SPRING is a busy time for native animal rescuers such as Dubbo's Mandy Bye, with the breeding season traditionally prompting an increase in calls for help to the WIRES branches across NSW.
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Ms Bye, a WIRES volunteer for the past 10 years, had most recently been caring for two magpie chicks it is hoped will be ready to release into the wild later this year.
"One we found cold and dehydrated in a schoolyard in September, he was about a month old at the time," she said.
"The other we found on the Dunedoo Road after a parent was killed."
Caring for the birds would involve teaching them how to find food for themselves, Ms Bye said.
"We hide worms and crickets in leaves, for instance, and encourage them to find them," she said.
Ms Bye said rescue and care could be challenging but it was always a rewarding feeling knowing she could help vulnerable animals when they most needed it.
She had helped many animals including other magpies, peewees, galahs and had even helped rear a rescued feathertail glider.
Last Spring, WIRES Dubbo received 369 calls for wildlife in need of help.
Increased traffic over school holiday periods and public holidays also often meant chaos on the roads and subsequently for wildlife, so motorists who saw an injured or deceased animal were asked to stop and check pouches if safe to do so.
Those who found an injured or orphaned native animal were asked to call WIRES on 1300 084 737 or contact the nearest vet.
WIRES' 2500 wildlife carers across the state were all volunteers, and the organisation welcomed donations to help with its rescue work.
Donations to the WIRES Spring Appeal (over $2) were tax deductible and could be made online atwires.org.au or by calling 8977 3396.