Spring brings nesting birds, young animals and more active reptiles to the Hawkesbury’s gardens, paddocks and bushland. It also brings opportunities for residents to help wildlife, provided they know when to intervene and when to stand back.
One of the most common mistakes is assuming a young bird on the ground has been abandoned.
WIRES advises that fledgling magpies, currawongs and noisy miners can leave their nests before they can fly properly. Their parents continue feeding and protecting them while they develop their skills.
A well-feathered youngster hopping around may need space rather than rescue. Keep pets and children away and watch from a distance for its parents.
However, a featherless chick, an injured bird or one in immediate danger needs advice from a wildlife rescue organisation. Some species, including parrots and kookaburras, should be able to fly when they leave the nest.
Warmer weather also means more encounters with snakes. Give them space, secure pets and do not attempt to catch, kill or relocate them yourself.
Swooping birds are another seasonal concern. Avoid nesting areas where possible and allow protective parents room to raise their young. WIRES urges people to remain calm around both swooping birds and snakes.
For sick or injured wildlife, the first priority is keeping people and pets away while seeking professional advice.
Never handle bats, snakes, goannas, birds of prey or large injured animals. These require trained rescuers.
If WIRES advises that a small animal is safe to contain, use gloves and gently place it in a secure, ventilated box lined with a towel. Keep it somewhere dark and quiet while arranging veterinary treatment or rescue.
Do not offer food or water unless a veterinarian or wildlife rescuer instructs you to do so. Record exactly where the animal was found to help rescuers plan its care and eventual release.
Residents can also make their properties safer by keeping pets away from wildlife and providing shallow water bowls for healthy, free-living animals. This differs from trying to give water directly to an injured animal.
Avoid routinely feeding wildlife, which can create dietary and other problems. A safer contribution is protecting the habitat animals already use and reducing hazards around the home.
For advice about sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife, call WIRES on 1300 094 737, available 24 hours a day. Seek advice before attempting a rescue.
