Gregory the Figbird Rescue
Summer has finally arrived at the resort, marking the beginning of the breeding season for many of Moreton Island’s bird species. With new life, however, comes the struggle for survival. During this time, a young figbird was chased from its nest. At this time of year, figbirds can become highly territorial over their nesting spaces, and unfortunately, this fledgling found itself displaced.
The little bird, later named Gregory, was discovered by our resort’s electrician Mitch on the road. Greg was being relentlessly swooped by a larger male figbird, and by the time Mitch arrived to help, a skink lizard had already taken advantage of the fallen chick and begun dragging it back to its lair. Mitch quickly intervened, shooing off the attackers and rescuing the tiny bird. "The bird was traumatised, screaming and calling out," Mitch recalled.
Greg was then taken to the Eco Centre for care. Initially very shy, he hid under a sheet and refused to eat, but after some gentle encouragement, he started feeding and gaining strength. After two days, we began introducing Greg to the area where he had been found. Almost immediately, he started calling out to his family. Several figbirds responded, curiously investigating the lost chick. Among them, however, was the same aggressive male, who swooped down on Greg once again. To ensure his safety, Greg was returned to the Eco Centre for the day.
The following day, we tried again, bringing Greg back to the same spot. This time, he flew straight into a tree. A dramatic battle ensued among the figbirds, seemingly over territorial disputes. Fortunately, Greg’s family triumphed, driving out the intruding birds. After a brief reunion, we witnessed Greg’s mother return, bringing berries to feed her son. This was a heartening sign that Greg had been fully accepted back into the family.