The Scottish SPCA has released the last of the rare waxwing birds they have been rehabilitating back into the wild after caring for them for just over a month.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted at the beginning of February after the birds flew into a shop window in Edinburgh. The waxwings were being rehabilitated at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where they were named Agnetha, Bjorn and Benny and Annifrid.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “These birds are winter visitors from Scandinavia who prefer a diet of fruit and insects.
“Waxwings can be difficult to keep in captivity but our specially trained members of staff were able to return all four back into the wild after they had recovered from a variety of injuries including a concussion and bruising to the wings.”
“The berry loving birds visit the UK during winter as they follow the slightly warmer weather to find food. When berries are unavailable they will feed on sap, buds, flowers and insects.”
Any keen bird watchers can identify the starling sized bird by its characteristic pointed crest, black throat, black pointed wings with red, white and yellow markings and their yellow tipped tails.
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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