Scots Use Sewing to Rescue Puffins

If you can sew, you can save the puffins. At least, that is, if you live on the remote Scottish island of St. Kilda, where dozens of baby birds become lost in flight and die after heading inland instead of out towards sea.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on December 23 2008

If you can sew, you can save the puffins.

At least, that is, if you live on the remote Scottish island of St. Kilda, where dozens of baby birds become lost in flight and die after heading inland instead of out towards sea.

The unique sewing solution is a suggestion from the National Trust of Scotland, which claims that by creating “rescue bags” out of cotton, people can help rangers to pick up the disoriented birds and bring them somewhere safe until they are able to be released back into the water.

“St Kilda’s seabirds are so important, so we do everything we can to protect their populations,” property manager Susan Bain told BBC News.

“Every puffling is precious and we rescue every one we can.”

So get stitching, and you might just help a little seabird find his way home one day. It’s a better use of your talents than making yet another scarf that your nephew will never wear, isn’t it?

Filed under: Animals and Pets, Arts and Culture, General Interest,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

Voytek, the Soldier Bear

Voytek may sound like an average (G.I.) Joe – but there are a few important distinctions. Voyek was quite a bit hairier than his fellow men. He could sleep for weeks at a time, eat every last bite of whatever sludge was being served at the mess hall – and did we mention he weighed nearly 500 pounds? Read More
Inflatable Shark Discovered in the Philippines

An "inflatable shark" and more than 300 other sea creatures were discovered in a dive off the Philippines. Read More
Five Easy Ways to Save the Lives of Pet Animals

Adopting or fostering a rescue dog or cat, volunteering at an animal shelter, and spaying and neutering your animals are just a few of the ways that you can save the lives of domestic animals. Read More
Stay Cool: Protecting Pets from Sweltering Summer Heat

This time of year, it's important to keep your pets out of the heat. Check out this advice for help. Read More
18-Pound Lobster Leroy Gets Dinner Plate Pardon

An 18-pound lobster was given a safe home at the New York Aquarium. Read More