Good morning everyone
ACT Wildlife have over the years rescued many birds from spillways and sumps installed at local ponds or lakes .
We want to approach the ACT Government to ask them to consider and hopefully rectify some of these bird death traps .
The one I have had most experience with is the Yerrabi Pond spillway. On a daily basis birds are trapped unable to fly out or climb out of the spillway they can’t escape through tunnel under Mirrabei Drive unless they swim under water
towards the Ginninderra Creek outlet .
Our very keen rescuers risk life and limb climbing over boundary fences and gates to remove swans or pelicans ( with a hammock with pully system ) , signets , coots , ducks and ducklings and recently daily removal of purple swamp hen chicks.
Thankfully our firies also have and do assist with rescues on a regular basis if time permits .
I have over the years talked to every local government body responsible for this spillway without success, it seems it is beyond remediation .
Sumps on Fadden & O’Malley ponds are consistently catching ducklings that die unless we are lucky enough to get a call from a concerned member of public and then it’s a risk for our volunteers to rescue them .
I am seeking help to see if anyone has examples of successful systems around town that allow birds to escape these traps . Apparently there is one at the ANU where ramps have been installed but I have no idea where that might be , along
Sullivans Creeks I guess but where , Barry Drive ?
Any suggestions to overcome this problem will be gratefully received .
Thanks for your time
Denise
Denise Kay
Flying–fox Coordinator
ACT Wildlife
0467506167
