Rescuers save hooked pelican

By Callan Date
A BERWICK bird hooked by a stray fishing lure has been set on the path to recovery by renowned animal rescuer Nigel Williamson.
The pelican, dubbed Lance Number Three in honour of Australian Seabird Rescue (ASR) founder Lance Ferris, was found at the Berwick Springs lake on Tuesday with a 10cm fishing lure hooked to the side of its body.
Lance also had some fishing line wrapped around a leg and was caught up in some reeds on a small island.
Mr Williamson said some local residents first saw the distressed pelican last Thursday.
“I believe the bird had been there for about five days,” he said.
The pelican is still recovering at Mr Williamson’s Devon Meadows property and is feeding on fishing bait.
“It’s hard to say exactly how the bird has been hooked up. It may have snagged itself accidentally but there are many different ways it could have happened.”
Mr Williamson said anglers used the inland lake to get a fix of fishing.
“The bird has a very swollen leg – probably about three times the size it should be. But the hook injury is only superficial so that’s pretty good.”
Mr Williamson has run a successful animal rescue service out of his Devon Meadows property since 1989.
The animal lover was involved in the rescue of a runaway piglet along Berwick-Cranbourne Road, near Casey Fields, last month.
And Mr Williamson is often seen on television rescuing distressed animals right across Victoria.
“I have been liaising with the ASR (during Lance’s recovery) and I have been sending photos of the injuries via email.
“We called him Lance Number Three because it is the third pelican we have had since Lance Ferris died.”
Mr Williamson said he was looking for some anglers to spare some fresh fish to help feed Lance.
To contact Nigel’s Animal Rescue call 0427 533 083.