Tips to protect and rescue native birds

Thursday, 21 December 2017

Many native birds arrive at rescue centres with preventable injuries.

Here's how you can help keep birds out of danger:

- Birds, especially kereru and shining cuckoo, often fly into glass windows and deck railings and die from their injuries. Window decals can be applied that are barely visible to people, but stop birds trying to fly straight through.

- Leave your dog at home, or put it on a leash, when you visit wildlife areas, including beaches where birds are nesting and feeding. Don't let pets disturb birds. This can keep them from incubating eggs and feeding chicks and can exhaust their energy reserves. Flightless birds, such as little blue penguins, weka and fledging chicks, are easily killed by dogs. Bright cat collars help birds to spot a cat.

**READ MORE:

* How to keep kauri standing strong on Waiheke Island

* Native birds and fish are verging on extinction on Auckland's North Shore

* Nelson woman's nest box solution to boost native birds**

- Don't feed the kaka. Feeding the native parrots anything – including seeds and nuts – causes metabolic bone disease and is fatal to chicks. Instead, plant kaka-friendly plants suc as kowhai.

- If you see what looks like an injured bird, take a few moments to stop and observe. It's probably a fledging with parents close by that are feeding it. Instead of 'birdnapping', make sure the bird is really in need of rescue before picking it up. If a fledgling is in danger from predators, place it on a bush or branch out of reach of cats and dogs.

- Try to direct an injured bird into a confined area, then drop a large towel or blanket over it. Use a blanket to hold the bird's wings to its side and keep its head covered. Remember some birds have sharp claws or powerful beaks and can peck or scratch people.

- An injured bird needs to be kept warm in a dark and quiet environment. Place it in a box, with a towel at the bottom. Ensure there are holes for airflow and the box can be securely closed. Don't feed or handle the bird. By not causing the bird further stress, you will be giving it the best chance to recover and fly free again.

- It is against the law to keep or hold native wildlife – native birds must be passed on to a Department of Conservation authorised carer.