Renata Phelps
Late last week WIRES received a call from a distressed resident of East Wardell who had discovered a horrific sight outside her gate. A motorist had sped along this road, directly into a flock of corellas.
The scene was distressing, with at least seven birds killed outright. Limp, feathered bodies were strewn along the road.
Two corellas were still alive and were scooped up by this caring local resident. Sadly, one died shortly after.
The one remaining live corella was rescued by local WIRES volunteer Bess, and after an initial assessment, was transported to Evans Head Vet. Unfortunately, its injuries were so great that it died in transit.
Little corellas are social birds, often seen in large flocks and feeding near watercourses and seeding grasses. They can often be seen frolicking – hanging upside down, spinning and playing. They are thought to pair for life and both partners share in the role of raising their young, which makes it all the more tragic when one of the pair dies or is killed.
Many larger birds such as corellas take a bit longer to get airborne than some of our smaller birds. Slowing down when approaching the flock, allowing them vital time to fly off, may have prevented this tragedy and added only a few seconds to the journey.
WIRES thanks all those caring drivers who slow down when they approach wildlife on or near the road, and those who stop and assist when animals are injured.
If you are keen to make a difference for the wildlife in our area, consider joining WIRES. For more information about how you can join and contribute call 66281898.
WIRES relies heavily on the generosity of caring people for support. All donations $2 and over are tax-deductible. Now is also a great time to join WIRES and start learning to be a wildlife rescuer.
Our 24-hour hotline is for all rescue, advice or membership calls in the Northern Rivers – call 6628 1898 or go to http://wiresnr.org/Helping.html to find out how you can help.
♦ Renata Phelps works for WIRES on the Northern Rivers
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