These darling little White-faced Herons were rescued from the banks of a swollen stream in a paddock at Dunbible, a few klm south of Murwillumbah in November 2000. No Mum or Dad to be found.

The smaller of the two birds (Spike) gobbled up every morsel of fish he could get hold of, (even grabbing it out of his brothers beak). Milligan (larger, and several days older) was a very finicky eater. If I handfed him he would snatch it, look at me as if to say, "now you have touched it, I don't want it" and promptly spat it out. Hence feeding time had to be supervised, to ensure they both got their share.

The outcome was that Spike loved his fish, and grew at a much faster rate than his older brother.

After a months, and kilos of fish, the pair were transferred to our Seabird Hospital Cage at Bilambil. Here they had room to strengthen their wings, and learn to fish for their supper in the pond.

Two months later the pair were successfully soft released from the cage, and settled on the adjoining dam for a few days, gradually venturing away for greater lengths of time.

It is now months later, and they still drop in at the dam for a spot of fishing.

Experiences like these make wildlife caring so rewarding, knowing you are privileged to be a part of giving these beautiful creatures a second chance.

Article by Christine Goff