Three wigeons rescued from drain by HGV driver on A9 in Findhorn

Three wigeons are ready to fly back to Scandinavia after being rescued by a lorry driver from the drain in a layby.

The wigeons, a rarely admitted species for the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, are said to be “thriving” in Findhorn after they were successfully rehabilitated.

The birds, named Fancy, Woof and Feral, were found on June 1 stuck in a layby by the side of the A9.

An HGV driver found the birds and kept them warm overnight in the cabin of their lorry before handing them over the SSPCA.

The animal rescue officer then took them to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre to be rehabilitated.

Wigeons breed in central and northern Scotland and also in northern England. Many birds visit the UK in winter from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.

Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager, Chris Hogsden said: “Wigeons are rarely seen at the centre.

“Wigeons are a fairly common migratory winter visitor to Scotland, but we only have about 200 breeding pairs who stay all year round, so they are fairly rare.

“When they were first admitted they only weighed about 25g, and refused to eat the typical diet that we give our other ducklings, so we had to make up a special food just for them. They spent about a month in our indoor pools before moving to our paddocks until they were ready for release.

“At release they each weighed about 650g and were fully fledged.

“The release site was Findhorn, where thousands of migratory wigeons travel to from Scandinavia at the start of September, so they’ll have lots of company soon.

“Knowing a wild animal is doing well after being in our care is the most rewarding aspect of our work at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

“If anyone finds a sick or injured wild animal, they can call the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

“You can find further information on what to do if you come across any similar birds here.”