'Emaciated' puffins found washed up in Fife during bad weather return to the water near Isle of May

Two puffins that were found washed up in Fife during bad weather have been returned to the water.

The Scottish coast has faced a “puffin wreck” in recent years, with dead and exhausted birds washing ashore during prolonged stormy weather or due to a failure in the food chain.

Danny, who was discovered in Anstruther on January 28, and Arnie, who was found in St Andrews just a week later on February 7, were both rescued following a spell of bad weather, with several puffins found dead or in poor condition along the coast.

Both were emaciated on arrival at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa, but Arnie had not lost his appetite and was self-feeding immediately.

Two puffins were found washed up in Fife during bad weather SSPCA

Danny was noted to have no appetite and was confirmed to have an infection. His appetite returned after receiving treatment.

The birds were routinely washed by the team and swam to assess their waterproofing, which is often lost while being cared for due to a lack of natural preening and contamination.

Once they were both fully waterproof, the centre contacted an Isle of May boat tour company, and it was agreed that the pair could be taken halfway over to the island and released on the water on March 20.

They were not taken directly to the island to avoid predation risk.

The birds were returned to the water near the Isle of May SSPCA

The duo were dropped from the boat onto the water, and they swam away.

Caroline Storey, a senior wildlife assistant at the centre who was part of the puffins’ rehabilitation and release, said: “I am beyond delighted that both Danny and Arnie are happy, healthy and thriving in the wild once more.

“A lot of time and commitment went into their care to ensure that they were well-prepared before being released.”