April 16, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Great Blue Heron rescued from oil rig, rehabilitating at Salmonier Nature Park

A Great Blue Heron, rescued from the oil rig Glomar-Grand Bank earlier this month, is rehabilitating at Salmonier Nature Park and is expected to be released in late April.

Mac Pitcher, Animal Curator of Salmonier Nature Park, received a telephone call April 9 from radio operator David Beasley aboard the Glomar-Grand Bank, situated offshore on the Grand Banks.

During the severe snowstorm of April 6, a large heron had landed on the rig. The bird stayed on the rig for several days, prompting concern among the crew because of the unavailability of fresh drinking water and food. Consequently, several crew members captured the bird and Mr. Beasely then contacted the wildlife rehabilitation program of the Salmonier Nature Park.

The bird was airlifted to St. John's airport via a Cougar helicopter in the early afternoon of April 9 and nature park staff were present to receive the bird upon its arrival, and immediately transported the bird to the park.

Upon its arrival at the nature park, the bird was assessed for injuries and other disabilities. The bird was in good condition, with only minor emaciation resulting from its brief fast and extended flight. It was decided that the bird would be held at the nature park to feed for a period prior to release back to the wild.

Following a brief recovery period, the heron, along with two smaller relatives (Cattle Egrets) also undergoing rehabilitation at Salmonier, will be released in the Grand Codroy area of western Newfoundland in late April, a suitable habitat as Great Blue Herons, and occasionally egrets, have been regularly encountered there. The birds will be legbanded with appropriate Canadian Wildlife Service bands prior to release.

Great Blue Herons, although occasionally found on the Island of Newfoundland, are at the edge of their usual range here. It can be assumed that this bird was migrating northward from its wintering range in South and Central America and southern areas of North America and was blown out to sea by the intense storm. Over the years, it has been adequately demonstrated that offshore rigs provide crucial resting places for birds migrating both in spring and fall over the open ocean. It is quite likely that this bird would have succumbed to the elements and drowned at sea, had the Glomar-Grand Bank not been in its current position.

For additional information, contact: Mac Pitcher, Animal Curator,

Salmonier Nature Park, telephone: (709) 729-6974, E-mail: mpitcher@nfld.com

1999 04 16 4:40 p.m.