Grey Ternlet at Mooloolaba

Grey Noddy found this week at Mooloolaba - Pic by Matt Harvey

A second Grey Ternlet (Noddy) has turned up on the Sunshine Coast. This bird was found on January 23 on rocks at Mooloolaba and taken to Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue at Landsborough,  from where it was transferred to Australia Zoo's veterinary facility.

Unfortunately the ternlet had to be put down. According to Australia Zoo wildlife rescue worker Matt Harvey, the bird showed signs of extensive physical damage including a broken wing, head trauma and bleeding. The ternlet may have been seriously wounded during an attack by another animal, or it may have faltered at sea and sustained injuries when washed up on the rocks.

Grey Noddy seen on January 7 off Mooloolaba

The find was almost two weeks after a Grey Ternlet was seen on the January 7 Mooloolaba pelagic just 20km offshore. The species is a very rare visitor to Queensland waters.

Matt also reports that a juvenile White-tailed Tropicbird was found in an emaciated condition at Sunshine Beach on January 21.