The bird from Bedford

'Lost seabird needs help to get back to the coast' was the headline in The Biggleswade Chronicle recently (writes Sue Brindley).

A Manx Shearwater found under a hedge was taken in and cared for by Brenda Denny from Langford in Bedfordshire.

At first, no one was quite sure what it was as Manx Shearwaters are seabirds and rarely seen so far inland.

Mrs. Denny called in the RSPB and was amazed to discover that this bird had deviated so far from its natural course.

She now needed help to get the bird back 'on track' and after numerous 'phone calls, Jean Haines from The Oiled Bird Rescue Centre, West Williamston, got to hear of the situation and was anxious to help. Jean's neighbours, who were due to visit family in that area, kindly offered to collect the bird and return it to the centre where it could be checked before its release.

I wanted to share this story with you after an appeal I made in the Tenby Observer on September 21 to be on the look out for lost Manx Shearwaters at this time of year.

This really did make a difference to the bird from Bedford who got a second chance and was successfully released last week onto its natural migratory route.

If you find one of these birds, please contact Jean Haines at the Oiled Bird Rescue Centre at West Williamston, on 01646 651236 (answer phone service available).