Kylie Martin is a local native bird rehabilitator for sick, injured or orphaned native birds. Having just received her Department of Conservation permit for her facilities, she is ready to provide helpful information about what to do if you find a sick, injured or orphaned bird.
What is your background and what specific skills do you have?
I have been veterinary nursing in zoo hospitals and veterinary clinics in both New Zealand and abroad for 20+ years. I have cared for a huge range of endangered and protected species but always had a special interest in our native birds. So, I actively sought out wildlife hospitals where I could gain the skills I needed to give our avian species the best possible care.
What inspired you to become a rehabilitator?
The inspiration started about 10 years ago chatting with like-minded colleagues about the need for more bird rehabbers in our area. Currently there are only a few people in the Waikato area with Department of Conservation permits to capture and rehabilitate native birds. The timing wasn’t right back then but it has now happened, and I am looking forward to it.
What have you set up near Raglan?
My facilities include a dedicated bird hospital equipped with incubators and speciality equipment to feed and care for sick, injured, or orphaned birds.
Adjacent to the hospital are two large pre-release aviaries where birds can gain their fitness back and exercise their flight muscles after their stay in hospital.
We are based in a quiet rural location to minimise the stress the birds may experience.
My sole focus is on native species such as Morepork / Rūrū, Tūī, Kererū, Sacred Kingfisher / Kōtare, Little Blue Penguins / Kororā, Terns, Petrels and Wading birds.
What advice do you have about what to do if you find a sick, injured, or orphaned bird?
Firstly, and most importantly, observe the bird from a distance. And assess the situation.
During spring it is common for fledglings (young birds) to be seen hopping around on the ground. Mum and dad are most likely around feeding them until they are able to fly. So please take a moment and think before you pick them up. If there is a threat of a predator, such as a dog or cat, you may be able to provide a safe area where the bird can find shelter.
Signs that a bird may need your help:
They look fluffed up, there is visible blood, or you have seen it being attacked, they have missing or dishevelled feathers, it is having trouble breathing, it is wet (birds feathers repel water), or its eyes are closed.
Before you capture a wild bird, it is a best to call 0800 DOC HOT, a local wildlife rehabilitator such as myself, or your local vet clinic for some advice. You may cause more harm than good by capturing the bird.
A list of rehabilitators can be found on www.wrennz.org.nz/ or if you are local call me on 021 107 3759.
