A lorry driver found three little wigeons in a drain next to a layby on the A9 on 1 June and decided not to leave them to their fate, but to keep them warm overnight in the cab of his lorry and hand them over to the Scottish SPCA the next day.
The wigeon ducklings, later named Fancy, Wood and Feral, were taken to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Findhorn where they were successfully rehabilitated.
They will now be released back into the wild at Findhorn, where they can join thousands of other wigeons migrating to Scotland from Scandinavia in September.
The Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre Manager, Chris Hogsden, said:
“We are so grateful to the lorry driver for rescuing these wigeons. They were in a very dangerous situation and it is thanks to his quick thinking that they are now on the road to recovery.”
Hogsden added that wigeons are a rare species in their care, so it was great to be able to release them back into the wild.
“We hope they live long and happy lives.”
The SPCA says the truck driver’s actions are a reminder to all road users to be on the lookout for wildlife when driving. If you see an injured or distressed animal, please do not hesitate to call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.
