Early start to bird breeding season sees spike in WIRES calls

Local WIRES services have received an unusually high number of calls for help in relation to baby birds this winter, as a result of the early start to the breeding season.

In the last couple of weeks WIRES has rescued numerous chicks, including a family of crested pigeons whose nest was disturbed when a tree was being pruned.

‘After initially being separated the siblings were reunited and their nest replaced in a nearby tree,’ said the publicity officer for Wires Northern Rivers, Renata Phelps.

‘The parents almost immediately attended to their chicks.’

In another rescue, a little Noisy Minor fledgling was snatched by a cat when it left its Byron Bay nest for the first time.

Fortunately the fledgling was saved in time with no broken bones.

After five days in care, the fledgling was growing, putting on weight, fluttering his wings and after a week was almost ready to fly.

‘It was time to be reunited with its parents, but at first the WIRES carer was not entirely sure she had located the correct
family,’ Ms Phelps said.

‘After some time his parents started feeding him, and this little one was accepted back to his home.’

It is also Barn Owl chick fledging time and the dry weather and lack of food has caused many young birds to get in trouble.

WIRES have also been involved in many more rescues of nestling and fledgling Barn owls than in previous years.

‘It is difficult to know why so many birds are choosing to breed earlier than usual, but perhaps it is due to the warm days,’ Ms Phelps said.

‘Normally breeding season wouldn’t start for most birds until well into August, and so these early July chicks indicate an extending of the breeding season and may possibly lead to birds raising multiple clutches this year.’

WIRES is always in need of more members and with Spring fast approaching, they are particularly in need of volunteers .

The local WIRES 24-hour hotline is for all rescue, advice or membership calls in the Northern Rivers – call 6628 1898.