Skip to content

Dead birds on beach could be casualties of storm

Maddie Ross A dead bird on the short with water lapping around it. The bird is predominantly black with white feathers on its chestMaddie Ross
A number of birds have been found dead at Dunnet Bay

An animal welfare charity has said dead birds discovered on a beach in the Highlands could be casualties of Storm Amy.

A number of birds - understood to be guillemots - were found dead at Dunnet Bay near Thurso.

The Scottish SPCA sent an inspector to the scene on Thursday.

One bird was found to be still alive and returned to the water, however, several had not survived.

Getty Images A stretch of Dunnet Bay with golden sands and waves lapping the shore viewed from aboveGetty Images
The Scottish SPCA sent an inspector to the scene on Thursday

The charity said that, at this stage, it appeared the birds were casualties of recent severe weather, although added that avian influenza could not be ruled out completely.

Members of the public are being urged not to touch any dead birds and to keep dogs on a lead in the area.

The findings have been reported to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Storm Amy - the first named storm of the winter - caused widespread damage and disruption when it swept across Scotland earlier this month.