Sydney Wildlife Rescue Urges Lane Cove Locals Not to Feed Wild Birds

Feeding wild birds can seem a harmless and enjoyable way to connect with nature.

However, Australian wildlife experts, rescue organisations, and government agencies strongly discourage this practice. While feeding birds may bring temporary joy to humans, it can lead to serious negative consequences for the birds.

The Story of a Baby Currawong

Sydney Wildlife Rescue is an organisation that rescues animals in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Area. Its mission is to rescue and care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife and safely release them back into the wild.

Some of its volunteers live in Lane Cove, including Bev Young, their Community Education Coordinator.

Bev and the Sydney Wildlife team have a vital message for the locals of Lane Cove: Don’t Feed Wild Birds!

Recently, a Sydney Wildlife Rescuer found a very sick baby currawong in a North Sydney Park.  Sydney Wildlife Rescue told ITC that the baby currawong was lucky to have been rescued, as its siblings more than likely would have died before leaving the nest.

The baby currawong was very sick, and it was hard to determine exactly what was causing the sickness. The wildlife rescuer went to three different vets to find out what was wrong with the bird. The baby currawong’s condition was rapidly worsening.

Finally, a specialist bird vet made a correct diagnosis.  The baby currawong suffered from a Vitamin A deficiency, which had affected its whole body and development from the time it hatched.

It had infections from poor immunity, poorly developed feathers, deformed toes and toenails, and a blistered and peeling beak.

The vet explained that this condition is caused by the parents’ poor diet before laying the egg and following hatching, by the poor diet they are feeding the baby.

Sydney Wildlife Rescue has always suspected that poor human diets could damage baby birds, but this is the first time they have had evidence.

This family lived in a park in North Sydney and frequented the rubbish bins full of human food scraps (like bread), and people fed them.

This baby currawong is lucky. It has recovered and been released into the wild with the correct treatment (Vitamin A injections) and correct feeding.

See our cover photo, the picture on the left is the Baby Currajong when first rescued and the picture on the right is after the bird was successfully treated.

Birdlife Australia Warning

Birdlife Australia notes on their website:

“Feeding wild birds is a controversial issue, especially in Australia. In some countries, it’s actively encouraged – but in Australia, official advice from councils, environment departments and conservation and wildlife rescue groups warn against the dangers of feeding wild birds. In Western Australia, it’s illegal to feed native fauna, including birds, without a licence.

Still, millions of well-meaning Australians continue to enjoy feeding the birds in their backyard. Unfortunately, many don’t realise that feeding wild birds can do more harm than good for our feathered friends – and if done incorrectly, can lead to serious problems including malnutrition, disease and unbalanced populations.

In an ideal world, people wouldn’t feed wild birds at all – but with as many as 30 to 50% of Australian households feeding birds, it’s important that people are aware of the risks of wild bird feeding and how to avoid harming the same wildlife they want to help.”

What Should a Lane Cove Resident Do If they See an Injured Animal?

Sydney Wildlife Rescue are available 24/7 every day of the year by contacting 9413 4300, you’ll always speak to a person when you call them. If you find an injured animal:

1. Take note of where you found it;
2. Place the animal in a box or container, and leave in a dark and quiet place;
3. Don’t offer any food or water, as mistakes can often be fatal;
4. Call Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300 or drop the animal off at any vet. Vets always take native animals (free of charge) and can contact carers in the area very quickly if you’re strapped for time.

The only exception to the above is snakes or bats, which require specially trained rescuers. In that case, call Sydney Wildlife straight away for advice.

To make a donation, learn more, or sign up to become a Sydney Wildlife Member, visit http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/whats-involved.html

Sydney Wildlife Rescue Contact Information

Website:  https://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/
Email:  [email protected]
Instagram: @sydneywildliferescue
Facebook:@sydneywildlife.smws
Phone:  9413 4300