A number of individuals are continuing to ignore public health notices and are bypassing fences to feed swans at Ryde Canoe Lake.
Waterside Community Trust has taken to social media to comment on their observations of people continuing to feed the birds despite several warning signs erected by the Isle of Wight Council and DEFRA.
As previously reported by Island Echo, bird flu was confirmed at the canoe lake in December leading to the area being cordoned off. Restrictions have been relaxed since then but footpaths remain closed in the area.
Earlier this week a swan was found deceased, prompting fears that bird flu may still be present at the seaside location. However, it is also possible that the birds have died from being overfed. Food can get stuck in a swan’s gullet, or they become obese and suffer heart attacks. The animal has not been tested and has already been sent to be disposed of.
A spokesperson for Waterside, which has a swimming pool located next to the canoe lake, has said:
“If there is still bird flu, you could be spreading this and potentially endangering the Island’s farms.
“Please take note of the notices, they are there for a reason…”
Anyone who finds dead wild birds should report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77. The Isle of Wight Council strongly recommends that people do not handle dead wild birds at this time, but seek advice from DEFRA, or if the bird is on council land, report to the Isle of Wight Council on 01983 821000.
You should not:
• Pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry or wild birds
• Come into contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces
• Handle untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste
One can be certain that all will be open here by Easter for the C l l r. owned private business opposite the canoe lake.
Never will that miss a chance for taking cash.
So the end is in sight for the restrictions soon.
Let’s hope no more Swans die.
Yes and 99 out of 100 people feed them bread. No good for them. People stand next to the information signs and do it. Idiots.
If people would care to check out the Isle of Wight nature group on Facebook, the Waterside Trust deleted this identical post yesterday after being presented with information that the birds are starving on the lake, if anything, partly due to the poor water quality. Swans are not greedy creatures, they only eat what they need.
Not to mention they run the swimming pool and discourage people from feeding the birds at the best of times.
Children here starving, people dying with a virus, now both horrors are killing the water fowl.
Surely the RSPB or some professional body could confirm if it is lack of food.
Unlike the ungrateful people complaining about their charity food allowances, I am sure if a Swan or bird is starving then any food would be well received.
Hope they get the help they need.
If the birds are starving wouldn’t they move on to find food elsewhere? If they are starving could a representative of RSPB be allowed to go to the site to feed them appropriate healthy food.
As for the restrictions, they have been breaking the rules since day one, ignoring the signs etc. Walking toddler’s around to feed the ducks etc I fear for these children, parents obviously can’t read! But also teenagers are graffitiing the shelter almost on a daily basis (somebody paints over it – on a daily basis) They are not being moved on, so covid and bird flue rules are being broken in one fell swoop.