Wildlife carers say birds “literally fell from the sky” after hundreds were found in a mass death from suspected poisoning in Melbourne.
The RSPCA is investigating the distressing discovery of native corellas outside Springvale Shopping Centre in the city’s south-east.
Corellas are a type of white cockatoo native to Australia.
Michele Phillips, who runs the South Oakleigh Wildlife Centre, said she spent the weekend collecting the dead or injured birds.
“Had a traumatic day rescuing birds that had been poisoned, they literally fell from the sky,” she said.
“Birds were dead or injured on people’s houses, nearby parks, under cars.
“This is one reason that people should not feed wild birds, there is plenty of natural food around.”
Phillips posted photos of the carcasses lined up on the ground, and others collected in buckets and rubbish bags.
She also found 40 dead pigeons.
“DEECA came and picked them up for testing l have had people abuse me after I asked them to stop feeding the birds.
“I then came home, fed all wildlife in care when lady brought me an Eurasian coote, which had to be euthanised.
“Then a magpie that Nicky rescued that had been entangled in string hanging upside down and finally an injured corella that can’t fly so off to vet tomorrow.
“A day in the life of a wildlife carer.”
Phillips said the situation was “heart-breaking”.
RSPCA Victoria said it was investigating suspected poisoning.
“RSPCA Victoria is investigating a report of an alleged animal cruelty incident involving non-native animal poisoning,” the spokesperson said.
“Reports of animal cruelty involving native wildlife, including birds, will be referred to DEECA under the shared memorandum of understanding.”
A similar mass bird death in Newcastle involving hundreds of corellas was found to be caused by the common pesticide fenitrothion.
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