Spring has sprung with birds nesting everywhere. The WILVOS Hotline gets many familiar distress calls for plover chicks falling down drains and birds falling out of nests. Always sad is the scenario of tree clearing where nests with eggs have been found, sometimes too late when the nest has already fallen to the ground. It is such a relief to be able to reposition nests nearby if a tree has to be removed. Parents can be observed to check they are returning to the nest to continue laying more eggs, or to sit on the eggs to keep them warm.
If a lone tree is to be removed there may be nowhere nearby to relocate the nest. This is the worst case scenario and when WILVOS receive the call, the eggs are waiting for someone to collect and incubate. Wildlife carers can do their very best and incubate, hatch and rear young chicks to release but nothing is better than them being reared by their parents.
This week a call came from people reporting that they had removed a tree with no nearby relocation spot for the nest of swallow eggs they discovered. Smaller than a thumbnail, four fragile eggs were delivered in an exquisite nest. What an intricate piece of work – a real labour of love for such tiny birds. It is hoped that these little treasures will all survive through to release stage and they can be returned to the area from where they came.
WILVOS is fortunate to have a very dedicated and skilled carer of these tiny birds. Kerry’s days are taken up with the constant daily feeding routine of these smallest of chicks. It is a daunting task and she’d love some new wildlife carers to share the load. Go to www. wilvos.org.au and check out how you can help in the native animal world.
Wildlife News by Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au