High Winds

Wild weather and winds can create problems for native wildlife.  

How you can help: 

• Keep an eye out for animals exposed to the elements. Nocturnal animals seen during the day are a problem  
• The high winds can also bring exhausted seabirds to our beaches and coastlines 
• High winds can bring down trees and nests, and separate young and vulnerable chicks and joeys from their parents 
• Parent birds have strong instincts to protect and feed their young. Wherever possible, the best outcome for most birds is to reunite them 
• Young birds will often be found on the ground after falling from nests. It is normal for fledgling magpies to fall out of the nest and spend a couple of days on the ground, with parents feeding them whilst they master the tricky art of flying 
• However, the storms may have brought many to the ground far too early, and they may need another couple of weeks to develop to the full fledgling stage before they have any chance of flying 
• If the nest is too high up to get the chick back in it you can put a post in the ground, and attach a basket to it as a “pretend nest”. Or secure a basket in the tree the chick came from. Sometimes a landing perch may be needed for the parents to access the artificial "nest" 
• If you then move well away from the “nest”, the parents may well come back and start to feed their little one. This is always the best option as it gives the chicks the best start to be wild birds by being raised by their parents rather than hand-reared wherever possible 
• It may take some time for the parents to return, but if the chick is very young and there is no sign of the parents call WIRES 1300 094 737 or report using our online 'report a rescue' form.
• If the winds are too strong to attempt this, please keep the bird or joey warm, in a well-ventilated box, lined with a towel. You can fill a water bottle with warm (not hot) water and wrap it in cloth to place in the box. Place the box in a quiet room away from pets and people. Do not handle more than you need to rescue the bird, handling by humans can cause stress and death. Do not attempt to feed. You can call our rescue line for further advice if you would like further advice. When the winds subside, you can try to reunite feathered chicks with parents 
• Check pouches where it is safe to do so as any young animals will not survive long in these conditions. Keep any distressed animals warm (ideally wrapped in a natural, breathable material like wool) and quiet until you can get help. Warm, dark and quiet means: around a constant 25 degrees, in a cage or box, lined and covered in a blanket or towel and away from children, television and pets. Do not handle and do not attempt to feed 
• If you are unsure what to do, take the animal to the closest vet. They will have contact details for wildlife carers in the area and can take care of animals appropriately in the meantime 
• If a tree on your property has fallen or been removed, please consider donating foliage to wildlife carers for native animals in care. Safely ensure all hollows and branches are checked for wildlife that may have been residing within the tree or in a nest. 

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