Soaring mercury levels have apparently started taking a toll on the birds in the city, as the Society for Protection against Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) registered 10 cases of birds afflicted with sunstroke on Tuesday, almost a month before the onset of summer.
“We normally get cases of birds afflicted with sunstroke in April or May. But, as the temperature now ranges between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius, that too in March, cases have already started coming in,” said Dr Suhas Rane, veterinary doctor and secretary, SPCA.
Of the 10 sick birds SPCA got on Tuesday, there were eight kites, one owl and one sparrow hawk. The birds were found in a woeful state from various places in Dombivli, Bhandup and Ghodbunder Road in Thane.
“Unable to bear the scorching heat, the birds had collapsed on the ground and had injured themselves. All the birds were brought to us by bird lovers,” Rane said.
Two of the kites are in a critical state and are under constant observation. The birds are also being treated for their injury and are being administered oral drops to combat weakness.
With inputs from Shubhangi Ghadi and Sukhada P Khandge
