Pelican Power

IT seems that juvenile trouble making is not restricted to the human species according to Julie Clarke of Australian Seabird Rescue South Coast. Apparently members of Australian Seabird Rescue recently had to deal with two young juvenile pelicans that were getting into a bit of trouble around Berkeley Boat Ramp.?

Ms Clarke said that these two juveniles had been stealing fish from local fisherman and harassing people coming out of the fish market looking for food, so it was decided that the two pelicans had to be removed from the area.

In order to remove the birds, Australian Seabird Rescue approached State Emergency Service Head Coordinator, Grant McLory who then offered to help with the relocation of the birds.?

The use of the S.E.S Flood Boat enabled the two pelicans to be transported to an area of the Lake where they would be safe and self sufficient around the particular wetlands.

Wont the two pelicans simply fly back to Berkeley Boat Ramp?

Both birds are suffering from wing injuries at the moment and are unable to fly, said Ms Clarke.

By the time they have recovered, they should be so settled into their new home that the memories of fish and chips will have faded.

Ms Clarke said that Australian Seabird Rescue is very grateful for the support from S.E.S and welcomed their help.

It is important that people DO NOT feed any pelicans or any other birds for that matter, she said.

Feeding birds not only affects their natural balance but can lead to many digestive and other problems which can have devastating effects.

For anyone interested in learning about pelicans and other seabirds, Australian Seabird Rescue will be conducting a Pelicans and other Seabirds workshop on the 29th July at Windang Bowling Club. Cost of the workshop is $25 including lunch and morning and afternoon teas. Field work will be involved in the workshop. For more information or to make a booking, please phone Julie Clarke on 0431282238.