The WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline sees a variety native species coming into care. There is always a predominance of certain species needing rescue and care at different times of the year.
There are a few cheeky little mudlarks, better known as peewees, that have fallen out of nests, or have met with misadventure on their first attempts at flight. Fledglings always seem to overestimate their flying capabilities!
Sadly, a number of magpies are being diagnosed with metabolic bone disease. This is seen in those species that are fed incorrectly by well-meaning people. Bread and such nutritionally deficient foods are thrown out for birds to eat. This means that the birds stop foraging for their normal appropriate wild diet, but even worse, they feed these foods to their young chicks. Deformed and easily fractured bones are the result. It is very distressing to see.
In the constant wet weather, the lorikeet and honeyeater nectar is a good supplement for birds, but it is best fed just at times of food shortage. Dependence on food from humans is not good for native animals long-term. Fresh clean water every day is always beneficial, especially in hot weather, and the birds do love to come in and drink and bathe. It is always best to position water dishes high enough to prevent predation by domestic pets.
The wet weather also brings a number of galahs into our care. They have eaten grain that has been left to ferment on the ground or in feeding trays. This is very toxic and the birds become very emaciated by the time they are discovered in a debilitated state.
Our wildlife will welcome the abundance of food after the recent beautiful rain. The figbirds are very busy in all the native fruiting trees and WILVOS always have a large number of ‘figgies’ come in for rehabilitation at this time of year.
Each species has its own special traits. They are a source of never-ending learning. Researching the special requirements demanded by each animal is always fascinating.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au