Today started in a unique way as one of my neighbors knocked on my door to announced that two pink and grey Galahs were tangled in their kids soccer-net. It looks like they either both flew into it at the same time, or one came to see what was up with the other and got caught too. Possibly low-light in the morning made it hard to see.
I've been bitten by a native parrot many years ago, so the warnings went out not to get hands too close because once they latch on, they don't let go! Their beaks can exert hundreds of pounds per square inch of pressure and you nearly have to bash them to make them let go. (Please don't).
They were both suspended just off the ground and their wings and feet were in a terrible state. I feared one may have done some terrible damage to it's wings and may have damaged it's primary feathers to the point of inability to fly. We wrapped them both up and used scissors to separate them from the net. Once on the ground, I kept the dangerous end wrapped in the towel while I went to work, gently cutting the cordage and unraveling it from the talons and wings. It helps to talk to them in reassuring tones and I can tell you that they do understand that you are trying to help them at that point. Talons are sharp but bearable. Watch that beak though. You won't forget again if it gets a hold of you!
Folks, if you have any kind of net up - soccer, badminton, tennis - do the local wildlife a favor and roll it up or put it against a fence. Don't leave it in the open. Both birds were in pain and distress and were very lucky they weren't hurt worse or discovered by one of the local cats.
That's great you were on hand to rescue them and that they were not hurt.
Job well done Baz.
I think they were both very lucky mate. They were so close to the ground and there was a dog in the yard, plus around 20 cats in the direct neighbourhood.
