With Spring in the air and birds on the move, the RSPCA is urging members of the public to be alert for baby birds and love-struck birds on kamikaze missions.
RSPCA South Australia’s rescue team were recently called in to help rescue nine ducklings who ended up stuck in a stormwater drain at Onkaparinga Hills.
Local resident, Brian Green, called the RSPCA after being alerted to the ducklings’ plight by a postman doing his rounds.
“I tried to get them out but it was impossible without the proper equipment,” said animal lover Brian, who says he frequently finds love-struck ducks in his swimming pool around this time of year.
“Mum and Dad [ducks] were lying flat on the grass nearby, clearly stressed and I understood how they felt.”
Fortunately, RSPCA SA animal ambulance volunteer, Monica, was close to the location when the report came in.
She was soon joined by fellow rescue volunteer, Caitlin. Thankfully, both were well-trained and familiar with tricky animal rescues.
“I could hear the ducklings but couldn’t see them at this point,” says Monica.
“Mum and Dad were at the entrance to the drain, obviously fretting about their babies.”
After noticing activity across the road from his home, another resident came out and offered to help.
Using a crow bar, he managed to lift the drain’s concrete cover to reveal the nine ducklings below.
“With a bit of teamwork and persistence, we scooped all nine ducklings into a carrier,” said Monica.
“We then coaxed Mum and Dad to the safety of a nearby park and waterway where we released the ducklings, enabling the family to reunite,” she says.
RSPCA says recent warmer weather is resulting in more birds needing rescue as they choose unsafe places to nest. It’s advising people to cover chimney openings with chicken wire to prevent birds entering at this time of year.
RSPCA is also asking motorists to watch out for birds crossing roads, especially near parks and waterways.
“They know where they want to go but they don’t know to look both ways before stepping off the kerb,” said RSPCA SA Rescue Team Leader, Nalika van Loenen.
“If safe to do so, please help birds to cross safely, but never put yourself at risk in these situations.
“And if you notice ducks hovering around the top of a drain, it’s highly likely that there are ducklings below, so please give us a call – being able to reunite families is one of the joys of the job.”
To report wildlife in need of rescue, phone 24/7 RSPCA hotline : 1300 477 722.
