Giant Seabird Rescued

Recently the WA Seabird Rescue Group (WASR) led by it's president Marg Larner released a female "Southern Giant Petrel" back into the wild with the assistance of the Dept of Environment & Conservation (DEC).

The bird was obviously pleased to be back in the water, as it dived, jumped, flapped and blew bubbles and looked like it was drowning but was just preening itself.

After many weeks of rehabilitation seabirds need to preen themselves to replace the oils in their feathers which can take up to two days for a bird as large as this. If they don't preen themselves they may sink and drown.

As can be seen from the photos, this bird is very large and has a wingspan of just over two metres.

The birds are then released when there are no imminent storms, giving them the required preening time.

DEC Marine Ranger and Skipper David Lierich with Sean Emmet (Marine Ranger) and Alan Madgwick (Wildlife Officer) along with Marg Larner and Bert Britza of WASR released the bird approximately five nautical miles west of Penguin Island.

DEC very kindly assisted WASR with this release, using their brand new boat the "Kgaiup Spirit" which means "Ocean Spirit" in Nyoongar.

WASR asks the public to be on the lookout for injured or sick seabirds and if they see any to call 0418 952 683 to make a report.

The group is also in need of more volunteers who will be trained in catching, some medicating, caring for and release of seabirds. Aspiring volunteers can call the same number to enquire.

WASR is a dedicated group of volunteers who care about the plight of injured and sick seabirds around the coast of WA and is affiliated with a national group.