LOCAL wildlife carers have put out a plea for people to be more aware of what to do if they find a baby bird that is not injured.
Tara Hunter, who specialises in bird rescues and rehabilitation through Wildcare, said wildlife carers are getting many baby birds into care that don’t need to be.
“As a licensed wildlife carer in Canungra, myself and many of our bird carers during this busy season are getting inundated with baby birds that have been taken away from their parents by well meaning people finding them on the ground,” she said.
“Sometimes they are just starting to learn to fly and spend a few days flitting around close to the ground while they get their flight strength and their parents are close by.
“Of course if the baby has been in contact with a cat or dog, or if it is injured, please help it.”
While she appreciates the intent of people caring for local wildlife, some baby birds are being removed from their parents unnecessarily.
This time of year many birds will be leaving the nest.
They will be learning how to fly and some will be learning to hunt during the night with their parents.
It is normal for older babies to be on the ground occasionally when they are learning to fly.
If a pre-fledgling or fledgling is on the ground in daylight hours (and is not injured), wait until dark and check if the parents come and tend to it.
If it is still in the same spot the next morning and the parents are not visible, Tara urges people to call the Wildcare hotline for advice.
If the baby is in danger from pets or other hazards, gently pick it up off the ground and place on a tree branch.
If you find a baby bird:
Leave it alone if it meets all of these:
- It has most of its feathers
- It is bright, alert and eyes open
- Its parents are tending to it
- It is standing on both legs evenly
- It is in good body condition
- It has not been in contact with a dog/cat
- It has no sign of injury
- It is vocal and begging for food
Help it if it has any of these:
- It has no feathers and no sign of parents
- It is quiet, fluffed up, or eyes closed
- It was found with deceased parent(s)
- It has a history of trauma/injury
- It has been in contact with a dog/cat
- It is cold and wet
- The parents haven’t returned all day
- The parents are refusing to feed it.
Not sure what to do, or need help?
Call Wildcare 5527 2444 or visit wildcare.org.au
