Lulu of Callala Bay

Meet 'Lulu' a very pretty young pelican (no they don't all look the same) from Callala Bay.

Lisa and Lulu in Callala Bay

 

This young pelican owes her life to Lisa (pictured) who also lives in Callala Bay. She was spotted by Lisa in the water in all sorts of trouble. After phoning Australian Seabird Rescue and realising our one hours travel time, Lisa took it on herself to try and catch her which she very bravely did. Lulu's leg was really badly tangled in fishing line and a hook in her wing also, who knows how long she had been tangled. With the help of a couple of young fellas and staying on the phone with them, I talked them through how to remove the hook and fishing line. They managed to free Lulu from the line while Lisa held her. She was released but didn't go! ALARM BELLS! something else was wrong. It was getting quite late by now so I asked Lisa to pick her up again. A phone call to Judy of Wildlife Rescue to see if she could babysit Lulu overnight - no problems. So Lisa then transported her to Judy for overnight care and rehydration as she was weak. On collecting her the next morning it was apparent she had an infection from the hook and a bad limp. So off into care back in Berkeley until 100% better.

Without the commitment of Lisa the outcome may not have been so good. A great big thank you to Lisa and Judy for your help. Well done.

Betty

Dumped Ducks

These beautiful ducks found dumped in Lake Illawarra were rescued and now living a happy life with Kate.

These 2 ducks were dumped in Lake Illawarra within days of each other! Whoever the heartless person was they were giving them a death sentence. Domestic ducks don’t drink saltwater or eat the same food as wild ducks.

The first duck was found in a terrible condition on the break-wall;  absolutely terrified , dehydrated and starving. He was picked up by team member Kate in the kayak.

The second duck also starving was found hiding in the grass.

With thanks to Kate they are both now living happily at her home with some chooks for neighbours.

People who can’t care for their animals or no longer want them, need to get in touch with the relevant authorities to seek help.

Both these birds would have perished if they hadn’t been spotted by Australian Seabird Rescue on regular patrols.

Betty

No rest for ASR members on ANZAC Day!

A very cold windy ANZAC day and new Australian Seabird Rescue team member Oliver on his regular check of Port Kembla Harbour, found a pelican in trouble. So a quick call to base for help. On arrival the bird had gone onto the break-wall which has locked gates.

With a big thank you to Luke of the Water Police who unlocked the gate for us, I caught the bird. But on the break-wall also was a juvenile with a float and about 6 feet of line tangled in her wing. So I handed the first bird to Policeman Luke and tried to catch the juvenile. She wouldn't be in it so decided to come back later. The big male had a big hook in his leg and line tangled around that had cut into his leg plus a nasty wound to his wing. So transported him to go into care then back to get the juvenile, who was thankfully still on the break-wall.  Another call for help to the Water Police and Officer Luke unlocked the gate again. The bird was caught quickly and after attention was able to be released.

Without the help of the Water Police and Officer Luke these birds would still be in trouble - thank you again.

Betty