Orient Point

Kate holding a pelican with a badly broken wing.

A call from the public saw Australian Seabird Rescue team members Kate, Bonnie and I heading south. This female pelican had sustained a terrible break to her wing. Unfortunately it appears to be from a boat strike. A careless act as, it's so easy to avoid pelicans or at least to stop and help them.

So this poor bird was out there in pain and obviously very hungry as she came straight over to us. Unable to get her on the boat ramp, Kate got the kayak in the water and after a lot of hard paddling was able to pick her up - obtaining a black eye from her in the process. Thanks also to Bonnie on the end of the wharf ready to jump if needed.

So unfortunately off to the vet but at least she wouldn't die from infection or starvation.

There is a large fine regarding this sort of action from boaties and with summer coming a timely reminder to all on the waterways to please be careful.

Thanks again Kate and Bonnie

Betty