Dead birds on beach could be casualties of storm
A number of birds have been found dead at Dunnet Bay
- Published
An animal welfare charity has said dead birds discovered on a beach in the Highlands could be casualties of Storm Amy.
A number of birds - understood to be guillemots - were found dead at Dunnet Bay near Thurso.
The Scottish SPCA sent an inspector to the scene on Thursday.
One bird was found to be still alive and returned to the water, however, several had not survived.
The Scottish SPCA sent an inspector to the scene on Thursday
The charity said that, at this stage, it appeared the birds were casualties of recent severe weather, although added that avian influenza could not be ruled out completely.
Members of the public are being urged not to touch any dead birds and to keep dogs on a lead in the area.
The findings have been reported to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Storm Amy - the first named storm of the winter - caused widespread damage and disruption when it swept across Scotland earlier this month.