A common scoter has been released back into the wild following a stint of rehabilitation at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre.

Described as an "unusual patient" for the Nantwich centre, the injured sea bird was brought in for care after being attacked by a cat near Painsley Catholic College in Cheadle on 31 March.

Thankfully, he was found and taken to a vets in Stoke-on-Trent who then contacted the RSPCA.

Common scoters are diving sea ducks that can plunge several metres underwater to catch molluscs and crustaceans, using their strong bills to crack open shells.

Sadly their UK breeding population has declined and it is now a Red List species, and of conservation concern in the UK.

Scoters have special protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and are listed under 'Schedule One.'

The scoter was released on Wednesday 8 April in Holywell, with this video showing him swimming off into the sea.

After being rehabilitated at RSPCA Stapeley Grange, the scoter was released on Wednesday 8 April in Holywell (Photo: RSPCA).

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One of the main threats to this species are oil spills as wintering populations are particularly vulnerable to these, as well as being caught in commercial nets, and habitat degradation.

Common scoters are usually found in the sea, but can also be seen inland sometimes too.

Wildlife Centre Deputy Manager Charlotte Williams, told Nub News: "We were quite surprised when we realised what type of bird this was, and it's quite an unusual collection for the RSPCA and not one we often treat at Stapeley.

"The scoter came to us via a vets after the bird had been found in Cheadle. The bird had sadly been attacked by a cat, and luckily he wasn't badly hurt.

"He responded well to treatment which included providing pain relief and antibiotics and once signed off by the vet he just needed a quick wash and testing for waterproofing before being released.

"We are so pleased that we have been able to rehabilitate him successfully and he has now been released back to the wild."

For more information about what to do if you find a bird in distress please visit the RSPCA's website.

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