The peak volunteer organisation charged with the responsibility of caring for injured and orphaned wildlife says it expects a spike in baby birds and wildlife requiring care.
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FAWNA says it gets many calls at this time of the year, particularly for baby birds.
President Meredith Ryan says the most dangerous place for most baby birds is on the ground where they can fall prey to cats, dogs, other birds and exposure.
“Many people call FAWNA to report they have seen a baby bird on the ground and want FAWNA to collect and care for it,” she said.
“However, in the bird world, all may not be quite what it seems. Often these fledgling birds are just a day or two away from flight and they are being fed by their parents and family group.
“A watch and wait approach is often best, as adult birds usually remain near their offspring to try to continue feeding the young, and of course they can do a much better job of rearing their chicks than any human can. These birds can be quite fierce in protecting any young on the ground.
“If the baby is fully feathered it might be best to provide a temporary replacement nest - anything to get the baby off the ground and out of reach of cats and other predators.”
Mrs Ryan said a small ice-cream container or a plant pot with a stick in it will suffice, nailed or hung as high as possible in a tree. The container should be lined with dry grasses and twigs with several drain holes punched in the bottom.
Just keep a watch to see if the ploy works, she said.
If the baby is fully feathered it might be best to provide a temporary replacement nest - anything to get the baby off the ground and out of reach of cats and other predators.
- Meredith Ryan
If after three or four hours the parent birds are not flying down to feed the chick, bring it indoors and keep it in a dark, dry, and secure environment and contact FAWNA immediately on 6581 4141 - it will need to be fed a special baby bird feed formula.
The wrong food is worse than no food at all and wildlife regulations prohibit the keeping of native fauna unless you are a member of your local licensed wildlife rescue group. Sugar, bread, honey, milk and weet-bix are all no-no’s.
Remember that injured birds will be stressed so be careful when handling them to avoid being bitten or scratched or causing feather damage that will prolong their time in rehabilitation care.
FAWNA is holding an induction training course in rescue and immediate care of injured and orphaned wildlife at Johns River on Saturday October 6.
The course includes a session on basic care of birds.
The one day course is to be held at the Johns River Hall from 9am to 4.30 pm on Saturday, October 6.
Bookings are essential for the course which is included in the first year membership fee.
Bookings and all details are available on the website www.fawna.org.au Lunch and refreshments are provided to all trainees and course notes and a certificate are included.
