Call for action after highway horror

Warning: This story contains distressing images

Investigations have started into the horrific death of a pelican, caught on a streetlight on the bridge to Redcliffe.

Motorists and many on social media were distressed, “traumatised” and angered by last week’s incident on the Houghton Highway crossing.

Demands for change include removing the bars and spikes which are intended to stop pelicans and other birds sitting on top of streetlights.

“We were saddened to hear about this incident,” a spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said.

“The department is investigating the issue to gather further information about what has occurred.

“We will continue to monitor the situation while these investigations are underway.”

Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue said firefighters from Chermside removed the pelican after ensuring it was not “hooked to electricity".

The Landsborough-based rescuer also echoed many on Facebook saying: “What a terrible death this poor pelican went through.

“We need those wire and bars removed as the pelican’s tip was caught.

“Need to come up with another solution to look after pelicans and other wildlife to perch on or simply remove them. We tried to stop this from happening ten years ago or more.

“We feel they should put a rolling post up so when the bird lands on it, it would roll, then wouldn’t grip on. It would also it would be safer.”

Julie-anne Kelly agreed, saying on the Twinnies post: “They'll (birds) soon learn that they cannot land nor stablise themselves on those posts.

Kay Cee called on the State Government to act: “These pelican-deterrent spikes must be removed - a cruel and horrible death for this beautiful bird."

Glenda Kneen wrote: “We drove along the bridge while it was hanging, it was one of the most traumatic things I have ever seen. Just heartbreaking.”

Leanne Yates Viglione added: “So distressing to think of what the poor thing went through”.

CJ Hall said: “Who cares if a bird poops on your car? Water that washes it off.

“The lights behind look like they’re angled so birds won’t sit on them. Make all of the lights like that. Poor bird. What a horrible way to die.”

Vicki Butterworth recalled: “The same thing happened on Bribie Island Bridge and with public support the offending bird deterrents were removed.

“Get to it, folks. I saw this poor creature this morning too and it really upset me.”

Richard Ogden, President of Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA), said threats to wildlife go beyond bridges.

“Shorebirds are of huge concern in our region as development encroaches on habitat and roosting sites,” he said.

“People can really make a difference by being vigilant and responsible with angling gear, lines and hooks.

“Growing community awareness of our endangered flora and fauna is seeing a tremendous expansion in membership of community environmental groups like BIEPA, where people can join projects and really make a difference."