Juvenile Pelican who craves attention!

Well this young bird sure likes attention and he has certainly gained that in his short life so far.

Oliver with the juvenile pelican who craves attention!

He was first caught at Lake Illawarra in June with a hook in his wing, attended to and released. Then he was caught again in the same spot mid July with another hook. This one was in his wing but also deeper. He presented OK so was released.

Ever adventurous he was then reported sitting on the median strip on a very, very busy road. That was one for "Funniest Home Videos" with cars all around us he couldn't take off but boy could he run! Luckily I herded him off the road and caught him. I then took him to Berkeley harbour to be with other birds - not a good enough - 3 days later he was in the courts of a local sports club. Okay something was wrong! So off to the vet, Kim of Cannon and Ball, who diagnosed an infection in the bone so into care for 5 days on antibiotics.

Back to the vet and cleared to be released. Now what to do with this trouble maker? It was decided to re-locate him away from danger. So with Oliver's help he was taken way south of Wollongong to a spot with massive waterways and no busy roads. Last seen swimming happily amongst the oyster leases. Hope he has a long and happy life!

Betty

Juvenile Greenshank

Although wading birds are usually in shallow water, this young fellow had a run in with mankind but luckily for him, an alert member of the public, Barbara, and our Australian Seabird Rescue team member Colin, he was rescued. He had a hook in his wing, line tangled around his legs and another hook which had him caught on a very heavy mooring rope in Kiama harbour. With Barbara and her friend heaving on the rope, Colin was able to reach out and grab him. The hook was in a bad spot so to the Kiama Collins St Vet for help. The hook was removed and an antibiotic shot given, then into care for the night.

So back to Kiama the next day and with a full belly he was happily sent on his way. A good result thanks to Colin, Barbara and friend, and the vet.

Betty.

Shy Albatross

How’s this for handsome! These magnificent big birds spend their life at sea - even to sleep and only come to land to breed.

Unfortunately this big boy has injured himself somehow (perhaps a collision with a ship or worse still a horrible encounter with a cranky fisho). He’s then been barrelled in the big sea and found himself on a beach just north of Wollongong when Australian Seabird Rescue got the call.

With the local avian vet unavailable an SOS was sent out to Lindsay of Southern Oceans Seabird Study Association (S.O.S.S.A.) who knows all there is to know about our seafaring friends. So off we went for Lindsay to check him over. He seemed waterlogged and had a bruise to the chest, so Lindsay helped me set him up for overnight care and to be taken to Taronga Zoo in the morning.

7am Lindsay was back to check him then off we went to the best facilities available – Taronga Zoo hospital.

With immediate attention at the hospital, blood was taken, wings, feet and legs checked, it appears this big boy was just exhausted with the only apparent injury the bruise on his chest. Further checks and tests will be done after he settles from the car trip.

So knowing he was in the best possible hands Leonie and I headed off on the long trip home. A great big thank you to the staff at Taronga hospital, and to Lindsay.

Mr Albatross is due to be released in a few days.

Betty