Book Reviews

Review of Caring for Australian Native Birds from the Australian Zoologist

Unfortunately the health and safety of many birds in the wild is compromised directly and indirectly by the actions of humans around the world. Australia is no exception and as a consequence there is a great network of across the country. As a foundation member of WIRES Heather Parsons has been instrumental in developing policies and standards for the care of sick, injured and orphaned birds. Caring for Australian Native Birds by Heather Parsons is a book that brings together years of experience in an easy to read format for anyone wanting to help return sick/injured birds back to the wild.

The book is aimed primarily at those who are new or interested in becoming involved in the care and rehabilitation of native Australian birds, but will also be of great benefit to anybody already involved in avian wildlife care. The author clearly demonstrates her wealth of knowledge and great understanding of avian husbandry. It provides not only great detail on the background to becoming involved as a carer but also demonstrates the hardships that can be encountered and incredible amount of dedication, discipline and work that is required to undertake this work successfully. Of course the joy of a successful rehabilitation is also conveyed.

Detailed chapters on every aspect of care make this a valuable tool. The early chapters are aimed at the more introductory level carer and cover topics such as identification, bird behaviour, general physical aspects and capture. The book then develops into what most carers, even the very experienced, would consider as an important reference guide. Of critical importance is Chapter 8 “First Aid”. The section on emergency care contains concise point form and easy to extract information that carers can quickly run through as they encounter emergencies. The list of symptoms and diagnostic features relating to common injuries and diseases backed up by a comprehensive list of treatments in Chapter 10 is excellent. Essential to all carers is good equipment and cages, but unfortunately-these are often difficult if not impossible to get commercially. Accordingly, the book helps to overcome this problem by providing good, but simple designs for the construction and use of practical cages and aviaries. It goes into great detail on the specific housing requirements of the different groups of birds and important do’s and don'ts for each of these.

The importance of teaching birds to feed correctly and the problems associated with imprinting are strongly emphasised throughout the book, but nowhere greater than in Chapter 12. The reader is made aware of the serious consequences that can result and how readying a bird for release can be severely compromised if these two important aspects are not dealt with properly. Care plans for different groups of birds explain in detail how results can be maximised.

A detailed appendix section is packed with highly relevant technical information ranging from weight ranges for commonly encountered birds to details on how to make a feeding puppet and build an aviary. A comprehensive list of contact information for wildlife organizations across the country is also a thoughtful inclusion. And what this book can’t tell you, which is generally only very specialised information, its comprehensive bibliography will direct you in the right direction.

While this book is easy to read and contains a wealth of information it is on occasions a bit repetitive. This probably stems from the fact that Parsons is trying to drum, what is generally vitally important information, into the minds of the readers. Parsons is under a bit of a misconception when at one point she states that the role of wildlife carers is critical to the survival of individual species. Most birds that fall into the hands of wildlife carers are encountered in an urban environment and consist primarily of common species. The majority of work undertaken by carers will benefit the individual bird and perhaps a local population and only in the rarest of occasions would they make a direct contribution to species conservation. More likely is the great indirect benefit that results from the role carers have in increasing awareness and education about the needs of wildlife. These criticisms are minor and most likely a matter of opinion rather than fact.

The contents of Caring for Australian Native Birds will help to ensure that birds that come into care are given the best possible chance of returning successfully to the wild and at this price there is no excuse to riot have a copy. The level of detail and knowledge contained within this book will mean that even for the experienced it will always’ be an important tool in wildlife rehabilitation.

Parsons spent many years caring for wild birds and is a foundation member of NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service. Her book covers everything from identification of birds, their behaviour, housing them, their diet, through to release. There are many photos and diagrams. A valuable book for those committed to caring for birds.

(this is an extract from a review of two books that were covered in the same article)

For many Australians, a daytime encounter with a native mammal, bird or reptile occurs only after that animal has sustained an injury or is sick. Correct handling and effective emergency care can mean the difference between full rehabilitation to life in the wild and prolonged suffering and death. Fortunately, these two authors have attempted to share with their

... The second book (The Care of Australian Native Birds), as the title describes, is specifically about birds, particularly those of eastern Australia. The information about identification, rescue, care and rehabilitation is given in far more detail and will be of great use to the many people involved in care of injured birds, and also to those inexperienced in initial handling. Food requirements are described in detail for different bird groups; as are methods of starting up and maintaining colonies of live food. Important supplementary information is given in the

Both books contain an index that is easy to reference in an emergency situation; contact addresses are also given for professional assistance. Illustrations and photographs enrich the two texts and clarify descriptions. Both ... (authors) are passionate about Australian wildlife, and enjoy a close relationship with it. By publishing these books they hope to share their passion with you.

Many people have the experience of finding an injured bird around their house or garden, especially in spring. This is why Heather Parsons runs courses on Australian native bird rehabilitation. She is also an author and sought after speaker. Her new book, Caring for Australian Native Birds, is an excellent guide for all aspects of how we can interact successfully with the birds in our surroundings.

"It is important to understand how best to care for birds," Heather said. "There are a lot of wildlife manuals but not a lot devote details to birds. Yet birds comprise the largest number of wildlife requiring attention from injury or accident. The ratio is 3:2 and this includes all animals and reptiles."

The book is designed for the experienced wildlife carer, gardener or anybody who spends time outside and who may come across birds needing attention. The clear description, use of diagrams throughout and illustrations -- many in colour -- provides an up-to-date ready reference in bird care. The chapters are informative and include such topics as hand-rearing, feeding, housing, diet, ethics and release.

Parsons says that she hopes the book will answer the kinds of inquiries she receives from the public about bird care, "My ambition for the book is that people are informed and know how they can rehabilitate birds and give them a second chance," she said.

I have been a bird-lover since I was a little boy living on the Avoca River in the Mallee, Victoria. Today my love of native birds is stronger than ever and is one of the main reasons I protest the loss of wildlife habitat in our country. I am very quick to notice the lack of parrots, for instance, in an area that has been denuded of its eucalypts. This means no hollow limbs to nest in and no gum blossoms to eat. Of course, this is just one of the many signs around Australia of how we've changed our ecosystem.

Heather Parsons' contribution on what we can do to improve the plight of our wildlife is outstanding and I have to say this book is my favourite. Save the birds and the rest will follow .

(John Williamson is a very well known and respected Australian country song composer and vocalist with a very decided love of nature.)