Lee Collins took a reading of a Metal BTO ring MA34768 one of our GBBGull's and a regular visitor to Dawlish Warren and the Exe Estuary, seen on 25th July.

                                             Photo Lee Collins ©

Which has prompted our deviation away from the normal sighting post's.

At some point this Gull has lost its left foot severed most likely by fishing line becoming wrapped around the foot, This Gull is lucky in a way as it is still able to survive.

All to often we see Gulls trailing several yards of line from their legs, occasionally we and others can catch them remove the line and hooks and release the Gull back to the wild.

An article on the BBC news web site mentioned a Gull tangled in line, a Gentleman who we assume was experienced in entering the River and handling Gulls was able to do something.

                       This is not something to take on with out correct training.

It is not only carelessly abandoned fishing line that causes problems and death of Sea Birds. On one of our visits to the Portland Harbour Break Waters in June this year the team found a fishing net on the seaward side of the Break Water. Cut adrift from a Fishing Boat or broken free from where it was set.

The net stretches between our two team members and took four people to compact it and transport to a safe storage area where it can do no more damage.

Although to late for this Sea Bird which became trapped in the net.

On your travels out and about if you see discarded fishing line or the likes please collect it and dispose of it in safe place.