CROW saves a nightjar from fatally sticky situation
After five meticulous washes, rest and a nutritious diet, the nightjar is much more energetic and even attempts to fly during feeding time.
A LITTLE fiery-necked nightjar, recently caught in bird repellent gel, is making a full recovery at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow).
After five meticulous washes, rest and a nutritious diet, the nightjar is much more energetic and even attempts to fly during feeding time.
“The story shocked many of our followers, with over 50 000 of you horrified to hear the ordeal of a nightjar getting stuck in bird repellent gel. This is a cruel anti-pest substance, which traps anything that touches it in a sticky, toxic mess. Nightjars are in no way considered a pest species and a staple in any African bush experience. In an effort to free themselves, trapped birds will often dislocate joints, break bones and even suffocate if they have ingested the gel. Even if they make it, they need to go through dozens of baths with specialised products to remove the sticky residue from their feathers. These baths are stressful and can also contribute to their death.
“This little nightjar had all its tail feathers ripped out, all of its feathers were caked in the gel and it had even ingested some of it. He still needs one more bath, after which we will be waiting for his tail feathers to grow back (a process that takes a few weeks). After all of this, he will be released back into the beautiful wild, off to start a new life,” said Crow Communications Officer, Alex Kogl.
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