A young magpie’s game turned to disaster this week when a discarded piece of plumbing became a death trap.
A Goonellabah couple who are avid bird-watchers have a magpie family that visit on a regular basis – they even proudly present their yearly offspring. There is obviously an element of trust between the birds and their human friends, because when the couple realised the young bird’s predicament, the adult animals allowed them to capture their chick to help solve the problem.
The baby had found a discarded ring of PVC drainage pipe and had somehow managed to get it over its head and between its beak. The local WIRES team were called to assist, and rescuer Rowan went to help.
Due to the fragility of a bird’s neck and bones any attempt at removing the ring had to be done very gently. Rowan had some previous experience with PVC pipe having extricated a python from gutter pipe so he used wire-cutters again to split the ring and then remove it from the now much-relieved magpie.
The bird was checked for injuries and then released to join its appreciative family.
This incident serves as a reminder to us to be vigilant with anything we discard or recycle as many human objects have the potential to do harm to the environment or wildlife.
If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. Now is a great time to join since their next workshop will be held in Lismore on February 23rd and there is time beforehand to complete the online part of the course.
For more information about how you can join and contribute call 66281898 or visit the WIRES website to find out how you can help.
Such a lovely story! It heartens me to think that there are such caring souls in our community!
Many thanks to Wires for their prompt response to my call regarding “Junior” I was shocked when he came into the living room with this hard PVC pipe ring wedged around his head and beak. Within the hour it had been carefully removed and he flew up on to the roof with his evening piece of mince as usual. How different it could have been.
Any round object from plastic bottles etc whether in my home or I see thrown away I always cut it first before putting it in the bin.
I read this somewhere and tell friends to do the same.
Glad there was a happy ending.
Lynne, you and Ken are angels on Earth! Your unconditional love for all of God’s creatures, large and small, is the reason “Junior” is alive today. I am honored and blessed to call you my very, very dear friends!