A distressing wildlife incident has sparked concern among Craigieburn locals after several native birds drowned in an overflow drain along Aitken Creek in recent weeks.
Local school teacher and wildlife advocate Kassie Herny and her children discovered the trapped birds on Sunday 26 October after heavy rainfall swept through the area.
Patrick, 12, said he was worried the birds were facing death after first discovering the trapped Australian Coots.
“When I first saw the trapped birds, I felt very nervous that the birds could die in the overflow well,” he said.
“I have seen birds trapped in similar drains before and it is devastating to not be able to do anything.”
Patrick’s 10-year-old sister, Olivia, said she has prayed for the birds each night after the sight left her feeling upset and helpless.
“It made me feel very sad because they are living creatures and don’t deserve to live like that,” she said.
Wildlife Rescuers Inc volunteer Debbie Gwyther-Jones said rescuers made repeated attempts to save the birds throughout the week, but many were lost before help could reach them.
“A couple of rescuers went out and tried to extend a rescue ladder,” Ms Gwyther-Jones explained.
“When we went back on Sunday 2 November, we found multiple dead birds floating in the water.”
Ms Gwyther-Jones said the issue has probably happened before, with at least six Coots having died as a result of the incident.
“If you’re going to create a creek system in suburbia like this, there must be adequate planning to implement and maintain wildlife safety measures,” she said.
Star Weekly understands that a marine rescue unit from Melbourne Zoo attended the site with Melbourne Water and installed a temporary foam roam to help birds safely fly out of the drain.
Melbourne Water acting service delivery executive general manager David Norman said the organisation would continue to monitor the site while it works on a long-term solution.
