BURRILL

Check out the smile on this big boy’s face!  Sitting quite comfortably with Australian Seabird Rescue team member, Belinda, he is no doubt saying ‘thank you for removing a large hook from my beak’.  A mighty effort from Belinda and Barry who both travelled an hour from opposite directions to help this very handsome boy.  Unable to get him the first time they returned to Burrill Lakes a couple of days later and successfully caught and released him.  Bird 907 on the success list.

 

Belinda commented ‘isn’t it great when you catch and release them!'

It sure is, Belinda, and with great team work it is a good reminder why we volunteer and love what we do.  Thank you both for a great result.

Betty

Australian Seabird Rescue team member, Belinda with a pelican rescued at Burrill Lakes. He had a large hook removed from his beak.

Penny Penguin

A great outcome for this young penguin. 

 

Penny Penguin taking off back into the surf after 15 days of being in care.

 Perched on the rocks looking very sad and sorry for herself she was luckily picked up by the Port Kembla lifeguards who rang us immediately (thanks fellas).

 

Rehydrated and ‘tucked’ in for the night we were off to the vet the next morning where it was confirmed she had an infection and only weighed 636grms.

She was placed on antibiotics for a week and daily big feeds of fish.  15 days later and a healthy 1.12 kg she was happily released and took off at speed across the sand and dived into the surf.  Thanks to vet Mike Cannon she’ll now have a happy life .  Amazing little birds – it is always a pleasure to see them on their way.

Betty

‘JACKPOT’

The seagull named Jackpot – well – named because if there was a lottery in the marine world he certainly would have won the jackpot.  I spotted this guy on a patrol of the foreshore and thought it was a hook protruding from his chest.  Unable to get him that day I went back next morning with Australain Seabird Rescue team member, Oliver, and we caught him.
 

As you can see from the photo, it was far from a hook – it was in fact a skewer which was deeply imbedded in his body – how it did not affect his organs we have no idea!  With a lot of manipulating it was removed and he was released.  He was last seen happily sitting on the water washing himself – though no doubt with a sore chest.  Any theories?  No me either – but he sure earned his name!

Betty 

Skewer removed from chest of Jackpot the Seagull