A HELPLESS bird was “caught in a face mask” left by littering park-goers while thoughtful locals tried to save its life.

Maureen Griffiths, 59, spotted a female goosander with what appeared to be the strap from a disposable face mask tied around its beak on Sunday morning.

Glasgow Times:

Credit: Maureen Griffiths

The retired lecturer said: “We were helping with our friend’s monthly gull-count.

“It looked like some kind of elastic because it could open its beak a bit but not very much.

“It was very hungry, we threw food and it actually came out of the water to try to eat.”

Glasgow Times:

Credit: Gordon Terris

Her friend, a qualified bird ringer, came over to help the distressed animal but she would not come to him.

“She was like, ‘No way Jose’ and shot off into the reeds. She wouldn’t come close enough to be caught.”

Animal rescue officers were on the scene the following day but by that time, the bird and its group had disappeared. Its condition is unknown.

Now the animal-protection charity has urged anyone who sees the trapped goosander, which may be in danger of starving to death if its beak remains trapped shut, to get in touch.

Glasgow Times:

Credit: Gordon Terris

Amy Stirton, an animal rescue officer with the SSPCA, said: “We were contacted on February 15 about a female goosander on Alexandra Park pond suspected to be tangled in a disposable face mask.

“We attended and there was no sign of the goosander or her group.

“We would like to remind the public to please dispose of all litter responsibly as this can have a detrimental effect on wildlife. Birds can get caught up, as in this case, which can cause damage or restrict their ability to eat. Animals can also ingest rubbish which can be fatal.

“If anyone does spot this goosander, or any animal in need of our help, please contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”