Hawkesbury WIRES is fearful for the welfare of wildlife at Pugh’s Lagoon in Richmond after a huge spike in the number of dying or injured birds it has been called to in the last six months.
WIRES volunteer Desley Prophet said many of the fatalities could have been avoided, such as where birds have died from being tangled in discarded fishing line or hooks.
She said WIRES was also very concerned about the public constantly feeding inappropriate food to wildlife, and leaving rubbish and discarded food around, all of which foul the water and could well have contributed to the outbreak of avian botulism at the lagoon.
It’s thought to have killed at least 19 birds in March and April this year, including a long-term resident pair of black swans.
“The fate of their four cygnets is unknown, but they too are presumed dead,” she said.
“Avian botulism can be caused by lowering water levels, rising water temperatures and an increase in decaying organic matter, creating the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which causes the deadly infection in the birds.
“Botulism causes progressive paralysis, resulting in many of the affected waterbirds drowning as they can no longer hold their heads up out of the water.
“The decaying bodies contribute to an environment in which the bacteria thrives and multiplies, producing more toxins.
“Maggots feeding on the carcases also consume and concentrate the toxins. Birds eating these maggots or other contaminated aquatic vertebrates, invertebrates or matter, then become ill, and the cycle continues and the rate of mortality increases rapidly.
“Other animals and birds of prey can also be affected.”
WIRES members attended the lagoon frequently during the last six months and saw lots of things going on there which were badly affecting the wildlife. They were feeding the birds hot chips, sweet biscuits, iced cakes, meal leftovers and huge amounts of bread.
“In one case we saw three environmentally friendly shopping bags full of bread, some of which was mouldy,” Ms Prophet said.
She said plastic bread bags, ties and general litter were constantly being left behind as well.
“WIRES rescuers have been upset to see the poor condition of the lagoon, with rubbish everywhere, such as mouldering bread and other human food coupled with discarded fishing line in the water and along the shoreline.
“Feeding bread and other foods to the water birds at the lagoon creates higher nutrient levels in the water, which in turn leads to an increase in the soil bacteria that causes avian botulism.
“When birds forage for snails and worms in the mud, they can become infected, paralysed and eventually die.
“We understand that feeding the birds at Pugh’s Lagoon is something the public loves, and while it is not something we condone, we would love to see people feeding them more suitable foods such as fresh shredded lettuce and green beans, grated carrot, alfalfa sprouts and green peas.
“Unprocessed whole grains such as wheat, cracked corn and split peas are also much better than bread.
“People need to remember though that they are not the only ones feeding the birds, and the result is overfed birds developing digestive issues and more birds and rats coming to an area that cannot sustain the population naturally.”
The fishing line and hooks have often been deadly as well, to swans and flying foxes.
“If you do fish at the lagoon, please take your discarded tackle away with you. We have two new black swans who have moved to the lagoon and are nesting, and both have been rescued by WIRES in recent weeks with fishing tackle injuries.
“The male swan is still in care, leaving his mate unprotected on the nest. We have also sadly seen the death of flying foxes caught in fishing line that has been tangled in the overhead power lines.”
She said the volunteers also wanted to thank local vets fro their help. “They have been so helpful and giving of their time and expertise, particularly Richmond Vet, and also the members of public who have contacted WIRES to assist the wildlife.”
The Gazette asked Council what it could do about the problem. Director of infrastructure services Jeff Organ said Council was “looking at all practical measures to ensure that Pughs Lagoon is managed in ways that protect wildlife and ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy this beautiful area”.
“A meeting is being arranged with representatives of WIRES to discuss all of these matters with a view to developing appropriate measures that combine education, regulatory controls and enforcement,” he said.
WIRES tips for a healthy Pughs Lagoon
• DON’T FEED BREAD TO THE BIRDS - Fresh shredded vegetables are much better, as are unprocessed whole grains. Mouldy bread and discarded bread can contribute to avian botulism.
• AVOID FISHING IN THE AREA - Fishing can impact on the natural diets of fishing line and tackle can kill the wildlife. If you must fish, take your tackle with you and avoid fishing under overhead power lines.
• TAKE CARE WHEN DRIVING IN THE AREA - The birds can and do cross the road, so don’t hit them.
• TAKE YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU - The lagoon is littered with discarded wrappers and picnic rubbish, as well as shopping trolleys and other junk. I
