Newsletter / Blog
2011-09-11 Rosemary to retire after 20 years - Whakatane Bird Rescue, New Zealand
Well after 20 years doing bird rescue work I have decided to retire. I
will still be involved in an advisory role. The sharing of information
in this type of work is vital. Something that works really well in
getting a bird back to the wild should be shared. That is why we hold
bird rescue weekends and the one day courses that Massey University hold
around the county.
During my time doing bird rescue work I have met many beautiful
people, all keen to share there knowledge of birds. Some are no longer
with us, but remain in my memory of the wonderful work they have done in
saving bird species, and giving encouragement to those trying to make a
difference.
Whakatane Bird Rescue is closing its doors, but a new group called “Eastern Bay of Plenty Bird Rescue”
will be taking its place. I hope these new people will get the
enjoyment that I have in working with the Department of Conservation and
others in getting the birds back to the wild.
Some of the highlights
Some of the highlights would be, caring for Kiwi and then on some
occasions being able to take the bird back to the bush to be released.
Getting a paralyzed falcon well again and seeing that flying
free. (It stayed around the area for a few months before going back to
nature).
Being able to go out on boats to release penguins back to the ocean was great, thanks to those that allowed me on their boats.
Having a video done by Graham Moore of the birds that I was
looking after – This took many months to complete – but a nice record to
look back on.
The support I have been given by different firms and people have
been outstanding. When running bird rescue weekends, firms like Norske
Skog, Wildlands, the Department of Conservation, and our local Forest
and Bird have all contributed to the funding needed to run the courses.
Even school children holding their fishing contests have willing
given fish to be saved for the next fish eating bird that came into
care.
Our local vets have been marvelous and given their time and
expertise free of charge. Our local friend Mike Coffey helped when
needed to keep the bird hospital up and running.
I think I have been so lucky in having the continued support from the
Department of Conservation. I have made some great friends over the
years in DoC and they have given me some wonderful experiences.
Thanks must also go to Raymond my husband who has had to put up with
me doing my bird work over the years which sometimes would get in the
way of “us” doing things.
Funniest experience would have to be stripping down to jump in
someone’s swimming pool to get a domestic duck which had gone into their
pool.
Worst I think maybe nearly losing an eye when a gannet struck at
my face. A warning to wear eye protection when handling some of these
birds with long necks and sharp beaks.
Thank you to Narena Olliver and Jaclyn Kras for hosting these pages.
And before I sign off just a few things to remember:
(Annual occurances in our area).
January – Fledgling of Grey–faced Petrels,
February - If hot botulism,
March - still can be botulism.
April - onwards sometimes ParaPara (bird catcher tree), sticky seeds on birds.
July – September Rhododendron Poisoning of Tui.
August - onwards, ducklings.
September - young birds lost.
All year, accidents and sickness, storms, lack of food during winter etc.
Thanks again,
Rosemary Tully
Whakatane Bird Rescue, New Zealand, 6 August 2011 |