The Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has reported they have more than 20 Shearwater birds in care after being disorientated on their annual northern migration along the East coast of Australia.
It appears that the bright lights of the Gold Coast city skyline have confused the young native birds who are now recuperating at the facility foruntil they’re well enough to be released back into the wild.
It is hoped they will continue their migration towards Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
Senior Vet at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, Dr Michael Pyne, said it’s understood these birds use the stars to somewhat guide them on their migration up from the Southern states. ‘Every year the bright night lights of the Gold Coast cause the same problems for them, and we see an influx into the hospital.’
Dr Pyne said the majority of the birds just needed some time to rest and recover but are otherwise in good health.
If anyone finds a Shearwater bird in distress, please contact Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on (07) 55340813.
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