Latest branch news

NEW MEMBERS:

 Firstly,  I would like to welcome Amy, Kate, Linda, Kiala, Monique and Paul to our Branch ... it is fabulous that you have joined us and I look forward to seeing you at the workshop if you can make it (Sunday 15 December).

 RESCUES/REHAB UPDATE

 We have had another busy few weeks with the pelicans... many affected by botulism.  Betty has five in care at the moment and I would like to particularly thank Julie for all her support - she has been assisting Betty on a daily basis with medications/feeding and the general housekeeping which is required.

 We have also had a big effort by Shari and Shaun during the past few weeks with a range of rescues.... thanks guys.  Many of our members have been working as a team when needed - fantastic work!

 As previously mentioned, if you have a spare afternoon or day that you are able to assist and/or undertake a proactive please call Betty on the ASR hotline  0431282238 - I don't want to see Betty burnout.... we all know what the consequences would be if that occurred.  The Christmas period is going to be a challenge as many of us will be away and I would like to arrange for Betty to have a few days without the phone... we will need to discuss this at the meeting.

 WARRAWONG BBQ

 I would like to thank Lidia, John, Michael, Fulvia, Kay, Leonie, Tess, Kath and Jennifer for running the BBQ at Bunnings, Warrawong, we banked approximately $1100, which is a fantastic effort! 

  JOINT CLEANUP:  14 December 2013:  Longbeach North, Beecroft Peninsula, Currarong:  11am

 Please don't forget that we have organised a joint cleanup with ORRCA, Marine Mammal Rescue & Responsible Runners, Jervis Bay on 14 December -  bring a picnic lunch if you are able to hang around to talk to our friends from other wildlife rescue organisations.

 Let me know if you can attend as I will be taking my car and have some spare seats.

 ASR WORKSHOP FOR NEW MEMBERS/REFRESHER FOR CURRENT MEMBERS:  Sunday 15 December 2013

 I am  conducting a workshop for new members on Sunday, 15 December at the Port Kembla Sailing Club near Berkeley Boat ramp from 9.15am to 3pm... so if you require a refresher (every two years) please let me know and you can participate in this workshop.

 BRANCH MEETING:  Monday, 16 December 2013

 The last meeting of the year is on Monday, 16 December at the Illawarra Yacht Club -  so come along for a quick meeting; light refreshments and a social chat.  It is a pity our southern friends are a bit too far away to join us..... but we certainly acknowledge all the work that people do and I will make every effort to come down the coast to catch up in the new year!

 Kirsten

 

Seagull with tied-up legs leaves Leonie feeling like a goose!

The last week has been particularly busy for Australian Seabird Rescue with various members going out on almost daily patrols. On Saturday Betty was called about a seagull which had its legs tied together. Despite an extensive search she was not able to locate the bird. On Monday Betty, Leonie and Kay went to Windang where they were able to catch a pelican which had a hook under its left wing. They successfully removed the hook and released the bird back to freedom. Each pelican is given a number when it is caught and a record made of its injury, sex, beak length and approximate age. This pelican was bird number 703 ie: this is the number of pelicans rescued by ASR since the group began in the Illawarra.

On Tuesday Betty and Leonie returned to Windang to catch another pelican this time with a swivel and fishing line tangled around its left wing. Again they were able to remove the offending material and release the bird. On the way home they received a call from a very distressed woman about the seagull with the tied-up legs. He was outside Westfield at Warrawong, so they went straight there. As Leonie set up the D-net (a special net used to catch small birds), Betty went to buy some hot chips - no not for her, for the seagull! By this time quite a crowd had gathered to watch the excitement. As Leonie waited patiently at the ready with the D-net, Betty threw a chip close to her own feet and as the seagull came for it, Betty just bent down and picked the bird up! Leonie said she felt like a real "goose" standing there with all the equipment while Betty managed to catch the bird with her hands! The gull's legs were badly tangled with the cotton and it took Betty and Leonie quite some time to get it all undone. He was fine to be released and Betty rung the caller back to let her know all was well with the seagull. After this exciting morning Betty and Leonie ate the rest of the (now cold) chips on their way home!

Pelican & Seabird Rescue Workshop

THE PLIGHT OF

 THE PELICANS…

PELICAN & SEABIRD RESCUE WORKSHOP

WHEN:   Saturday 3rd September 2011

WHERE:   Illawarra Yacht Club, Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong

TIME:  8.45am registration 9.00am – 4.30pm

Topics covered include:

Ø  Understanding pelicans, recognising/locating injured pelicans, handling, first-aid.

Ø  Capture techniques for pelicans that can still fly (and any bird that can be lured).

Ø  Seabird handling and first-aid; and rehabilitation issues for pelicans and seabirds.

Note:  There will be a field session where you will be in contact with birds

Pelicans and other seabirds are frequently injured by accidental hooking.  The hooks do not simply rust away, and fishing line can sever limbs and wings.

If left unattended, these injuries can cause infection, gangrene/loss of limbs and a slow, painful death.

If you’d like to learn how to rescue  these beautiful big birds and become a member of Australian Seabird Rescue, or learn more about pelicans
and
other
seabirds,
 come along.

COST:   $30.00 - Includes morning/afternoon teas, & comprehensive manual,

TO REGISTER Phone:  Rhonda 0431 282 238 or Email: seabirdrescue@optusnet.com.au