Public asked not to try and catch large white stork spotted in Donegal

There has been much interest in a white stork which has been spotted in various locations across Ulster, including Donegal.

Usually found in Spain, this is an unusual visitor to Ireland. It sometimes follows people as this is part of its feeding pattern on farms in Spain, but it can become stressed when people try to interact or to catch it.

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The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) is reassuring the public that the stork is in good health.

A USPCA spokesperson said: “We have had numerous calls from concerned members of the public regarding an ‘injured’ Stork over the past two days, most recently in Belfast areas, but also seen in Downpatrick and Donegal. Thank you to everyone that has been in touch.

“Our wildlife officer attended in Belfast to assess. The stork was found to be in good health and free flying. No intervention was necessary.”

With the bird being such a rare visitor, it has drawn a lot of attention.

The USPCA spokesperson said: “We would advise the public, not to approach, and give the bird as much space as possible to avoid stress. Dog owners should also be aware around the bird.”

It is expected that the stork will leave the area in its own time. However, anyone with further concerns, or believes the bird is in immediate danger, or it has become injured,is asked to please call 028 3025 1000 from Northern Ireland and 048 3025 1000 from the Republic of Ireland as the USPCA continues to monitor its wellbeing.

Meanwhile, animal rescue charity Debbie’s Doolittle Wildlife has also appealed to people not to approach the bird, and has shared some information which explains its behaviour around humans.

A spokesperson said: “Many of you may have seen the posts on social media regarding our unusual visitor.

“I believe it was first spotted in the Moy in Armagh. It's also been up to Donegal unless it's a different bird.

“There is also one in County Kerry and one residing in Wexford for the last month which I called to see while on a work commitment there two weeks ago.

“These birds have come across from the likes of Spain and sadly seem to have separated. We hoped they'd stay in the same area together.

“What is more disturbing is that we've been sent alarming messages and horrendous videos of uneducated / inexperienced people trying to catch it!

“There, at this time, is no need for this bird to be chased, mobbed, grabbed or harassed in any way.

“People harassed the Brown Boobie which came to Dublin a few years ago and it ended up so stressed it collapsed and died later.

“The stork is currently  perfectly fine and healthy. It is doing exactly as it knows to do. 

“It's unusual for us but normal for it. In the wild, these birds follow farmers and so on around fields by their heels picking up worms and frogs etc. it does not know we are any different.

“It has come to the big green parks with people and isn't aware that it's not as safe as back home.

But there is zero need for anyone to be trying to catch it and do anything with it.

“It's flying, eating, doing normal things for this species and should be left alone.

The charity is asking everyone to please:

-Leave the bird alone

-Watch from a safe distance by all means

-Do not feed it

-Do not try to catch it

-Keep your dogs on leads if in a park where it has been spotted, or even better, stay out of the park altogether with a dog to prevent accidental contact between them. 

The spokesperson added: “While it is a strange visitor we must respect it. They should all head back to Spain soon.”

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