Local wildlife lovers Debbie and Michael De Mol spotted the bird on the ground and, concerned about its safety due to roaming dogs and cats, secured it until they could get advice from WIRES Mid North Coast.

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The caring couple provided a photo of the bird to a volunteer from WIRES, who identified it as a fledgling ready to be reunited with its parents.

Realising they needed a tall ladder to reach the nest, Debbie and Michael contacted Fire and Rescue to find that Captain Joseph Cheeseman and his team were more than willing to assist.

Firefighter Andrew Draper, utilising his specialist training and equipment, carefully returned the fledgling to its nest under the watchful eyes of Captain Cheeseman and a group of onlookers.

“Fire and Rescue NSW is here to help the community in many ways and, although this is a little out of the ordinary, it was a quick job for us that helped the community and our wildlife,” Captain Cheeseman told News Of The Area.

Nambucca Valley-based WIRES Mid North Coast volunteer Tina added, “There are many young birds that don’t need to come into care and just need to be reunited with their parents.

“It’s always best to call WIRES at 1300 094 737 for guidance and please remember to take note of exactly where the bird was found, so it can be returned to the right spot as soon as possible.”

Quick thinking from Debbie and Michael De Mol and the dedicated efforts of Bowraville firefighters resulted in the magpie lark being safely back where it belongs.

Debbie and Michael remained vigilant after the fledgling had been returned to the nest to ensure that it would be alright.

By Mick BIRTLES