Hi Everyone. January was very busy with 53 rescues attended. What ever happened to the good old days back in November and December last year when rescue numbers were closer to 40 and more manageable. The extraordinary thing about January was the number of swans that got into trouble. I had to catch 25 birds! That's almost triple my monthly average. The reasons varied but hookings and fishing … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, December was a lot quieter than recent months with 36 rescues attended, plus several releases. The lower number was due in part to some restrictions I'd made. These had become necessary because lots of people who learn about WBR from the website call without heeding the very clear message accompanying the phone number. It says ... I rescue pelicans and swans, plus any species of … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, Delighted to report that rescue numbers were lower last month with 41 birds attended in November, plus several major releases. Rescues for ibis and particularly for swans were very low. This is a great result because GC's swans have had a real hammering all year, WBR having to catch almost 100 birds, many requiring hospitalisation. We held our AGM for the Donations Committee … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, October was flat out at WBR with 55 sick or injured birds needing help, plus I did several major releases. I managed to generate quite a lot of publicity for the many hooked and entangled birds caught in September. Adding to last month's appearance on 7 Local News were two more appearances this month. I also did two radio spots on ABC Gold Coast FM and had a letter to the editor … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone With only 32 rescues in September it looks like a quiet month, especially compared to the last 3 months, but in fact it was busy. I was out of action for the first week, then on light duties for another few days, however with the kind help of Mary (aka The Blue Bird of Happiness) from Tweed Heads, who travelled to the Goldie and caught two badly hooked birds, and Hammy from Pelican … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, August was another very busy month at WBR. Including releases I attended 54 sick or injured birds. That makes 162 rescues performed in the past 3 months. Sheeesh! Last year WBR completed more than 500 hundred rescues but if this keeps up 2017 could top the 600 mark. Not good for the birds. Rescuing so many birds means I come into contact with a LOT of people, many of whom are … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, July was another busy month at WBR with a total of 55 rescues attended. With so many rescues the only way I can remember which stories to include in the Capture Report is to make a running list. Otherwise it all becomes a bit of a blur. Happily July wasn't all hard work and mayhem. At left I'm enjoying coffee and cake with Sarah from the RSPCA. This is my idea of how a … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone. Activity was brisk during June with Wild Bird Rescues attending 53 creatures in distress. We're at the end of the financial year and I'm delighted to report that donations received during '16/'17 were sufficient to the cover the cost of running this rescue service. It's the first time in the twelve years WBR has been helping injured birds that I haven't had to do the rescues and … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone.  Rescues were brisk at WBR during May with a total of 48 sick or injured birds needing urgent help. As always there was a variety of species but sadly our swans didn't do well at all. In total I rescued 11.  I know what you're thinking .. forget about the swans Rowley and tell us about the ibis! Well, alright, but before I provide news about the Gold Coast's favourite bird … [Read more...]

Hi Everyone, April was quieter at WBR with only 30 rescues attended and 3 releases.  It was a very good month for the ibis; a species that bears the brunt of fishing line entanglements. They were largely spared during April, only two birds needing to be caught and treated, both in Nerang. But don't think that means I'm going to spare you from pictures of manky ibis feet. Oh no, you're not … [Read more...]