ANIMAL protection officers are continuing to monitor the situation after concern was raised about swans and geese affected by "a major pollution incident" on the River Esk at Musselburgh, with one swan taken to a wildlife rescue centre for care.
Rosie McGlynn, a regular visitor to the swans in Musselburgh, was concerned that the spill, believed to be diesel or petrol, could lead to the swans' feathers becoming waterlogged.
She alerted the Scottish SPCA and SEPA to their plight.
She visited their main gathering point at the pedestrian bridge, adding that last Friday "there was a very strong smell of diesel/petrol and the River Esk was coated in a pollutant".
She added: "The swans were swimming through this and it was coating their feathers. I was extremely concerned that that the spill could lead to the swans' feathers becoming waterlogged.
"The swans made their way to the sea and began to clean their feathers."
She visited the site again the next day, saying: "The pollution was still very evident. The swans were looking exhausted and a number of them were sleeping, which is unusual at this time of year. Their feathers were very waterlogged.
"I visited again in late afternoon and the swans again seemed very tired. It’s very dangerous for swans to have waterlogged feathers in winter as the feathers can freeze."
John Toule, an inspector with the Scottish SPCA, said: "We attended the River Esk in Musselburgh after reports to our helpline of swans and geese covered in oil.
"On arrival, we did not discover any of the birds to be coated in oil, but several swans had what looked like contamination along the neck.
"One swan was uplifted and taken to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre to receive the care it needs.
"All other birds were cleaning themselves and seem alert. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely and any birds that show signs of deterioration will be taken to our wildlife hospital.
"We would advise members of the public not to approach the birds.
"If you suspect an animal to be injured or in distress, please call our helpline on 03000 999 999."
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