Happy ending for a Grey Crowned Babbler in Dayboro

A joint rescue effort with RSPCA Queensland and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has meant a safe and happy ending for an Australian native Babbler in Dayboro, Queensland.

The RSPCA received a call early on March 21 from a local homeowner who was hearing the noises of a trapped bird inside her wood stove chimney.

“I was just getting ready for the day this morning, and I heard a clatter in the chimney, and realised the bird had fallen in right down the chimney and was stuck,” the homeowner said.

“The bird was very distressed… I was getting distressed, and I didn’t know what to do. I called people who could… I called the RSPCA and now we’re here with a Grey Crowned Babbler.”

A native Australian bird, the Grey Crowned Babbler lives and breeds in co-operative territorial groups of two to fifteen birds (usually four to twelve) and are non–migratory. 

The RSPCA rescue team and QFES officers worked hard to free the Babbler, the process proved delicate and tricky to prevent any injury to the bird.

But with a bit of patience and persistence, they were able to get there in the end! Once rescued, the Babbler was brought into the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital for a vet check-up before being able to venture back into the wild (hopefully away from chimneys!).

If you see a sick, trapped or injured wild or domestic animal call the Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).