Story of hope amid thousands of birds lost in storm-devastated Hilltops town

As mop-up operations continue today in the storm-ravaged Hilltops town of Harden-Murrumburrah, the rousing story of one local vet’s efforts is fast gaining momentum on the social media bush telegraph.

It was due to the storm and subsequent road closures, that Stephanie Ellis wasn’t able to commute to her normal place of work – Boorowa Veterinary Clinic – on Monday morning (10 February).

But she certainly had her work cut out for her in her hometown of Harden-Murrumburrah once it became evident that it wasn’t just the human population of the town impacted by the series of storms that swept through between 2 and 6:30 am on Monday.

As residents emerged and picked their way through slabs of ice and floodwaters, tallying the damage the heavy hail and rainfall had caused throughout the town, what they also found at their feet were hundreds of injured or dead birds.

Wildcare volunteer Sandra Latham said in her 23 years of working for the organisation she had never witnessed anything quite like the injuries incurred to the wildlife as a result of Monday morning’s storm cell.

“I understand the hail was the size of golf balls but that much of it was star shaped and quite sizeable,” she said. “It stripped the trees and imagine that hitting a bird sheltered in a tree, and with the rain and cold, honestly most of them wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

Sandra said there was an immediate call to action across the community via social media.

“When Steph saw what was happening on Facebook she came flying down and offered her services and she worked non-stop all day,” Sandra said.

Teaming up with WIRES and Wildcare volunteers, more than 500 birds – primarily corellas, galahs, topknot pigeons and magpies – were treated in a temporary wildlife triage centre in Harden-Murrumburrah Showground’s poultry pavilion on Monday.

“We were very lucky to have been able set up where we did – it was fantastic because the cages were already in place and provided perfect housing being able to accommodate several birds per cage,” Sandra said.

“I wasn’t out there on the ground collecting the birds but people would arrive with two to three birds at a time and I know from reports there were a lot more dead,” Sandra said. “Someone was trying to count them but it all got out of control.”

It is now estimated thousands of birds were either killed or injured in the storm. One possum, Sandra said, was also impacted.

According to Steph, a majority of injured birds were able to be saved, with quite a few to be reassessed and treated on Tuesday, but she said overall, it was a good result.

She thanked everyone who brought in injured animals and made donations.

Steph also extended her thanks to her colleagues at Boorowa Vet Clinic for their support in providing more medication throughout the day.

Both Sandra and Steph have asked locals to continue to bring any injured birds or wildlife to the showground.

“Please bring them in to receive the right treatment and to ensure they are properly rehabilitated back to the wild,” Sandra said.

The call has also gone out for more towels for the temporary clinic.

Harden Pony Club has also issued an appeal to the public to be on the lookout for a grey thoroughbred gelding last seen at Cunningar, east of Harden-Murrumburrah, on Sunday evening.

There are fears he may have been swept away during the storms.

According to the NSW SES, Harden SES received calls about a total of 157 incidents, of which they managed to attend 115.

Teams remain in the field again today while the cleanup continues.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said 72 houses and properties were assessed for damage by emergency services, including the SES, NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

She said 67 properties had recorded damage, with 12 deemed uninhabitable and 13 inundated.

While schools have reopened, many businesses remain closed in the town.

People who find their property is damaged and require temporary repairs are asked to call the SES on 132 500.

Anyone requiring permanent repairs should call their insurance company and people renting premises are asked to call their real estate agent/landlord.

Farmers have confirmed extensive damage to fences, dams, and paddocks due to topsoil erosion, as well as livestock losses.

Primary producers impacted are asked to report damage to this NSW DPI link.

Harden tip is open free of charge for residents and businesses who need to dispose of storm-impacted property.

Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.