I agree that most people believe that 'this has always happened' but I
wonder if the magnitude of the problem has increased greatly since the
plastic pollution problem has been present. I have seen dead Short-tailed
Shearwaters on North Coast NSW beaches that had their stomachs full of
plastic. Some research is being carried out on this but we need funding to
carry out a comprehensive study. Some dead shearwaters are presently being
tested by Department of Industry and Investment with the assistance of NPWS.
I advised the laboratory that the issue of plastic ingestion could be a
cause of death in at least some of these birds. They are going to check
this during the autopsies. They are also testing for the presence of avian
diseases.
Regards
Greg
Dr Greg. P. Clancy
Ecologist and Birding-wildlife Guide
| PO Box 63 Coutts Crossing NSW 2460
| 02 6649 3153 | 0429 601 960
http://www.gregclancyecologistguide.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Philip Veerman
Sent: Wednesday, October 23, 2013 6:35 PM
To: 'Janine Duffy'
Cc: 'birding-aus'
Subject: more dead Short-tailed Shearwaters
This has always happened. Do you know if they are also vulnerable to eating
plastic rubbish? As are some other sea birds. If so, surely that would
drastically increase the natural problems of being exhausted and
underweight. If they are found dead, this could be investigated or maybe
already has been............. I don't know.
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Janine Duffy
Sent: Wednesday, 23 October 2013 3:42 PM
To: Birding-aus
Subject: more dead Short-tailed Shearwaters
There are several dead or dying Short-tailed Shearwaters on my local beach,
Port Melbourne. I have one in care right now (weight 420g). There are also
about 20 near shore, still alive and swimming, but probably exhausted and
underweight. I was on Kerferd Rd pier earlier watching them, and on a whim
asked the nearby fisherman for a fish scrap. I threw it to the nearest
shearwater, which took it readily.
I don't know if this is appropriate or not, but is it worth trying to
prevent a few deaths by looking out for exhausted but still living birds
near piers or boats and offering food (fish)? Surely these still living
birds have the best chance of recovery - waiting until they wash up and
rushing them to overworked wildlife carers is a bit like closing the door
after the horse has bolted.
Also, could Vic birders check their local beaches for beach-washed, still
living birds? They are vulnerable to dog attack if left on the beach. A
cardboard box with a towel is a good transport option. Take to local
wildlife carer, or vet. Call wildlife victoria 13 000 94535 or Aware
(Frankston area) on 0412 433 727 .
Janine
--
JANINE DUFFY Director Marketing ECHIDNA WALKABOUT PO Box 370 Port Melbourne,
Victoria 3207 AUSTRALIA
E: Web: www.echidnawalkabout.com.au
<http://www.echidnawalkabout.com.au/>
Ph: +61 (0)3 9646 8249 Mob: +61 (0)427 808 747 Fax: +61 (0)3 9681 9177
OPERATIONS & GROUP enquiries contact: Roger
<> Smith
<> Director Operations A.B.N. 72 716
985 505
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