A gannet died after becoming tangled up in rope on Shetland.
The seabird had spent days attempting to swim and feed despite the plastic rope which was wrapped around it, but was found dead on Thursday morning.
Photography enthusiast John McCrieff, 47, had hoped to rescue it after he saw it struggling three days before it died – but it was always out of reach, near Dunrossness, on the mainland of Shetland.
Mr McCrieff, who works at the airport and as a part-time tour guide, has previously managed to rescue gannets and a seal, but was unable to help due to the tide.
By the time he was able to reach it, the bird had died.
The dad-of-two said: “I first saw it about three days ago, but it was out of reach.
“You could see the net, but it was still alive.
“I saw it on Wednesday night and it was still alive, it was nearer the house.
“The tide was out so I couldn’t reach it.
‘I was hoping I would be able to help it, it was frustrating.’
John McCrieff
“I went out early on Thursday morning and it was dead on a rock.
“I have saved a couple in the past, but that was on a beach where I could grab them.
“You get lots of bits of net that might have been dumped overboard, it could have been in the sea for years.
“They will use the stuff for nesting.
“I was hoping I would be able to help it, it was frustrating.
“When I saw it a couple of days ago, I saw it swimming around eating small fish.
“They are beautiful birds.”
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