Southie

This time of year our beautiful sea and shorebirds are susceptible to botulism. We have spoken of it before, but not to miss an opportunity we remind everyone to keep an eye out for unusual behaviour - usually along the shoreline. A prompt response saves lives as this crippling disease can kill a bird in 24 hours.

Sue, a ranger, had called Australian Seabird Rescue about a bird on a beach. After explaining botulism to her, she will now keep a look out whilst on her work duties. Unfortunately that pelican died despite our best effort.

But about a week later Sue was working at South beach Wollongong and noticed a pelican getting "barrelled" in the surf and rang us straight away. She got a lifesaver to go out and get the bird while awaiting our arrival. Quick thinking Sue - one lucky pelican!

The best part - after a week of intensive care the pelican has been happily released - is that a smile on her face in the picture?! With a flick of her tail feathers she was back in the wild with her fellow pelicans.

A big thank you to Sue for being on the ball and thanks also to South Wollongong Surf Club.

Betty

Oliver releasing a pelican who had recovered from botulism.