The storms have brought non-stop calls through to the WILVOS 5441 6200 Hotline. Every species of wildlife seems to be finding the weather a challenge.
The wild weather often means panic which can lead to animals scattering in all directions. Joeys can find themselves separated from their mother and the security of the pouch. Young chicks are often blown out of nests.
Tawny frogmouth chicks are often found on the ground. They always make me laugh. They try to look so mean, but are such gentle creatures. If checked out and they have no injuries they can go back up in a tree near parents who are watching from nearby. Once parents are observed feeding them that night it is a great relief. We always like to see chicks reunited with the parents.
It is that time of year when magpies and other young fledgling birds are taken away from their parents. It is part of their learning and development stage to be on the ground and they don’t usually need to be ‘rescued’. The poor parent birds must often be puzzled by these aliens who come along and kidnap their youngsters!
There have been a number of chicks that have been blown out of nests, or branches and trees have come down. In these cases the young birds may be injured so it is good to have them checked out by a vet familiar with wildlife. An xray is often needed to determine the extent of injuries. Our local vets all have a list of WILVOS carers and will contact one nearby once the animal has been treated. Some species are very territorial so it is important that the original location is written on the carton. Cartons or inside out pillowslips, with a tie at the top, are the best container for any injured or orphaned wildlife. Cages make the animals feel vulnerable, and even if covered over, birds will do feather damage on the wire of cages.
Thank you to all the wonderful people who phone the Hotline when they see wildlife in distress.
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au