manner. In some cases you may report findings to DEFRA on 03459 335577
or visit their web site for detailed advice here.
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"Swan Notes" News items written by Trust members and volunteers and usually appearing in the “Berwick Advertiser" newspaper each
week. Unfortunately, sister newspaper the “Berwickshire News” are no longer following suit. For those unable to read these items, and
those living outside the Berwick area, here are the last few editions...
1st June 2023
This week we were able to get some releases done. Two Herring Gulls one with a wing injury and one with a swollen foot were released.
Dick took them off on Saturday. We also released a Wood Pigeon which came in as a young nestling. Una (one of our volunteers) took
him home and released him close to her house near some woodland. He went off beautifully and she was very happy to see him go so
well. A young Feral Pigeon was also picked up by a very kind lady who had reared a young pigeon herself and wanted another young bird
to go with hers for a few weeks when they could be soft released together. She has sent us photos of the two birds together and the
aviary set up they are in seems ideal it is much easier on the birds if they are not alone when released. Two other hedgehogs have been
collected for release where they were found.
Jackie and Barbara went off on Friday morning in nice smart clothes, to the Guildhall
to collect a cheque from the retiring Mayor, Mike Greener. The Trust along with Cancer
Cars, which was the charity choice of the Sheriff, shared £1,760.00, raised through
various events during the year. We are very grateful to Mike, who is also Chairman of
the Trust. I think both ladies enjoyed the outing and wearing smart clothes for a
morning of work.
We had two Great Tits brought in on Friday morning. They had just fledged and had
got very cold. Sadly they died a few hours later despite our efforts. A Sparrow
nestling brought in just after has survived and is taking his food very well.
Two weeks ago a small young Collared Dove was brought in. It came home with me
to be looked after. He is pictured this week now he is growing his feathers nicely. He
was taken from his nest by a cat or a crow and had injuries to his neck and feathers
missing from one wing. He is doing very well. He is trying to peck up seed but not
able to toss it back and swallow it. He chases the corn round his cage picking up the
same bit time after time but he will eventually learn how to do it.
We had numerous calls this week about a very sick swan. We were dubious at first as we were worried about bird flu, but when Dick
went to check it out he realised it had been injured. It has a large split in the flesh of the chest which is quite long and not a recent
wound. It also has badly damaged wing feathers. It seems like it might have him cables or perhaps flown into one of the bridges. Dick
picked up the bird which was very light and took it to the Vets for checking. The wound seemed to be healing well so a strong course of
antibiotics and pain killer were prescribed. The bird did not eat well for a couple of days but now is eating very well. We think it is a
female because she is tiny and dainty but we can’t tell really. We call her she as its better than ‘it’. She is now in the small pond area
although shut undercover at night as we worry she may not be stable on the water yet. Fingers crossed she will continue what will
probably be a slow recovery.
Now it is June, please remember it is our first Open Day of the year on Saturday 24th June. 10.30 till 2.30. Please come along and see
what we do.
Pat Goff
25th May 2023
A couple of weeks ago it was a very quiet period for us at The Rollo Centre. We had released most of the over-wintering hedgehogs and
the majority of birds were still incubating their eggs waiting for hatch time. This week things took off big time. The phone never seemed
to stop ringing with queries from the public about nestlings and young birds falling out of trees. One of these was about a Tawny Owlet.
It was picked up by a dog along a footpath. Worried in case the owlet was injured, the finder brought it in to us. The photo this week
shows the owlet a couple of days later. Luckily, being carried by the dog for a while hadn’t done any damage. He was very hungry when
he arrived. At first we cut up food for him and hand fed him, but the chick we left with him overnight in case he could manage it for
himself, had completely gone in the morning, so he is able to feed himself. This makes life so much easier for us and him. The less we
handle any of our patients is better for them. They need to know they are wild. He does look very cute in the picture but he clicks angrily
at us and his talons are out in front of him when we move him to clean his cage.
The two little Mallard ducklings are now three as another two other ducklings were brought in by different people. One very tiny one died
almost straight away. This one was very small only just hatched. Once these
ducklings get cold it can be a job to keep them going. The other one was happy to
join the other two and they are now a gang of three.
We also had delivered from the S.S.P.C.A. a Greylag gosling. It was just about the
same size as the ducklings, so we tried them together. The ducklings were having
none of it. They jumped on the gosling and told him he was not one of them and
could get out. He had to be caged by himself with a mirror for company. The next day
things looked better as another gosling of the same size was brought in. They were
pleased to see one another, so are happy together. These young water birds don’t like
to be alone. They do much better with company especially ducklings and goslings that
both imprint very quickly. We had a Muscovy type duck in a couple of years ago that
most certainly thought it was human and attached itself to any volunteer that went
into the pen.
We also took in a young Collared Dove which I have at home to feed as the girls are
busy at the Centre. A young Crow was brought it but sadly it had smashed a leg in
the fall from the tree and had to be put to sleep. Another adult crow with a broken
wing will go to the Vet today but I think it will have the same outcome.
Sick hedgehogs are still also coming in. One, sadly, had some sort of internal wounds that were not visible and died the day after it came
in. We still have two that are having antibiotic treatment. Two others are outside now after getting better and will be returned to the wild
perhaps later this week.
This Saturday B.A.R.K. are having their plant sale so Jackie has arranged to have a stall at the Rollo Centre so do come along and see
what’s on offer. I’m not sure what she is planning, but come and take a look. Lets hope for nice weather for the bank holiday.
Pat Goff
18th May 2023
The Long Eared Owl release was very successful. The bird made for the trees and landed beautifully. It is very enjoyable to see them go
off after spending time on their rehabilitation.
This week’s picture is of our two Mallard Ducklings. They are not related, they came in from different places and one is a day or two
older than the other. One had been on his own for a week and needed a mirror to keep him company, to get him to know what he was.
Ducklings imprint very quickly and the last thing we need is a wild duck that cannot be
released because he thinks he is human. After we had the five ducklings in late last
year, we looked into the best and cheapest way to look after orphaned ducklings,
especially out of season when they needed constant warmth. We purchased a low
wattage brooder which would have been ideal for the five orphans. The first little
duckling that came in this year was on his own and the brooder was no good as we
could not fit his mirror in to it. Now there are two and once they start to need a little
more space the brooder will be useful to give them a warm spot when they need it.
Although one is bigger they keep together all the time and hopefully they will be able
to be released together. Another few days and they can go in a big crate and go to the
big room to get used to outside.
Sunday was the day of the crow! We had two young crows brought in from different
places. Both had fallen from trees. This happens a lot at this time of year as the
youngsters leave the nest and fall from the branches. Sadly one had a leg injury and
had internal injuries too and died overnight. The other was very thin but is surviving.
Some people that call us go to great lengths to help the casualty they find. One lovely man that phoned a couple of weeks ago found a
fat young Tawny Owl at the foot of a tree. He rang in and I explained that, if he could find a branch to sit the young bird on, the parents
would continue to feed it. If not, we would happily take the bird but it is much better if the parents rear it. He said he would have a go.
He went home to get a ladder and built a sort of nest of twigs higher up the tree, and sat the fledgling in it. He was pleased with the
results of his work and happy that the best had been done for the Tawny baby. Tawny parents will feed youngsters on the ground but
they can get predated so they are better higher up. The parents soon hear the youngsters calling.
This is the time of year for fledgling casualties. We have a lot of information on our Facebook page so please check it out.
Jim and Ian are going to be busy this week doing the new undercover aviary, which will help us a lot. It will be bigger and is very useful
for young birds. It can be a useful step towards outside. Totally covered but open one side to the air. Little birds can die if they get cold
after a sudden downpour. This aviary will shelter them from strong wind and rain until they gain in strength. Everything does seem to be
fledging early this year. We had a blackbird nesting near the little pond. The babies are away now and can be seen in the garden.
Pat Goff
week. Unfortunately, sister newspaper the “Berwickshire News” are no longer following suit. For those unable to read these items, and
those living outside the Berwick area, here are the last few editions...
1st June 2023
This week we were able to get some releases done. Two Herring Gulls one with a wing injury and one with a swollen foot were released.
Dick took them off on Saturday. We also released a Wood Pigeon which came in as a young nestling. Una (one of our volunteers) took
him home and released him close to her house near some woodland. He went off beautifully and she was very happy to see him go so
well. A young Feral Pigeon was also picked up by a very kind lady who had reared a young pigeon herself and wanted another young bird
to go with hers for a few weeks when they could be soft released together. She has sent us photos of the two birds together and the
aviary set up they are in seems ideal it is much easier on the birds if they are not alone when released. Two other hedgehogs have been
collected for release where they were found.
Jackie and Barbara went off on Friday morning in nice smart clothes, to the Guildhall
to collect a cheque from the retiring Mayor, Mike Greener. The Trust along with Cancer
Cars, which was the charity choice of the Sheriff, shared £1,760.00, raised through
various events during the year. We are very grateful to Mike, who is also Chairman of
the Trust. I think both ladies enjoyed the outing and wearing smart clothes for a
morning of work.
We had two Great Tits brought in on Friday morning. They had just fledged and had
got very cold. Sadly they died a few hours later despite our efforts. A Sparrow
nestling brought in just after has survived and is taking his food very well.
Two weeks ago a small young Collared Dove was brought in. It came home with me
to be looked after. He is pictured this week now he is growing his feathers nicely. He
was taken from his nest by a cat or a crow and had injuries to his neck and feathers
missing from one wing. He is doing very well. He is trying to peck up seed but not
able to toss it back and swallow it. He chases the corn round his cage picking up the
same bit time after time but he will eventually learn how to do it.
We had numerous calls this week about a very sick swan. We were dubious at first as we were worried about bird flu, but when Dick
went to check it out he realised it had been injured. It has a large split in the flesh of the chest which is quite long and not a recent
wound. It also has badly damaged wing feathers. It seems like it might have him cables or perhaps flown into one of the bridges. Dick
picked up the bird which was very light and took it to the Vets for checking. The wound seemed to be healing well so a strong course of
antibiotics and pain killer were prescribed. The bird did not eat well for a couple of days but now is eating very well. We think it is a
female because she is tiny and dainty but we can’t tell really. We call her she as its better than ‘it’. She is now in the small pond area
although shut undercover at night as we worry she may not be stable on the water yet. Fingers crossed she will continue what will
probably be a slow recovery.
Now it is June, please remember it is our first Open Day of the year on Saturday 24th June. 10.30 till 2.30. Please come along and see
what we do.
Pat Goff
25th May 2023
A couple of weeks ago it was a very quiet period for us at The Rollo Centre. We had released most of the over-wintering hedgehogs and
the majority of birds were still incubating their eggs waiting for hatch time. This week things took off big time. The phone never seemed
to stop ringing with queries from the public about nestlings and young birds falling out of trees. One of these was about a Tawny Owlet.
It was picked up by a dog along a footpath. Worried in case the owlet was injured, the finder brought it in to us. The photo this week
shows the owlet a couple of days later. Luckily, being carried by the dog for a while hadn’t done any damage. He was very hungry when
he arrived. At first we cut up food for him and hand fed him, but the chick we left with him overnight in case he could manage it for
himself, had completely gone in the morning, so he is able to feed himself. This makes life so much easier for us and him. The less we
handle any of our patients is better for them. They need to know they are wild. He does look very cute in the picture but he clicks angrily
at us and his talons are out in front of him when we move him to clean his cage.
The two little Mallard ducklings are now three as another two other ducklings were brought in by different people. One very tiny one died
almost straight away. This one was very small only just hatched. Once these
ducklings get cold it can be a job to keep them going. The other one was happy to
join the other two and they are now a gang of three.
We also had delivered from the S.S.P.C.A. a Greylag gosling. It was just about the
same size as the ducklings, so we tried them together. The ducklings were having
none of it. They jumped on the gosling and told him he was not one of them and
could get out. He had to be caged by himself with a mirror for company. The next day
things looked better as another gosling of the same size was brought in. They were
pleased to see one another, so are happy together. These young water birds don’t like
to be alone. They do much better with company especially ducklings and goslings that
both imprint very quickly. We had a Muscovy type duck in a couple of years ago that
most certainly thought it was human and attached itself to any volunteer that went
into the pen.
We also took in a young Collared Dove which I have at home to feed as the girls are
busy at the Centre. A young Crow was brought it but sadly it had smashed a leg in
the fall from the tree and had to be put to sleep. Another adult crow with a broken
wing will go to the Vet today but I think it will have the same outcome.
Sick hedgehogs are still also coming in. One, sadly, had some sort of internal wounds that were not visible and died the day after it came
in. We still have two that are having antibiotic treatment. Two others are outside now after getting better and will be returned to the wild
perhaps later this week.
This Saturday B.A.R.K. are having their plant sale so Jackie has arranged to have a stall at the Rollo Centre so do come along and see
what’s on offer. I’m not sure what she is planning, but come and take a look. Lets hope for nice weather for the bank holiday.
Pat Goff
18th May 2023
The Long Eared Owl release was very successful. The bird made for the trees and landed beautifully. It is very enjoyable to see them go
off after spending time on their rehabilitation.
This week’s picture is of our two Mallard Ducklings. They are not related, they came in from different places and one is a day or two
older than the other. One had been on his own for a week and needed a mirror to keep him company, to get him to know what he was.
Ducklings imprint very quickly and the last thing we need is a wild duck that cannot be
released because he thinks he is human. After we had the five ducklings in late last
year, we looked into the best and cheapest way to look after orphaned ducklings,
especially out of season when they needed constant warmth. We purchased a low
wattage brooder which would have been ideal for the five orphans. The first little
duckling that came in this year was on his own and the brooder was no good as we
could not fit his mirror in to it. Now there are two and once they start to need a little
more space the brooder will be useful to give them a warm spot when they need it.
Although one is bigger they keep together all the time and hopefully they will be able
to be released together. Another few days and they can go in a big crate and go to the
big room to get used to outside.
Sunday was the day of the crow! We had two young crows brought in from different
places. Both had fallen from trees. This happens a lot at this time of year as the
youngsters leave the nest and fall from the branches. Sadly one had a leg injury and
had internal injuries too and died overnight. The other was very thin but is surviving.
Some people that call us go to great lengths to help the casualty they find. One lovely man that phoned a couple of weeks ago found a
fat young Tawny Owl at the foot of a tree. He rang in and I explained that, if he could find a branch to sit the young bird on, the parents
would continue to feed it. If not, we would happily take the bird but it is much better if the parents rear it. He said he would have a go.
He went home to get a ladder and built a sort of nest of twigs higher up the tree, and sat the fledgling in it. He was pleased with the
results of his work and happy that the best had been done for the Tawny baby. Tawny parents will feed youngsters on the ground but
they can get predated so they are better higher up. The parents soon hear the youngsters calling.
This is the time of year for fledgling casualties. We have a lot of information on our Facebook page so please check it out.
Jim and Ian are going to be busy this week doing the new undercover aviary, which will help us a lot. It will be bigger and is very useful
for young birds. It can be a useful step towards outside. Totally covered but open one side to the air. Little birds can die if they get cold
after a sudden downpour. This aviary will shelter them from strong wind and rain until they gain in strength. Everything does seem to be
fledging early this year. We had a blackbird nesting near the little pond. The babies are away now and can be seen in the garden.
Pat Goff