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There are only 18 to 20 breeding pairs of variable oystercatchers/Tōrea Pango nesting at the Ōmaha Shorebird Sanctuary, so when I spotted one struggling beside the Ōmaha Golf Course recently, its wing dragging sadly on the grass, I knew it needed help.
I pulled over, rang the Department of Conservation (DOC) wildlife hotline, and tried to catch the injured bird with the help of a golfer who kindly abandoned his game. But oystercatchers are faster than they look – it squawked its disapproval and disappeared into the bush.
The following morning, to my surprise, the bird was back. This time I enlisted expert bird wrangler Sue Cook, and together we managed to gently herd it into the golf practice nets. A gentleman practising his swing nearby had a front-row seat to our unconventional “match play.”
From there, it was straight to Warkworth’s Paws and Claws vet, where staff confirmed a wing fracture and made the bird comfortable. The next stop was Birdcare Aotearoa in Green Bay, Auckland, for specialist care. I drove home picturing its return to the sandspit, reunited with its mate, perhaps raising chicks this summer.
But that hopeful ending wasn’t to be. The injuries – multiple fractures, including a broken femur – were too severe, and the bird was humanely euthanised.
It was a sad outcome, yet the day was also a reminder of community spirit. From DOC, to Sue, to the vets who made time for a native bird among their busy caseload of cats and dogs, no one turned away. Everyone tried.
Next time, I’ll be ready again to stop because sometimes, just trying makes all the difference.
For anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation:
Call the DOC hotline: 0800 362 468
Keep a blanket or towel in the car to safely handle injured wildlife
Local support: Paws and Claws Vet 09 425 8793, www.pawsandclaws.co.nz
Specialist care: Birdcare Aotearoa birdcareaotearoa.org.nz and Native Nest Matakana nativenestrehab.co.nz
