A young kookaburra had the best possible start to the new year after being reunited with its parents after falling from its nest.
The drama unfolded after Sydney tourists, Geoff and Peter, found the young bird at the bottom of a tall Bangalow palm outside their holiday unit.
The could see the nest, and the parent birds flying in an out, but it was too high to be reached, even with the help of a ladder loaned from neighbours.
They put the young bird in a safe spot on the deck and called WIRES for help.
The WIRES rescuer placed a temporary nest for the chick lower down in a nearby tree, where the mother was able to reach its baby and feed it.
Early the following day, the rescuer returned with a builder and long ladder and pole, but it was still not enough to reach the nest.
At that point, the chick was brought into care until a way could be found to reunite it with its family.
Essential Energy were called to see if they could help – and on a very busy New Year’s eve, they could.
Josh and Ben came to the rescue with their high lift truck.
They put the truck in position, and took the chick right up to the opening of the nest. There it was gently placed inside the nest, alongside its sibling and an egg. Mum watched on anxiously from the nearby power lines.
After the truck bucket was lowered, Mum was seen going into the nest to welcome the young one home.
The whole neighbourhood watched on, delighted with the outcome.
If you spot wildlife in trouble, call your local WIRES volunteers on the Hotline at 6628 1898. Any time. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week.
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