Hi everyone,
I just registered as I am very much interested in birds. I read with some concern about a few of the rescue stories. Not knowing in full what the site administrators have as a guideline regarding the topic of rescuing native avian fauna, I would recommend that if anybody finds an injured bird they contact the relevant wildlife rescue organization in their respective states.
NSW – WIRES 02-8977-3333 or http://www.wires.org.au
Vic – Wildlife Victoria 13-000-94535 or http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/
Other states, I am sure google can help you.
I guess my point is that it is illegal in at least the state of NSW (but I would guess all other states as well) to keep any wildlife without the relevant permit issued by an organization such as National Parks and Wildlife Service. Also, the above named organizations have many experienced carers (like me) who can deal with the unthinkable when involved in rescues of animals. And in case you do wonder, I am a member of WIRES as well. :-)
Have a nice day and don't be shy to help!
Thanks for that info, if you have a look at some old posts you will see that the advice given on here is to contact someone as soon as possible.
As far as I know it is not illegal to rescue a distressed or sick bird/animal as long as you don't keep it without the relevant permits and get it to help as soon as possible.
I am wondering why you say you "read with concern some of the stories" I personally would be more concerned if people showed no regard for our injured wildlife.
I have seen people hit wallabies in their cars in front of me and left them for dead some of which I have pulled up and rescued Joey's out of their pouches and then delivered them to the vet when I hit town.
I don't have a permit to rescue them but if I don't I know the Dingoes and Cats will drag them out before sunrise and tear them apart.
Its good to see your a member of wires,keep up the good work.
Cheers
Tassie
Hi Tassie,
I assumed we here all concerned about our environment and wildlife. Like you said, we would be more concerned if people showed no regard for our injured wildlife.
We are the GOOD people who care. :')
There are many crazy people out there that purposely run over animal crossing the road.
I think Windhover worry about some people might try to keep the animal, especially juvenile birds, which might caused the birds to used to human handling, and can not survive in the wild. Also, some birds/animals might have other serious illness or disease that harmful to human or pets.
You don't need permit to rescue the animal, but do need permit/licence to keep the animal for longer period, as wildlife shelter/vet/carers.
Some states, you do not need a permit to keep the animal if its non-native/introduced species.
I am a wildlife rescuer with Wildlife Victoria.
Yesterday evening I rescued a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo with broken left wing, from a farm about 15km from my place.
To all forum members, if you found injured wildlife, for some reason you can't rescue them or don't know what to do, just call the numbers mentioned by Windhover, or any wildlife rescue groups in your state.
Cheers.
Bryan
Gidday Bryan, thanks for that mate.
Yes, of course if you can help straight away, just cover the bird with a towel and place in a box or cage. Be aware of the following dangers when trying to handle them. Usually by throwing a towel or some blanket over the birds will calm them down. All the below are assumed to take place after the bird is covered. You got to remember where the head (for parrots) or the talons (raptors and owls) are!!!
All parrots: the beaks are killers, very painful if they get you!!!! Don't put parrots in cardboard boxes as they can chew their way out. You don't want a cranky parrot in your car! :) A way to pick up is to place thumb and middle finger around neck and index finger (index finger to push down on top of head, locking the movement), though this is easier said than done and I still get bitten sometimes.
Magpies, Ravens, Butcherbirds and larger passerines: be aware of sharp nails! And Raven bites also hurt.
Birds of prey and owls: BE VERY AWARE OF THE TALONS! They are not for decoration! The beak is not a problem. Of course a bite hurts, but a locked talon will cause IMMENSE pain and could cause a lot of damage to wherever it grabs. If you are not sure just leave it and observe from a distance.
Tawny Frogmouths are not owls and have no talons but pathetic little claws and they look scary but are totally cute and harmless.
Most other birds are OK. :)
Also this is not meant to be an unofficial training course just a few tips.