In a heartwarming tale of avian adventure and rescue, Mickey the cockatoo has finally been freed after spending four long weeks trapped inside a Sydney shopping center. The sulphur-crested cockatoo had been surviving on a diet of brioche and water, unable to find his way out of the expansive Macarthur Square complex. But thanks to the dedication and expertise of Ravi Wasan, director of Feathered Friends sanctuary, Mickey is now enjoying his well-deserved freedom.
According to Wasan, once outside, Mickey expressed his joy by squawking excitedly. The rescue was made possible with the help of Old Lady Doris, another cockatoo brought along to provide reassurance and companionship for Mickey during the ordeal. Witnesses described adorable scenes of the two birds canoodling with each other, showcasing the power of avian solidarity.
Why Birds Fly Indoors and What to Do
While Mickey’s story has a happy ending, it raises the question: what should you do if a bird flies into your home or a public building? Experts say that food is often the primary lure for birds venturing inside, with species like pigeons and mynas being particularly fond of food courts. Native birds, such as butcherbirds and magpies, are also known to be enticed by pet food left near doorways or on window ledges.
Stay Calm and Minimize Panic
John Grant, a spokesperson for wildlife rescue organization Wires, emphasizes the importance of remaining calm when a bird finds itself trapped indoors. Panicked birds can easily injure themselves by flying into ceilings, fans, or closed windows, especially if frightened by pets or excited children. Grant advises moving slowly and quietly, removing any food from the area, and securing pets in a separate room to minimize stress for the feathered visitor.
“It’s our constant mantra: please don’t feed wildlife and keep food away from them.”
– John Grant, Wires spokesperson
Provide a Safe Exit Strategy
The next step is to open all windows and doors, creating a clear path for the bird to find its way out. In most cases, the bird will fly out on its own accord. However, if the situation persists, Grant recommends contacting a local wildlife rescue group for expert advice or assistance.
The Controversy of Feeding Birds
For those who enjoy attracting birds to their homes or gardens, Dr. Holly Parsons, an urban bird expert and program manager at BirdLife Australia, warns that feeding birds can be a controversial and complex issue. While millions of Australians take pleasure in this activity, experts and authorities generally advise against it.
Parsons explains that a diet of bread or minced meat, common offerings from well-meaning individuals, can be detrimental to birds’ health. Bread lacks the necessary nutrition, while mince, being mostly muscle, is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. Moreover, sticky mince can lead to beak-related issues and bacterial growth.
“Something like bread is actually really bad for birds, it doesn’t have a lot of nutrition for them, it just takes up space.”
– Dr. Holly Parsons, BirdLife Australia
Opt for Bird Baths Over Feeding
As an alternative to feeding, Parsons suggests installing bird baths, which provide a water source for feathered friends. However, she stresses the importance of keeping the water clean and providing rocks to help birds safely exit if they accidentally slip into deeper areas.
Despite the challenges that can arise when birds and humans coexist in urban environments, Parsons highlights the numerous benefits of this relationship. The connection to nature, the joy of listening to birdsong, and the opportunity to appreciate the diverse range of birds that share our living spaces are all valuable aspects of our avian neighbors’ presence.
“I think we don’t often realise in Australia just how lucky we are to have such a diverse range of birds that live where we live.”
– Dr. Holly Parsons, BirdLife Australia
As we celebrate Mickey’s successful rescue and return to the wild, let us also take a moment to appreciate the winged wonders that share our urban spaces. By understanding their behavior, respecting their needs, and providing them with a safe environment, we can foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and birds, ensuring that stories like Mickey’s remain the exception rather than the norm.
