* WILDLIFE

Sydney weather can be confusing not just for people! As we struggle to decide between wearing a t-shirt or a puffy jacket each day, our native wildlife are equally confused.

 

Typically, the birds and the bees… and bandicoots and possums of Sydney breed at the onset of spring. As Winnie the Pooh once said “the spring has sprung, the grass is rizz. I wonder where them birdies is?”  When the magpies start swooping its fairly obvious that “spring has sprung”. These birds are very territorial and excellent at protecting the young in their nests. Various inventions have been designed, aimed at protecting one’s head from swooping maggies. One that works particularly well is an upside down ice cream container. Thanks to the plethora of ice cream brands available, finding one that suits the shape of your head is easy. Drawing fake eyes on the bottom of the container acts as an additional bird-deterrent but don’t expect to win any fashion shows whilst donning such a protective device.

 

Recent unseasonal spikes in temperature mean we may expect the emergence of baby wildlife as a false start to spring. Of course if you discover stranded wildlife, the same rules apply now as they do in spring. It’s best if you can reunite an orphan with its parents quickly, so if it appears healthy, check for parents nearby. If the creature is injured, gently wrap it in a towel and keep it in a warm box until you can get it to a vet for further care. In the absence of danger such as cars, dogs or cats you can check it again in a few hours. Sometimes that’s all it takes for juvenile birds to strengthen their training wings and take off. As always, if in danger carefully collect the orphan and take it to a vet for care but ensure to carefully note the location so it can be returned to its own territory when healthy.