As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Swans, ducks getting frostbitten feet due to the bitter cold winter

This year’s deep snow and extreme cold have taken a toll on Minnesota wildlife—especially ducks, swans and other waterfowl that can’t find open water on the state’s many frozen lakes. The birds are suffering from frostbite and other injuries related to the cold weather, MPR News reports, and some are being treated at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota.

“They have to stand on ice a lot more than they usually would have to. And that’s really hard on their feet,” said veterinarian Agnes Hutchinson, as she wrapped a swan in towels before treating him. He “probably got caught without anywhere to go and protect his feet, and he just got frostbitten.”

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