Monday 25 May 2015

‘HOOKED!’


Easter Sunday morning, sunshine was interrupted by a call to Australian Seabird Rescue from a resident, Dave, at the local mobile home village, reporting a pelican on the island with its wing down and unable to fly.

Onto the phone to Sam, one of our invaluable hovercraft owners, I asked if he could pick me up and take me to the bird.  Sam had a mate, Bruce, visiting from America, who came across and waited on the shore while Sam and I went to collect the poor thing.  The picture is compliments of Bruce.

Betty & Sam rescuing a pelican with a broken wing.

On inspection, the poor bird not only had a break, but a nasty wound at the site.  There is no doubt it was a serious hook injury (I have seen many, sadly).  Somebody has hooked the bird and just yanked so hard to get their 20c hook back, they have snapped her wing.  So, straight to the Greencross Vets, thankfully they are opened on Sunday, to be euthanized.

Thank you Sam for helping me save her from a horrible slow death.
If only…. you know, everyone – it really is so easy to stop, think and assess the situation before causing this sort of damage with a tragic ending.


Betty

Sunday 24 May 2015

UNLUCKY

Egret found with broken wing.


This dainty little bird, an Egret, somehow got herself in trouble.  On a calm Saturday night a call came in to Australian Seabird Rescue, from the Port Kembla Rail.  A worker had found her hiding in the bushes.  Not a mark on her and absolutely snow white, unfortunately her left wing was broken.  So strapped up warm and safe for the night the outcome was never going to be good.  One wonders how she managed to hurt herself - although this type of bird is quite common, they all have a place in the ecosystem and we should be ensuring all species a future.

Betty

Thursday 21 May 2015

STOLEN

Baby Grebe

This poor little ball of fluff (a baby Grebe) has obviously been stolen from the nest by either a raven or raptor but then dumped ungraciously on the road way at the local council tip.

Searching the vicinity there was no sign of the parents, so I took him home, fed him up and tucked him in safe and warm.

Despite all my efforts, the poor little thing died (possibly form internal injuries) 24 hours later.  But being unmarked except for a bit of blood on the beak it was decided he was a great specimen for the Australian Museum so off he went the next day.  At least he will be on display and help educate the public about our amazing birdlife.

Betty