SPRINGWATCH viewers were left in tears by footage which featured the fateful impact of avian flu amongst birds.
On Thursday evening, the BBC nature show continued with Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan and Megan McCubbin in what has been dubbed as its “darkest episode yet”.
During the episode, upsetting scenes showing the impact of avian flu were shown – and viewers were soon left reaching for the tissues.
During one part of the programme, Megan asked fans to take a moment to watch a video of an array of dead birds who had clearly struggled before succumbing to the illness.
The show cut to Hauxely Nature Reserve, where Megan had explained she was “right in the middle” of the distressing outbreak.
“You might remember last night, I was filming just on a beach over here.”
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As she pointed behind her, she continued: “And behind me is the wonderful Coquet Island with a beautiful colony of seabirds on it.
“But literally ten metres from my feet was a dead gannet. I walked on, another ten metres there was another dead gannet.
“And if I’d continued along that beach, I’m sure I would have found a lot more.
“After broadcasting last night, we filmed some quite emotive footage.”
Saddening clips showed a mass of dead birds strewn across the beach, with some looking completely dishevelled as their weak and lifeless bodies had given way.
Many viewers watching were troubled by the scenes, with many taking to Twitter to air their thoughts.
Alongside an array of sad-faced emojis, one person penned: “Devastating to see the impact of avian bird flu on Springwatch.”
Echoing their comments, someone else said: “Heartbreaking to see the devastation of bird flu. Those poor, poor birds.”
While a third questioned: “Is there a vaccine for avian flu? What can be done?”
Springwatch continues on Monday at 8pm on BBC Two.
