Rescued ducklings restored to nature reserve

Two young Shelduck were recently released back into the wild at Axe Estuary Wetlands after being nursed back to health at the RSPCA Wildlife Centre at West Hatch in Somerset. 

Jo Schmidt, RSPCA wildlife assistant, said: “The ducklings were brought to us in September, as they had lost their mother and had problems with their feet and feathers. We kept them outside and monitored them until we were satisfied their essential feathers were waterproof again, and that their feet had healed.”

Steve Edmonds, East Devon District Council Countryside Team Leader said: “Axe Estuary Wetlands provides a prime site for Shelduck, which breed in purpose-built nesting burrows in the islands on Black Hole Marsh.
 
"Shelduck are easily identifiable birds, which are larger than Mallards. They have a dark green head, bright red beak and a distinctive chestnut stripe across their front. This is a great time to go and see them as the low winter sun really shows off their startling plumage, but they’re pretty smart birds all year round and can be easily spotted from any of the many hides on offer.”

The Axe Estuary Wetlands, which are owned and managed by East Devon District Council, are open to the public free of charge at all times.

There is free parking at the Wetlands car park, through Seaton cemetery entrance, and there are nearly four kilometres of trails and boardwalks to explore. For more information, call the Countryside team on 01395 517557 or email Countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk