Birds
Birds of Prey
Birds of Prey, also known as raptors - eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and harriers. These birds feed on carrion or other small animals they catch with their taloned feet. They often get hit by cars when eating road kill. Unfortunately some farmers still poison or shot them as they are seen as predators to their stock. If you do come across an injured bird of prey, never place it in a wire cage. It can damage their feathers and reduces the chance of successful rehabilitation. A secure and well ventilated cardboard box is ok. Birds of prey need to be handled by trained rescuers and rehabilitated by specialist carers.
Water birds
Water birds are medium to large birds with short legs, webbed feet and long beaks – pelicans, albatrosses, cormorants & petrels. They often need our help when they get tangled in fishing line and plastic bags.
Ducks
Ducks lay their eggs from September to March. This is the time of year when a lot of ducklings come into care. Ducks and ducklings in your swimming pool? Make sure there is a piece of wood acting as a ramp so the ducks can get out. Please keep your domestic animals away from ducks. If you see a dead duck on the road, if safe, please remove the duck off the road. Unfortunately the ducks partner and babies will stay around the dead duck, which increases the chance of them being hit too.
Swooping Birds
There are a number of species of birds that will swoop, magpies being one of the most common. Usually swooping takes place in the spring time and may last for about 8 weeks. Swooping is a part of their natural behaviour and they are simply protecting their nest. Swooping generally starts once the eggs are incubated and usually stops once their baby has left the nest and is flying. In most cases no contact is made. Here are some tips to avoid being swooped:
- Avoid the swooping zone if possible
- Don't panic and run, this just encourages the attack
- If you are riding a bike, leave your helmet on and try walking your bike past the swooping zone
- Try travelling in a group
- Wear a wide brim hat
- Walk with an open umbrella for protection
- Don't throw objects at the magpie, it will only increase their agression
- Do not remove or harm the babies, it is illegal
