I am continually in awe of the beauty of our Australian birds. So many fascinating birds come through to our carers from the WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline.
Sadly many are suffering from attacks by domestic animals. It is good to see so many more people now realizing that containing their cats in a cat run or cat aviary has benefits for the wildlife and for the pets. The bonus, of course, is all the beautiful wildlife that then visit our gardens. It is lovely to hear all the finches, wrens, honeyeaters and so many other species celebrating the remnants of springtime.
The invention of ‘Smart’ phones has been of enormous benefit for wildlife rehabilitators. All those photos showing dates and locations. It is also great to be able to photograph wildlife on the ‘weekly weigh-in’ day. Taking a photograph while the animal is on the scales, displaying the animals weight and physical development is interesting. These details are so helpful to us, especially for future orphaned wildlife.
To see those brilliant colours of our birdlife close up is just amazing. Photos certainly do not do them justice. Wildlife carers also cannot dwell on getting the perfect ‘shot’ as we are often dealing with an animals stressed by illness or orphaning, so photos are taken very quickly.
This week another Azure Kingfisher came into our care. It is just spectacular with its almost irridescent bright blue colouring, with flashes of purple, contrasting with the orange buff-coloured breast. People are often surprised to know these birds, along with others such as rainbow bee-eaters and spotted pardalotes actually make their nests underground, tunnelling into creek banks, termite nests or embankments.
The Azure Kingfishers are never far from water. Though shy they can be seen on their usually lone hunting expeditions along water courses. They are so graceful as they sweep in to feed on insects.
Australia is a country full of exquisite birds. The Sunshine Coast has bird clubs that welcome new-comers and novices to bird-watching. WILVOS welcome anyone wanting to learn about rehabilitating our wonderful wildlife.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au