Basement constructions require native wildlife salvage

(By Kirstin Kreyscher and Stephanie Kusolits - Bond University Journalism Students)

A native bird’s nest with four chicks, found during an inspection of the basement of a purpose-built facility in Varsity Lakes, has been safely removed.

Before the rectification works in the basement garage of the new Assisted Aged Care facility “The Terraces” could continue in the first week of October, the four Welcome Swallow nestlings had to be rescued.

Managing director of Wetlock Waterproofing Jamie Stone, who found the nest about two weeks ago, informed Wildcare Australia Inc. through their emergency hotline. 

“Wildcare was efficient and would have been there immediately if it was required,” he said.

“But as there was no urgency, we focused on other construction works so as not to endanger the habitat of the birds and delayed the rescue until we could arrange a suitable time.”

Species coordinator and management committee member of Wildcare Australia, Natasha Lewis-Millar, is glad about an increased number of rescue calls from professionals.

“It shows a genuine concern for our wildlife, which have suffered immensely at the hands of development in recent years,” she said.

“This is an incredibly busy time of year for our volunteers, with all of the spring breeding ... at a time where a great deal of what we see can be disheartening, it has been warming to play a role with Jamie in prevention as opposed to cure.”

Rescuer and rehabilitator Natasha Lewis-Millar is now caring for the nestlings for the next few weeks until they can be reunited into their natural habitat.