Learn to rescue injured wildlife with WIRES

A TRAINING course next month will equip Northern Rivers residents with the skills to rescue and care for injured wildlife, as carers warn that barbed wire fences are often fatal for birds.

Among the recent rescues was a Tawny Frogmouth, nicknamed ‘Cooper,’ who was found caught on a barbed wire fence.

WIRES Northern Rivers bird coordinator Deb Pearse said many animals trapped in fences don’t survive due to severe injuries or infection.

“Removing birds from a barbed wire fence often causes more harm,” she said.

“In this case, ‘Cooper’ the Tawny Frogmouth was lucky, as he was caught by his feathers and not badly wounded.”

Now in Pearse’s backyard aviary, ‘Cooper’ is nearly ready for release after a careful rehabilitation process.

“Birds in care must be kept away from people and household life,”she said.

“We aim to release them into the natural world – human habituation can compromise their survival”

She said a bird in shock needs a dark, quiet environment and no food or water.

“I start them in a ‘hospital cage’, lined with shade cloth to protect their feathers,” Pearse said.

“They may need assist-feeding, medication, or both. Next step is an outside cage, then an aviary to practise flying before being released.

“That’s where ‘Cooper’ is now, almost ready to go. Rehab can be a long slow process for birds who aren’t as lucky.”

Pearse oversees all birds in care in the region.

“I defrost food – the many different species require different types – clean cages and aviaries, replace perches and organise transport, meaning endless phone calls!”

The next WIRES Northern Rivers Rescue and Immediate Care Course will be held on Sunday, March 23, teaching participants how to rescue and care for native wildlife.

More details are available at wires.org.au/training/rescue-and-care