Oh Dave!

Betty with helpful holiday-maker Dave who ripped a calf muscle while trying to help capture a pelican!

Australian Seabird Rescue team member Carmel spotted an injured pelican while visiting Lake Conjola but unfortunately didn't have a cage with her - she did catch another bird with a hook though - attended to it and released the bird - well done Carmel.

A quick ring around to see if anyone wanted to go saw Ollie and I heading off early next morning. A female pelican she appeared to have a broken leg or pelvis. As she couldn't stand easily we were unable to get her straight away so we went and had some breakfast. On our return she'd got herself over the other side sitting down and not wanting to move. Enter Dave - "l'll help" he said "but it's too shallow for my boat so I'll wade in and swim over and herd her back to you". A good suggestion - good on you Dave!

So here's our hero holiday-maker running though the shallows after a swim when he went down in a heap - obviously in trouble and Little Miss Pelican laughing at him. Dave was rescued by another holiday maker on a kayak. Score; pelican 1: Us Nil. 

The rest of the day was spent in Milton hospital emergency department. Oh Dave! He's ripped his calf muscle and will be on crutches for 3 weeks - so much for his holiday! Thankfully he has a sense of humour and sent photos of his "wheelchair holiday" back to his workmates. Nine hours after we left home we returned weary only to have to go back the next day to get the bird. Which of course we did and took her off to the vet for assessment. Unfortunately our worst fears were realised - her knee was badly broken.

A great big thank you to Dave for trying to help and team ember Ollie for his patience.

Betty