A local fisherman at Coonarr Beach near Bundaberg called Andrew when he saw the bird hanging from a branch with a hook through its beak. The fishing line attached to the hook had got caught on the branch and the bird was unable to free itself and certainly couldn’t fly.
Realising the ladder in his truck was way too short to reach the branch, Andrew called the SES. However, even their ladder couldn’t reach the bird!
So they ended up cutting the branch.
Branch and bird plunged into the water and Andrew was able to set out to reach the bird and remove the hook and line.
“Luckily I had some gloves in the car because he was understandably frightened and his talons were razor sharp,” laughed Andrew. “I would also like to sincerely thank the SES and the fisherman who called us.”
If you see injured, sick or entangled birds like this one in need of help contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625). Our 24/7 Hotline can ensure someone will be there to rescue!
The Brahminy Kite was taken to Sugarlands Veterinary surgery who kept him in for observation overnight.
“He was a beautiful bird and this should be a timely reminder to clean up your fishing waste. Sadly we see birds entangled in fishing line on a regular basis. At our Wildlife Hospital in Brisbane a pelican came in that had seven hooks in it and on it!”
Read more about recent bird entanglements our RSPCA Animal Rescue Team have seen here.
Andrew was able to release the kite, and nothing beats that feeling of being able to help all creatures great and small!
