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Staghorn Wildlife Shelter

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09.05.2022 Black winged Stilts Trav found the nest beside the wodonga creek, he observed it for awhile but no adults came to them, so getting worried he collected the three eggs, and placed them in the heat of the bathroom lamp overnight. To his surprise there were two chicks hatched out, with the third chick struggling to get out. Sadly the third chick didn’t make it.... When they came into care I thought they were plovers but that soon changed as they grew. Last weekend they were released back along the Wodonga Creek. They were in care for two months, it still surprises me when you get a species you have never had in care before.

06.05.2022 With the future of our wildlife it’s so good to know our younger generation are there to look after them. Monday 27th December got a phone call from Cathie Cameron who had picked up a baby Bowerbird that was on the ground at the triangle at Tallangatta. When Cathie arrived there was a group of teenagers guarding and keeping the Bowerbird safe. Thank you to Kasey Dodd, Jemma Dodd, Erin Dodd, Bree Thompson, Riley Thompson, Kayley Clarke and Blake Thompson. As I was away Cathie... kept it safe overnight and dropped it off to a wildlife carer Kerrie Holt who looked after till I got back. After 5 hours on two different days I eventually found the adult, getting the chick back up the tree, the adult was quickly gathering food to feed him. Five hours of my time well spent compared to having the chick in permanent care. Thank you to the member of public who contacted Cathie, the young group of teenagers who looked after him till help arrived Kasey, Jemma, Erin, Bree, Riley, Kayley and Blake also Kerrie for looking after till I could get back. The chick was away for 5 days, returning on Friday 31st. Proving they can be away for awhile and the adults will still take them. See more

04.05.2022 Update to eastern rosellas as my friend Annie found two eastern rosella chicks in Allan’s Flat on the road barely coping and should have not been out of nest yet they came into care. One passed away but the other one got stronger until was back to normal. By chance I thought I would check the wodonga eastern rosellas out. The five chicks are the same size so now the chicks have grown to six the best place for this little guy to be. Now adopted into his new family. 25/11/21 So...phie Distefano has saved these eastern rosellas over two years as they have tried nesting on a branch instead of a hollow and once more they have fallen down. I think the crow hanging around might have something to do with them being on the ground as one was injuried which sadly didn’t make it. Thank you to Kimberly White (my foster carer) who rescued them from Sophie’s place and feed them till I arrived later. Next day placing a nest box up and checking and feeding them till day 2 when all 5 chicks had full crops. Was happy to leave along for the adults to finish raising. Before next year will move next box higher and perm entry fixed and would like to design a next box to fit around the original Bush they like to nest in. See more

25.01.2022 Another busy couple of days. Elle Drew found this Butcher Bird chick, on the ground while walking. He came into care for a few days, today Elle and Lara showed me where they found him. After a while we found the nest, and replaced him back and had the privilege to witness the adults, feeding the chicks at close range. This Rainbow Lorikeet came into care, after crash landing while learning to fly. This Wattlebird came into care, after colliding with a vehicle and got the chan...ce to head home today. This Willy Wagtail collided with a vehicle but sadly passed away overnight. Just another Teal Duckling coming into care. Alicia contacted the shelter in reference to baby birds, that had fallen from there nest. Her son Donnie was a great help and very gentle and caring, with the chicks. This Kooka collided with a vehicle and will be in care for awhile, due to a fracture in one wing. My friend Brooke contacted the Shelter, she had a juvenile Brushtail Possum, down her Chimney and was happy to get out. But didn’t like the carry basket. Brooke was going to release when it got dark. This Crimson Rosella hit a window, and was happy to head home today. See more

23.01.2022 With the upheaval of this year with the Covid Virus, wildlife carers and members of the public have extra precautions to watch out for. Psittacosis is caused by Chlamydia Psittacine, a bacterial infection (also known as parrot fever). The bacterium enters and multiplies, destroying cells of the effected bird, throughout the digestive and respiratory system. Not all birds affected appear sick, they are the carriers, they appear healthy but may become ill and shed the bacteria ...during times of stress. In the last couple of weeks there has been two sightings, of birds with advance Psittacosis cases. One in Yackandandah and another in Wodonga. I have not seen cases so advanced, only minor nose and eye discharge. Thanks to Peter from WIRES who verified from the photos these two birds had advanced Psittacosis. Sadly I could not trap either of these birds, and are still out there. This disease is highly contagious among birds and can be spread to people. So please use gloves and face masks when cleaning bird feeders and water stations. Even face masks while mowing the lawn, in case of running over dried bird droppings. Also be careful handling any wild parrot, and please never introduce wild birds to your pet birds or there cages. See more

18.01.2022 How much trouble can 2 female magpies get themselves into. 2 different Magpie rescues. Magpie number one was hit by a car on Yackandandah-Wodonga road but was lucky to be noticed on the side of the road by Casey Boyd who was heading home to Yackandandah. Casey wrapped up the magpie and organised to meet me with the patient. With concussion and some superficial wounds, Maggie needed a few days in care before Casey was able to release her back to her territory.... Magpie number two came to the attention of Kym O’Brien who was visiting her mum at Yackandandah Caravan Park. Maggie was entangled in string high in a tree, but managed to free herself before I arrived. However, it wasn’t long before I got a call from Pam, another resident at the Caravan Park as Maggie was struggling with the string still wrapped around her foot. Once caught and detangled Pam had the pleasure of setting Maggie free.

18.01.2022 Nature in its glory good working relationship #1stBrightCubs

17.01.2022 With 2020 being the year of the virus I would like to talk about Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), a highly contagious and fatal disease that can infect all parrot species. Most commonly we see it in Sulfer Crested Cockatoos and Galahs but in recent years Gang Gang Cockatoos have become increasingly vulnerable to the disease and I have even had magpies and Birds of Prey come into care with PBFD. The Psittacine Circovirus is a small but extremely virulent virus that ...is resistant to most disinfectants and can remain active for years in tree hollows. It is spread from bird to bird by food sharing, bird feeders and when adults feed there chicks. The virus is also active in dried and fresh droppings, feather and skin particles. As the virus is highly contagious humans can also spread the disease from one bird to another by carrying the virus on their skin or clothing. Utmost care must be taken when handling infected birds to prevent spreading the virus to healthy birds. The virus prevents birds from producing normal feather down and causes abnormal feather and beak growth. Obvious signs in a bird with PBFD are dirty feathers, glossy black overgrown beak and abnormal Scruffy feather growth. While many people are familiar with the white cockatoo with PBFD long overgrown beak, substantial feather loss (see photo) the disease can be more substantial feather loss, the disease can be more subtle in, but no less catastrophic in other birds. A Gang Gang cockatoo or a king parrot may seem to be in perfect feather but on closer inspection is emaciated and starving as an overgrown beak prevents it from cracking open the nuts and berries that sustain the bird. Such birds are often mis-reported as being quiet and possible escaped pets. In fact they are in the last stage of life, starving, left behind by the healthy flock and too weak to go on. Young birds are particularly susceptible as the virus attacks their immature immune system leaving them vulnerable to other infections and diseases. There is no vaccine or treatment for PBFD, it is a progressive and terminal disease that causes huge suffering for the infected bird. As such, humane euthanasia is the only option to halt the suffering and prevent the spread of this nasty aggressive disease. Photo of King Parrot courtesy of Erin Ferguson. Photo of Gang Gang courtesy of ACT Wildlife.

16.01.2022 I would like to tribute the release of this small but feisty sparrowhawk to a special warrior princess Savanna Symonds who’s life was cut short, the little time she had on this earth had an enormous impact on so many people. Condolences to all her family and friends, she will be sadly missed. RIP. Fly high little Red Angel. xxx This Sparrowhawk was found weak and distressed, clinging to a budgie cage in Bellbridge. An injuried and inflamed wound on his leg had led to an inf...ection that left him too weak to hunt for food. This hawk desperately needed a course of antibiotics and fattening up. Birds of prey often come into care weak and starving as any small injury can impact on their ability to secure food. They must be 100% upon release, as it takes great skill and physicality to be a apex predator. Their food doesn’t grow on trees! Lucky for this small feisty sparrowhawk, he was rescued in time with a month in rehabilitation and a chance to go home and fly high. See more

16.01.2022 Dunlop the Ecidna was released a few weeks ago, away from the busy earth moving and housing development of Beartooth Estate at Tangambalanga. An adventures ride in the 4WD farm UTV, to the river flats with Nadine driving down steep hills and over water crossings. We eventually found the perfect area for Dunlop to reside on Nadine’s farm. Accompanied by Jessie and Nadine’s boys Henry and Clancy. Hope he keeps away from parked vehicles from now on. Good luck Dunlop, who was a pleasure to look after and loved his Vetafarm supplements.

15.01.2022 Thank you Ali Pockley for a beautiful story about the shelter written in Yackety Yak

14.01.2022 Duckling season in winter? 2020 has been a year like no other - for Wildlife as well as we humans. Unusual to have so many ducklings in care at this time of the year..... baby bird season is typically Spring and Summer. Just a few recent duckling rescues; Last week Kathy Grant called me when her son Kym found some ducklings trapped in a drain, the mother duck and 3 other ducklings secured safe in a garage close by. With the help of Kym and Gabby (future Wildlife Warrior) we... rescued the trapped ducklings and together with their family in the garage took them to a suitable release site. After a slight hiccup (mumma duck took fright and flew off), The very next day I received a call for 3 orphaned ducklings not too far from where the first group were found. With a lot of searching I was able to locate the distressed mum and reunite her with all her babies. See more

11.01.2022 This Kookaburra literally hit a brick wall. The crew at Komatsu in Wodonga witnessed the Kookaburra fly straight into a cement wall and took it to Family Vet Clinic. This poor bird was in a terrible shape with severe concussion, unable to feed himself. It took days of quiet, warmth and hand feeding before he even started to wake up. A further 2 weeks in care until he was able to feed himself and fly strongly again. This week it was time to head home and Paula Taylor at Komatsu did the honours of releasing Kooka with the crew watching on. He flew straight onto a machine and had a good look around before taking off, almost to say thanks for saving me. #KomatsuAustralia

10.01.2022 Tawny caught in Barbed wire. I received a call from Tan Maree in July, concerning a Tawny Frogmouth that her partner Scott had found caught up in Barbed Wire in Charleroi. I met Scott and their two boys Dylan (left) and Jake (right) at Sandy Creek, where his assessment didn’t look good. He had torn muscles and the Patagial Tendon was completely damaged. He was taken into Melrose Vets where Dr. Amy Kay humanly euthanised.... Barbed Wire is a major hazard for wildlife. Each year thousands of wildlife face a cruel death or permanent injury from entanglement on Barbs, especially nocturnal wildlife. It’s hard for any farmer to change all his fences over, but even marking the top strand with white Tape. The whiter colour helps for night time visibility. Other ideas is the single strand white horse sighted wire, UV stabilised white poly pipe over the top wire. Also regular checking of fences.

09.01.2022 An unusual rescue at KFC in Wodonga! A (dumped?) rooster running between KFC and the Bunnings car park. It took 2 hours trying to lure him with recorded rooster calls and one of my hens in a cage before he was caught. Must have sounded funny with my rooster calls and him responding behind the hedge where you pick your chicken orders.

09.01.2022 I would like you to meet Dunlop the Ecidna, who is in care at the shelter at present, after resting behind a parked car. One lucky Echidna which came out with one claw damaged and skin grazing. Big thank you to Nadine and the crew at Family Vets.

08.01.2022 Ravens are usually pretty lucky with dodging vehicles but this poor fella was not only hit, he was wedged in the car’s grill from Eskdale to Wodonga. Once extracted from the grill Sharon raced him straight to Family Vets. This Raven had massive bruising and muscle damage and required months in care. But they are also tough birds and this week he got to go home. Ravens are not always appreciated like the Magpie or the Kookaburra, but they are also a native bird. My friend Julie Meindl has a special connection to these birds.

08.01.2022 Dunlop going well in care, toe improving. Settling into his breakfast

07.01.2022 It’s Raining Ducklings! This season the ducklings have started early and have not stopped. To date there has been 25 Wood (Maned), 44 Pacific Black, 27 Teal and 4 Mountain Ducklings (Australian Shelduck) that have come through the shelter. (Not including four batches of ducklings that were able to be reunited with there family). They have come from near and far. (Wangaratta, Mt Beauty, Bright, Sandy Creek, Chiltern, Granya, Tawonga, Myrtleford, Killara, Wodonga, Beechworth, K...ergunyah and Red Bluff.) The stories to the ducklings are attached to the photos. See more

07.01.2022 Another busy day. The call outs started early and kept going, lucky I had my volunteer today thank you Eleanor Nichol. Started off with a young wallaby with a live Joey in pouch, hit by a car in Osbornes Flat Road near the Primary School. Emma with the help of Greta stayed with the wallaby till help arrived. Once the male Joey was safely out of the pouch he was transported to Glenda. We picked up a Southern Boobook from the Rivers Emergency Vets, that was hit by a car on the... Baranduda Boulevard, where Tanya McDonald picked him up. Currently stable with concussion in a hospital box with fluids and pain relief. Melrose Vets had a juvenile Mud Lark (Peewee) which had fallen out of its nest. Family Vets had two Teal Ducklings dropped in by Sienna Locke they were found in Dederang. Just a few more. Sjaan Spalding and her son Thomas found this juvenile carrawong on the road learning to fly. He was returned back with his family waiting. This juvenile white wing chough was clipped by a vehicle, he was found in the middle of the road with a bad headache and should only be in care for a few days. Miranda Heinjus and her daughter Emily found this juvenile Tawny Frogmouth with an adult on a fence post. With some help we got him back up higher where it was safer. Got a call out for a magpie fallen out of nest in wodonga, which turned out to be a young Carrawong. See more

06.01.2022 Do birds abandon their chicks because of human contact ? Definitely Myth! I hear this all the time. But have seen the adults abandon their offspring and nest, due to consistent disturbing and harassing. ... So please only help when needed, then observe from a distance. This week I have had two Currawongs, that Jan Cashen had found on the ground, at the Yackandandah Sports Ground. Substituting a false nest back up the tree, seeing it had been over 48 hours, there was a long wait. (chick calls replayed on mobile got the adults attention). With a happy reunion we left the adults racing around to collect food. We also had a nest of Silvereye’s that was found, while the gardener was pruning John Condons hedge in Wodonga. John contacted the shelter, explaining the gardener passed the nest to him and stated the adults will not take them back. We set up a small cardboard box and fixed it in the hedge, where the nest could sit without moving. The adults were feeding the chicks while we were there.

05.01.2022 Covid 19 has made some wildlife rescues trickier than normal with border closures and limits on travel. This week I had a rescue call for a Boobook owl trapped in a large Wodonga warehouse. Understandably, the company had restrictions on who could enter the warehouse and Staghorn Shelter was outside of the bubble. After much discussion and negotiation with David and Ross, approval from management was given and I was able to deliver a treat no self respecting Boobook Owl cou...ld refuse! A live rat from my breeding program was placed in a cage near the open roller door of the warehouse. This was the best chance of freeing the Boobook as trapped birds will always fly high......never down to an open door unless tempted by food. Sure enough, overnight the Boobook had left the building and the rat was returned to the shelter. A great outcome to a tricky situation. See more

02.01.2022 With all the hard work done by Sharleen building up Turtles Albury Wodonga and getting signs organised for the turtles at Sumpion Gardens some one has STOLEN them. Please return the Signs for the benefit of the turtles. PLEASE SHARE.

01.01.2022 Here we are in August and so many successful releases that I have not had time to share with you due to the large number of birds coming into the shelter lately. To list just a few; The Magpie hopelessly tangled in string but still able to fly.....a tricky rescue but achieved with my trusty D-Net. A few days in care before releasing back to his family in Michelle Cameron’s backyard in Leneva.... The Galah hit by a car in Rutherglen with a large Hematoma under the wing, a few weeks in care before being transported by Jess White (Wildlife Victoria Rescuer) back to his flock in Rutherglen. The Little Mastiff Bat was released back to St. Francis of Assisi Primary School in Baranduda after being disturbed by the maintenance man in the ceiling. The Wattlebird was released back to Bandiana after hitting a window and spending two weeks in care. Thanks Brenton for hearing the collision and taking the bird to Family Vets. The Blue Faced Honeyeater was hit by a car on the freeway near Barnawartha and sustained a fractured wing. After four weeks in care, he was very happy to be released.