Red-footed Booby in East Sussex - a first for Britain

A brown-morph Red-footed Booby was found on the shore at St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, on the afternoon of Sunday 4 September. The bird was alive but was taken to East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) in Whitesmith, where it was found to show signs of feather stress and was underweight. It was transferred to RSPCA Mallydams on Monday; please note that birders will not be able to visit the centre to see the bird under any circumstances.

Details of a possible release are not yet forthcoming, though the ultimate decision will be down to the RSPCA.

East Sussex WRAS is a frontline rescue service to help people who find sick, injured and orphaned wildlife across East Sussex. They rely on donations to help fund their work on birds such as the booby and would be extremely grateful for any donation, no matter how small. To make a donation, please visit: wildlifeambulance.org/donate/how-to-donate

Red-footed Booby in care in East Sussex, 4 September 2016 (Photo: East Sussex WRAS)