Wildlife authorities are investigating a “reported situation” involving a native bird. It’s understood their inquiries are related to a noisy miner that was spotted in the window of a two-storey home in Maroochydore on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Rescuer Keith Porteous received a call for help about the bird from a member of the public who had seen the bird from the street, and he was handed it in a crate on December 2.
Concerned by its appearance, he responded to its immediate needs.
“It was in a bad state, with severe malnutrition, and its feathers had been destroyed,” the volunteer told Yahoo News.
How it came to be inside the home remains unclear.
The bird was observed during the day and night. Source: Supplied
Pictures supplied to Yahoo News show the bird sitting on a curtain rod on multiple days during the day and at night.
When Porteous examined the bird, he found it was “really flat”, which is highly unusual for noisy miners, which are known for being aggressive and highly territorial.
“I knew at that point it wasn’t going to be a good outcome,” he said.
“A bird’s breast should be plump, but I could feel its breast bone was really sharp, an indication it was vastly undernourished.”
It was taken to a veterinarian for assessment.
Public urged to report ‘suspicious’ wildlife activities
Porteous said he’s aware of several unrelated incidents, many involving magpies, where members of the public have picked up a bird, wrongly thinking it needs help.
When birds are given incorrect food or housing, it can lead them to rapidly decline, and euthanasia is often the only humane outcome.
“If they’ve kept them for even just a week, it can have such an impact on their longevity,” he said.
Police were called to a separate civil matter in relation to the address, but it’s understood these inquiries are not ongoing.
Australia’s birds are protected by law, and there is a legal requirement that they be surrendered to a licensed carer or veterinary practitioner.
In a statement, a DETSI spokesperson said, “We are investigating a reported situation involving a noisy miner on the Sunshine Coast.”
“People are encouraged to report suspicious wildlife activities by calling 1300 130 372 so we can promptly investigate.”
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