West Seattle wildlife: Update – injured gull rescued

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ORIGINAL REPORT, 2:54 PM: Katie took that photo of an injured gull and explains, “I wanted to report an injured seagull on the beach between Cormorant Cove and Rocky Beach. His wing is badly injured and just hanging limp. I called Sarvey Wildlife Rescue, but they don’t have the resources to come out and help. They do have info about dropoff centers if someone wants to take on the task of capturing and transporting him. I am unable to do so, so I wanted to put the word out for anyone that might be able to help. Sarvey’s phone number is 360-435-4817.” We also suggested she call PAWS, but she says they had basically the same message. So if anyone’s able to help – the gull was still there last time she looked. (Cormorant Cove is the park in the 3700 block of Beach Drive, just north of the Harbor West out-on-pilings condos.)

9:10 PM UPDATE: Denise has the good news, after pitching in – “The gull was rescued – Michelle was awesome. She doesn’t even live in West Seattle and she came down to help! She threw a netting over him and we were able to get him in a cardboard box with a lid. He was in the same location as you posted – got a little spooked when we first showed up and tried to go back into the water, but then quickly realized that wasn’t a good idea and came back to land. Dropped him off at the Burien emergency vet. Sarvey will pick him up tomorrow and keep me posted on his status.” (She’s also posted an update in the comment section.)

tanyar23 July 12, 2011 (3:29 pm)

I hope that someone can help this bird! I am stuck at work. :(

Denise July 12, 2011 (3:38 pm)

The poor guy! I’m not able to get down there until about 6:15pm tonight. Can anyone meet me there to help get him into a cardboard box? I can bring him over to Five Corners in Burien… I just called and they said they would take him.

Josh W July 12, 2011 (3:48 pm)

I hate to be the one to say it… but that bird should be left to the predators…

from the looks of it, the poor guy is doomed even if he is rescued and I am sure the coyotes or the eagles would appreciated the easy meal

RarelyEver July 12, 2011 (4:00 pm)

Denise –

I live on Beach Drive and could meet you, but not before 6:30pm (I’m at work until 6pm). If he’s still there by the time I get home I’ll be happy to help – call me at six-five-zero, zero-four-two-nine.

Tina

Denise July 12, 2011 (4:15 pm)

Thanks Tina! I will go out there as soon as I can after work and then give you a call if he’s still there.

Jenny DB July 12, 2011 (4:35 pm)

Use a large thin sheet or towel and throw it over the bird completely.. they tend to struggle less when they cannot see. Be very gentle and secure the non-injured wing to it’s body and support underneath the body around the legs if possible. Try not to use the injured wing to hold the guy, if possible. Keep the towel/sheet over the birds head at all times!

Linda July 12, 2011 (6:06 pm)

Tina and Denise – thanks for helping this bird. Please let us know how it turns out, or if you need any additional help.

GenHillOne July 12, 2011 (7:30 pm)

facebook comments say that someone got the gull and is taking it in for care (Sarvey via 5 Corners?)

Dc July 12, 2011 (7:38 pm)

Yes please let us know any updAtes

Tish July 12, 2011 (8:14 pm)

Let me know if you need any help! I used to volunteer for a bird rehabilitation group when I lived in CA.

Denise July 12, 2011 (9:06 pm)

I met a very cool woman named Michelle at around 6:30pm tonight (who doesn’t even live in West Seattle – she happened to see the post asking for help and drove all the way from North Seattle to Alki). We found the gull after a bit of searching, and Michelle was able to throw a sheet over him. We got him into a cardboard box and down to 5 corners vet. Sarvey will be picking him up in the morning. No word yet on if he will survive – depends on how bad the break is. The bird didn’t seem to be in shock. Hopefully he’ll pull through. If he doesn’t, at least his ending will be humane, and not prolonged. No reason an animal should have to suffer if just a little bit of effort on our parts can avoid it.

Dc July 12, 2011 (9:36 pm)

Thank you!

Stacie July 12, 2011 (9:51 pm)

Thanks to the rescuers for helping this bird. I once caught an injured crow and dropped it off at a vet that was a pick up point for Sarvey. Now I am a regular donor to Sarvey Wildlife and I am sure they could use any donations we can give to help care for the animals.

kte July 12, 2011 (11:48 pm)

I am the one that reported the injured gull to the blog, hoping someone would be able to help. Thank for you doing what I wasn’t able to! My three year old son and I discovered him while playing on the beach. He told me, “Just call Diego, Mom!” (Diego is an animal rescuer from the childrens cartoon Go Diego Go!) I’ll be happy to report to him that we have some real life “Diegos” in our midst. Thank you so much to the two women who took the time to help this injured bird! And thank you to the WSB for giving us West Seattleites a forum to do good!